CT- Sleepover (like no other)

CT Team: Simply stated, it is less me and more we.

I say, this is not our first overnight together as a team. We had a few sleepless nights indeed, making our never-ending reports and feasibility studies. Our 'venue' was always my place, same old couch and dining table as our bed.

This time, everything was new - from the bed sheets to the lighting, it just ignited a whole new overnight experience for us. I call it a sleepover like no other.

I never thought we'd be finally able to do it. For months we've been planning to go on one of our tour destinations and actually spend the night there as guests, not as coordinators. But we never had the luxury of time to do so. With my lightning fast mind [took me days to plan this out - :)) ] I planned for a 2-day trip down South to finish up our projects and suggested it to them. Of course, with a 2-day trip, we had to stay somewhere for the night.

Though it was still considered a business trip, again, who says you can't have fun (lots of it) while working? :))

So, after a sizzlin' hot day going around in Samboan, we travelled back to the town of Boljoon. Finally, a breather!

"We, as a team, didn't start out as best of friends. We were just old block mates from first year college. But through time, we learned to trust each other not just with our roles and responsibilities in the company, but as real friends. Someone who rejoices in truth, listens to all your rants, accepts your imperfections, mourns with you in sadness and encourages you to become a better person. This is something I thank God for everyday, a friendship like no other. "

Hannah and I - we were supposed to sleep in one bed but i ended up sleeping on the floor :))

The photogenic Danica, the ever charming Sheena and sleepy-head Christine on the other side of the room.

Our signature pose - with Danica! There's just something about this letter. #Happyhearts

Look at these two lovely ladies and the pretty colorful bed linen! Oh love!

The warm yellow light in our little room. It gave us that homey feeling.

That night was just special and extraordinary. We slept late, talked about anything under the sun and had a good laugh! It didn't matter what our eye bags would look like in the morning with only a few hours of sleep and considering the work that we had to accomplish the next day, what mattered most was the bond and the strengthened friendship.

"The happiest moments my heart knows are those in which it is pouring forth its affections to a few esteemed characters."
- Thomas Jefferson

I just love these ladies as much as I love my job!

Mia, Sheena, Hannah, Danica ...

and Christine ....

Individually we are one drop, but together we are an Ocean!

© Mia Huang (All photos are by her unless otherwise stated)

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CT- Lovely Samboan

While everybody is busy preparing for the most awaited season of the year,

Mama Mia is out in the wild, pretty much busy exploring Genesis.

What a way to spend the Christmas season - exploring lovely Samboan

All thanks to CEBUano Tours, i get to see another side of Cebu.

Yes I know its my job, but who says you can't have fun while working?

It started with a 4 hour drive to the south with my trusty-old jazz, some 5 minute trek and ...

Hello, my little piece of heaven!

"C" for CEBU! - truly an awesome place!

Of course I traveled with the whole team. We met someone new too! Hello Kim and thank you for joining us! ~ I'm pretty sure he had the time of his life, traveling with 5 lovely, uber talkative ladies *wink*

crystal clear waters - something you don't get to see a lot these days

So we go climbing .. and woah

will you look at that!

A beauty to behold in every twist and turn! This multi-faceted waterfalls is a creation beyond comprehension.

For a moment, I was just speechless...

...

But seriously, I can't believe I climbed a waterfall * Mama Mia, the damsel in distress at that time, was assisted by Sir Nic and Noy Jerry *

There's much more than just waterfalls in Samboan.

We also had a glimpse of their Marine Sanctuary.

This shore boasts of a rich biodiversity of corals, fishes and other marine life.

On that particular day, i was obsessed with brittle stars which belongs to the starfish family, i think (not so sure about that x.x)

Our trips are never complete without heritage walks around town

"C" for the CEBUano Tours team! Behind us is a watchtower believed to have been erected during the 1700's.

The view while standing around the town plaza.

An understanding of the natural world and what's in it is a source of not only a great curiosity but great fulfillment ~ David Attenborough

Our lovely Samboan expedition ended with such a spectacular view ..

© Mia Huang (All photos are by her unless otherwise stated)

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Career = Passion 'CEBUano Tours'

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page."

~ St. Augustine

CEBUano Tours - a story like no other.

It started out as a mere school project.

But this mere project accomplished more than just good grades.

"I've always believed that God puts us in circumstances to serve His greater purpose."

Passion was ignited, dreams were becoming reality, and the beginning of priceless memories were laid out.

A little background about the company that we established.

Its not just your ordinary agency. We don't sell airline tickets and we don't sell tours abroad. We don't do visa processing and the like. What we do really, is showcase the best of Cebu province thru nature, culture, heritage and people.

