10 reasons why we HEART Negros Oriental

1. Dumaguete City
While it is very evident how the city openly welcomes change and development, we just love the fact that it has continuously nurtured the things, food, places and practices that have always attracted visitors to its shores and have made most of them claim the city as their new home.

2. Rizal Boulevard
It is amazing to see how Dumaguetenos openly profess their love for their boulevard by never failing to show up there for an afternoon walk, a picnic with their family, or a tempurahan gimik with their friends despite the continuous mushrooming of new hang-out places in the area. We think that nothing could ever replace the spot it holds in the hearts of Dumaguete locals, no matter how developed their city becomes.

3. Cheap Food
We love that even the fanciest restaurants at the heart of the city offer great food at very reasonable prices. Boston Market definitely tops our list of recommended restaurants when it comes to sumptuous yet very affordable meals. Also, let’s not forget the silvannas. This melt-in-your-mouth-not-in-your hands sweet treat that has been a favorite among the locals for three decades now, truly melts the heart at every bite. It could even make non-sweet lovers a saccharine convert in no time.

4. Kookoo’s Nest
This is definitely the perfect place for anyone who loves to have some time away from the busy crowd and the pressures of work. The intense calmness of the place just forces one to relax. And as we found out, giving your nerves some off time could actually be a pleasant experience.

5. Tempurahan
This line of tempura kiosks along Rizal Boulevard is a perfect post-gimik hang-out, especially when depression starts to kick in after a round of alcoholic drinks. We think that street food is definitely the ultimate comfort food for Filipinos, no matter which part of the country we’re from. This would surely stop one from jumping over the seawall to drown his sorrows in the vast expanse of Dumaguete Bay.

6. The people
Many Dumaguetenos, though known to be gentle people, are a bit snobbish as we observed. But there were some remarkable ones who definitely gave us some great TLC. The waitresses at Le Chalet were always on stand by beside our table to promptly hand us a new bottle of beer and a good chat. The staff at Hoy Lugaw/Classroom simply did their best to meet our needs—they even allowed us to leave our bags there for two nights while we visited Antulang. The tricycle driver, who drove me from the airport to our lodging house, did his best to point out some of the popular places in the city upon learning that it was my first time in Dumaguete. Reynante, our habal-habal driver in Antulang, was also very generous in giving us trivia about the place and even took us to a look-out point to get a bird’s eyeview of Tambobo Bay.

7. Payag Jam
It has Malibu, vodka, pineapple juice and lots of crushed ice. It is served in a big mayonnaise bottle. And it only costs 100 pesos. You drink it in a lovely payag, with reggae music in the background. How could we not heart it? We just wish it would come with a bigger straw.

8. Water Refilling Stations
Why get those expensive water bottles from the grocery when you can easily get one from a water vendo machine anytime? Why don’t we have this in Manila?

9. Apo Island
One does not need to be a diver to appreciate the beauty of this island. Just from the surface one can enjoy the picture perfect view of the ocean while basking in the sun. The rich marine life is definitely something to be experienced as well.

10. Ukay-ukay
Ukay-ukay is also very popular in Dumaguete. A tricycle driver took us to the grand ukay-ukay tiangge in the city. It’s located right in front of the Evangelical Church along North Road in Barangay Piapi. We went there on a Saturday, which seems to be the designated delivery day for new arrivals. The clothes come in giant sacks, categorized by the type of garments (tops, pants, etc…). It was really surprising to see how the ukay-ukay phenomenon has taken over most parts of the country, and quite shocking to find some 40 to 50ish local females, looking quite conservative and a bit ordinary, checking out red lace thongs.

APO ISLAND, Negros Oriental

APO ISLAND is situated just off the south coast of Negros. It’s known to be a diver’s paradise as it has a very rich marine life. For the non-divers, snorkelling can equally be as enjoyable. The island has well-preserved sanctuaries and the crystal clear water makes it easier to sight turtles and different kinds of fishes. For the on-foot explorers, the island is surrounded by hills that are not too hard to hike (less than 200 steps). The hike is definitely worth it as the view is simply enigmatic. From the top of the island, the ocean floor breaks into different hues of blue. Although it doesn’t have the long stretch of white powder-like sand along the shore, the life-size rocks and the spread of crushed corals makes up for it. The island has a small village, where around 200-300 locals reside, whom majority of them are farmers and fishermen. A generator powers the whole island, so electricity is scheduled all through out the day. Having no electricity in the Island most times makes you appreciate nature more as there won't be any distractions, it'll keep you focused.






























































































Turtle Sanctuary












Fish Sanctuary











How to get there?

From Dumaguete City, hire a tricycle for 200-300 pesos or a van for 1,500-2,000 pesos to take you to Malatapay Market (drop-off point to Apo Island).The trip is approximately 30-40 minutes. From Malatapay Market, take an out-rigger boat for about 570 pesos(round trip) to Apo Island, travel time is approximately 45 minutes to an hour depending on the weather.

Where to stay?

Liberty Resort
Dorm Type- 300 pesos a night
Standard/Double Room- 1,378 pesos

The rooms are clean and spacious, just what you need in Apo Island, it's nothing fancy but it does its purpose. Take note, they use salt water even in their bathroom wells, so it might be wise to bring with you a liter of water (for brushing your teeth).

The resort has a restaurant, but food isn't that great, it's okay. It's actually better to eat at the 'carenderias' within the village.

To book, email liberty_apoisland@yahoo.com

Another resort in the Island, well there's only two, is Kan Upi Resort. It's beach front and made out of concrete. A bit more expensive than the other but if you're sharing it with friends then it's all good.

What to do?

For the lovers of the underworld, Apo Island is definitely something to be experienced as it offers the best marine life. 'Paul's Dive Shop'offers diving lessons for begginers (up to 50% off for Filipinos according to Liberty, owner of Liberty's resort,rental of gears and equipments both for diving and snorkeling. So don't worry about the hassle of bringing your own gears and equipments as the rates aren't that expensive.

If you're tired of the water, climb up the hills of Apo Island to see the 360 degree view of the whole island. If that's still not enough, the lighthouse of the island is worth the hike as well.

A visit to the small village in the island is something to see as well as they have a few sari-sari stores, carinderia, billiard places and even a karaoke station.

Schedule of Electricity
8-11am
3-5pm
6-9pm

Things to bring:

Flashlight or torch
Aquashoes
Hand fans
Mosquito repellant

More photos to come.

Til then,

The Lost Sputnik