A Quick Camiguin Island Visit: Coming Home to Nanay.

Sometimes, the most meaningful trips are not the ones packed with tourist attractions and carefully planned itineraries. Sometimes, they are simply about going home, spending time with family, sharing a meal, and being present for someone you love.

Our recent quick visit to Camiguin Island was exactly that. This wasn't our usual Camiguin getaway filled with sightseeing and adventures around the island. Our main reason for flying from Cebu to Camiguin was to visit Nanay Estrella, my mother-in-law, spend a few days with her, and reconnect with my husband's family.

Although our stay was only 4 days and 3 nights, those few days gave us plenty of simple moments that we will remember for a long 

An Early Morning Flight from Cebu to Camiguin

Our trip started early in the morning at Mactan-Cebu International Airport. Our flight was scheduled around 7:00 AM, so it was an early start for us. After the short flight, we arrived at Camiguin Airport at around 9:00 AM.

There's always something different about arriving in Camiguin. Compared with the busy atmosphere of Cebu, the island immediately feels quieter and more relaxed. Everything seems to slow down a little.

Instead of heading to our accommodation, we went directly to my husband's parents' home in Mambajao, Camiguin. From the airport, we took one of the island's local tricycles. And just like that, we were home.

Visiting Nanay Estrella

When we arrived at the house, we found Nanay Estrella sleeping peacefully. She was alone at the time because my husband's eldest sibling, who works as a DepEd high school teacher, had already left early for work.

We quietly waited for Nanay to wake up. When she finally did, she didn't immediately recognize us.

For a moment, she looked at us as if she were trying to figure out who these visitors were. After some time, she recognized my husband, although at first she seemed to think he was her other son. She didn't recognize me right away either.

It was one of those moments that makes you realize how much life can change over the years. But that was exactly why we were there. We didn't travel to Camiguin because we had a long list of attractions to visit. We came because we wanted to spend time with Nanay while we could. Sometimes, presence is the most important thing we can give.

Our Stay at Cabua-an Beach Resort

For our accommodation in Camiguin, we stayed at Cabua-an Beach Resort for 4 days and 3 nights. Our routine during the trip was quite different from a normal vacation. Because we still needed to work remotely, we usually stayed at the resort during the evening and the early part of the morning to finish our work. Afterward, we spent much of the day at Nanay's house.

We accompanied her, ate meals with her, helped give her medications, and simply stayed around. There wasn't anything complicated about our days. And that was what made them meaningful.

A Quiet Visit to Tatay's Grave

During our stay, we also made time to visit the grave of my husband's Tatay at Boloc-Boloc Cemetery. We borrowed an ADV motorcycle from his brother and rode to the cemetery.

We lit candles, said our prayers, and spent a quiet moment remembering him. Trips home have a way of bringing different memories together—the people who are still with us and the people who are no longer here. It wasn't a long visit, but it was an important part of our journey.

Catching Up With Family—and Rediscovering Pan de Libro

Since my husband's sister lives nearby, we also stopped by her house. We spent time chatting with her and her husband, catching up on life and enjoying the simple happiness of seeing family again.

Then she offered us something that immediately brought back childhood memories: pan de libro. And it was delicious! It had been so many years since I had eaten this childhood bread. Having it again felt strangely nostalgic, especially paired with a cup of black coffee. No fancy café was needed. Just freshly made bread, hot coffee, family conversation, and a quiet afternoon in Camiguin. Sometimes those are the best merienda moments.

Shopping at the Camiguin Local Market and Gaisano Mall

Before dinner, we headed back toward Nanay's house, but first we made a few stops around town. We visited the local market in Camiguin to buy food for dinner. One of our best finds was an incredibly fresh yellow marlin.

Living on an island has its advantages when it comes to seafood, and seeing such fresh fish at the market immediately gave us ideas for dinner. We also bought some fruits and stopped at a local hardware store for a few electrical supplies. Afterward, we did some grocery shopping at Gaisano Mall Camiguin before finally heading home.

It was an ordinary errand run—but when you're visiting home after being away, even going to the market can feel like part of the experience.

Cooking Fish Tinola and Kinilaw at Home

Back at Nanay's house, my husband and I prepared our fresh yellow marlin. We made a comforting fish tinola and some delicious fish kinilaw.

For me, this is one of the best ways to enjoy fresh fish in the Philippines. The tinola was warm, simple, and comforting, while the kinilaw highlighted the freshness of the fish.

Later, my husband's older sister arrived together with her husband, and we all sat down for dinner. Food has always had a way of bringing Filipino families together. Sitting around the table, eating home-cooked food, talking and catching up made that evening particularly special.

