Welcome to Travelers Couch...

More than the usual traveling and making memories all over the world. Travel Reviews, Photos and more.

Moevenpick Hotel, Mactan Island, Cebu, Philippines

A five-star Mediterranean-inspired beachfront hotel that combines a true lifestyle experience, cool vibe and relaxed chill out spaces.

Manhattan, New York City, USA

Traveler's Couch shares to you the top tourist attractions in this concrete jungle where dreams are made of - New York City!

New 7 Wonders of Nature: Underground River and Puerto Princesa City's Other Wonders

The Cleanest and Safest City in the Philippines, behold the beauty of Puerto Princesa City with it's Undergound River proclaimed as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. Experience Honda Bay Island Hopping, Balayong Festival, City Tour and more!

Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia - Truly Asia!

Formerly known as Jesselton and now often referred as 'KK' within the country and internationally, Kota Kinabalu is a popular destination for most travelers visiting Sabah and Borneo region, offering so much of Malaysian attractions...

FUNtastic Gibitngil Island, Medellin, Cebu, Philippines

Cliff Diving? Beach Zipline? Kayaking? Well, you can experience these in this newly discovered Tourist Destination in Northern Cebu - Funtastic Island in Gibitngil Island, Medellin, Cebu, Philippines! Read my review about the place, the rates, how to get there, etc.

Boracay Island Escapade

Get some sun-kissed skin within this beautiful paradise found in Aklan, Philippines. Named as one of the Best Beach and Island Destination in the World by known Travel Magazines and Sites, Boracay Island's White Beach tops on my list!

Discover the Beauty of Bohol

Chocolate Hills, Tarsier, Prony the Python, Loboc River, Panglao Island - everything in one place, Bohol, Philippines! Discover the beauty of one of Central Visayas' top tourist destination with lots of eco-adventure as well. See my shots!

Sinulog Festival, Cebu City, Philippines

One of the Grandest Festival not just in the Philippines but in South East Asia - Cebu City's Sinulog Festival! The Queen City of the South welcomed thousands of visitors from different parts of the world just to experience this one-of-a-kind event in the Philippines!

Showing posts with label Photography. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Photography. Show all posts

November 28, 2014

A Visit to the Historic State of Virginia, USA featuring Richmond City, The Pentagon, State Capitol and More!



Traveler's Couch shares to you some of the photos taken during a summer visit to the state of Virginia, USA - featuring its historic capital city Richmond, the US Pentagon, State Capitol and more!
(Please click the photo to enlarge or view in High Resolution)

October 28, 2014

Day Tour in Sumilon Island Bluewater Resort - Oslob, Cebu, Philippines (Photos, Rate Details and More)



 A secluded paradise situated just off the south eastern tip of mainland Cebu - Sumilon Island is one of the reasons to enjoy MORE of your visit in Cebu, Philippines. The island is managed by Sumilon Bluewater Resort, the sister resort of well-known Maribago Bluewater Resort in Mactan, Cebu. This is more than the usual Philippine island as it offers white sand beaches (with sand bar), a lagoon for kayaking, lighthouse with scenic view, hiking trail with amazing panoramic view and infinity pools that overlook the beautiful island of Cebu. It can be reached from Cebu City by car with 3-hour drive or public bus transportation with around 3 & half travel time, and then a 20-30 minute boat ride (provided by the resort) going to the island.

September 11, 2014

I Choose CHICAGO: A Visit to the "Windy City" of America!



A mutlicultural city that buzzes with energy and excitement, that's how people define Chicago, Illinois. One of the international hub of USA (O'Hare International Airport being the second-busiest airport in the world), Chicago is the most-visited city in America's Midwest region due to its world-class dining, shopping, entertainment, accommodation and sports experience.

Traveler's Couch shares to you some of the major attractions of America's "Windy City".
Please click below photos to enlarge or view in high resolution.

