Philippines, here I am again!

We’ve been planning this trip for months. How long have I been dreaming of going back? Years!
Fourteen years of patience. This trip is much more than just a getaway. It’s the culmination of a rebirth, a period of profound change.

In 2023, I went on a road trip with her, and last year, I went on a mountain climb in Morocco with him.
Three friends from the same neighborhood and four others joining us for this new adventure. Seven of us for six islands, and the three of us to continue this journey to Singapore.
We chose Singapore Airlines; the others are flying with Emirates. We’re traveling in groups: two will already be there the day before our departure, and we’ll meet up with them in Cebu. All seven will reunite in a week in Bohol.

The trip begins in Cebu, the oldest city in the Philippines dating back to the Spanish colonial era. But before setting foot on Philippine soil, there’s the long flight, including a 4-hour layover in Singapore. Fatigue, impatience—but above all, the excitement of our imminent arrival. And then, there’s that temperature shock upon landing: goodbye to the Belgian cold, hello to the tropical heat and humidity!

Cebu by night

Cebu is much more than just a city. It’s an open-air history book, where every era has left its mark. Founded by the Spanish in 1565, it has been shaped by Spanish, American, and Japanese influences.

We met up with our two friends there for drinks on a rooftop and dinner before catching the boat to Siquijor the next day. Those tickets—what a story those tickets were, too.
We were still in Singapore when we realized we needed to check ticket availability for the Cebu–Siquijor route. Our initial searches didn’t turn up any available slots. Finally, through OceanJet—after two failed payment attempts—we sent the team that was already there to book our tickets. PHP 8,800 for five on the website. PHP 11,000 on-site. Needless to say, we felt a bit ripped off. Anyway, it was a 4-hour boat ride with a stop in Bohol.

A Bit of History

Since Magellan’s arrival in 1521 and the Spanish colonization in 1565, Cebu has undergone a profound transformation. The Spanish established a permanent colony, introducing Christianity, which became the dominant religion.

Cebu became an important commercial center but was also influenced by Spanish culture and administration. After a brief British occupation, the island came under American control in the early 20th century, a period during which Cebu experienced economic and infrastructural development.

The Japanese occupation during World War II caused significant damage, but Cebu recovered after the Philippines gained independence in 1946. Today, Cebu is a dynamic metropolis and a major economic and cultural hub, while still preserving traces of its colonial past and celebrating its unique historical and cultural heritage.

Journey from Cebu to Siquijor: a bumpy crossing, a paradise-like arrival.

This morning, we packed our bags and headed to the port of Cebu. The adventure begins with a 4-hour ferry ride on the OceanJet to the magnificent island of Siquijor. The journey: an ordeal best forgotten.

Let’s be honest, the crossing wasn’t exactly a walk in the park. Between not being able to get some fresh air and the less-than-ideal restrooms, the trip was a bit of an ordeal.

But all that is quickly forgotten once we arrive in Siquijor. Happiness washes over us instantly! The sky, which had been overcast in Cebu, gradually cleared up. The promise of a heavenly stay became more and more apparent with every passing moment.

Yours truly, Ninve