Earlier, his sister had also prepared pork layua, or pork stew, for us. It added another comforting home-cooked dish to our family dinner. We also got to meet my husband's younger brother during our visit. By coincidence, he was also on the island because he was conducting a seminar for his colleagues at PHIVOLCS.

He was also the one who brought the ADV motorcycle for us to use while we were in Camiguin, which made getting around the island much.

Swimming at Cabua-an Beach

Although this trip was mainly about family, we still managed to enjoy a little bit of the natural beauty that makes Camiguin Island so special.

At Cabua-an Beach Resort, we finally had some time for a swim at Cabua-an Beach, a beach well known among locals. And oh my gosh—the seawater! It was incredibly fresh, clean, and inviting.

What surprised me most was the sand beneath the water. It was so fine and pulverized that walking barefoot in the sea was incredibly comfortable. I couldn't feel those sharp stones underneath that you sometimes encounter at other beaches.

The combination of clear seawater, fine sand, and the peaceful surroundings made our quick swim especially refreshing. After working remotely and spending much of our time taking care of family matters, being able to simply step into the sea felt wonderful.

A Little Yoga by the Beach

I even managed to squeeze in a quick yoga session at the resort. There is something different about doing yoga near the sea.

The fresh air, the sound of the water, and the peaceful island atmosphere made those few minutes feel much longer than they actually were.

It wasn't a scheduled wellness activity or anything elaborate—just a small moment for myself during a busy family trip. And sometimes that's enough.

Our Unexpectedly Early Flight Home

On our final day in Camiguin, we expected to have a little more time before heading to the airport. Then we received a call from the airport staff.

Our plane had arrived earlier than scheduled, and they asked us to come to the airport and check in early. Suddenly, our relaxed morning became a quick departure! Since we were still using my husband's brother's ADV motorcycle, we had to leave it at the resort so he could pick it up later.

We were very thankful to the Cabua-an Beach Resort owner, who warmly accommodated our request and allowed us to leave the motorcycle safely at the property even though my husband's brother wasn't there yet to collect it. That simple gesture made our rushed departure much easier.

Camiguin Is More Than a Tourist Destination

Camiguin is famous for its waterfalls, hot and cold springs, volcanoes, beaches, diving spots, and beautiful island scenery. But this trip reminded us of another side of Camiguin.

For us, Camiguin is home. It's Nanay sleeping quietly in the family house. It's lighting candles at Tatay's grave. It's borrowing a brother's motorcycle.

It's visiting a sister's house and eating pan de libro with black coffee. It's buying fresh yellow marlin from the market and cooking tinola and kinilaw for dinner.

It's sitting around the table with siblings and in-laws, sharing food and catching up on everything that has happened while everyone was busy living their own lives.

And somewhere in between all of that, it's finding a little time to swim in wonderfully clean seawater and do a few minutes of yoga by the beach.

Four Days and Three Nights That Felt Too Short

Our 4-day, 3-night Camiguin trip passed very quickly. We didn't go around trying to check off every famous Camiguin tourist spot. We didn't build an elaborate itinerary. Most of our time was divided between working remotely at Cabua-an Beach Resort and spending half of our days with Nanay and the rest of the family.

Yet somehow, the trip felt fuller because of that. Travel doesn't always have to be about seeing somewhere new. Sometimes, it's about returning to somewhere familiar.

It's about checking on the people who once took care of us. It's about sitting beside them even when conversations aren't the same anymore. It's about cooking something simple and eating together.

Most importantly, it's about making time. Because work will always be waiting. Errands will always be there. There will always be another deadline. But opportunities to sit with the people we love are not unlimited.

Until Our Next Visit, Camiguin

As our plane left the island, I couldn't help thinking about how quickly those few days had passed. Our visit to Camiguin may have been short, but it gave us something we needed—a chance to reconnect with family, spend precious time with Nanay Estrella, remember Tatay, enjoy home-cooked food, reconnect with siblings, and appreciate the simple beauty of island life.

We came home carrying memories of fresh yellow marlin, fish tinola and kinilaw, pork layua, pan de libro and black coffee, motorcycle rides around Mambajao, clean seawater at Cabua-an Beach, and quiet moments with family.

No grand itinerary. No rush to see everything. Just four days, three nights, and a quick island visit that reminded us what coming home really means. Until next time, Camiguin.

Seoul Korean Grill + Cuisine at Paseo Arcenas Cebu: A Korean BBQ Birthday Dinner Experience

There is something extra special about celebrating a birthday over a table filled with good food, especially when that table comes with its own sizzling Korean barbecue grill.

