Our Bantayan Budget

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the calm of Bantayan

Bantayan is a beautiful island found in the northern part of Cebu. This is the best place to be if you love the beach, the laidback life, and seafood.

Two months ago, we visited Bantayan to chill and just enjoy a few days away from the hustle of the city. It is just three to four hours from Cebu City. From the North Bus Terminal, you need to take a bus to Hagnaya (P110). This will take you to the Hagnaya Port where you can take a boat to Santa Fe Port.

off to the boat

to the boat!

From the port, you can already see the nearby resorts. Room costs from P800 and up, depending on the size of the room and the amenities of the resort. If you're a budget traveler, you can definitely find quaint rooms or hostels in town. If you're after comfort however, you can always book a fancier room.

It would be ideal to book a week or so before your trip so you can find a room that you want. Because I wasn't able to prepare, we had to go resort-hopping. I know it was my mistake and that it could have been avoided. However, that #YOLO thing definitely made the entire trip memorable.

Mayet's Beach Resort

We stayed at this little resort called Mayet's. We stayed in a room good for four people on the first night because it's the only one available that's within our budget. It costs P1,500 for a night with two beds, a toilet and bathroom, and an AC. Like I said, we already went resort hopping because I forgot to book a place. For the second night, we transferred to a smaller room for two with a toilet and bathroom and a fan. This room was only for P700 which was not bad.

To get around Bantayan Island, you can either get a tricycle driver to take you to tourist spots or rent a motorbike. Our motorbike costed us P350 for 24 hours. We rented it for two days during our entire trip and only gassed up once for our entire stay. It's pretty economical, especially if you want to go to somewhere at any given time. I suggest you shop around Santa Fe 

our little wheeled friend

Eating at restaurants in Santa Fe can be pretty pricey. Dishes go around from P200 up depending on the restaurant and the food. There are numerous of nice places to eat in Santa Fe filled with tourists. Since we were traveling on a budget, we settled for the usual carenderia (local small eatery) and some cheap barbecue. We bought fruits and some oatmeal for breakfast. We just asked for hot water from our resort to save more money. Our lunch or dinner would just be around P100 for two people.

When you're on a holiday, it's nice to drink and be merry. There are quite a few drinking places in Santa Fe. You can actually go to bars or just drink on little stores by the road. You can also just chill on the beach and have a drink or two. For nicer bars, expect to pay at least P200 per drink. The cheap route I went for was to buy a bottle at the local grocery store and take it to the resort. 

Santa Fe

I think Bantayan is a great place for both budget and splurging travelers. If you have the will, you can definitely find cheaper alternatives for your stay. You should not be picky though, if you have a slimmer budget. If you can splurge on AC rooms and nicer food, you'll have a nicer stay. However, I think Bantayan will still be an enjoyable place no matter what your budget is. Every corner is picturesque despite the Yolanda tragedy. The people are friendly and welcoming and there's nothing you can add more.

*photos taken with Pentax ME Super x Centuria DNP 400 (expired)*

Going Around Bantayan

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serenity in a photo

Did I tell you that Bantayan is picturesque everywhere? Even if the island is still recovering from the wrath of Typhoon Haiyan, the place still has not lost its beauty. Every corner is still beautiful and makes you ecstatic about life.

Santa Fe

oh peaceful sky

Santa Fe church

The entire Santa Fe is a municipality in Bantayan. When you arrive in Bantayan from Hagnaya, this is where you arrive. From the port, you can take a tricycle to the resorts. You can just walk around town like most foreign tourists do if you want to see the place. In the center of the municipality, you can just walk around from the church to the restaurants to the mini groceries. 

Santa Fe has a long stretch of powdery white beach. You can take long walks from your resort to the next one. Walking along the beach is interesting, especially in the afternoon when the local kids and fishermen and tourists are out and about. It is interesting to see what the locals do on the beach and to see what the other beach resorts are up to.

a fisherman in Santa Fe

view from the cottage

I love sitting by the shore with a drink in hand and just enjoy the sea and the sand. The place is so serene, especially in that part of Santa Fe where we are staying. It makes you forget the city life and the problems it brings. It's interesting to look at Cebu from another island and just imagine how you've managed to leave your worries behind.

Ogtong Cave

One of our stops while in Bantayan was the Ogtong Cave. You can find it in Ogtong Cave Resort. If you are staying in Santa Fe beach club, you can get inside pretty easy. For those who are in other resorts, you need to pay for the day use. However, it's not so bad as you can also use the pool and sunbathe on their beach. Although it's a pretty small resort, you can see other tourists lounging around after a quick dip in the cave.

down to the cave

Ogtong's pool

Don't expect a lot from the Ogtong Cave. It is pretty small and can only accommodate around 20 guests at a time. I'm never really a fan of caves since I'm afraid of small dark places. The water inside the cave is not really deep. I was surprised that I liked it. The water is brackish and clear. It is also cool and refreshing. I can tell you that if only there weren't other people in the cave, I would sit there all day and contemplate about my life. It's a really zen place (for me).

