Hi, my Beloved Steemians !
( we dropped by at The Danao City Church, or more officially known as Santo Tomas de Villanueva Parish Church for guidance and protection for our trip )
DESPITE our different schedules and rising transportation fare prices, our family gathered once again for a quick escapade in Bantayan Island recently. Our family stayed for two days at Mayet beach Resort Bantayan Island, an exclusive beach resort which was a perfect place for all the activities that we have planned for our reunion.
But before I gave you the details of our trip, I'll share you some information about the Place.
The northern tip of Cebu is endowed with rich waters and dotted with beautiful islands with white sand beaches, Bantayan Island is one.
Bantayan Island
- is made up of three municipalities of the province of Cebu – Bantayan, Madridejos and Sta. Fe. Bantayan takes up the western and central areas and known for its picturesque sunset and centuries-old church. Madridejos is a fishing village and known for its rich history. Lastly, Sta. Fe boasts of its beautiful sunrise and famous for its wide stretch of fine white sand beach.
- How to get to Bantayan Island *
Most tourists go here via Cebu City, where one can take a bus to Hagnaya Port and a ferry to Bantayan Islands. Alternatively, if you are coming from Masbate or Palompon (Leyte), you can ride a ferry to Bogo City, transfer to a bus to Hagnaya Port and to a ferry to Bantayan Island.
- Cebu City to Hagnaya Port *
Cebu City is the gateway to Bantayan Island. From Cebu City, catch a bus in Cebu North Terminal going to Hagnaya Port in the town of San Remigio. Travel time is three hours and fare is P180 for aircon bus (as of February 2017). There’s a bus that leaves Cebu City as early as 4 AM, with the last trip at around 7 PM daily.
- Hagnaya Port to Bantayan Island *
In Hagnaya Port, catch a public ferry to Sta. Fe. The ferry ride is approximately one hour for P180 (as of February 2017). Ferry departs Hagnaya Port to Sta. Fe as early as 7AM with the last trip at around 5PM daily.
- Getting Around and Away *
Tricycle and motorbikes are the main mode of transportation around the island, minimum fare is P10. There are also jeepneys and multicabs that go from Sta. Fe to Bantayan and vice versa but the trips are limited. Motorbikes (P350/day) and bicycles (P150/day) are also available for rent in most resorts/hotels
- Where to Stay in Bantayan Island *
Mayet’s Resort
Sugar Beach, Sta. Fe, Bantayan Island
Contact No: 406- 5668. Mobile No: Globe 0927- 5458743. Smart 0921- 7618763
Email: mariettasalve@yahoo.com
Our special feature this week may not be as luxurious as the usual places which we feature but we assure you that this is truly worth visiting! We feel very honored and blessed in finding such a humble place, felt more like finding a hidden treasure or a precious gem.
The Mayet Beach Resort is a cozy and homey place which makes it perfect for family reunions, parties and team building activities. It has an open lawn area for some outdoor fun, mess hall, kitchen and rooms. We started with some getting to know sessions since we don’t get to hang out that much and proceeded to play some fun games outside the lawn. We then capped off the night with some inspirational talks and some night swimming. It was so much fun! Truly, it is refreshing to reconnect with your titos, titas, cousins, lolos and lolas - a time well spent!
Our First day in the resort .......
We were officially completed around noon time, ate lunch and had a quick siesta time before we began our afternoon activities.
They may not have luxurious amenities or silver platters to dine on, but the place is abundant with natural wonders and people carry in them hearts of gold, for Mayet Beach Resort also provides employment to the less fortunate as well as to our fellow aeta brothers living around the resort.
We are preparing for our Night Swimming!
we ended our first day with chit chat moments and a few drinking sessions!
Our Second day ( Ogtong Cave Resort )
Ogtong Cave Resort is an annex of Santa fe Beach Club, the pioneer resort in the island. Ogtong cave resort is situated on natural limestone rocks, sea-view villas and cottages are individually located around our landscaped garden. Most of our villas and cottages have balconies that overlook the different scenery of the resort. Swim in our swimming pool, freshwater underground cave, and beach. We have 24 hours security and 24 hours standby generator. We do have transfer services available from/to Sta. Fe Port (free of charge) for our check-in guests.
Inside the underground cave ....
After which we visited also thier famous church in the Island ( St. Peter and Paul Church )
One of the many things to do on Bantayan Island is to visit the St Peter and Paul Church located in the heart of Bantayan City. Bantayan Island is the seat of the first and therefore oldest Parish in Visayas and Mindanao founded in 1580. the original church was destroyed in 1600 by Muslim rebels and several times again by natural disasters and raids by Muslim
Construction on the current church was started in 1839 and completed in 1863. The church is built using corral stones from the island. After completion, the church was dedicated to St Peter and Paul.
I have always enjoyed visiting old churches around the world because of the various architecture and centuries-old statues. It doesn’t really matter whether you are religious or not just being in some of these places can be quite peaceful and relaxing.
Our family decided to have some dinner outside from the resort and to explore the island as well. You will find them all on the main street of Sta. Fe, they are all pretty much low key open air resto/bars. Most of the resorts along the beach have their own little restaurant.
In some families, reunions are a regular perhaps even annual event designed to help relatives keep in touch. Other families may gather more spontaneously for other purposes. Regardless of the reason, a family reunion differs from a family holiday gathering in that extended family members are present. You can learn a lot about your family at a reunion, and perhaps mend bonds that had been broken. In any case, a family reunion is often a memorable event.
I had a great feeling spending time together with my family and relatives , the more time I spend together with them , the better chance we have of sharing quality experiences. Eating meals together, talking about the events of the day, sharing joys and defeats are examples of shared activities. I am looking forward for more gathering and adventure together with my family this year.
Do you feel STRESS? then visit this place so that you can experience PARADISE here on earth...
It is always more Fun in the Philippines!
XOXO
thefairlady
Thank you for reading steemians ...... till next time... Salamat ka.ayo <3
Please free to share your stories and memories about your family gathering . I'm excited to hear from you .....