For our youngest daughter’s birthday celebration, our family decided to have a late-night Korean dinner at Seoul Korean Grill + Cuisine at Paseo Arcenas in Banawa, Cebu City. It turned out to be a memorable combination of unlimited Korean barbecue, colorful side dishes, incredibly fast grilling, a birthday carrot cake, and quality family time.

We arrived at almost 10:00 PM on a weekend, which is quite late for dinner. In fact, we ended up being the last customers they catered to that evening. Despite arriving close to closing time, we were still welcomed and accommodated, and we were able to enjoy our birthday dinner without feeling that we had completely missed our chance for samgyupsal.

For anyone searching for samgyupsal in Cebu, particularly around Banawa, Guadalupe, or Paseo Arcenas, here is our dining experience at Seoul. 

  Klook.com

Seoul Korean Grill + Cuisine at Paseo Arcenas, Banawa

Seoul Unlimited Samgyupsal is located at Paseo Arcenas along R. Arcenas Street in Banawa, Cebu City. The restaurant specializes in Korean barbecue, particularly unlimited pork and beef served together with an assortment of Korean side dishes.

The restaurant is currently listed as operating from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily, making it one of the places in the area where you can still enjoy a relatively late Korean dinner. That worked perfectly for us because we arrived at almost 10 PM.

The concept is straightforward: sit around a table equipped for Korean barbecue, choose your unlimited meat option, enjoy the banchan or side dishes, and have your meat grilled right in front of you. And that grilling experience was probably the part that impressed me the most.

The Tabletop Korean BBQ Grilling Experience

If you have never tried Korean barbecue before, the grilling setup itself is part of the experience. Instead of ordering a cooked pork or beef dish from a conventional restaurant kitchen and simply waiting for it to arrive, samgyupsal revolves around a grill built into or positioned directly at your dining table.

The raw meat arrives at the table, and you get to watch it transform from fresh slices of pork or beef into beautifully browned, sizzling pieces of Korean barbecue. I was particularly amazed at how quickly the meat was grilled.

You hear that satisfying sizzle almost immediately as the meat touches the hot grilling surface. In just a short time, the slices begin to brown and develop those slightly caramelized edges that make Korean barbecue so appetizing.

The staff also made the whole process much easier for us. Instead of worrying about whether we were grilling everything correctly, we could enjoy the conversation, the side dishes, and our daughter’s birthday celebration while the meat was being prepared at our table. For me, that is one of the best parts of the Korean BBQ experience—it turns an ordinary dinner into something interactive.

What Is Samgyupsal?

The word samgyeopsal refers to pork belly, traditionally an unseasoned cut with visible layers of meat and fat. When grilled, the fat renders and helps create a juicy interior and deliciously browned exterior.

The classic Korean way of eating it makes the experience even better. Take a piece of freshly grilled pork, place it on a lettuce leaf, add a little sauce or Korean soybean paste, perhaps some kimchi or another side dish, wrap everything together, and eat it in one bite.

You get several flavors and textures at once: the smoky and savory meat, crisp lettuce, spicy or fermented kimchi, and flavorful sauce. That combination is what makes samgyupsal so enjoyable—and also why it is easy to keep eating!

Seoul Korean Grill + Cuisine at Paseo Arcenas Menu

Seoul’s main attraction is naturally its unlimited Korean barbecue. As of August 2026, the Paseo Arcenas/Banawa branch announced updated unlimited menu options that include:

Unlimited Pork – ₱539 per person

This option includes unlimited pork selections, with Pork Gochujang among the choices. Gochujang is the famous Korean fermented red chili paste that gives Korean dishes their distinctive combination of spicy, savory, slightly sweet, and fermented flavors.

Unlimited Pork & Beef – ₱639 per person

For diners who want more variety, the pork-and-beef option adds beef to the unlimited selection. One of the notable additions is Bulgogi, which Seoul introduced to its lineup in August 2026.

Bulgogi is one of Korea’s best-known meat dishes. It is generally made with thinly sliced beef seasoned or marinated to produce a sweet-savory flavor. Compared with plain grilled pork belly, bulgogi brings a noticeably richer and sweeter taste to the table. Of course, the meats are only half of the Korean barbecue experience.

Korean Side Dishes: The Banchan Experience

One thing I enjoy about Korean dining is seeing so many small dishes arrive at the table. These are known as banchan, the assortment of Korean side dishes traditionally eaten together with rice and the main meal.

At Seoul, the barbecue experience is accompanied by a variety of sides. Depending on availability and the restaurant’s current selection, diners may encounter familiar Korean favorites such as:

Kimchi – Probably Korea’s most famous side dish. Fermented vegetables, most commonly napa cabbage, are seasoned with chili and other ingredients. Its spicy, sour, salty, and fermented flavor is particularly good alongside fatty grilled pork because it helps balance the richness of the meat.

