Places: OSLOB, CEBU - Swimming with the Butandings (Whale Sharks)

One of my bucket list for the year 2016 was meeting and swimming with the Butandings (whale sharks) of Oslob, Cebu.

We travelled to Oslob, Cebu via a rented van at 5 am in the morning since the whale sharks can be seen only in the morning from 7 am to 10am. You can also catch the earliest bus ride from the South Bus Terminal to Barangay Tan-Awan at 3 am. 

The ride from Cebu City to Brgy. Tan-Awan, Oslob was about three (3) hours long. Whale shark watching is until 1 pm only (if the Butandings are still in the area). Usually side trip after this is in Tumalog Falls or going to Sumilon Island. However for more relaxed travel you can rent/hire a van (Php 5,000 for 5-6 persons) and have an option of buying lechon/chicharon in CarCar and other delicacies along the way (vice versa).

Our driver/tour guide drop and waited for us at Brumini Resort. After paying fees (Php 300 for whale shark watching/ Php 500 for swimming plus Php 50 resort fees and underwater camera for 30 minutes costs Php 600 - unlimited shots) and then brought us by a complimentary shuttle of the resort  to the Briefing Center where do's and don'ts were discussed.

The orientation was about the rules and regulations while watching/swimming at the site:

Each group's  (2 -4  persons) are allowed 30 mins of watching or swimming.

Distance from the whale shark should be 4 meters.

No flash photography as they're sensitive to light.

No to sunscreens or any body lotion.

After the briefing, we were guided to our boat and wear our life vests. They also handed the rented camera.  Please note that the interaction area was so near the shore. It did not take us long to meet the gentle giants of the sea. At first we were scared to jump into the water because of the their sizes. An adult whale shark can be as big as a bus in Edsa while the baby whale shark is huge as an L300 van. 

Once submerge in water, we were so scared that they might swallow us whole but our boatman assure us that they are harmless and human is not in their menu. We were so amazed of their size and gentleness while swimming around us though they smell fishy so better ready to have your own bar of soap to wash up at the resort. 

Our boatmen, alternately  took pictures of us like models posing under water requesting to remove our life vest for us to have a great picture.  At first we were hesitant to remove our vest but our boatman assured us they we are in good hands. And for these precious moments sake, we followed our boatman's instructions and strike a pose. I now understand how difficult to shoot models submerged in water. Its tiring but all worth it for a perfect shot for your cover photo.

After more than 30 minutes, we are all in awe because of this experience!  We keep saying to ourselves that this is the highlight of our vacation in  the queen city of the south.

I just hope that swimming with the gentle giants brings no serious harm's to them and our local government would strictly protect these wonderful creations of God for the future generations to see and enjoy.

Check out some of our pictures taken at this breathtaking experience with the Butandings (Whale Sharks):

Lifestyle: My Movie Review - Conjuring 2

Synopsis:

In 1977, paranormal investigators Ed (Patrick Wilson) and Lorraine Warren come out of a self-imposed sabbatical to travel to Enfield, a borough in north London. There, they meet Peggy Hodgson, an overwhelmed single mother of four who tells the couple that something evil is in her home. Ed and Lorraine believe her story when the youngest daughter starts to show signs of demonic possession. As the Warrens try to help the besieged girl, they become the next target of the malicious spirits.

My Review:

The Conjuring 2 was the Best Fun Horror film I've seen so far. I had a great time watching it with friends because everyone was laughing all through out the film. Though it was a good and better than its prequel.

Mr. James Wan made the film look different and not too scary but funny. It SFX was also mind blowing and the color was brilliant taking you back in the late 70's. The demon named VALEK (the nun) was so scary and terrifying. Definitely the film will take you on a thrilling fun ride and was worth watching with friends for great fun.

My ratings for this film is 7 out of 10 stars *******

Lifestyle: My Movie Review - WARCRAFT - The Beginning

Synopsis:

Looking to escape from his dying world, the orc shaman Gul'dan utilizes dark magic to open a portal to the human realm of Azeroth. Supported by the fierce fighter Blackhand, Gul'dan organizes the orc clans into a conquering army called the Horde. Uniting to protect Azeroth from these hulking invaders are King Llane, the mighty warrior Anduin Lothar (Travis Fimmel) and the powerful wizard Medivh. As the two races collide, leaders from each side start to question if war is the only answer.

My Review:

The film was composed almost entirely of computer-generated imagery (CGI).  Viewing it in 3D for me was amazing because its graphics was very much detailed. A bit over the top but it was interesting. However its beginning was slow with strange jargon names were introduce but as the story goes you will understand the whole story line.  

Generally, its was entertaining to watch the film and you don't need to play the game or be familiar with each character to appreciate it.  It is rated R-13 because of violence. 

I am pretty sure that this film will have its sequel since the subtitled  "The Beginning". Obviously, they are laying down some ground work for its next franchise.  I just hope that the next story would be more interesting and entertaining. My rating is 7 out of 10 *******

PEOPLE: JASON DERULO LIVE IN MANILA 2016

Last May 27, 2016, Award winning RnB artist Jason Derulo went to Manila for his first headlining concert which was held at the Mall of Asia Arena with his special guest former LMFAO member, Redfoo! It was another great concert party! Congratulations! :)

Below are some of the pictures taken at the said concert party: