A travel to Argao "town of famous torta" | Cebu

 

CABECERA de ARGAO| a town down south of Cebu. It was once a fortified Spanish pueblo or town designed according to the Spanish Crown’s blueprint for its settlement in the colonies. The town center, used to be enclosed by rectangular high walls made of coral stone that has a four main gates located on each side of the perimeter. At present, two entryways still exist. In addition, other main structures that remain of Argao’s wall pueblo of the 1800’s include the San Miguel Archangel Church, Capilla Mortuario, Casa Real and the “paso” or processional courtyard.

Having been to the coastal town, there are beaches everywhere, vast rice fields, as well as varied fishponds in some areas.

Places to visit Argao:

 

Municipal Hall. An ancient looking structure where public business affairs are officially and legally conducted.

Town Plaza. A simple accommodating lawn with white stone benches, with free wifi connectivity as somewhat one of the freebies for visiting their place. You could update your status while sitting on the benches which more often than not, every traveler does. I, for one have done so!

St. Michael’s Church. The square stones that make up the exterior walls still have the traces of the tools that were used to shape the boulders around the building. The bell tower is beautifully preserved, still functional and is yet at its best amidst the test of time. Surely a proof of great filipino artistry and handicraft.

Argao Nature Park. 

An ideal avenue for nature lovers. One may prefer to "chill out" by sitting on the benches, while nibbling on snacks they brought, and merely enjoying the breeze.

However, if you prefer to move around and be active, well,you might want to experience the "short" zip line (with it's height and length safe even for children above 10 years of age at 20php only. It’s a brief trip from the top of the trees to the other side of a man-made lake), or wall-climb and row a boat, all at a budget-friendly cost.

With a meager entrance fee of 5php you can aready explore the park, dine in their kiosk cottages and take a glimpse of some wild life.

Alex Kafe. A simple antique restaurant near the church, it exudes a feeling of an old house with a high ceiling with antiques such as paintings and drawings hanged on the wall. Eye-catching objects such as an old and rusty sewing machine, shelves full of old books and albums from the 80's, a used laver which I believe used to be the trend during the old eras, and many other antiques are on display. When the witty attendant was asked of, she proudly claimed their Halo-halo to be one-of-a-kind, and thus their specialty along with the popular “torta” in town.

How to get there:
Catch up buses bound to Oslob or Dalaguete from the South Bus Terminal. You can choose between a non air conditioned(78php)or airconditioned(86php) bus. Traveling time takes 1.5 hours.

SNAPSHOTS

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