Tteokbokki – Korean rice cakes in a distinctive red sauce. They are soft and chewy, with a sweet and spicy flavor that is very different from the grilled meats.

Japchae – Korean glass noodles usually combined with vegetables and savory seasoning. The noodles have a pleasantly springy texture and a mild sweet-savory flavor.

Fish cake – A familiar Korean banchan with a soft, slightly chewy texture and savory taste.

Bean sprouts and vegetables – These lighter side dishes provide a refreshing contrast to the richer pork and beef.

Lettuce – Essential for making Korean-style wraps with grilled meat, sauce, kimchi, and whatever other combination you prefer.

Rice – Sometimes simple rice is exactly what you need with flavorful Korean barbecue and spicy banchan.

Depending on the day's offerings, other Korean dishes and sides may also be available.

What makes Korean barbecue enjoyable is that you do not necessarily eat these foods individually. You can experiment with combinations—meat with kimchi, meat wrapped in lettuce, meat with sauce and rice, or even several banchan together. Every bite can taste a little different.

We Ordered Our First Serving Twice!

Since Seoul is an unlimited samgyupsal restaurant, naturally we had to take advantage of the buffet-style dining experience.

After finishing our first serving, we ordered another round of the same first serving. That second order tells you something about how much we enjoyed the first one!

With unlimited Korean barbecue, there is also something satisfying about being able to enjoy another serving of the meats you liked without having to think too much about ordering separate dishes. You can simply continue grilling, eating, wrapping the meat in lettuce, pairing it with kimchi and side dishes, and enjoying the meal together.

For a family celebration, I think this style of dining works particularly well because the food becomes part of the activity. Everyone gathers around the grill, watches the meat cook, chooses what to eat next, and shares the different dishes on the table.

The Restaurant and Atmosphere

Our timing also gave us a slightly different experience from what you might encounter during the busiest dinner hours. Because we arrived almost at 10 PM on a weekend and became the last customers being served, the restaurant was naturally winding down for the night.

That gave our family more opportunity to simply sit together and enjoy our meal.

Seoul has the casual, lively character you expect from a Korean barbecue restaurant. The tables are designed around the grilling experience, and once the food starts arriving, the table quickly becomes a colorful spread of raw meats, cooked barbecue, sauces, lettuce, rice, kimchi and various Korean side dishes.

It is not the type of restaurant where you simply sit quietly waiting for one plated entrée. There is movement and activity throughout the meal. Something is always grilling, being cut, wrapped, dipped, shared or refilled. That is exactly what makes samgyupsal fun.

Our Experience With the Staff

We also appreciated being accommodated despite arriving so late. Being the last table of the evening could have made the experience feel rushed, but the staff still attended to us and handled our orders and grilling.

The speed of the grilling especially impressed me. The meat was cooked efficiently, so there wasn't a long wait between servings. Other diners have similarly highlighted the restaurant's attentive servers and quick refills, and the Paseo Arcenas location has received positive comments for its service and Korean side-dish selection.

For a buffet or unlimited restaurant, that responsiveness makes a big difference. Unlimited food isn't very useful if you spend most of your dinner waiting for the next serving!

Celebrating Our Youngest Daughter's Birthday

Of course, this was not simply another weekend dinner for us. It was our youngest daughter’s birthday, which made the evening much more meaningful. We brought along a Carrot Cake from Kermit’s Cebu to serve as her birthday cake.

After all the savory Korean barbecue—the grilled pork and beef, kimchi, rice and side dishes—the carrot cake was a nice way to end the celebration with something sweet. Another pleasant surprise was that Seoul did not charge us a corkage fee for bringing the birthday cake.

For families planning birthday celebrations, this is a detail worth asking the restaurant about when making a reservation. Policies can always change, but during our visit, we were allowed to bring our Kermit’s Cebu carrot cake without paying additional cake corkage. It made the celebration easier and allowed us to bring the particular birthday cake we wanted for our daughter.

Parking at Paseo Arcenas

If you are driving to Seoul Samgyupsal, Paseo Arcenas has parking areas serving the restaurants and establishments within the development.

In our case, we parked in the parking area near Brique Restaurant. From there, we simply walked to Seoul.

It was not a problem for us, although first-time visitors should know that depending on where you find an available parking space, you may need to walk a little within the Paseo Arcenas complex to reach the restaurant.

On a busy weekend, I would recommend allowing a little extra time for parking instead of expecting to park immediately beside Seoul.

