Climb Up n See it Fall


It feels great to see the sun shining brightly after the rain...

... and climb up the hills of Talamban.

As soon as you start trekking...

you will realize how small you really are.

When you catch a glimpse of the river, 
you know you're close to it...

You just need to go through those huge boulders first...

Then, after a few more boulders, you will find yourself in front of a small waterfall...

So you take a rest and take time to enjoy the view...

... before you move on to the next one!

Yes, you're almost there!
Finally! 
You made it to The Kabang Falls!
So, go!
Get close to it and be refreshed!
No boulders were too big to stop our adventurous hearts ~
Treks are always more fun if you have friends with you!

Budlaan (part of Brgy. Talamban) is a 15-minute habal-habal ride from Sunny Hills Village. The trek can be 2 hours or more depends on how often you stop for photo ops ^_^)
It rained hard the night before our trek so the river was clouded with brownish silt sediments. It looked gloomy and murky. I may have missed the chance to see the river in its clear waters on my first trek to Budlaan but making new friends and listening to their stories made it a great day to remember ~



If I Could Just Fly



my mind is just so full of thoughts about traveling
and doing it long term...

i hope to start very soon...

I would really like you to 
come and travel with me...

~

Where to Study Fine Arts in Cebu? UP Cebu vs USC-TC?


For some of us, graduation can be really confusing...

especially when it comes to what course to take and which school to go...

The University of the Philippines, with its branch in Cebu, is one of the schools that many graduates would like to consider especially if they got high grades in their previous schools.

Situated in a 13-hectare land, the present UP Cebu opened its doors to students in 1929, was closed a few times after WW2 due to lack of funds and support from the government.

Although the hallways are dark and eerie, and the classrooms had seen better days, the university is still able to produce world-class graduates.


Surrounded with lots of trees, one can find cool shady areas even at noon time which are perfect for anyone who needs a breath of fresh air...


UP Cebu is not complete without The Oblation (present in every UP campus all over the country) which symbolizes selfless offering of oneself to his country.

President Rafael Palma commissioned Filipino artist Guillermo E. Tolentino to make the sculpture which measures 3.5 meters in height, symbolizing the 350 years of Spanish rule in the Philippines.  It is replete with references of selfless dedication and service to the nation.


Because the campus is just located within the city, students won't have trouble commuting.  It's even convenient to walk or get on your bike if you live nearby (^_^)


Another school, that one may want to go, is the University of San Carlos - Talamban Campus (USC-TC).

It was founded by the Spanish Jesuits on August 1, 1595.  Since 1949, the school has been managed by SVD priests, who migrated from China.

  In 1970, the call for the Filipinization of all Catholic schools administration in the country ended the leadership of foreign priest-academicians.




USC continued to experience growth in the decades that followed.  This is proof that USC has remained true to its commitment to excellence in education.


You'll know if you're on your way to where future architects and master artists hang out when you see this, with a few of their other creations scattered around the area.


The College of Architecture and Fine Arts Building, one of the newest additions in the Talamban Campus, was inaugurated in 2005.


Its design is very modern with glass windows, and lots of open spaces that allow plenty of light and air to flow freely through its hallways and classrooms.

Since I've only been to the Fine Arts area, I don't know if the other colleges/ buildings have their own mini theatre too.  Students get to watch indie films, review their own class productions, or have their classes here when necessary.


The campus is blessed with a great view and since a major part of it is located on a hilltop area, students will find it easy to let their mind wander or find an area for studying while birds chirp and play around them.



*** So, where would you want to enroll? Well, both schools are good. It's just that studying at UP Cebu is a lot cheaper than at USC-TC.  You just have to learn and make do with its not-so-clean classrooms, and restrooms.  Nevertheless, that should not stop you from being the best student that you can possibly be (^_^) 

The decision is yours, and the future belongs to those who believe in their dreams (^_^)


Check out the schools' websites here:



What Makes an Eco-Friendly House?


Join us as we explore this unique and eco-friendly home located in Brgy. Ylaya, Talamban, Cebu.


As soon as you arrive, you will learn how materials are recycled, and how you can make use of things such as this wine-bottle tree.

The installation of 40 solar panels provide enough electricity for the daily requirements of the Eco-House.


Climbing flowering plants provide a cool shade for the garage and patio area.

Ballusters on the front porch are 
made from used soft drink cans.

Heat insulators on the porch ceiling are 
made from used juice tetra packs.

The house has a lot of windows and holes everywhere that lets air flow freely from different locations providing natural light and ventilation.
This eliminates the need for electric fans and air-con units and help reduce the need for artificial lighting too.

This bench is made out of scrap wood
and
...

with one pull, it transforms to an outdoor picnic table!



Even spent bullets and broken glass can be a work of art too.


It's cool to see how he really makes use of almost everything...

Used cans and scrap wood designed for the console table.

Sea urchin shells give light a soft and interesting glow.

Doesn't it look good if you build something up, and surround it with plants?
This gazebo is made from recycled PVC pipes, scrap wood, and plastic gallons for the hanging plants.


Greenhouse plants, fruits, vegetable and flower gardens cover much of the compound. Fertilizer requirements for all plants are end products of organic matter (vermicast) and bio-gas slurry, all of which are being produced in the compound.

Rainwater, abundant in the Philippines, continuously fill this fishpond which can hold to about 40, 000 liters of water.


You will also learn the importance of how raising animals helps in getting additional earnings, providing nutritional needs and maintaining a balanced ecosystem.


The owner does not only help the environment but also helps less fortunate kids with their education. 
On Saturdays, they have their music class, wherein each kid is taught how to sing/ dance/ play different instruments. So that if one is not around, someone is always ready to take his/ her place.
The talented kids welcome visitors with their music.
Prepare yourself with their Pearly Shells and Tiny Bubbles surprise performance!

You'll have so much fun with it (^_^)



If you would like to explore the Eco-House, booking in advance is greatly appreciated.  Please contact Engr. Nestor Archival and his staff at these #s: +63 (032) 233-8760, +63 (032) 253-2184.