Philippines Map

My wife and I went to the Philippines for 14 days in late December,
early January to celebrate our 22nd year anniversary. My wife and I
were married in her hometown of Rizal in 1998 at the farthest
southern Island, Mindanao. The Philippines has over 7,000 islands!
We started in Cebu, then in Dipolog City, Siquijor Paradise Resort,
then Cebu White Sands Resort. Five resorts all told.

Flying into Cebu's international Airport.

Then we flew to Dipolog City, near Iryns hometown of Rizal
at the farthest southern Island, Mindanao.

Red star is Dipolog City Yellow star is Rizal, where Iryn grew up.

Even tiny remote Dipolog City has a McDonalds!

Unlike the busy Manila/Cebu airports, only ONE plane here!
Only two flights a day to Dipolog City!

Motorcycle Cabs and Jeepneys are the main mode of travel here.

We went to Rizal where Iryn grew up to visit Mama's grave-site
and to see the Church we were married in 22 years ago!
On map,shows Iryn's hometown and Church we were married in.

Mama's grave-site... marble stone.

After the gravesite visit, we had a family celebration in Rizal

Where we were married 22 years ago

Where Iryn went to High School

Catholic Church in Dipolog City

Before leaving for Dumaguete City, we stopped by Auntie Elena's fantastic house overlooking the bay

As we left by ferry for Dumaguete City, Auntie Elena's house fading away as we left.

Short layover in Dumaguete City while waiting for another Ferry to get to Bohol Island
Iryn and I lived here for two years on the Dumaguete countryside near beach when we were first married.
I use to come to this exact spot to eat lunch and feed the little kids candy. Almost decided to stay permanently.

Downtown crowded Dumaguete City is a fire hazzard... look at those electric wires!

The fast Ferry we rode to diffent Islands.

Pyramid Beach website

Went to visit the oldest church in Bohol Island, Baclayon-Church

Took a boat dinner cruise on the river!

Things we saw while taking tour on Bohol Island

Toris Paradise Resort

Next Resort we went to was Toris Paradise Resort which is on Siquijor Island
This is my favorite Island in the Philippines.
Better than anything Hawaii offers... much cheaper and far less people!

The fast Ferry we rode docked at Siquijor City

We had a fantastic Beach veiw from our room at Toris Paradise Resort

Things we saw while taking tour on Siquijor Island

We stopped by Coco Grove Beach Resort where Iryn and I went to 22 years ago. NICE!!!

We stopped by a popular swimming hole with waterfalls for a swim!!!

Kingfisher, White Heron catching crabs at Toris Paradise Resort Beach
Female says to male; "Honey, go get some dinner... now!"

White Heron was catching tiny blue crabs!

Butterflies at Toris Paradise Resort Beach

SANTANDER PEBBLES BEACH RESORT
Next Resort we went to was SANTANDER PEBBLES BEACH RESORT on Cebu Island

We had this dog, who was the leader of a dog pack in that area adopt us and
Stayed close to us the two days we were there. Slept at night on our rooms doorsteps
and followed us everywhere. Guardian from God? Strange that the Police came in looking
for a local smuggling gang while we were there! Makes you think!

Next day we went on small boats out to sea to see the whale sharks in Oslob, Cebu

Next day we went to see the famous Simala Shrine Church

Cebu White Sands Resort
Next Resort we went to was CEBU WHITE SANDS RESORT on Cebu Island
This was our last stop for three days before flying back home.

Quite the view we had from our room!

Iryn had the pool all by herself with a full moon!

We went to the bar on top floor and sat in corner where photo is with moon.

Next we had a nice buffet dinner on beach with our own band!

Next day we went back to the top again for lunch and to soak in the view.

Iryn went for a swim and had the pool all to herself! Can you do that in Hawaii?

While Iryn was getting a massage, I wandered around
and then admired their parrots.

Finally it was time to head back home to Puyallup, WA. What a fun two weeks!
My favorite Resort had to be Toris Paradise Resort on Siquijor Island
It may not be the fanciest Resort, but the most quaint with the beach views from room,
the birds, and quiet. Second favorite Resort was Cebu White Sands Resort.
Elaborate, great service, Good food, just a fun, fun place!
All 5 Resorts can match anything Hawaii offers... much cheaper and far less people!