Find me has been one of the hashtags and taglines I personally use as I literally find myself and suggestively asks to be found.

Now, “find me” as I share with you a few places I visited in Dumaguete City, Philippines.

Starting off from San Carlos city terminal, slept and waited for our bus to arrive by 1am. Dumaguete was the next destination from my previous blog at Lakawon Island. So it took almost 4 hours from Cadiz to San Carlos by bus. And another 4-5 hours from San Carlos to Dumaguete City.

Upon arriving at Dumaguete City by and checked in at Coastal Inn (recommended with reservations) we stopped by at Mcdonald’s for breakfast and  head straight to one Valencia, one of the municipalities of Dumaguete.

Coastal Inn

Coastal Inn

Coastal Inn

I don’t want to be found stumbling over the rocks and throwing stones at the sea, regretting about not experiencing more of this life’s great adventure. And adventures aren’t necessarily somewhere far but it can be around you even the person you are with. And now after 15-20 minutes motorcycle ride from the city, here I am at Tierra Alta Residential Resort which they call it the “Santorini of Visayas”. I was wowed the moment I walked in and fell in love how beautiful this place is. Entrance fee is Php50.00. If you don’t have the means to go to Greece, check this one out and add it on your bucket lists.

They have room accommodations, but for the sake of this day trip, sun soaking is still worthwhile. Room rates are available on their facebook page.

Just like in Greece, how can you not fall in love with this place and the pool just right in time for summer to beat the heat. Swimming fee is Php100.00. For others, they recommended night swimming here. Now I have the reason to go back here and share the night experience with you guys.

They also cater bookings for special occasions, ideally for weddings. It was also the reason why our day trip was cut short since they were already setting up the place for the event. Oh how I also want to find myself celebrating every ladies’ dream in this place. So far the most romantic and perfect place I’ve been to. 👌

But this all is too dreamy that my feet wants to wander more from here.

Another place you must not miss when visiting in Dumaguete is The Forest Camp Nature Resort, also in the municipality of Valencia. Entrance fee is at Php100.00.

If I don’t want to be found, I’d probably be here. Away from the city’s noisy and polluted environment. The nature does help you sit down, reflect,and zone out from your phones and schedules. They have rooms available if you want to spend the night in this quiet and peaceful place. And their cold spring swimming pools is so refreshing that you shouldn’t miss dipping in.

And this is also where they call it the “mini Bali”. It is one of my dreams to experience Bali, for now, I’m dipping my happy toes in the cool water. Learning to have contentment in life. The simple joys that makes you love the life you have now.

And off I go for more soul-searching.

Taking a break from swimming, we went to  San Jose, another part of Dumaguete, and looked for a coffee shop. You know, you just don’t go out and miss your coffee. 😀 #dailydoseofcoffee

We took a motorcycle for Php100.00 each heading to Alimyon Kapehan (Alimyon Cafè). It is at the top of the mountain so you need a vehicle to get there.  They have affordable foods on the menu and the coffee is divine. Definitely a must-try!

Perfect view and coffee. One perfect afternoon.

This is the best place to just sit and chill. Breathe fresh air and sip your iced brewed Arabica coffee. Allowing time to just slip by but thinking not to miss the point of life, of your existence

While waiting for the bus to take us back to the city, spotted Cebu city across from this point where I’m standing. Moments like this, I find myself more often if not, looking impatiently to the left or to the right expecting for the bus to arrive and miss to appreciate what is in front of me waiting to be recognized and appreciated as well.

But the day isn’t over yet until you figure out what’s needed to be figured out, and to yourself. Stopping by Siliman University and explored its campus. Also, I was thinking about going back to school. But important lessons in life and about life aren’t taught in school.

They say experience is the best and the worst teacher. But you embrace the reality that you won’t figure out everything that is going on in your life even if it is sooner or later that you realize why things persisted. The lesson I valued the most from my experiences is to trust the One who knows me best and the things that are happening in my life.

Whether you’re at you highest or lowest point in life, continue to pray and be thankful.

Early dinner at Sans Rival. They are known for their famous delicacy “Silvanas”, and is definitely a must-try and must-have to bring when you go home. For our dinner, we tried their Sans Rival version of Spaghetti with red sauce, which is also delicious.

The final stop for the day is waiting, again, at the port of Dumaguete for our ride to the next destination. (Stay tuned for my next blog about it :D)

“Balik” means again. “Balik-balik” means to come again. I will certainly come again. Discover and experience more food and places in Dumaguete city. This is one of the epic but lovely travels I have for this year.

If you have read my blog “A work in progress” I have mentioned there that at this point in my life I’m literally “finding myself”. But then again, it isn’t in the place you go to where you can find yourself, but within God’s heart. If you find me wherever I may be, as I find myself, I may have found me.

“So don’t let someone find you until you find yourself.”                                  -Great Good Fine Ok

Footnotes:

• For Coastal Inn contact number:(035) 225-9501, 422-9771
• For Tierra Alta Residential Resort (check their Facebook page)
• For The Forest Camp Nature Resort visit http://www.forestcamp.biz