August 5, 2014

5 Reasons why you should visit OSLOB in CEBU, PHILIPPINES!



Traveler's Couch shares to you 5 Reasons why you should visit one of Cebu, Philippines' promising towns - Oslob which is known for the Whale Shark Viewing adventure, iconic structures (Oslob Church, The Ruins) and wonders of nature (Tumalog Falls).


1) Budget-friendly Destination!

Yes it is! You can explore the town of Oslob without worrying too much of the expense - visiting most of the attractions are actually (or almost) for FREE! Below are some of the rates you might consider when traveling to this town (rates are subject to change, these are just estimations as of this writing):

- Rountrip Bus Fare via Ceres Bus (Airconditioned) - USD 7 / Php 290
departing South Bus Terminal in Cebu City to Oslob Town Proper.

- Accommodation, choose from USD 16 / Php 700 to USD 35 / Php 1,500 per room per night
You can stay in "Payag ni Sebastian" having above room rates (rooms good for 2 persons only, excess will have additional USD 4.60 / Php 200 per head). It's a mid-type accommodation which offers regular room size. WHY STAY HERE? This is just situated at the town proper so most of your needs are just within reach (few walks away). PLUS, you'll have that infinity pool (refer to below photos, click to enlarge) for a good afternoon or night swimming.

PHOTO: Oslob Accommodation - Payag ni Sebastian's Infinity Pool
PHOTO: Oslob Accommodation - Payag ni Sebastian's Infinity Pool
PHOTO: Oslob Accommodation - Payag ni Sebastian's Infinity Pool
PHOTO: Oslob Accommodation - Payag ni Sebastian's Infinity Pool

- Food, ranges from USD 1.50/ Php 50 to USD 5 / Php 200 per meal
When staying in Oslob town proper, expect more of a Cebuano cuisine, known by locals as "Carinderia". The food expense would really depends on your cravings, whether more of meat or seafoods or a typical Filipino meal. USD 2.74 / Php 120 is already a good meal rate when eating in a Carinderia.

- Attractions' Fees
Below are the entrance fees or charges for the spots you can visit in Oslob (as of June 2014):
*Oslob Town Proper Attractions - FREE (Church, The Ruins, Town Plaza, Bayside)
*Tumalog Falls Entrance Fee (per person) - USD 0.50 / Php 20
*Whale Shark Watching (per person) - USD 12 / Php 500 for Local Tourist, USD 35 / Php 1500 for Foreign Tourist
*Sumilon Island Sandbar Visit (per group) - USD 35 / Php 1500 boat rental (unconfirmed)


July 6, 2014

Fall in Love with Cebu, Philippines' Kawasan Falls!



Considered by Yahoo! Travel + Leisure as one of the World's Most Beautiful Waterfalls, Kawasan Falls is a must-visit destination in the beautiful island of Cebu, Philippines. With its overly fresh, clean, rushing ice cool water, Kawasan Falls is just one of the scenic spots in southern part of Cebu in the town of Badian. It has 3 major water falls that you can enjoy, each having its own distinctive ambience and view.


HOW TO GET THERE?

Take a bus from Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT) in Cebu City that is heading or shall pass through Matutinao Church in Matutinao, Badian, Cebu. As of June 2014, the regular bus fare (Cebu City to Matutinao, Badian, Cebu) will cost Php 125.00 for this 3-hour bus ride (depends on the traffic & weather, usually it's just around 3hours). You may have to inform the driver or bus staff ahead that you are heading to Kawasan Falls for your own travel convenience. Once you arrive in Matutinao Church in Matutinao, Badian, Cebu - follow the trail that leads to the falls (around 30-45minute walk).


WHAT TO SEE?

