They say if you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans. After three days in Siquijor at the very end of 2025, we got a big surprise as the ferry schedule diverted us to Dumaguete City instead of sending us back to Cebu.

What was meant to be a simple transit back to Cebu became a quick study in the “gentle people” and the vibrant energy of Negros Oriental.

We started with the classic landmarks of the city, walking the iconic Rizal Boulevard. It’s the city’s living room, where the sea breeze meets the local hustle.

 

 

The next morning, I went early for a jog that took me past the historic grounds of Silliman University. Having last visited this campus back in 1994, seeing its enduring presence as a deep-seated educational heritage of the province.

I maintained a Zone 2 pace to immersein the local morning rhythms as I went straight to the Negros Oriental Provincial Capitol, a vital ritual in my sojourn… a través de Las Islas Filipinas.

Stepping into the Capitol, I was met by the sweeping presence of the grand staircase—a moment that heightened the anticipation for our upcoming trek into the grandeur of the highlands.

By 11am, we were at Mango Ranch. Our Skylerman braved the sun on the go-karts, but the highlight was the bump cars, where his Mamai Oshen and Ate Taylah ganged up on him for a chaotic family showdown.

We eventually found the perfect midday reset at Georg Steakhouse: a solid meal and a few cold beers.

After lunch, we headed further up the hills to face the smoking rocks. Geothermal energy simmering just below our feet keeps turning groundwater to hot steam breaking through fissures in the lithosphere.

We then headed to the Red Rock Hot Spring to experience the soothing thermal energy of the region.

But the thundering majesty of Pulang Bato Falls further up the hill got us all stunned.

The strong, cool breeze and the shiny crimson cliffs truly filled up our senses. Hopping into the cold rock pool, where the shimmering water was cascading right in front of us, invoked a primal, awe-inspiring contrast to the coastal heat we left behind.

As the sun dipped, we made our way back to the shore to catch the midnight ferry back to Cebu.

This unexpected 2-day detour was a very memorable re-introduction to this awesome Province of Negros Oriental. There will surely be a third visit in the not so distant future to experience other attractions like Apo Island.

Coach Conto – Triathlete, Connoisseur, Strategist, Capuchin