South from Cebu by bus to Oslob, we found ourselves in a traditional, charming, un spoilt village of incredibly friendly Philippine locals and were in our element. Wandering the fresh food markets, playing with the local dogs and exchanging smiles and waves with the locals, this was what travelling was all about. A few fresh bread rolls and a rotisserie chicken by the side of the road was a fitting evening meal and we headed to bed for an early start in the morning.

The early morning brought us beautiful weather and the chance to swim with one of natures great animals the Whale Shark. We donned snorkelling gear and headed into an empty sea at the break of dawn to be greeted by these 3-5 metre behemoths with their gracious glide and gaping jaws, truly and amazing experience only slightly sullied by the hundreds of other eager tourists that joined us. A lack of swimming ability did not deter them from donning life jackets and kicking us in the head whilst being held under by their boatman who helped position them for the all important Shark Selfie! The lure of Oslob kept us for another day and we joined our new local friend who was more camp than a row of tents….(hilarious is not the word) for a spot of c*** fighting. Aware of the likely brutality we were still intrigued to see the most popular sport in the Philippines in action. Our fears were confirmed and after seeing 4 c*** almost disembowel each other with the daggers attached to their legs whilst near a hundred men screamed and shouted we headed for the nearest exit, we did however still devour the looser for dinner than evening…or at least a distant relative!