Place: Cebu City
Date: June 27, 28, 29, 30 2011
 |
| Fuente Osmena Circle |
I have two reasons why I visited Cebu City this year, (1) for the purpose of taking my licensure examination for Abu Dhabi, Health Authority Abu Dhabi, which is offered only in Manila and Cebu. (2) At the same time, had my tour in the Queen City of the South for the second time with my mother. I chose Misnet Inc. in Cebu as the testing center for the dual purpose I had in mind and the fact that I will spend less compared when I take the exam in Makati.
The thing for HAAD actually started last year 2010. I researched the exam in the internet and visited several forums, asked fellow forum users who took the exam for tips and review materials but that did not pushed through. Until this year, when I heard several successful stories from my colleagues and the fact that Nilda was asking for it as part of my application.
I immediately took the advantage of the Cebu Pacific Promo last February 18 of their 50% fare. There were several attempts I made to avail the promo but failed until I successfully booked two round trip tickets. My Itinerary details were as follows:
1. ZAMBOANGA ( Zamboanga International Airport ) to CEBU ( Mactan Cebu International Airport )
Departure: Monday, Jun 27, 2011, 0945H
Arrival: Monday, Jun 27, 2011, 1100H
Flight No.: 5J 434
2. CEBU ( Mactan Cebu International Airport ) to ZAMBOANGA ( Zamboanga International Airport ) Departure: Thursday, Jun 30, 2011 , 0500H
Arrival: Thursday, Jun 30, 2011, 0615H
Flight No.: 5J 433
Upon receiving the ticket from Cebu Pacific on my mailbox, I immediately informed the Nursing office of my intent to apply for Leave and luckily they grant my request. And when I received my 13th month pay last May, I immediately paid my HAAD fee online amounting $90 (exchange rate Php42.90 per dollar).
JUNE 27 2011
Then came, June 27, the day of our flight to Cebu City. I met Sir Anaud, Brent COO and Dr Abutazil, a Nephrologist at the airport. Sir Anaud will be travelling to Davao enroute to Cebu via Airphil while Dr. Abutazil will be on the same flight with me to Cebu. Accordingly, he will be attending a seminar in that place and returned a day after. I did not actually expect that he will come to me and chat so I was acting as if I did not saw him but he did came to me.
 |
| It was cloudy in Zamboanga that day |
 |
| Negros Island, downtown Dumaguete City |
 |
| Tanon Strait, Negros and Cebu |
 |
| Mactan |
 |
| Cebu Mactan Airport |
I was expecting like the usual complaints of several passengers that Cebu Pacific is usually late but, this time it’s totally a different story. Cebu Pacific got in time and we arrived Cebu Mactan Airport 10minutes earlier than schedule. It was an estimated one hour travel, we passed by Sta.Cruz Island, Negros, South Cebu, until Cebu City proper and Mactan. Watch Video.
This is actually my first time to be in Mactan Airport. It is a major international airport in Visayas and the country’s second primary gateway. Upon arrival, taxis are located on the upper portion of the airport, just walk thru the stairs located outside the arrival area after crossing the street or riding on the yellow airport multicab bound to Marina mall. Anyhow, for further instructions, I used this blog
http://penfires.com/mactan-airport-cebu-to-destination-via-jeepneys/
 |
| Off to Cebu City |
Sampaguita Suites
 |
| Entrance Lobby |
 |
| Sampaguita Suites entrance |
Sampaguita Suites is where I stayed in Cebu. It is centrally located near different landmarks of Cebu like Fuente Osmena (5 minute walk), Robinsons (acroos street), Crowne regency ( 5-10 minute walk), Capitol Site (30minute walk), Sto Nino and Magellans Cross ( one Jeep Ride) and of course, the HAAD Testing Center which is on the same street ( General Maxilom Avenue, 10 minute walk).
 |
| Just arrived from airport |
 |
| Hot and Cold Shower |
I chose this hotel because of the proximity and of course affordability. We stayed there for three days on their matrimonial standard room amounting Php898 and an additional Php 500 (for deposit, just in case you ordered on their cafeteria near the entrance lobby) but refundable when you checked out. The room was clean, and a pretty good working air conditioner and hot and cold shower. A free wifi is also accessible from my room which is just near the front desk Room 206.
 |
| Room 206 near the front desk |
Ayala Center Cebu
 |
| Ayala Center Cebu, The Terraces |
After fixing our stuff, we then immediately went to Ayala Center to check out their latest attraction. I have always been a mall aficionado and I love going to malls especially this mall because of too much publicity on the net with most bloggers displaying their photo captures on the terraces. Well I have been to this mall few years back but did not visit the terraces. ( I don't know if the terraces was existing those times in 2008).
 |
| mom on the Ayala Terraces |
 |
| Photo 2 |
I love the water feature which is similar of that in a certain hotel in Makati.