Traveler's Couch shares to you in photos the different parts of Kawasan Falls in Badian, Cebu, Philippines.
(Please click the photo to enlarge or view in high resolution)


THE FIRST PART


PHOTO: Kawasan Falls - Badian, Cebu, Philippines
PHOTO: Kawasan Falls - Badian, Cebu, Philippines 
PHOTO: Kawasan Falls - Badian, Cebu, Philippines


THE SECOND PART


PHOTO: Kawasan Falls - Badian, Cebu, Philippines 
PHOTO: Kawasan Falls - Badian, Cebu, Philippines 
 PHOTO: Kawasan Falls - Badian, Cebu, Philippines


June 28, 2014

Good Morning Osmeña Peak: Stunning Photos of Cebu, Philippines' Highest Point!




With an altitude that stands approximately 1000 meters above sea level, Osmeña Peak is considered the highest peak in Cebu, Philippines. With its unique mountain range and pointed peaks (which is very different from other Philippine mountains), Osmeña Peak is one of the tourist attractions in southern Cebu which is perfect for those starters in mountain climbing and photographers also who love landscape photography. From here, one can actually trek down to Cebu's iconic natural wonder "Kawasan Falls" in Badian - so better yet plan ahead for a good weekend trip on these jam-packed destinations.

Traveler's Couch shares to you photos of Osmena Peak in Dalaguete, Cebu, Philippines.
(Please click the photo to enlrage or view in high resoution)


SUNRISE VIEW - OSMEÑA PEAK, CEBU, PHILIPPINES

PHOTO: Sunrise - Osmeña Peak, Cebu, Philippines
PHOTO: Sunrise - Osmeña Peak, Cebu, Philippines 
PHOTO: Sunrise - Osmeña Peak, Cebu, Philippines
PHOTO: Panoramic View of Sunrise - Osmeña Peak, Cebu, Philippines

January 10, 2014

Rhode Island, USA: A Visit to America's Smallest State ft. Newport Mansions


Considered as the smallest state in America (in terms of area. yes, smaller than Hawaii), Rhode Island is situated in the New England region of the United States. The state's official nickname is "Ocean State" based from its geography that has large bays and inlets.

Traveler's Couch made a visit to one of the tourist attractions of Rhode Island - The Breakers. Built in an Italian Renaissance style, it is a Vanderbilt mansion located on Ochre Point Avenue, Newport as a summer home of Cornelius Vanderbilt II, a member of the wealthy US Vanderbilt family.

You may refer to below photos during the visit and explore the wonders of this small yet amazing state.
(Click photo to enlarge)

The Claiborne Pell Newport Bridge - Rhode Island, USA

One of the Mansions in Newport, Rhode Island, USA

The Breakers - Vanderbilt Mansion in Newport, Rhode Island,  USA

The Breakers - Vanderbilt Mansion in Newport, Rhode Island,  USA

One of the mansions in Newport, Rhode Island,  USA

The Breakers - Vanderbilt Mansion in Newport, Rhode Island,  USA

The Breakers - Vanderbilt Mansion in Newport, Rhode Island,  USA

One of the churches in Newport, Rhode Island,  USA

Sunset view in Newport, Rhode Island,  USA
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December 14, 2013

Cebu Sinulog 2014: Philippines' Grandest Festival (Schedule of Activities, Photos, Updates and More)



Cebu's Sinulog Festival will be Philippines' Grandest and Biggest festivity to start the year with hope and bright colors despite of the calamities that struck central part of the country. An annual festival held every third Sunday of January,  Sinulog Festival commemorates Filipino people's acceptance for Roman Catholicism, also to celebrate and honor the miraculous image of Santo Niño. A month-long celebration that features street parade with participants in bright colored costumes, along with the loud beat of the drums, trumpets and native gongs, participated not only by the Cebuanos (people of Cebu) but also from other parts of the country (groups from Luzon, Neighboring island in Visayas & Mindano). Approximately 4 Million people (locals & tourists) joined last year's festivity making the whole event a successful one. So book your flight now to Cebu, celebrate with us and CHEERS for Sinulog Festival 2014!