A rural-inbound travel and tours agency aiming to strike a balance between economic, environmental and social development in Cebu ~ that's CEBUano Tours

Business for the CEBUano Tours team is not all about money - we put the people first. Fisherfolks, tricycle drivers, plain housewives, teachers - all locals from each municipality that we go to- providing jobs and livelihood for them, uplifting their lives through our own little ways.

My passion for travel and dream of wondrous escapades was just put inside a small box in my heart. I didn't have the luxury of time to do so and there were a lot of restraints. At some point, I thought I won't be able to live it until such time that the Lord poured out His great love for me.

His amazing grace. He does indeed know, the desires of our hearts.

Now, long drives to the country-side with picture perfect views of the ocean is but a weekly thing. Who would have thought that I would be able to live that dream of mine, everyday!

Through Genesis, the beauty of God's creation, we are able to come up with tours, packaging them in a way that locals get the most benefit. A win-win for both the tourist and the locals. You get to enjoy the beauty of nature at the same time uplifting the true worth of the local people.

One of best things about being in this career is that i get to meet a lot of people from different walks of life.

And the best thing? Great relationships paired with local travel and adventures.

I never was a big fan of my own country until I entered this. I've always thought that other countries had so much more to offer. Talk about Egypt, Greece, Rome, China, Singapore ... these countries are beautiful indeed. But the end of the day, you never get to appreciate what you have in your own backyard. A place too familiar for us to to even fathom.

Slowly, I'm learning to embrace more and more and more of our Filipino - Cebuano culture.

Slowly able to admire the contour of our naturally mountainous region.

Learning to selflessly help others, putting their lives ahead of mine.

Learning to take care of nature, as stewards of God's creation.

I do hope, you'll find time to give this a shot.

Travel really has a way of stretching one's mind.

© Mia Huang (All photos are by her unless otherwise stated)

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Macau '11

I call it Macau - Asia's Las Vegas!

I've heard so many people talk about Macau - the new las vegas, gambling capital of the world, las vegas with a twist, and i thought, I have to see this place for myself. They do have a point though, Macau is dependent on gambling and tourism but the place has its own rich culture and heritage under the Portuguese colony for so many decades. I was able to catch a glimpse of that richness, adding it up to my list of must-see places.

Mom & I checked-in The Venetian Hotel in Macau. It was just a modern-day haven with so many facilities inside the hotel. With hundreds of specialty stores like Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Chanel, Prada, Gucci - Giordano, Bossini, Espirit and lots more. Plus, you get the feel of being in Venice with its architectural design indoor and outdoor. Once you're in, there is no need for you to get out! Its really an all-in package!

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL

The best thing about being in The Venetian Hotel is that this is the only place in Asia where Cirque Du Soleil has regular shows almost everyday for the whole year. I was just so blessed, to have one of the best seats in the house!

The Cirque Du Soleil show that we watched was entitled 'Zaia'. If I'm not mistaken, for every show they have a theme or a story line to follow. Cirque Du Soleil is definitely the best thing that ever happened to Circus combined with stage play.

This is the grand entrance to the theatre.

This is the only decent photo that i was able to take during the show. I was just in AWE. Words, photos or even videos are not enough to express my experience. I can imagine how the actors and acrobats practice. They fly around the theatre as if it was as easy as eating pie! Whew!

A GLIMPSE OF MACAU

This is a city view of Macau. I actually took this photo while inside the van. Looks much like Hongkong, but it leaves you feeling like you're in between history and present-modern day times.

The longest bridge in Macau. This bridge is actually very breathtaking to look at. You'll see curves and waves of steel and concrete making its way to another island crossing the raging seas.

The famous Macau tower known for its ultimate bungee-jumping experience. Too bad I wasn't able to, even if I wanted to. Mom was too scared of the thought. o.O

The landmark of Macau- the ruins of St. Paul Church

So many tourist were all over the place taking picture of the facade of this historical landmark.

THE VENETIAN

Meet Felecita - our pretty gondolier

This was my 2nd time riding on a gondola. My first was in Las Vegas, still at The Venetian. But i don't remember much of that experience except for the golden voice of our French gondolier. This 2nd time around experience was an unforgettable one. I enjoyed every minute of the ride, every song that Felecita sang, and our lovely conversations.

I sure do pray that someday, i'll be able to see her again! By the way, she's half French, half Chinese.

This was our room view from the 20th floor of the hotel. Reminds me with Las Vegas alright with all the casinos, but the feeling is never the same. Macau is Macau, Las Vegas is Las Vegas. Each known for their own distinctive sites and sounds.

Something I discovered at the food court. BOOST - health drinks. The best health shakes ever! They sure do know how to combine different fruits, complementing each other making an awesome drink with lots of health benefits!

I kept on drinking it day and night while inside the hotel. Hihihi

© Mia Huang (All photos are by her unless otherwise stated)

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