Bantayan Proper

welcome to Bantayan

From Santa Fe, you can reach the municipality of Bantayan in 20 minutes. This is the best place to shop for fresh and dried fish. Yum! Prices here are also affordable. I got a few stuff for the kitchen back home because the family's pretty much into dried seafood of all sorts.

Our first stop was the Saints Peter and Paul Parish Church and the plaza in Bantayan. We weren't able to get inside the church because I was wearing a beach outfit. It definitely looked lovely and historic. The church is already five centuries old and is made from corals and stones.

We just hung out in the public plaza. There are a few food stalls in the area where you can eat while killing time. A lot of the local teenagers were also hanging out in the plaza so we felt we "belong."

Saints Peter and Paul Parish Church

The market is just a few blocks from the plaza. You can directly jump right to the market and do a little shopping. We bought some fresh fruits for snacks and dried fish for pasalubong.

These are just some of the places we went to Bantayan during our three-day trip. We'll definitely be back in Bantayan soon to explore more of the places we missed. I want to go snorkeling and island hopping once I've dropped a few bucks on my recently-drained travel wallet. 

Let me know what are your favorite spots in Bantayan. Where should we go next on our next trip to Bantayan?

Update on the Pentax ME Super Dilemma

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If you have been reading my blog for some time now, you know that I had issues with my Pentax ME Super. I bought this camera last year from the US and my first film roll from the camera was just disheartening.

Most of my photos were underexposed. I relied on the light meter and also used Auto. I figured that the light meter was probably off so I decided to give the camera another try and use manual, instead. 

I thought the camera would never work and I just wasted my money. But, I was surprised that the camera worked pretty well on manual. Therefore, it's the light meter that's not working properly.

rose (used Kodak Pro Image 100) *

samurai (Kodak Pro Image 100)*

on top of Cebu (Kodak Pro Image Pro)*

I just use the Sunny 16 rule or just adjust my shutter speed depending on the subject and the location. So far, I haven't had any problems with this. It also takes sharp photos, which I didn't expect at all. I also used it to shoot some snippets from a fashion shoot we had at work and it was good.

I don't regret purchasing the Pentax ME Super even if it is not in a complete working order. Although the light meter is off, I'm quite comfortable shooting manual so it's not really a problem. There are times though when I get distracted by the light meter inside the viewfinder. I just have to remind myself that it's not working.

What I like about the ME Super is that it is light compared to the usual SLRs. I'm a very small girl and the average SLRs look too big on me and are also pretty heavy. The ME Super is light enough to be carried on a day-to-day shooting. Though I hated it at first, the camera grew on me and it has become my favorite. (Don't tell my other cameras!)

I shoot you (Centuria DNP 400)

sleeping right meow! (Centuria DNP 400)

Although some film photographers might not like it because it is electronic, I don't see an issue with this except that it can be fragile. My ME Super fell from a chair last month and suddenly, the shutter speed (which is electronically controlled) got messed up. It didn't work and was stuck at 1/125. I gave up. We're planning to send it to a camera repair guy soon to get it sorted out. 

Note * - The lab, unfortunately, scratched all the frames in this roll. Thus, there's a line in the middle in all of my photos. My search for a better lab is on. I'm thinking of sending my rolls to Manila. This is pricey but ensures the film negatives are all in good condition.

Review: Underwater Toy Film Camera

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We have this underwater toy film camera for sale in our little online shop online shop for quite some time now. Since I'm selling it to people, I figured I also need to test it to know if it's really good enough for a camera.

This film camera is like your usual toy camera that's made of plastic. However, it has a tough casing that can be submerged underwater for up to six feet. You can also choose to take out the camera itself and use it on its own without the hard casing. If you will be using this underwater, it is suggested that use films with an ISO speed of at least 400. I used the Kodak Ultramax 400 for this camera.

I took the camera out for a whirl during my work trip to Oslob. We went swimming with the whale sharks for Cebu Yearbook 2014's fashion shoot. I blogged about my Oslob trip here.

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get a lot of underwater photos because I don't know how to swim (yet!). But it works perfectly fine underwater. At first, I was worried that the water got in the camera. I checked the camera right away and found that the case was definitely effective in keeping the water out. I guess, I should trust this camera a little bit more.