Schedule of Events for Sinulog Festival 2014 in Cebu City, Philippines (*Tentative)
- Credits to philnews.ph -

The events from December 1, 2013 – January 31, 2014

    December 1, 2013 – January 31, 2014 Sinulog Street Fair, Osmena Blvd.
    December 30, 2013 Sinulog Fun Run

    January 9, 2014 (Thursday) — Opening Salvo: Walk with Jesus
    4:00 a.m.          Assembly Time (Area) Venue: Fuente Osmena
    4:30 a.m.          Start of Walk from Fuente Osmena Blvd. to Basilica del Sto. Nino
    5:30 a.m.          Installation of Hermano and Hermana Mayores 2014

    January 10, 2014 (Friday) — Sinulog 2014 Kickoff
    2:00 p.m. Solemn Mass (Venue: Basilica del Sto. Nino)
    3:00 p.m. Launching Parade (Venue: Basilica del Sto. Nino to Cebu City Sports Center)
    7:00 p.m. Opening and Launching Program, Venue: Fuente Osmena
    8:00 p.m. Sinulog Idol (Venue: Fuente Osmena Circle)
    9:00 p.m. Street Party Bands

    January 11, 2014 (Saturday) — Sinulog sa Kabataan – Lalawigan
(Sinulog sa Kabataan - performed by the youths of Cebu a week before the grand parade, Lalawigan means participants from the Province area of Cebu)
    1:00 p.m. Parade of Participants, Venue: Capitol Site to Cebu City Sports Center
    2:00 p.m. Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan, Venue: Cebu City Sports Center
    6:30 p.m. Cultural Show (Venue: Fuente Osmena)
    7:00 p.m. Ms Cebu 2014 Presentation, Venue at Ayala Activity Center
    8:00 p.m. Sinulog Idol (Venue: Fuente Osmena Circle)
    9:00 p.m. Concert at the Fuente O, Street Party Bands

    January 12, 2014 (Sunday) — Sinulog sa Kabataan – Dakbayan
(Sinulog sa Kabataan - performed by the youths of Cebu a week before the grand parade, Dakbayan means participants from Cebu City area)
    4:00 a.m. Cebu City 2014 Marathon — http://www.cebumarathon.com
    1:00 p.m. Parade of Participants, Venue: Plaza Independencia to Cebu City Sports Center
    2:00 p.m. Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan, Venue: Cebu City Sports Center
    6:00 p.m. Grand Finals of Sinulog Choral Competition
    6:30 p.m. Cultural Show (Venue: Fuente Osmena)
    8:00 p.m. Sinulog Idol (Venue: Fuente Osmena Circle)
    9:00 p.m. Concert at the Fuente O, Street Party Bands

    January 13, 2014 (Monday)
    6:30 p.m. Cultural Show (Venue: Fuente Osmena)
    8:00 p.m. Sinulog Idol (Venue: Fuente Osmena)
    9:00 p.m. Concert at the Fuente O, Street Party Bands

    January 14, 2014 (Tuesday)
    6:30 p.m. Cultural Show (Venue: Fuente Osmena)
    8:00 p.m. Sinulog Idol (Venue: Fuente Osmena)
    9:00 p.m. Concert at the Fuente O, Street Party Bands

    January 15, 2014 (Wednesday)
    9:00 a.m. Airport Welcome (Balikbayan Flights, Mactan Cebu International Airport)
    6:30 p.m. Cultural Show (Venue: Fuente Osmena)
    7:00 p.m. Ms Cebu 2014 Coronation Night, Venue: Waterfront Lahug Hotel
    8:00 p.m. Sinulog Idol (Venue: Fuente Osmena)
    9:00 p.m. Concert at the Fuente O, Street Party Bands

