I Heart Travels

 Spiritual Haven: Exploring the Sto. Nino Church Nestled beside the famous Magellan's Cross, the Sto. Nino Church stands as a beacon of faith and devotion in the heart of the Philippines. This remarkable church attracts both tourists and devotees alike, offering a serene space for prayer, candle lighting, and even a moment of relaxation with a quick massage. Join me as I recount my visit to this sacred place and marvel at its open and inviting atmosphere.   The Sto. Nino Church holds immense religious significance in the Philippines. As the oldest Catholic church in the country, it is home to the revered statue of the Sto. Nino, a representation of the child Jesus. The church's historical and cultural importance draws countless visitors, both locals and tourists, seeking solace and spiritual connection. Stepping inside, I was immediately captivated by the tranquil ambiance and the sense of reverence that permeated the air.   Within the ...

A Dream Come True: Exploring the Enchanting Magellan Cross Have you ever had a dream destination that felt like a distant fantasy? For me, that dream was visiting the renowned Magellan Cross. After years of reading about its historical significance in books, I finally had the opportunity to experience this iconic landmark firsthand. Join me as I recount my unforgettable journey to this enchanting site, filled with gratitude, prayers, and a newfound appreciation for the patience required to make dreams come true.   As I stood before the Magellan Cross, a surge of gratitude washed over me. The significance of this historical site, which I had only read about in books, was now tangible and awe-inspiring. The cross, planted by Ferdinand Magellan himself in 1521, symbolized the arrival of Christianity in the Philippines. It was a humbling experience to witness a piece of history that had shaped the cultural and religious landscape of the country.   In the pr...

Cebu Heritage Site 2023 - Unveiling the Secrets of an Enigmatic Statue   Nestled within the historical city of Cebu, Philippines, lies a small heritage site that holds a significant statue, shrouded in mystery and intrigue. As a visitor to this site, I embarked on a journey to unravel the secrets hidden within the statue, only to find myself longing for a guide to decipher its meaning. While the site offers a glimpse into Cebu's rich history, the lack of informative texts or instructions leaves tourists feeling disconnected. Additionally, the non-touristy neighborhood and the persistent street vendors further dampen the overall experience. Join me as I share my thoughts on this enigmatic heritage site and the challenges it presents to curious explorers.   The centerpiece of the Cebu Heritage Site is an imposing statue that stands as a testament to the city's past. However, without a guide or informative signage, the statue's significance and historic...

Cordova Cebu Bridge - A Majestic Sea Crossing   Nestled in the beautiful province of Cebu, Philippines, the Cordova Cebu Bridge stands tall as the longest sea crossing bridge in the country. As a recent visitor to this architectural marvel, I was fortunate to experience a smooth and breathtaking ride across the bridge, accompanied by a picture-perfect sunset backdrop. The Cordova Cebu Bridge is truly a gem that adds to the pride of the local Cebuano community.   One of the first things that struck me about the Cordova Cebu Bridge was the seamless ride it offered. The well-designed infrastructure and excellent road conditions made the journey incredibly smooth. As the car glided across the bridge, I couldn't help but marvel at the engineering feat that had been accomplished. It was a testament to the careful planning and execution of the project.   The Cordova Cebu Bridge not only provides a convenient transportation route but also offers a stunning backdrop fo...

Title: 10000 Roses Cebu 2023 - A Disappointing Tourist Trap   During our recent trip to Cebu, we stumbled upon 10000 Roses, a Korean-owned cafe located by the wharf. This tourist attraction boasted of 10,000 LED white roses that changed colors, creating a visually captivating experience. However, our visit to this cafe turned out to be a dud, leaving us disappointed and underwhelmed.   The main selling point of 10000 Roses is undoubtedly the LED roses that adorn the cafe's grounds. From a distance, the sight of thousands of roses glowing in various colors is indeed mesmerizing. It's an impressive sight to behold, especially for first-time visitors. However, the novelty quickly wears off, and the lack of maintenance becomes apparent.   Upon closer inspection, we noticed that many of the LED roses were not turned on, suggesting that they were no longer functioning. This lack of attention to detail detracted from the overall experience. Additionally, ...

Bohol After our Cebu City tour, we took the 2-hour boat ride from Cebu port to Tagbilaran port via Ocean Jet. We went to Cebu Bohol Marine Terminal around 4 in the morning and bought our tickets there. You can check the daily trips and ticket prices on their website - http://oceanjet.net/. Although our ferry ride was delayed, I was entertained by the in-house movie shown on a big flat TV screen on the deck. It was still dark when we boarded, so we couldn't see the view from our window seat because we were inside. The waves were not that big. It was my first time riding a ferry, and all my fears disappeared when I tried riding Ocean Jet. We arrived at Tagbilaran port around 9 in the morning, and our driver, Kuya Hansel, was already waiting for us. He brought his car with him, and we started our Bohol countryside tour. 1. BLOOD COMPACT SITE The first sight we visited was this famous Sandugo site. Monuments were built with a picturesque background. Our guide, Kuya Hansel, told us that...

Exploring the Enchanting Sirao Garden in Cebu City   When it comes to exploring the vibrant city of Cebu, there are numerous attractions that captivate the hearts of tourists. One such gem is the breathtaking Sirao Garden. During my recent visit to Cebu in 2023, this enchanting garden became the highlight of my city tour. In this blog entry, I will share my unforgettable experience and why I believe Sirao Garden deserves an extended visit.   As our tour group arrived at Sirao Garden, I was immediately struck by the vibrant colors and artistic sculptures that adorned the landscape. The garden seemed to come alive with a riot of flowers in full bloom, creating a mesmerizing sight that was a feast for the eyes. The meticulously crafted installations added a touch of whimsy, making it a truly unique destination.   One of the reasons why Sirao Garden stands out is the stunning panoramic views it offers. Nestled amidst the rolling hills of Ce...