The nice thing about Paseo Arcenas is that it is a dining destination with numerous restaurants and establishments around the area, so walking from one section to another is part of the experience.

Is Seoul Korean Grill + Cuisine at Paseo Arcenas Worth Trying?

Based on our family dinner, yes—we enjoyed our experience. What stood out most for me was not just one particular dish. It was the combination of everything: the unlimited servings, Korean side dishes, tabletop grilling, surprisingly fast cooking, helpful service, and the relaxed feeling of sharing food together as a family.

And because this particular visit was for our youngest daughter’s birthday, it became more than simply another samgyupsal dinner. It became another family memory.

For anyone looking for an unlimited samgyupsal restaurant in Cebu, especially if you live around Banawa, Guadalupe or nearby areas, Seoul at Paseo Arcenas is certainly an option worth considering.

• Come hungry.
• Try the pork and beef.
• Experiment with your lettuce wraps.
• Eat the kimchi between bites of grilled meat.
• Try the different banchan.

And if you find yourself enjoying that first tray of meat as much as we did, you might end up ordering the whole first serving all over again!

Seoul Korean Grill + Cuisine at Paseo Arcenas – Quick Information

Restaurant: Seoul Unlimited Samgyupsal / Seoul Korean Grill + Cuisine – Banawa
Location: Paseo Arcenas, R. Arcenas Street, Banawa, Cebu City, Cebu
Cuisine: Korean / Korean BBQ / Samgyupsal
Specialty: Unlimited grilled pork and pork-and-beef Korean BBQ
Current advertised unlimited options: ₱539 Unlimited Pork and ₱639 Unlimited Pork & Beef
Popular Korean food: Samgyupsal, bulgogi, kimchi, tteokbokki, japchae and Korean banchan
Operating hours: Currently listed at approximately 11:00 AM–11:00 PM daily
Parking: Parking is available around Paseo Arcenas; during our visit, we parked near Brique Restaurant and walked to Seoul
Birthday cake: We brought a Kermit’s Cebu Carrot Cake and were not charged cake corkage during our visit

Restaurant prices, menu selections, operating hours, promotions and corkage policies may change, so it is best to confirm directly with the restaurant before visiting.

Our late-night birthday dinner at Seoul Korean Grill + Cuisine in Paseo Arcenas, Cebu was simple but memorable.

We arrived at almost 10 PM on a weekend, became their last customers for the night, sat around a sizzling Korean barbecue grill, ordered our first serving twice, tried different combinations of meat and Korean side dishes, and finished the evening by celebrating our youngest daughter with her Kermit’s Cebu carrot cake.

I was especially fascinated by the tabletop grilling station and how quickly our meat was cooked. There is something very satisfying about watching dinner sizzle right in front of you and then eating it while it is freshly grilled and hot.

More importantly, it was another occasion when food brought our family around one table. And perhaps that is the best thing about samgyupsal. It isn't only about unlimited meat. It is about sharing the grill, sharing the food, and sharing the moment.

For us, this particular table at Seoul held a birthday celebration—and another happy family memory in Cebu.

If you're looking for a peaceful beach resort in South Cebu that combines comfort, elegance, and a relaxing atmosphere, Maayo Argao Resort should definitely be on your list. Our family recently had the opportunity to spend an overnight stay there on July 12–13, and although it was only a short visit, it became another memorable family experience worth sharing.

What made this trip even more exciting was that we booked our stay through Agoda on the same day we checked in. Luckily, there were only two Standard Rooms left, and we managed to reserve both just in time. It turned out to be a perfect place to rest before attending our daughter's school opening activities the following morning at the Philippine Science High School – Central Visayas Campus.

A Last-Minute Agoda Booking That Turned Into a Wonderful Stay. Sometimes, spontaneous trips become the most memorable ones. Since we needed a comfortable place to stay near Argao before the school opening program, we searched Agoda for nearby accommodations. To our surprise, Maayo Argao Resort still had its last two Standard Rooms available, so we immediately booked them. The booking process was smooth, and within a short time we were already preparing for our overnight family getaway.

Upon arriving at the resort, we were welcomed by a peaceful atmosphere that immediately made us feel relaxed. The property has a modern tropical design that blends beautifully with its beachfront setting. Everything looked clean, well-maintained, and thoughtfully designed to create a calm and refreshing environment.

First Impressions of Maayo Argao Resort

The first thing we noticed was how elegant and spacious the resort looked. Unlike crowded beach destinations, Maayo Argao Resort offers a more peaceful ambiance that's perfect for families, couples, or anyone simply wanting to unwind away from the busy city. The landscaping is beautifully maintained, with lush greenery surrounding the buildings and walkways. The resort's architecture combines modern design with warm Filipino hospitality, giving guests both comfort and a luxurious vacation feel without being overly extravagant. Every corner seemed photo-worthy, making it easy to understand why many guests spend time taking pictures around the property.

