After our long day in Oslob, we had a short rest at the hotel. See my post here. Then, we planned to spend our dinner at Rico’s Lechon where they said has the best lechon in town. Using the Uber service we headed to Rico’s. As expected, the lechon was crunchy and juicy. Relaxing ambiance there. Such an affordable rate. We left the place satisfied and with full stomach.
Cebu Provincial Capitol
On our way to Cebu IT Park to visit my hubby’s former colleagues, we stopped by this well lit building which is the Cebu Provincial Capitol Building. It was visually pleasing to me.
Met with hubby’s former colleagues. Hi Dane and Gee. Thanks for your time. Good thing it was a weekend. The Sugbo Mercado was open for business. It is open on Fridays – Sundays from 3pm – 12mn. It was a big tent with variety of food vendors and food choices to choose from. They invited us to check it out there. Since we were full from Rico’s, we had something light. They chose only the churros and blue lemonade since they just had their lunch as well (Lunch with BPO peeps but dinner for non-BPO citizens). Speaking of BPO, they told us that a simple team building in Cebu has whole lechon as their food. Swimming is the usual activity and beach is the place to be. Whew! What is diet? Then, TL Dane suggested our next destination. It was nice to see you guys.
La Vie Parisienne
Want some Paris vibe? Then visit La Vie Parisienne located at Gorordo Avenue, Lahug, Cebu City. On their FB account. it says, “The first French Boulangerie, Pastry Shop & Wine Library in Cebu. A great overview of tasty french wines and products.” It is best for couples, group of friends, colleagues or anyone who wants to relax. Have a sip of coffee or enjoy their wide variety of drinks from beer, liquor, wines and spirits. Listen to the music. You can choose to sit inside or al fresco. I loved it there. Thanks for your suggestion, Dane. 🙂
We had beer, pastry, fruit juice and a relaxing ambiance. 🙂
That concludes our Cebu Trip! Next days were Bohol adventures.
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We had to wake up early to swim with the Whale sharks (Butanding). The schedule of whale sharks watching/diving is only from 6am – 1pm. From where we were located it took us 3 hours of travel by bus. I slept once in awhile and tried hard to be up, I was interested in viewing from the bus window. We were wearing our personalized shirt. A whale shark as letter C, the rest is E-B-U to form the word Cebu! And a calligraphy font of Oslob above it. Check out the Facebook page of my printing biz.
This is the itinerary we had during our Oslob tour. Feel free to copy and ask me anything about this trip.
Map of Oslob, Cebu
DAY 2
Whale shark experience
When we got off the bus, there were people who invited the tourists to go to their respective resorts. We chose the nearest one. Aside from PhP500 fee each for whale shark experience (gear included) an additional of PhP100 as locker fee. We put our stuff there since it cannot be brought with us to the boat. We brought our own snorkeling gear. While, PhP1000 whale shark experience fee for foreign nationals. We walked few meters from the resort (about 30m) going to the whale shark diving spot. A short briefing was conducted. We were told not to touch the whale shark and there is a 5m distance required. Also, sunblock lotion application was not allowed for the protection of the whale sharks. You can find a shower area to wash off the lotion in case you already applied.
We waited for our number to be called to ride our assigned boat. We were 2 couples and 2 siblings in the boat, total of 6 paying tourists. There were 3 boatmen with us. The motor of the boats was off because according to the boatmen, it would drive away the whale sharks. The whale shark diving experience lasted for 45mins. I noticed, everywhere we go, there were really lots of foreign tourists specifically Koreans. They love the Philippines. Just a happy thought.
The waves were strong. We could hardly swim. We were also not allowed to swim far from our boat, only few meters away. It was really a great, wonderful, unforgettable experience. We smelled fishy after the activity. Good thing there was a shower area to wash off.
View our whale shark experience here
Tumalog Falls
After the whale shark experience, a lot of Habal-habal drivers approached us and offered their service going to Tumalog falls, Kawasan Falls, and Heritage. We had a deal with one of them, both of us for PhP120 each going to Tumalog Falls plus PhP50 each going to Heritage (Oslob Town Proper). It was about 15mins ride going to Tumalog falls from the whale shark diving spot. What made this ride more exciting was, our Kuya driver was texting and talking on the phone with only one hand driving. I had this heart pounding moments while on his ride. Not once, not twice.. nyahaha..
Before we reached the Tumalog Falls, there was another habal-habal with PhP50 fee to bring us to the spot. We refused and decided to walk down there and walked our way back. There were steep slopes there. It was breathtaking and tiring specially I am not an athletic person, but I survived! You can walk down one way then ask for habal habal on your way up. They wait anyway near the falls. Shower room for a decent bath can be done here. Just give a donation for maintenance. Our habal-habal driver waited for us with the rest of other habal-habal drivers. It was a deal, no matter how long you stay in Tumalog falls. Lucky for those who had passengers who took only pictures then left at once.
