Dining 
While eating home cooked food remains the best option, dining out is still the most practical alternative for a day or two trip out of town to relax and unwind. Be prepared though, especially in an unchartered territory. Surprises are good but they don’t bide well with an empty stomach. If possible, play safe in making choices, or forever hold your peace. Alex Kafe was published many times over as the place to eat when in Argao. That must be the reason why the food doesn’t come cheap. Main dishes start at Php 40.00 and its good for one person only. Most of the items on the menu are not available (like fish stew and fruit shakes) so make do with a substitute. Beware of Chicken/Beef Mami.
It looks and tastes like Lucky Me instant noodles (with one whole egg added).
Never underestimate the power of suggestion. After devouring enormous information about Argao’s “torta” as a “must eat”, a stop at Chitang’s store was necessitated. As publicized, it was a cupcake version, about 6-in in diameter, topped with raisins, grated cheese and a dusting of refined sugar granules. At 30 apiece, it is a filling “merienda” (took me three sittings to finish one) .
While eating home cooked food remains the best option, dining out is still the most practical alternative for a day or two trip out of town to relax and unwind. Be prepared though, especially in an unchartered territory. Surprises are good but they don’t bide well with an empty stomach. If possible, play safe in making choices, or forever hold your peace. Alex Kafe was published many times over as the place to eat when in Argao. That must be the reason why the food doesn’t come cheap. Main dishes start at Php 40.00 and its good for one person only. Most of the items on the menu are not available (like fish stew and fruit shakes) so make do with a substitute. Beware of Chicken/Beef Mami.
It looks and tastes like Lucky Me instant noodles (with one whole egg added).Never underestimate the power of suggestion. After devouring enormous information about Argao’s “torta” as a “must eat”, a stop at Chitang’s store was necessitated. As publicized, it was a cupcake version, about 6-in in diameter, topped with raisins, grated cheese and a dusting of refined sugar granules. At 30 apiece, it is a filling “merienda” (took me three sittings to finish one) .
Sleeping 
Abella’s pension house is a steal at Php 1200 a night. The two-bedroom apartment is fully furnished. The bedrooms are air-conditioned and come with a king-sized bed and a closet. The living area has a television, a mini-refrigerator, a stove, dining and cooking utensils. For a big group, it is best to stake a claim early on for a comfortable space on the bed for catching zzzzs at the end of the day.
Abella’s pension house is a steal at Php 1200 a night. The two-bedroom apartment is fully furnished. The bedrooms are air-conditioned and come with a king-sized bed and a closet. The living area has a television, a mini-refrigerator, a stove, dining and cooking utensils. For a big group, it is best to stake a claim early on for a comfortable space on the bed for catching zzzzs at the end of the day.
Swimming
The beach is only a ride away from the pueblo. The narrow strip has black and white pebbles of assorted sizes lining its bottom (therapeutic to the athritic feet) and the sun-warmed water is so clear that it's impossible not to be tempted to get in even for an hour or two. Regretfully, by sundown, the beach was deserted; pitch dark and nary a star lit the moonless sky. A handful of locals skim board nearby while fishermen cast their nets the last time before calling it a day.Trekking
There is only one way to Bugasok Falls, apparently designed for “habal-habal’ to pass through. It is less challenging for an experienced hiker but it proved tough for a non-four wheel drive vehicle and its driver. The hike trail to the falls was not well trodden. It looks like only a few wanderers have visited the place. But it’s well worth the time and the exertion seeing the silent waters drop through a gap on the stone gorge which is said to serve as port to a magical golden ship that visit the place on occasions. The locals are accommodating and “taking advantage of the clueless tourists” must be unheard of in the place. Buko, freshly picked sold at Php 5.00 apiece, was a fitting thirst quencher to cap the adventure.
There is only one way to Bugasok Falls, apparently designed for “habal-habal’ to pass through. It is less challenging for an experienced hiker but it proved tough for a non-four wheel drive vehicle and its driver. The hike trail to the falls was not well trodden. It looks like only a few wanderers have visited the place. But it’s well worth the time and the exertion seeing the silent waters drop through a gap on the stone gorge which is said to serve as port to a magical golden ship that visit the place on occasions. The locals are accommodating and “taking advantage of the clueless tourists” must be unheard of in the place. Buko, freshly picked sold at Php 5.00 apiece, was a fitting thirst quencher to cap the adventure.Visiting the Past
San Miguel Arcangel is said to be the second oldest church in Cebu. It also houses one of the 14 pipe organs in the country. A feeling of being back in time is almost real especially sitting on old carved wooden pews near the altar. You could almost imagine señoritas batting their eyelashes to the young friars beneath their fans. What they did to the altar images was an eyesore to say the least. The priest, apparently, has a completely different notion of preservation or rehabilitation. It’s a good thing the façade looked untouched.
San Miguel Arcangel is said to be the second oldest church in Cebu. It also houses one of the 14 pipe organs in the country. A feeling of being back in time is almost real especially sitting on old carved wooden pews near the altar. You could almost imagine señoritas batting their eyelashes to the young friars beneath their fans. What they did to the altar images was an eyesore to say the least. The priest, apparently, has a completely different notion of preservation or rehabilitation. It’s a good thing the façade looked untouched.Side Trip
Marian Monastery, Simala, Sibonga
Bas Relief on Argao Church facade
Calm before the rush, Bugasok Falls (atop the stone gorge)
Boljoon...where the mountain meets the sea
centuries old Boljoon Church