Comfortable Standard Rooms

We booked two Standard Rooms, which were clean, cozy, and well-maintained. The rooms provided everything we needed for a comfortable overnight stay after a long day of traveling. The beds were comfortable, the air conditioning worked perfectly, and the room had the usual amenities expected from a quality resort, including a private bathroom, television, Wi-Fi access, and complimentary toiletries. Although our stay was short, we appreciated how relaxing the rooms felt. They provided exactly what we needed—a quiet place to recharge before the busy schedule the next morning.

Resort Amenities and Facilities

One of the things that impressed us most about Maayo Argao Resort was its excellent facilities. During our stay, we had the chance to walk around the property and appreciate the various amenities available to guests. Some of the highlights include:

• * Beautiful beachfront with scenic ocean views
• * Large outdoor swimming pool
• * Landscaped gardens and open spaces
• * Restaurant serving breakfast and other meals
• * Spacious lobby and reception area
• * Comfortable lounging areas
• * Event and function spaces
• * Well-maintained pathways perfect for morning or evening walks
• * Parking area for guests
• * Free Wi-Fi in common areas and guest rooms

The resort is designed for guests who simply want to relax without feeling rushed. Whether you're traveling as a family, celebrating a special occasion, or enjoying a quiet weekend escape, the facilities provide a comfortable environment for everyone.

Breakfast Options

One helpful thing to know before booking is that not all room packages include complimentary breakfast. Some room rates come with free breakfast, while others do not. During our stay, guests without breakfast included in their reservation could still enjoy the buffet breakfast for Php 440 per person. This gives travelers flexibility when choosing room packages depending on their budget and travel plans. The breakfast area also offers a pleasant atmosphere, making it a nice way to begin the day before heading out for sightseeing or nearby activities.

Our Early Morning Schedule

Our overnight stay wasn't exactly a vacation where we spent the whole day enjoying the resort. Early the following morning, my husband, my daughter, and I left the resort at around 7:30 AM to attend the school opening program and homeroom PTA meeting at the Philippine Science High School – Central Visayas Campus. Meanwhile, our two sons stayed behind at the resort. Since they didn't need to attend the school activities, they remained there to relax and would later take care of checking out of our rooms. Although we weren't able to maximize the resort's recreational facilities because of our schedule, having such a comfortable place to stay made our morning preparations much easier and less stressful.

Returning Before Checkout

After the school opening program and PTA meeting concluded around noon, we returned to Maayo Argao Resort. Before finally leaving, we decided to spend a little more time walking around the property. The midday sunlight highlighted the resort's beautiful architecture, manicured gardens, and beachfront scenery. Since we knew we wouldn't be returning anytime soon, we took some photos and videos to preserve the memories of our short family getaway. Every corner of the resort offered a wonderful backdrop—from the elegant buildings and landscaped pathways to the relaxing seaside views. Sometimes, even a brief overnight stay is enough to create lasting memories.

Perfect for Families

One thing we appreciated was how family-friendly the resort felt. The peaceful environment makes it suitable for guests traveling with children, while the spacious grounds allow everyone to move around comfortably. Parents can relax while kids enjoy the open spaces or swimming pool. The calm surroundings also make the resort ideal for families looking to disconnect from the busy pace of everyday life. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway, celebrating a birthday, hosting a reunion, or simply looking for a comfortable place to stay in Argao, Maayo Argao Resort is certainly worth considering.

Why We Loved Our Stay

Our schedule may have limited the time we spent enjoying the resort's facilities, but the comfort and tranquility we experienced made the overnight stay worthwhile. Although our visit was short, there were several reasons why we enjoyed staying here:

• * Easy same-day booking through Agoda
• * Comfortable and clean accommodations
• * Elegant resort atmosphere
• * Beautiful beachfront location
• * Peaceful environment
• * Friendly and relaxing ambiance
• * Flexible breakfast options
• * Excellent place for family photos
• * Convenient location for our trip to the Philippine Science High School campus

Tips for Future Guests

If you're planning to visit Maayo Argao Resort, here are a few suggestions based on our experience:

• * Book early during weekends and holidays since rooms can fill up quickly.
• * Compare Agoda room packages carefully to see whether breakfast is already included.
• * If breakfast isn't included, you can still enjoy the buffet for **Php 440 per person**.
• * Allocate enough time to explore the resort instead of staying only overnight.
• * Bring your camera or smartphone because there are many beautiful spots for photos.
• * Wake up early if you'd like to enjoy a peaceful morning stroll around the property before other guests become active.

