And I love Argao!

One of the best places for adventure a hungry-thirsty traveler could stow away is by visiting the splendid destination spots that Argao, Cebu can offer. This time, let us release the vagabond side of us and wander inside the beauty of the Southern part of Cebu, Philippines.

So backpackers and adventurers take a trip  and explore its's wonders. Surely, you can not help but say ,

"I love PHILIPPINES and I love ARGAO!"

- WELCOME IN ARGAO! -

The municipality of Argao is located at the southeastern portion of the province of Cebu, approximately 68 kilometers from Cebu City. Argao is exactly between Cebu City and the southern tip of the island (Santander). It is approximately 26km from Carcar, from Alcoy, and from Loon which is across the Bohol Strait. The rectangle that is Argao (approximately 20 X 40 km) is bounded, clockwise, in the west by Badian, Alcantara, Ronda, and Dumanjug; in the north by Sibonga; in the east by the Bohol Strait; and in the south by Dalaguete.

Aside from the Poblacion proper are 44 barangays which are, clockwise, Tulic, Bogo, Talaga, and Casay; then Balisong, Cambantug, Bala-as, and Linut-od; then Butong, Cansuje, and Tulang; then Anajao, Apo, Mompeller, Lengigon, Colawin, Gutlang, Langub, and Sumaguan; then Guiwanon, Taloot, Bulasa, Binlod, and Langtad. Inner barrios are Alambijud, Ubaub, Capio-an, Mandilikit, Mabasa, Jampang, then Usmad, Catang, Panadtaran, Jomgao, Talaytay, Canbanua, and Lamacan; and finally the southern group of Calagasan, Conalum, Tabayag, Lapay, Tiguib, and Bug-ot.

And here are the famous Argao delicacies that will surely delight your tastebuds ! :

Torta

It would always take us almost 2 hours to arrive in the place. I could hear my growling stomach yelling for food and water, and so for the rest of my family. We would stop by at the local Argao restaurant to fill-in our hungry elastic balloons in our body to go on with our trip and ride.  

One that really triggers my mouth to become watery was this native Argaoanon delicacy called, "Torta". This home-baked sweet giant cakes are really delicious and are invigorating for our senses. Thus, with satisfied stomach and all, we would all continue our trip towards my grandparent's house.

 

Suncake

This is a kind of cookie that is formed into various shapes like star, flower, or triangle. These are freshly baked that have consistent crispness and texture. This cookie is also considered as a staple food in every Argawanon's home, which is best when dipped into a hot choco drink.

Tableya

 

This is a kind of cookie that is formed into various shapes like star, flower, or triangle. These are freshly baked that have consistent crispness and texture. This cookie is also considered as a staple food in every Argawanon's home, which is best when dipped into a hot choco drink.

Tuba

Tuba, which a local wine derived from a coconut juice, is famous even before the Spanish times. It is produced after a fermentation process, which produces different classes like dawat, bahal, bahalina, and tinuig. The class differs according to the duration of fermentation, which varies from a day up to more than a year.

Argao's Historical Places that you can venture to:

St. Michael Parish Church 

We would not leave Argao  without a visit in the said church since it would always make our vacation complete. And being one of the oldest towns,  the well known church in Argao (the Saint Michael Parish Church, a rococo-baroque structure) is  considered to be one of the oldest ones in the country, As history claims, it was founded and constructed on the 17th of May 1734.   

Argao Pipe Organ

The organ is one of the highlights inside the parish church. It is centuries old, designed by a Mexican artist but hands-on by the fellow Argawanons. It has 700 pipes and capable to produce 22 different kinds of sounds. Among the 14 organs built during the Spanish periods, the Argao Pipe Organ is now one of the 3 remaining intact organs in the country.

Balay sa Tisa in Argao

Aside from its centuries old buildings, Argao also has several old houses found in the town center. Among it is the Balay Sa Tisa. Tisa means terracotta and clay roof tiles. It is the only remaining 18th century house that is still functional.

Puerta Marina 

The Puerta Marina was constructed in the 1700’s to protect the town from possible looters.  It serves as the main entrance from the sea to the charming town of Argao.

  Argao Hall of Justice 

The Argao Hall of Justice is an interesting fixture in Argao’s history.  It served as a military barracks during the olden times.  It has now been rehabilitated to function as the municipality’s hall of justice.

 Unity Plaza 

A very well maintained and well-restored plaza that it still 3 original cannons that date back to the late Spanish era and early American occupation.  It also features a well that served the Filipinos and the Spaniards alike during that significant era.

for those who are nature lovers ,you can venture these places here in Argao:

Riverstone Castle

Another place to indulge , authentic as it is, and the pride of Argao, The" Riverstone Castle". Since I had a chance to visit the Riverstone Castle of Argao, just last year, it really made me feel  like a princess: damsel in distress  . l.o.l! (feeler jd ui) .