    January 16, 2014 (Thursday)
    9:00 a.m. Airport Welcome (Balikbayan Flights, Mactan Cebu International Airport)
    6:00 p.m. Balik Cebu, Welcome Party at Ayala Center Cebu
    6:30 p.m. Cultural Show (Venue: Fuente Osmena)
    Sinulog Festival Queen Runway Competition and Photoshoot
    8:00 p.m. Sinulog Idol Grand Finals (Venue: Fuente Osmena)
    Handumanan at Ayala Terraces
    9:00 p.m. Concert at the Fuente O, Street Party Bands

    January 17, 2014 (Friday) — Visual Merchandising Contest (Dept. Stores and Malls)
    4:00 a.m. Walk with Mary from Fuente Osmena to Sto. Nino
    9:00 a.m. Solidarity Meeting (All competing contingent/Floats/Higante/Puppeteers) at Cebu City Sports Center gym
    6:00 p.m. Sinulog Dance Crew and Musicfest Grand Finals, Cebu City Sports Center
    7:30 p.m. Sinulog Festival Queen 2014, Venue: Cebu City Sports Center
    8:00 p.m. Cebu Popular Music Festival, Venue: Cebu Coliseum

    January 18, 2014 (Saturday)
    6:00 a.m. Fluvial Procession of the Miraculous Image of Sto. Nino (Venue: Cebu City Bay Area to Mactan Channel, near Mactan Old Bridge)
    9:00 a.m. Reenactment of the Baptism of Queen Juana and Rajah Humabon — Basilica del Sto. Nino
    2:00 p.m. Solemn Procession of the Miraculous Image of Sto. Nino
    7:00 p.m. Street Party at Fuente Osmena and Plaza Independencia
    8:00 p.m. Kasadya Nite Mardi Gras at Ayala Center Cebu
    9:00 p.m. Musicfest Grand Finals

    January 19, 2014 (Sunday) — SINULOG GRAND PARADE (Main Event)
    4:00 a.m. Mananita Mass at Basilica del Sto. Nino
    6:00 a.m. Pontifical Mass with His Eminence Ricardo J. Cardinal Vidal
    9:00 a.m. Sinulog Grand Parade Carousel Kickoff
    7:00 p.m. Grand Finale and Grand Fireworks, Venue: Cebu City Sports Center
    7:30 p.m. Street Party Bands, Venue: Fuente Osmena

    January 20, 2014 (Monday)
    1:00 p.m. Awarding Ceremonies, Venue: Cebu City Sports Center

    January 24, 2014 (Friday) — Hubo
    4:00 a.m. Hubo Mass Ritual at Basilica del Sto. Nino

    January 25, 2014 (Saturday)
    1:00 p.m. Screening of Finalists for Short Film/Video Documentary Contest
    Sinulog 2013 Photo Contest Winners Exhibits
    6:00 p.m. Awarding Ceremonies Photo Contest and Video Documentary Contect at SM City Cebu

    February 3 – February 10, 2014 — Photo Exhibits “Winning Photos Sinulog 2014″at SM City Cebu


PHOTOS: A Glimpse of SINULOG 2013







MORE UPDATES TO COME!

January 23, 2012

Sinulog 2012: Street Dancing + Party

Here are my shots of the Grandest Festival in the Philippines: Sinulog Festival 2012 in Cebu, Philippines (my dear hometown) held last January 15, 2012. Shots taken during the Grand Parade/Street Dancing. Just got a Free Pass after registering to the Sinulog 2012 Photo Contest (decided not to submit any entries because i don't have RAW files to present since most of my shots are taken in JPEG format already). Streets were closed from public/private vehicles just to give way to the celebration. Roughly 3 Million devotees joined this year's event. This is the first ever Sinulog Festival where I used a SLR to capture amazing dancers with great props & costumes. I also shared these photos publicly in my facebook account, a bit happy from my friends' feedbacks. I used a Nikon D5000 here, with 50mm f/1.8 Nikkor Lens. Hope you'll enjoy below shots! Til' next year CEBU!