Our overnight stay at Maayo Argao Resort may have been brief, but it served exactly the purpose we needed—a relaxing and comfortable place to stay before an important family event. From the easy Agoda booking and welcoming atmosphere to the elegant surroundings and comfortable accommodations, everything contributed to a pleasant experience. Even though most of our time was spent sleeping, having breakfast, strolling around the resort, and attending our daughter's school activities, we still managed to create beautiful family memories.

Before leaving, we took several photos and videos as keepsakes, hoping to remember the peaceful ambiance and scenic beauty of this elegant beach resort. Sometimes, it's not the length of the vacation that matters most, but the quality of the moments shared with family. If you're searching for a relaxing beach resort in Argao, Cebu—whether for a weekend escape, a family vacation, or even just an overnight stop before exploring South Cebu—Maayo Argao Resort is a destination that deserves a spot on your travel list. We look forward to returning someday, hopefully with more time to fully enjoy everything the resort has to offer.

Fantasy Lodge Cebu: Our Family Staycation to End Summer 2026

As Summer 2026 was coming to an end, our family decided to celebrate the season with a relaxing staycation in the southern part of Cebu. After weeks of school activities, work commitments, and daily routines, we wanted a destination where we could simply slow down, enjoy nature, and spend quality time together.

Our choice was Fantasy Lodge Cebu, a charming cliffside beach resort located in the beautiful municipality of Samboan in South Cebu.

What followed was one of our most relaxing family road trips this year—a journey filled with scenic coastal drives, beach moments, delicious food, therapeutic kawa bathing, and unforgettable family bonding.

About Fantasy Lodge Cebu

Fantasy Lodge Cebu 

Address: KM142, Barangay Dalahikan, Samboan, Cebu 6027, Philippines.

Contact Numbers:
0917-700-6027 / Phone: +639177006027
0993-587-9153

Website: Fantasy Lodge Cebu Official Website

Check-in Time: 2:00 PM
Check-out Time: 11:00 AM

The resort is known for its cliffside setting overlooking the sea, private beach access, swimming pool, lush tropical gardens, and its famous Kawa Spa experience. (Agoda.com)

Our Family Road Trip from Cebu City to Samboan

We started our journey at around 10:00 AM from Cebu City. The drive itself was already part of the adventure. We crossed the magnificent Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway, enjoying the beautiful views of the sea and neighboring islands. Before reaching the bridge, we made our first stop at a nearby Jollibee Drive-Thru in Cordova for breakfast.

Nothing beats starting a family road trip with hot coffee, burgers, and breakfast meals while everyone excitedly talks about the destination ahead. After crossing CCLEX, we headed south via the Cebu South Road. Our second stop was at a Shell Select station in Naga City where we purchased tube ice for our cooler filled with drinks. The summer heat was intense, and having cold beverages during a long road trip made a huge difference.

By lunchtime, our family was already hungry again, so we stopped at a McDonald's Drive-Thru in Argao. With burgers, fries, and iced drinks in hand, we continued our journey deeper into South Cebu. The scenery became more beautiful as we drove farther south—rolling hills, coconut trees, coastal views, and quiet provincial towns that reminded us why road trips in Cebu are always special. After approximately six hours of driving with several stopovers, we finally arrived at Fantasy Lodge around 4:00 PM.

First Impressions of Fantasy Lodge

The moment we entered the property, we immediately understood why many travelers describe Fantasy Lodge as a hidden paradise. The resort sits on a cliff overlooking the ocean, surrounded by mature trees, flowering plants, and beautifully landscaped gardens.

The atmosphere that afternoon was magical. Golden sunlight filtered through the leaves while the ocean breeze gently moved through the property. The sound of waves crashing below blended perfectly with birds singing among the trees.

It felt peaceful, secluded, and incredibly relaxing. For our family of six, we booked:

• - Two Standard Couple Rooms for me and my husband
• - One Family Room good for four for our four teenagers

After checking in, we immediately explored the entire property. We walked around the gardens, visited the pool area, and eventually made our way down toward the beach. The swimming pool overlooks the sea and offers one of the best spots to relax while enjoying the ocean view. Meanwhile, the private beach area provides direct access to the water and plenty of opportunities for swimming and photography.

Sunset by the Beach

Without wasting any time, my husband and I changed into our swimwear and headed straight to the beach. The water was refreshing after our long drive. The waves were gentle enough for swimming while still creating that relaxing ocean soundtrack that makes beach vacations so enjoyable. A few minutes later, another family came down to the shore. Two children happily searched for seashells while their relatives watched nearby.