There were all sorts of restaurants around the terraces from cafe style such as Starbucks and Seattles best to Fine dining type of restaurant.
 |
| love green!!! |
I specially would like to mention the Virginia hotdog that I nibble on while roaming around Ayala. Its very delicious and juicy and you don't have to use sauce because the hotdog itself is already a winner . The stall is located near the grocery of Metro.
 |
| Off to Sto Nino Church |
Heading to Sto Nino Church, we passed by this certain monument near Parian Park, Parian District, the Heritage of Cebu.
 |
| Photo Courtesy: Rucus of Flickr |
Basilica Minore de Sto.Nino
 |
| Basilica Minore de Sto Nino |
Been to this place for the second time around and I actually remember the first time that I visited this place last 2008. I recall the places and the things we did in the church with my cousins. I reckoned back the Sinug dancer that prayed for me for my NCLEX boards and here I am again asking graces from the Sto Nino for my HAAD Licensure Exam the following day. And I was never neglected by his graces and I am very thankful for that.
 |
| at the shop inside the Church |
We went inside the church and passed by a certain shop and bought an image of Senior Sto Nino that we will bring home in time for the annual fiesta of our barangay.
We also passed by a certain unit of the church where you can offer your intentions and prayers which I did and was hoping that my prayers will be answered.
Here are the pictures taken while on the church.
Magellan's Cross
 |
| Magellan's Cross |
Alongside the church is the Cebu's landmark, Magellan's Cross. I noticed that the railings were not there and a lot of Koreans present. Which brought me to thinking as to why Koreans are so interested to learn about our culture. Well I noticed koreans, while I was asking this Sinug dancer to pray for me before lighting the candle, they were all fascinated and took our pictures. (I dont know if they know but I noticed what they were doing and she was standing at our back while doing that korean peace thing, LOL).
Actually I didn't know before that right in front of this site is the Cebu Mandaue City Hall and an old school named Colegio de Sto Nino.
Here are the pictures taken while on the site.
Plaza Independencia
 |
| Plaza Independencia! |
This is my first time to be in this historical site. It is a huge plaza that at the middle is somewhat a skating ring and a kiosk. I have also seen a certain structure inside this plaza which I have known that this obelisk is dedicated to Miguel Lopez Legaspi, first Spanish governor general of the Philippines.
 |
| Obelisk |
 |
| I think this is a skating ring! |
According to a certain website, a road tunnel that was constructed some time in 2006 touched certain part of this plaza and they found certain human bones and earthenware.
Fort San Pedro
 |
| Fort San Pedro |
This historical structure reminds me of Fort Pilar of Zamboanga. According to a certain telemagazine, Traveltimes, there were only three Spanish Military bastion in the country and this in Cebu is one (including Fort Bonifacio in Manila and Fort Pilar in Zamboanga). It was build in 1738 to repel muslim raiders. Its triangular in shape and with lots of age-old artillery.
 |
| the National Museum |
Inside the Fort is a national museum that houses the different artifacts, paintings and writings of our heroes.
Beside this museum is the Nuestra Senora dela Cotta shrine, in which accordingly the original image of the Virgin Mary was found floating inside the well located alongside. The waters in the well are said to have healing powers and because of this, she was given the name Nuestra Senora delos Remedios or Mahal na Birhen ng mga Lunas.
 |
| Nuestra Senora dela Cotta |
 |
| Mother on the well |
The upper portion of the Fort houses the Viviente del Tiniente and Cuerpo de Guardia.
 |
| Taken on the upper portion of the site |
Beside the Fort is the Malacanang of the South.
 |
| Malacanang of the South |
Here are the photos while on this site.
Osmena Boulevard
 |
| Crowne Regency from Fuente Osmena |
Heading back to Sampaguita on General Maxilom, I mistakenly dropped off at Osmena Boulevard, so we have to walk an hour to the hotel but I had fun seeing the boulevard with the establishment along streets. Plus the newest fame in the City which is the Sky Walk adventure in Crowne Regency. Around Fuente, see video.
 |
| Group of travellers on Sampaguita |
June 28 2011
The day of my boards (HAAD). I was a bit nervous for my boards that day and like the usual preparation I made, I woke up early and fix myself and arrived at the site 30 minutes earlier. There were also several test takers on site some were taking Microsoft exams and engineering exams.
The test center is located on the 5th floor of Ongtiak Building along General Maxilom, just a 10-20 minutes walk from Sampaguita. It is near Pakkals Restaurant and St. Teresa's College, alongside with Iglesia ni Cristo church. Watch video.
Health Authority Abu Dhabi
 |
| HAAD Result inside this envelope |
It was a gruelsome three hour test for a 150 questions. HAAD is a computer generated exam like NCLEX wherein during the exam you will be recorded by a CCTV camera (that's why I felt so awkward) but the difference are: in this test you can flag questions for review later while in NCLEX you must provide an answer for you to progress, the result is available right after you finish the exam while on the later you still have to wait for at least 2 days for the quick result and 1month for the notification, 150 questions and three hours are fix while on the later at least 75 questions you are done and no SATA questions (which makes my life lot easier).
