Alona beach

I found a quieter spot on Alona beach. This was in front on Hennan resort. We didn't stay there but we sat on the beach since it's a public space and they can't kick you out ;)

The water was shallow on this spot. We kept walking from the main entrance of Alona beach. Of course we passed by all the vendors first before getting here. Everyone was selling something or offering massage on the beach.

This was the only quiet spot. Just explored the rocks here and took photos.

The water was clear and shallow. Perfect for goofing around.

I love the free things in life.

And I love being near the ocean. It provides an automatic calmness and ease. We spent a few hours just sitting here and looking at the water. It was bliss!

It's almost December 1st, did you start Christmas shopping? Are you ready for the holidays?

 

What I Ate: Jollibee

We found a Jollibee walking fistance from our hotel in Cebu. A has never had Jollibee food before so I made him walk to the restaurant with me. I was so excited!!! 

Jollibee is a popular fast food chain much like Mcdonald's. They have their own mascot and they have the popular chicken joy (fried chicken) and jolly spaghetti.

Even the Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau knows the first stop when you arrive in the Philippines is Jollibee! I was so happy when I saw all the photos of him interacting with staff and other patron's inside Jollibee. He's so nice and friendly. He is definitely popular in the Philippines.

I ordered the two most famous dishes in their menu. The jolly spaghetti is Filipino style pasta. It has a sweet tomato sauce. If you're not used to eating it then it will taste weird. But growing up and going to birthday parties in the Philippines - this is a staple to any party.

A ordered the burger steak with rice and spring rolls. It was not that great. He ended up stealing my food instead. 

I am waiting for Jollibee to open a restaurant in Toronto. I've been hearing rumors of the opening this year but that hasn't happened. I hope next year we will finally have one but I'm sure the line will be very long as many Filipinos will be there longing for nostalgia and a taste of home. 

I just hope it will taste the same.

15 Random Obervations of Hong Kong

It was my first time visiting Hong Kong and here are my random observations.
You can read about my random observations series here.

1. Great transportation. The MTR is clean and efficient. 
2. They use barriers for passengers for the MTR trains.
3. They use bamboo poles on construction sites.
4. No one ever gives out napkins so you have to carry around your own tissues.
5. The stores will sell winter clothes in 30 degree weather.
6. They have double decker street cars.
7. Watch out for air conditioner drip of water while you are walking on sidewalks.
8. And everyone blasts the air conditioner so you will freeze when you go inside buildings.
9. Recycling and garbage pick up happens at night.
10. Expensive real estate.
11. Cheap food though.
12. Consists of many islands.
13. Cheap taxi's.
14. Awesome shopping and you can go to night markets as well.
15. The milk tea is amazing!!!

Balicasag Island

Part of our boat tour was stopping at Balicasag Island for snorkeling. We decided to bring our own snorkels for the tour. You can also rent it there but honestly, it's so cheap to buy it in Panglao if you forget to bring your own from home.

I bought mine at Pacifica Dive shop. It was close to our hotel and the staff there were so friendly and helpful. They took the time to help me shop and also gave me a discount.

 All the little boats gathering on the snorkeling spot

Our boat docked at the island and we were greeted by the locals. Our captain dropped us off at the restaurant and you can chose to order food or just use the restaurant to relax. They also have change rooms/washrooms for tourists.  

The food and drinks at the restaurant is more expensive so bringing your own food/snacks comes in handy if you want to save some money.

I talked to my snorkeling guide in Tagalog and he was able to tell me about the island. He said that the population of the island is about 1,000 and they have 120 homes. Electricity only works a couple of hours a day. 

They make money by doing tours, selling food and pearl jewellery. His wife was one of the vendors for pearls and I bought earrings from her.

There was a lot of little kids on the island and I had a bag of chocolates with me that I gave away. They were so cute and polite. I wish I had more chocolates and other toys to give them. If I had known then I would have been more prepared. 

Will definitely bring more things for the kids next time I go there.

Our guide took us snorkeling using a little wooden boat. We had 5 people on that boat including our guide. I asked for a life jacket because I'm not the best swimmer. 

It was really crowded on the reef that we went to. Our guide was the best and helped me move around because we were in a sea of people literally. He took me around and I was a bit nervous at first but I started enjoying snorkeling. I trusted him with my life. Plus I was also wearing a life jacket, haha.

My partner was the one taking pictures of me. 

I was really happy to see the corals and all the fish. I was expecting more school of fish but maybe they got scared of all the tourists there (including us). Mmm..makes me want to learn how to dive. Should I do it? 

 In love with this dog. So sweet! This dog was acting like he doesn't know me in this picture (which is like my bf, but totally in love with me ;) )

After over an hour, we went back to the island. You also have the option of paying extra to see the turtles on the island. We decided to just walk around the island before going back to our boat.