The following morning during breakfast, I learned from their aunt that they had traveled all the way from the United States for their vacation in Cebu. Moments like these remind us how tourism connects people from different parts of the world through shared experiences.

Dinner at Fantasy Lodge Restaurant

One thing guests should remember is that Fantasy Lodge has specific dining schedules. Last call for meals is around 7:30 PM, while drinks and desserts are available until approximately 8:30 PM. Knowing this, we immediately placed our dinner orders after check-in.

The restaurant itself offers a cozy atmosphere overlooking the gardens and ocean. As darkness settled over the resort, soft lighting illuminated the pathways and dining area. The combination of sea breeze, tropical plants, and the sounds of nature created a very romantic and relaxing evening environment.

While enjoying dinner, we also booked one of the resort's most popular attractions for the following morning—the famous Kawa Spa.

The Famous Kawa Spa Experience

One of the signature highlights of Fantasy Lodge is its renowned Kawa Spa.  If you're visiting the resort, I highly recommend including this experience in your itinerary.

For those unfamiliar with it, a kawa bath uses a large metal wok traditionally used for cooking. The kawa is filled with warm water, aromatic herbs, flowers, and essential oils, creating a unique outdoor soaking experience. 

The next morning, it was finally my turn. The water was perfectly warm—not too hot and not too cold. As I slowly settled into the giant wok, I instantly felt my muscles relax. For a few precious moments, I simply sat there enjoying the warmth, the scent of flowers, and the peaceful surroundings. It felt therapeutic, calming, and almost meditative. The staff members were very accommodating throughout the session, making sure everything was comfortable. My husband joined me for a few minutes before my session ended, making the experience even more memorable. Among all the activities during our stay, the Kawa Spa became my personal favorite. It was the perfect way to unwind and recharge.

A Relaxing Morning in Paradise

After my Kawa Spa session, we continued enjoying the resort. My husband returned to the beach to swim and take photographs. Meanwhile, I found the perfect spot near the shore for a quick yoga headstand session. The setting was absolutely wonderful. I could hear the powerful waves crashing against the shoreline. Birds were singing from nearby trees. The breeze carried the scent of the ocean. The resort's abundance of trees and flowering plants created a natural sanctuary that felt far removed from the noise of city life.

Family Fun by the Sea

Our two sons joined us at the beach and spent more time swimming.

Our daughters preferred relaxing and exploring the resort instead of swimming, which was perfectly fine because Fantasy Lodge offers many places to simply sit, relax, and enjoy the surroundings.

We also tried the beachside trampoline, which brought out the child in all of us. Laughter echoed across the beach as we bounced and played. Later, we discovered one of the most relaxing spots in the resort—a hammock facing the sea. Before we knew it, some of us had already fallen asleep while listening to the waves. It was one of those simple vacation moments that become treasured memories.

Tourist Attractions Near Fantasy Lodge

One of the best things about staying at Fantasy Lodge is its proximity to several popular South Cebu attractions.

Nearby attractions include:

Aguinid Falls

A multi-level waterfall adventure where visitors can climb through cascading streams and natural rock formations. Located only minutes from the resort. 

Binalayan Hidden Falls

Also known as Hidden Falls, this beautiful waterfall is one of Samboan's most famous attractions. 

Dao Falls

A stunning waterfall surrounded by lush forest scenery and turquoise waters.

Tumalog Falls

One of Cebu's most photographed waterfalls, located a short drive from Samboan. 

Sumilon Island

Known for its white sandbar, crystal-clear waters, and snorkeling opportunities. 

Booking Fantasy Lodge Through Agoda

If you're planning your own South Cebu getaway, you can check room availability and current rates through Agoda. Book Fantasy Lodge Cebu via Agoda

Available accommodations typically include couple rooms, family rooms, cottages, and sea-view accommodations suitable for couples, families, and groups. Our stay at Fantasy Lodge was the perfect way to end Summer 2026.

From the scenic drive through South Cebu and our family bonding moments to the relaxing beach atmosphere and unforgettable Kawa Spa experience, every part of the trip helped us slow down and appreciate the simple joys of life.

What stood out most was the peaceful environment.

• - The sound of the waves.
• - The birds singing in the trees.
• - The warm hospitality of the staff.
• - The therapeutic Kawa Spa.
• - The hammocks swaying beside the sea.

And most importantly, the opportunity to spend meaningful time together as a family before another busy school year begins. If you're looking for a quiet beachfront retreat in South Cebu where you can reconnect with nature and create lasting family memories, Fantasy Lodge in Samboan is definitely worth adding to your travel bucket list.