Luckily, I passed my exam. I was a bit nervous of looking onto the result that was handed to me by the receptionist. I did not even look at the entire result, I just peeped in and upon looking at the bold letters "passed", I excitedly packed my things and went straight to the hotel to said the good news.
SM City Cebu
It was like a 20 minute ride from Fuente to SM. This mall is located at North Reclamation Area South east part of Cebu. Whats great about this mall was a free wifi that's why I uploaded my photos taken in this mall right away.
My favorite part of this mall is the Cyberzone. It is one stop shop for most techie wise buddies (I believe). It is a location where one can find from USB storage devices to hard disc, from digital cameras to DSLRs, from smartphones to notebooks and personal computers, from psp to wii and other gaming devices and stuff. And I found one service shop for my sis's broken gateway laptop (and so all the other service shops of each brand of laptops I could imagine).
My trip to Cebu would never be complete without having to purchase a shirt with a print Cebu in it. This one I bought at SM department store, retailed Php315.
 |
| I love Cebu |
There are also lots of souveneer goodies inside the mall. We bought their famous Shamrock Otap, dried mango, rosquillos, turrones ,polvoron and piaya.
 |
| Mom selecting cebu's delicacies |
And there are a lot of considerable food stall inside each floors. I had my favorite Mr. softee ice cream and pancake.
Cebu Taoist Temple
 |
| Taoist Temple |
The Taoist Temple is located along Beverly Hills Subdivision, Cebu City. It is the center of worship for Taoist which is a religion of the ancient Chinese philosopher Lao Tse. On the way to this temple is the Phusian Temple, but unlike the Taoist temple which is open to both worshippers and non worshippers.
The temple has 99 steps from the entrance and wishing wells. I must say that practically we got so exhausted and out of breath when we reached the highest point but the view was very rewarding and spectacular.
 |
| the steps to the Temple |
 |
| Dragon Structure located east of the temple |
There were lots of tourists especially koreans on the site taking pictures too and I met this group of Koreans in their teens (probably they are on their field trips) and asked them to take pictures with my mom on the certain taoist religious structure.
To get into this temple, one can rent a taxi round trip at any point in Cebu and just ask the driver to drop you off at this site. Round trip because there is no Public utility vehicle seen inside the exclusive subdivision. So more or less the fare is ranging Php400-Php500 but the view is very rewarding and worth it.
 |
| Downtown Cebu from the temple |
Accordingly the entrance of this temple relics with that of Great Wall of China.
 |
| Wall in Cebu Taoist Temmple |
 |
| Cool parking lot |
Here are the photos taken while on the site.
June 29 2011
 |
| Some painting inside the church depicting the Sto Nino |
We headed back to StoNino Church for thanksgiving. This time we rode a jeepney near Osmena Boulevard. We passed by Carbon Market (the oldest and largest market in Cebu) and Colon Street (considered the oldest street in the Philippines).
 |
| Arrangement of the Mayor altar of Sto Nino church |
 |
| Life size saint's images in one of the alley |
After offering our thanksgiving mass and lighting candles outside the church, we went across the street to have our breakfast. I met one of the nicest service crew in the world. I forgot to take note of her name but she was all these nice, charming, and friendly cashier.
 |
| coffee break |
After the coffee break, we went directly to Mactan Airport very early. Our flight is still at dawn the following day. The original plan was to leave the suite at dawn and hire a taxi cab (I am so confident that there will be a lot of cab outside the hotel since it is in the highway) but things turned out different. So off we went to the airport at 12noon. We waited but got tired and impatient. I can not imagine seating on the waiting area for 17 hours waiting until 5am. On a taxi to airport and arriving at Mactan Departure Airport Watch Video.
 |
| Mactan airport Departure Area (Domestic) |
While waiting at the said spot, a certain quote strike me and it says: Be Honest... even if others do not... even if others can not... even if others will not... Which is specially true in real scenarios. I remember back then when this certain news aired that a common taxi driver returned this lost luggage of his passenger (foreigner) and it is such a nice, good news to hear specially in the morning.
 |
| on Gate 8, ready for departure |
 |
| Leaving Cebu... Bye Cebu! |
I was amazed by the site outside the plane (I was seating on row16B window seat). I really can not imagine how this brilliant map maker made our existing maps today. The drawings in the map was like that of the exact figure that was beaming to me on the exact island of Samar, Leyte and Bohol ( I knew that it was Leyte, remembering the exact curves and angles I pictured on my mind).
Entering Mindanao territory on air, I have noticed tons of clouds. It was raining that day before. And I captured that on my camera.
 |
| lovely cloud formation |
When the plane is about to land in Zamboanga, I have noticed this beautiful island Northeast of the city. I don't know what's the name of this shoal/island, but indeed it is lovely and nice. And I believe it has a very big potential as a tourist destination of the city.
 |
| Tictaun Island according to google map |
According to google map, this island is called Tictauan Shoal. There has been no datas, information or write ups about this island when I searched it over the net. Approaching Zamboanga Airport, watch Video.
 |
| Welcome to Zamboanga Airport |
I will truly miss Cebu. Be back anytime soon!!! Au Revoir!
