My Bantayan escape!

Summer must have started here in the Philippines. Going out to beach is the best thing I have in mind when summer comes. I’m not an urban critter so I always look forward to spending my weekends, most especially during summer, in the beach or countryside. The summer sun is unsually hot. The beach is the best refuge to escape the sweltering heat of the summer tropical sun.

Cebu is nature, a land of surprise wonders. Forget about the monicker "queen city of the south" as it only refers to the bustling capital of the same name. Drop the word city from the overused nomicker and you will know hy Cebu is a great place to travel (never grew tired in my 5 yrs of stay so far!). The nature reigns in this tropical beautiful island. White sandy beaches. Lush mountains. Vardant hills and valleys. Undulating fertile farmlands. Paradisical coral islets. Magnificent coral reefs... and i could go on (^^)

I chose to spend my Holy Week vacation in Bantayan this year, not because I can eat meat there, but everybody here in Cebu is going there!

Bantayan is an option for those who find Boracay too expensive or too far. Bantayan is almost like Boracay less the commercialized atmosphere. Same powdery, white sand beaches, crystal clear waters which is ideal for snorkelling or diving. There are also caves and dive spots to visit.

Here are a few highlights of my vacation.

Budyong, place to be...

Since the place was jam packed when we arrived Thursday at Budyong Resort, we had no choice but to stay in my ever reliable tents like everyone else - yes, nature tripping at its best. (Rate: P300 per tent /day phew!)

Can you spot my tent?

Here are a few shots of the resort. The nipa huts, the coco trees, and the fabulous shoreline!
Life is a beach (^^)

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Party party party!

Budyong Resort has always been my home everytime I visit Bantayan during Holy Week. Why? of course, it is where the party is!

This year, Smart Communications, San Miguel, Club Pump and Numero Doce joint hands in giving an ultimate beach party and ahem, bikini fashion show. Kamikaze bottoms up!

It was a showdown of six-packs and oily bodies in skimpy bikinis hehehehe.

This guy stood out amongst the participants. He was such an audience teaser.

What can I say, he is such a sexy creature!

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Welcome to Santa Fe, Bantayan!

This is the scenery that will greet you as soon as you arrived in Sta. Fe.

Sta Fe's wet market. Fish and other sea foods are sold fresh and cheap!

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Holy Week Celebration in Bantayan

Contrary to the notion that Bantayan is having their Fiesta on Holy Week.

I have always been fascinated with churches. Here's bantayan pride.

Holy Friday procession is well attended not just by the locals but for tourist too.

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In a rush

Easter Sunday, everbody's scrambling to get a ride back home.

As you can see these men are entering from the window to make sure they'll get a seat on the bus. This is a typical scene in Hagnaya Bus Terminal after Holy Week back to Cebu City.

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Alot of people find Bantayan an unforgettable place and always keep on coming back. I sure wish I could also do the same.

Budyong Resort, Sta. Fe
Bantayan Island
Cebu, Philippines
Summer 2007

Michelle Montenegro