We took some time there and enjoyed nature as I felt like a “DYOSA” with water falls around me. I should have brought a white dress made of lace with flowers on my head for picture taking purposes. Take it as a tip ladies. The water was cold, like that of from the fridge. The sand was powdery so water can get hazy. There were rocks/stones, have a footwear if you intend to swim.
Trivia: Tumalog falls was the first falls I have ever seen in my entire existence as of this time of writing. 🙂
We might try next time the Kawasan falls since it requires good physical condition because it has canyoneering activity. It surely is fun-filled and exciting.
Watch our Tumalog Falls experience here
Cuartel
From the Tumalog Falls, with our hired habal-habal, we went straight to the Heritage (Oslob Proper). Then, that ended our habal-habal deal. First stop was Cuartel.
Cuartel is an unfinished building made of coral blocks resembling a Spanish-era barracks. This was intended to be the cuartel, barracks for Spanish soldiers or guardia civil. It was started about 1860, but remained unfinished at the end of Spanish occupation in 1898. – Wikipedia
Church of the Immaculate Concepcion
Just across the Cuartel is the Church of the Immaculate Concepcion.
The present-day church of cut coral stone was started in 1830 and finished 18 years later. The church was burned down during the Second World War liberating Philippine Commonwealth troops and Cebuano guerillas against the Japanese in Oslob in 1945, and 1955 but was eventually restored. – Wikipedia
Baluarte
The Baluarte (Spanish for watchtower) of Oslob was built in 1788. Its main purpose was to provide a safe place wherein guards could observe the surrounding area. It was a part of the defense system in dispelling the Moro raiders of the past, which included 6 other watchtowers along the coastline of Oslob. Just near the cuartel, are the ruins of an ancient watchtower. So effective was this system that in 1815, the townspeople of Oslob were able to repel one such attack and remain at peace ever since. – Wikipedia
You can also find Father Julian Bermejo Shrine facing the sea near the Baluarte.
Calle Aragones
Oldest street in Oslob was named after the Parish priest, Fr. Jose Aragones during the spanish era.
A school and town hall can also be found here named after the Philippine National Hero; Dr. Jose P. Rizal.
That concludes our Oslob adventure!
From Calle Aragones, we had to stop for a quick snack in this burger stand because we were hungry for lunch time. We waited for our bus here going back to the terminal near our hotel. It took us almost 4 hours. I did not know why. Maybe the bus was slow. Posted here was our personalized shirt made by me. Check out fb.com/CTeesPrints
After 4 hours of travel, we figured out we were I think a kilometer away to the hotel from the bus terminal. There was heavy traffic. Instead of being bored while in a jeepney ride, we decided to walk our way back. Then, we found some interesting food stalls and gave it a try. I also found a Cebu Lechon food chain near these stalls.
I appreciated more my country; Philippines. There is more than meets the eye. If you haven’t been here, come and discover the beauty of Cebu. We planned to go back in Cebu, to Bantayan island. If God permits, I wanna go skydiving!!!
Back to our hotel room after a long day. Next day, we went to Bohol through Super Cat from Cebu Port. Check my Bohol Tours. Following this post, was our last night in Cebu!
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I have been looking at Chef Laudico Guevarra’s Restaurant for years but did not really have the chance to go. Until my hubby’s cluster at work decided to have their lunch there. As we all know, Chef Lau is one of the celebrity chef in the Philippines. He is also one of the judges of the cooking show in one of the big TV network.
The restaurant is an old mansion serving only FILIPINO FOOD. You will feel the Filipino vibe the moment you get there. I felt nostalgic because I remembered my Lolo (Tatay Osong) and Lola (Nanay Bina). The house I grew up at was an old Hispanic house with variety of fruit-bearing trees outside and wide space to play around. There is ample parking space there. No hassle if you decide to come in group with your family or colleagues.
Chef Laudico Guevarra’s is open from Mondays thru Sundays. Lunch is open from 11am until 2pm while, dinner is from 7:30pm until 10pm. They also have Maagang Salu-Salo Promo from 5pm-630pm in which offered on a cheaper rate than the dinner time rate. See their over-all updated rates below:
My hubby’s cluster plus me came in 23 pax. Reservation with 50% DOWN PAYMENT has to be done prior to the lunch date. Other buffet restaurants do not require reservation though. We occupied a small room named Abad Santos with a wash room inside. It is shared, people from other area can also use the wash room. There was a dedicated server who assisted us with all our requests during our whole stay. He got a tip from us for his excellent customer service. Thank you Kuya Jun. We told him our group was celebrating for work’s peak season. He handed us a cake with a “Congratulations! Goodluck Phone Leaders” message. Galingan nyo pa guys! Maaga ang Congratulations ni Kuya. 😊 By the way, ang cake na ito ay pinabalot at binigay namen sa batang namamalimos sa kalye.
Onset, we (hubby and I) hurried to the buffet area after we made sure we got our table and seats. Some leaders arrived earlier to secure the reservation; TLs MJean, Roe, Wilma, Krisna and Vince. Others arrived after a few minutes; TLs JLo, Tina, Earl, Jhigz, Doms, Jona, Rona, Gimo, Abby, June, Jason J, Jason O, Zee, Alex, and STL Jean.
