Just before the school calendar starts to get packed with exams, quizzes, and projects, we decided to squeeze in a little family weekend escape. You know that sweet spot where schedules are still flexible, and the only thing you’re thinking about is where to go next? That was exactly what we needed.
Right after Francis’ class dismissal on a Friday afternoon, we hit the road and headed west of Cebu island – Balamban, here we come! But before that, we dropped off our fur baby, Cisqo, at the Pet Hotel. We weren’t really sure where we’d end up staying the next day, and not all hotels are pet-friendly. I felt a little guilty leaving him behind, but we needed this break.
We did a quick grocery stop for snacks, drinks, and those “just-in-case” essentials, then continued our drive. Halfway through, the air was already getting colder. We found a small carenderia somewhere in the highlands and stopped to eat dinner. The fog had started to roll in, and it was giving off that Baguio-ish vibe – super lamig!
After dinner, we continued to JVR Skyview Resort in Gaas, Balamban. It was around 7 PM when we arrived, and the wind was howling like crazy because of storm Dante and Crising. No joke, the gusts were so strong, we didn’t even try to explore outside. The room wasn’t air-conditioned, but we didn’t need one anyway. It was that cold. We didn’t even turn on the electric fan!
We slept early, or at least we tried to. Around 10 PM, we were woken up by the strong wind slamming outside, and then boom – blackout. The electricity got cut off, and everything went pitch-dark. It was a little creepy but also kind of a memorable moment, haha.
The next morning, we woke up at 6 AM. Still super cold, and everything outside was wet from the rain. Before breakfast, we decided to stroll around the resort. The place isn’t that big – probably just 10 minutes to walk around the whole area – but the view was beautiful. We crossed their colorful hanging bridge (yes, that trendy one you see all over social media) before heading back to our room to pack up.
Just across the resort was Buwakan ni Alejandra, so of course, we dropped by. The flowers! All the colors and arrangements were so therapeutic. I swear, I wish I had a garden even half as blooming as that. Maybe in another life.
After all the photo ops and flower admiration, we decided to go north. A quick stopover in Medellin for lunch, then off to Daanbantayan – a first for all of us. Last time we were in the North, we didn’t get the chance to explore that far.
We drove around for a while and ended up in Brgy. Maya but didn’t find any beachfront resort that we liked. Just when we were about to give up and head back to Medellin, we stumbled upon RPO Beach Resort. It wasn’t white sand, but the beachfront view and relaxing vibe made up for it. The place had a chill spot, a karaoke corner (yes, free!), and they could cook fresh food upon request. Their rooms were simple, but we slept comfortably. Definitely one of those hidden gems we’d love to revisit.
The next day, we woke up earlier than expected, had a quick dip in the ocean (bitin pero sulit), ate breakfast, and went off to our final stop – Banyan Spring in Tabogon.
Now, here’s the twist: we didn’t enjoy the spring that much. It was a Sunday, and the place was packed, and like really packed. The spring isn’t that big, so it’s best visited on a weekday. Also, surprisingly, it wasn’t freshwater; it was salty! (My bad, I didn’t do my research.) That was unexpected. We only stayed for about an hour before heading home.
We stopped by Danao’s tinap-anan for a quick lunch (perfect comfort food), then headed straight home. We had another thing planned that night, so we didn’t want to tire ourselves out completely.
It was a quick trip but full of new memories. A spontaneous weekend drive from the mountains to the northern tip of Cebu – cold winds, blackout stories, flower therapy, hidden beaches, and a salty spring. Not everything went as planned, but that’s what makes it an adventure, right?
‘Til the next escape.