I love that this camera can also be used not underwater, get it? (Sorry, don't hate me!) It is colorful which makes it a cute camera to lug around while walking along the street. 

It takes decent photos, for its price. I'm not saying it because I'm selling it. But, it definitely is good. I could see myself using this on hiking trips or other tough adventures. It's just a great camera to stash in the bag and not be worried about. I brought my boyfriend's Canonet QL on a recent two-day trekking trip and it was just causing me problems. All throughout the trip, I was just worried about not hitting the camera on a rock. The trip was fun, but the Canonet just made me a worrywart.

If you're looking for an analog camera that works underwater, this toy camera is definitely a good choice. It's also perfect for those who want to test the analog waters but have a limited budget. Although this is no Nikonos, it takes pretty good photos for a toy camera.

*Please forgive the "darkness" of the photos. The lab I went to did a pretty bad job of developing my films. I'm still searching for a good lab, though.*

Down South: Three Towns, One Day

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I know. We are crazy. A few months ago, I thought of going to three towns in the south of Cebu all in one day. Of course, I had to include my boyfriend and our best friend to this scheme. It was definitely a one-of-kind but tiring experience. It was fun to jump from one bus to another and hop to another town. The commuting also made the entire experience interesting.

First Stop in Boljoon

The Ili Rock in Boljoon (which is now vanishing)

Nuestra Señora del Patrocinio de Maria Parish Church

Boljoon is probably my favorite town to pass by when going to Negros Oriental. The town is just picturesque and historic. The lush front yard of the church makes me want to jump around and have a picnic.

The Nuestra Señora del Patrocinio de Maria Parish Church is definitely a lovely sight to behold. I've always enjoyed looking at this church and it was amazing to see it up close. It's a National Historical Landmark and is made of coral stones. It still has its original terracotta roof tiles, which are reminiscent of the Filipino Baroque architecture.

El Gran Baluarte in Boljoon

The church has its own little museum where visitors can see the artifacts and the wardrobe of the former priests. You can also see some gold jewelries worn by the old Cebuanos including jars and other dishes of the time. You can get into the museum for free, but giving a donation is highly appreciated.

There are also other historical sites in Boljoon. Apparently, you can go on a little "walk" and see the different historical places. There's a map that you can follow to visit these sites. Because we didn't have enough time, we just hopped on to a bus going to Alcoy.

Quick Dip in Alcoy

boats in Alcoy

If you want to swim for free in a really good beach, then Tingko in Alcoy is the place to be. It's a public beach with no entrance fee (if you pass the right way). We only paid for a table that we used while we were taking turns in swimming. This is one of our go-to beaches in the south that's great and free. It's perfect if you just want to spend a day at the beach.

We spent an hour or two basking in the sun and just enjoying the sound of the waves. Weird thing was we drank coffee while in the beach. I know it's an odd combination, but it definitely works especially if you still have another town to go. 

Eating Fest in Argao

I don't know about you, but I think Argao has one of the best food in the south aside from Carcar. It is home to the best torta in Cebu. I love Chitang's Torta in Argao. It's my go-to place for pasalubong to the family.

Alex Kafe in Argao is also the place for home-cooked meals that comforts your soul. It has a vintage-y feel to the restaurant. I've eaten here twice and I can tell you I love their utan bisaya (Visayan vegetable soup). It definitely reminds me of my mom's cooking.

What I love about Argao, aside from the food, is the rich history and architecture. I love the church, the plaza, and their municipal hall. Everything still has that touch of Spanish influence, which is beautiful.

Our little crazy trip was definitely a fun one. I hope we'll do it again somewhere north or maybe still south, wherever the winds take us.

*all photos taken by Smena 8m with Centuria DNP 400*

Things You Should Know Before Going Analog

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the struggle is real (struggle in loading film)

Film photography is definitely an interesting hobby to start. It's the root of modern digital photography. Film gives every frame and shot a unique feel and texture. However, trying this hobby is like venturing into uncharted territories. It can be a difficult start especially for those who barely even shot digital mannually.

Here are some things that you should know before going analog:

CD-R King plastic camera x Centuria DNP 400

1. Patience is a virtue. Film photography requires you to be a patient photographer. Unlike digital where you can burst shots, you need to wait for that perfect moment to shot your photo. Sometimes, I would spend a minute or so trying to get the "perfect shot." This is my frustration especially when shooting portraits or doing street photography. So, breathe and take your time before pressing the shutter.