There are paintings on every wall. It only shows that Chef Lau and wife Chef Jackie are also art enthusiasts. The white plates have dedication from the people/celebrities who visited the buffet restaurant. I asked one of the servers if the group can also sign a plate, he replied only celebrities do that. But looking at other blogs, even the non-celebs were able to sign. Maybe that feature of the restaurant already ended.
Guevarra’s Restaurant also offer Hot Tea and Coffee, not inclusive in the buffet rate. Any additional order will be on top of the bill. A great way to relax a bit after the Man vs Food session.
Food Stations with respective food are as follow:
Appetizer
Breads, Salads (Radish Cucumber, Macaroni Salad, Steamed Vegetables), Dips/Pastes/Dressings (Bagoong Balayan, Bagoong Vinaigrette, Guava Glaze, Peanut Sauce, Cesar Dressing, and Salted Eggs), Fresh Lumpiang Ubod, Tokwa’t Baboy, Cheese Platter, Spicy Sardines, Tuna Kilawin and Squid Law
Carving Station
Lechon, Spicy Balamban, Roast Beef, Pork Bagnet, Roast Chicken and Tomato Salsa (This section is a sinful one; crispy & rich in cholesterol yet sumptious. Ang lutong nila!)
Main Dishes
Beef Kare-Kare, Chili Garlic Crab, Callos, Party Spaghetti, Pansit Bihon, Fried Chicken, Chicken Pastel, Seafood Ala Pobre, Pinakbet Bagnet, Dinuguan with Puto, Fish Fillet, Ribs, Paella Guevarras, and White Rice (pardon if I miss some viands)
Soft Ice Cream with colorful sprinkles, Kalabasa Pastillas, Fruits (apple and orange), Chocolate and Red Velvet Cupcakes, Maja Blanca, Suman Panna Cotta, Leche Flan, Sapin-Sapin, Bannofie Pie, Choco Banana Fudge, Buko Pandan, Pitsi-Pitsi, Fruit Salad Matamis na Saging, Champorado and Halo-Halo (I am sure I missed some, there are lots of them)
Beverages
Pepsi products, Lipton Iced Tea, Milk Tea (your choice if you want to add pearls), Sago’t Gulaman (your choice if you want to add sago) and Buko Pandan (your choice if you want to add green gulaman)
My rating:
Food 🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎
Ambiance 🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎
Service 🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎
Over-all I gave it 5 🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎! Tama lahat ng lasa. Hindi tinipid. Try it yourself. A wonderful place to celebrate your special days. Share your experience with us. 😊
I crave for Pork Lechon most often than not. Curiosity arises, so I had to give it a try. Check this out!
Preparation Time: 12 hours
Cooking Time: 3 hours
Serves: 6
Ingredients:
2 kilos whole pork belly slab, remove the bones if any
For the marinade-brine:
1 stalk of lemon grass, chopped
1 stalk leeks, chopped
2 pieces of laurel (bay leaves)
1 Tbsp. ground black peppercorn
5 cloves garlic, crushed
¼ cup sugar
½ cup rock salt
5 cups of water
For the stuffing:
1 stalk of lemon grass
1 stalk on leeks
1 pc onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed
Green and red chili pepper (I personally add this because I want it spicy)
Lemon juice (squeezed on the pork belly, my addition)
For the milk wash:
3 Tbsp. evaporated milk
1 Tbsp. water
Instructions
Wash and clean the pork belly slab in running water. Drain.
In a medium size pot, prepare the brine by combining the water, lemon grass, leeks, bay leaves, pepper corns, garlic, sugar and salt.
Bring to a boil and simmer for about 5 minutes to release the aroma and flavor of the herbs and spices. Turn off heat and let it cool.
Put the pork belly slab and submerge in the flavored brine and place in a refrigerator. Let it soak overnight for best result. I sliced the pork skin but you may skip this.
After brining, wash the pork belly in running water and pat dry. You can use a small towel to pat dry the pork belly.
Place the pork belly in a flat surface and place in the center the stuffings: lemon grass, leeks, garlic and onion. How I did mine was I pour the ingredients all-over. I don’t know why. 😛
Roll the pork belly like a jelly roll and tie it with twine until it is secured and will not open up and spill the stuffing. I do not have twine. I used sewing thread rolled repeatedly all over the pork belly.
Place the pork belly in a roasting pan with a rack and brush it with milk/water mixture. Cover with aluminum foil. I added butter, brushed over the pork skin.
Place in a preheated oven 375°F and roast for 2 hours. Then after 2 hours, remove the foil, brush again with milk/water mixture and continue roasting for another hour until the skin is crispy. Serve hot.
Feel free to comment your cooking experience and please do not forget to like my Facebook page.
Those texts in Blue font color are my additions. For best results, you can also place in a freezer before cooking. Thanks for dropping by.
Porsche's Diary 