Franz.Papat.Speaks.: Rediscovering Cebu

Beyond the bustling Cebu Metropolis lies a perfect playground for outdoor enthusiasts.

Despite being one of the highly urbanized cities in the Philippines, Cebu still has that untamed and unraveled side which enlivens the Cebuano traits of being outgoing and nature loving.

Outdoor Safety Officers Joel Carino and Joemeth Robles from Team Adventyurista Concepts and Services are the best people to go on an adventure with! The Miss Cebu 2013 candidates can attest to that as they went outdoors yet still managed to stay posh last December 9. First stop was Willy’s Place, a hub for Cebuano bikers, located at Barangay Busay along the Transcentral Highway which is developing Cebu’s shot on sports tourism. Certainly, the girls have proved that make up, elegant dresses, and stilettos are not the only things that can make a woman beautiful.

One of the hopefuls vying for the crown, medical student Marie Ann Maraon, would strengthen environmental awareness and promote health education programs if given the chance to be Miss Cebu 2013. She invites everyone to get on a bike and step one’s way up to the Transcentral Highway.

In order to foster environmental conservation advocacies, the lovely ladies had to have a first-hand experience with nature. Cebu’s adventure provider, Adventyurista Concepts and Services arranged their itinerary and paved the way for these fine ladies to convene with Mother Earth.

A mini waterfall situated in a corner of a road in Barangay Malubog.

Aside from staying healthy and fit through biking, Adventyurista Concepts and Services brought the candidates to a trekking venture into the Central Cebu Protected Landscape specifically in Sitio Cantipla, Barangay Tabunan. Protective measures are done to preserve the area due to its high biodiversity and the watershed. It’s good to note that Cebu still has a lush forested area that grows the little-known tree endemic, the Cebu Cinnamon tree (Cinnamonum cebuense).

Joel Carino, Adventyurista Concepts and Services Outdoor Safety Officer, discussed some of the uses of the rare Cebu Cinnamon Tree. The aromatic leaves and bark captivated the candidates.

Retired General Tiburcio "Tiboy" Fusilero created Cantipla's famous man-made lake. It has served as an irrigation system and water impoundment that is useful during the dry season.

The rain may have poured that afternoon but it didn’t hamper the ladies from trying out Adventure Café’s Zipline in Gaas, Balamban and horseback-riding at Gov. Joe Leyson’s Peak in Barangay Taptap, Busay. Plus, not to mention having to munch on hot sweet corns offered there. If the next Miss Cebu would be promoting the city, it is just fit to expose the candidates to the underrated tourist destinations of the old and historic Cebu.

Well, you don’t have to be a candidate to experience the same exploration. Go extreme with bouldering, river trekking, or kayaking! Just give Adventyurista Concepts and Services a call and have them arrange your itinerary. You can reach them through these numbers: 0922 825 5332 or 0919 841 4113. Better yet, visit http://www.adventyurista.tk/ to see the exciting tour packages Adventyurista Concepts and Services has in store for every outgoing Cebuano.