Arriving at the entrance, you will find a small bridge and a real croc below and a two stone knights guarding. Its like a real castle. When you get inside, you will have to pay for the entrance P40. The Riverstone Castle also offers rooms at affordable rates so guests can spend a day or two at the castle. When you're really inside it, you will find yourself climbing up through spiral towers. Up stairs are a swimming pool and the guest rooms, and also on the other side were some sort of a little zoo which features exoctic animal like Rabbit,haha, just kidding. It does have a few. And it offers a great view of Argao's vacinity when your on top.

Argao Adventure Park

Here's another outdoor craze for nature lovers.Argao is not only known for the Giant Cave but it is also known with an adventure park. 

With only Php 10.00 for the entrance fee, this nature and adventure park could captivate one's mind. Be it for picnic, boating, wall climbing and rappelling, everybody would enjoy this exciting site here. Of course, each activity came with a price but it was still worth a try.

Foreseeable Destination Agta Cave( Mt. Lantoy)

Whoahh and this place really stands out! When we had our adventure trail in the said cave 4 years ago, our spirit became even more excited when we saw the whole picture of our destination. With all the rocky and unasphalted road plus its twists and turns and going uphill and downhill ride, we never gave up and still continued the ride.

This breathtaking scenery all captured our heart and set our mind to pursue our trip. Though the ride wasn't too fine and easy, our goal at that time was to reach what we had craved for so long. The air of adventure had just began.

 

Rice Terraces at Linut-od, Argao

Going there is quite tough. It’s a rough ride as the way is a mix of paved road & dirt road while streetlights are a rarity. But then we don't have to anticipate anymore for a trip in Banaue when we already have it here in Cebu,  The lush vegetation, scenic rice terraces & fresh air are definitely consolation enough though. 

 

Mountain Trekking without Water

Viola! And when we reached foot of the mountain but the adventure did not end there for we have to walk for approximately one and a half kilometer for us to reach the mouth of the cave. Of course, with our expert mountaineers with us, they gave us an overview and specific instructions and guidelines to follow for us to be safe on trekking and caving.

I could really say that the trek wasn't easy but it was challenging though. The road at first was but as we near the cave, it became narrower and narrower until it became a one-man way where your left-side was a deep cliff while the other was mountain side. It was a breathless and save-our-soul path where we need to watch our footing and focus on our way but of course, friends had a way to comfort each other eventhough we only had our 500 ml. of water at hand for the 5 of us, we managed to stay alive and keep up.

The Giant Cave invites Trekkers

     
This is the main opening of the cave. Though it may look very small, but the mouth opens at least 4-5 meters wide and 6-7 meters high. This was the time where the trekkers need to pay extra care for themselves for the cliff was really dangerous.

The Giant Cave was named "Balay sa Agta", by the locals believing that there was a mysterious giant and black creature who smoked tobacco who lived inside the cave for so many centuries.I was really in awe when I saw the cave and the adventurer spirit within me rose with great intensity mixed with curiosity and excitement. Of course, I could also see everyone acting the same way and it all pumped up our ego to venture more.

Looc Garden Beach Resort

It has been 2 consecutive years since we had a stay in this- known for it's romantic and quiet place with clean and clear blue water as well as fresh air, resort.
 

The Looc Garden Beach Resort is a nice sand beach and is a well-known place for its beauty in whole Cebu. The resort is just in front of the famous Mahayahay Beach. And even at high tide there is an opportunity to swim in the cool swimming pool. Tourists can also experience skim boarding.

Casay Reef

Casay  Reef is  an underwater sanctuary where nature thrives and supports an unparalleled variety of marine creatures where colorful reef fish crowd corals growing in the shallows while sharks and pelagics haunt the steep drop offs to the open sea. Divers shouldnt miss this!

 

Bugasok Falls

Hidden far deep in Argao’s mountain barangay called Conalum is the town’s majestic Bugasok Falls. A trip to this southern town in the province of Cebu would not be complete without a visit to the upland river that flows down a rocky cliff to create this rumbling water form in the heart of Argao.

The things you should include in your whole day itinerary: Bugasok Falls, view deck in the mountain (if you don’t mind some rough uphill ride) where you are afforded a view of the surrounding countryside, tablea factory (a local industry that involves roasting, grinding, and forming cacao beans into dark, bitter chocolate), weaving industry, torta making, old houses (some over 50 years old), and the walled pueblo (Spanish settlement with some of the original structures existing up to this day)

            
         So, why not wait for 2012,! Venture and experience the magnificient Argao!