2. Know your exposure. This is probably the most important thing one should know when starting photography. The right exposure is a must for both digital and analog photography. You need to have the right shutter speed and aperture setting for your subject, depending on the environment. These also need to match your film's ASA or ISO. Although your first roll is more likely to be underexposed or an utter failure, the succeeding rolls should be perfect as you learn from your mistakes. I usually advise starters to download a light meter app (available on both IOS and Android). This is a great tool to measure the right exposure while still familiarizing yourself with the Sunny 16 rule.

my all-time fave toy: Smena 8M

my baby: Pentax ME Super

3. Master your camera. Each camera has its own quirk. Before using a camera, read its manual and reviews. Heck, you can even join Flickr groups! Find out how it works, where the advance lever is, how to change the aperture and adjust the shutter speed. Know how properly load and rewind your film on your camera. The more you know your camera, the better you are in using it. This lessens mistakes, too.

4.  Analog is expensive.* I started shooting film thinking it's going to be a cheaper. Boy, was I wrong! If I saved the expenses I had from collecting cameras to buying film rolls and sending them to film labs, I would have had enough money for a full-frame DSLR. Not going to lie, film photography will cost you as the years go by.

5. It's addictive. The first film camera I bought to test the waters was a CD-R King plastic camera. It was only P50, then. It's ironic because my boyfriend used to discourage me from film photography. Four years down the road, I know have 11 film cameras (and counting). My boyfriend, on the other hand, has a lot of cameras. I tell you, a lot! Somehow you start with one film camera, you just continue buying more. There's always that other cool camera you want to get your hands on.

Konica S2 x Centuria DNP 400

6. It yields unexpected results, sometimes. This might be due to your own clumsiness or it's just the film. This can either be good or bad. I've had some happy accidents on my shots, like lens flares or interesting half-exposed shots. I had great shots ruined by pretty bad developing. I also failed to load an entire film properly and wasted a lot of shots. These things happen and these are some of the things that you have to keep in mind.

If you think I missed something, please comment down below. These are just the "core" things one should know before even buying a film camera. ;)

Note (*) - Last week, my boyfriend and I argued on whether film photography is expensive or cheap. To him, it is cheap because you can get a great SLR comparable to today's DSLR for just a fraction of the cost. You can even get those toy cameras or point-and-shoot cameras for newbies. Well, I guess it's a good point. However, I still think it's expensive because of the expenses you accumulate, in the long run.

Confessions of a Bullied Girl

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Bullying was always something you would see in a foreign movie. Nerdy kids being bullied by the jocks and the popular kids. That's always typical in an American film. I never thought that it would happen in real life (in the Philippine setting) or that it would happen to me.

I used to be bullied a whole lot in school and because of a variety of reasons: because I have curly hair, because I am "dark," because my family name is funny, because I don't know how to dance, and because I was smart. I was bullied by boys, girls, and even by an entire class. They would call me names, laugh at me, and talk behind my back. However, they all pretend to be friends with me afterwards. This made me even more angry.

Being bullied by all of my classmates because I was the top of the class, probably was the most unforgettable bullying experience I ever had. When the teacher was gone, they would all call me names and tell me that I was worthless. They would all laugh at me. This lasted a few months until at some point I was already rank two. After that, they stopped.

Only one person stood by me and defied our entire class, that was my bestfriend. It's kind of funny how they tried to persuade her against me, but she just wouldn't. I thank her for keeping me sane all throughout that ordeal. She and that experience were the reasons why I got into writing. I wrote about that experience and submitted it to our school paper's adviser and that started it all.

All throughout grade school and in the later part of my high school, I was bullied. Oftentimes, they pretend to be friends with me, but I just know who they really are. I play along with their pretend niceness, but at the back of my head I know everything they've been saying.

Sometimes you'd think that bullying only happens in school. However, it's prevalent at work. People think bullying is only limited to aggression or verbal abuse. However, emotional or psychological abuse is also a form of bullying.

Being bullied is one of the reasons why I have trust issues. I don't trust people right away. Trust can be a long process for me and it's something that I give sparingly. I also have this tendency to stay away from people after being close to them. I'm afraid that people will leave me so I choose to leave them first and save myself from the pain.

Bullying has also led me to become hateful and vengeful. I can't forgive people right away. I always remember the pain and the misery brought about by those instances and the people who bullied me. This is also the same to those people who have hurt me. To be honest, I've never forgiven any one of them. This hate is the reason why I'm workaholic at times. I just want to focus on success, on my career, on my future. Oftentimes, this mentality helps me cope with all the disappointments and pain in my life. The more I focus on myself, the more I am able to control all the hurt that I've gone through.

Sometimes I wish I can be comfortable in my own skin without worrying about all the bad things people say about me. I need to remind myself that in bullying, nothing is wrong with the victim. Oftentimes, it's the offender who has problems.