Bohol

Located in the Central Visayas region is the tenth largest island of the Philippines, Bohol.

It is known not only for the tarsier and chocolate hills but also for its whimsical beauty. It is one of the tourist sites in the Philippines where one get the most out of their trip. Blessed with a number of marvelous white beaches which just await to be discovered and enjoyed.

Weather:

From November to April, the northeast monsoon (amihan) prevails. Except for a rare shower, this is the mildest time of the year. Daytime temperatures average 28°C, cooling down at night to around 25°C. The summer season from May to July brings higher temperatures and very humid days. From August to October is the southwest monsoon (habagat). The weather during this season is not very predictable, with weeks of calm weather alternating with rainy days. It can rain any day of the year, but a higher chance of heavy showers occurs from November to January.

Things to do / Types of Tours:

Tarsier

Chocolate Hills with Mommy

Bohol Country side Tour, the most popular tour among tourists consists of Chocolate Hills, Baclayon Church and Museum, Prony, the Python in Albur, Loboc River, Tarsier Encounter Blood Compact Monument, Man-Made Forest and Butterfly Garden. Optional Places to be visted are Bolo Making and Nipa Weaving.

Hinagdanan Cave

Panglao Island Tour consists of: Daus Church, Bayoyo, the dwarf man, Bingag Zoo – Ostrich Watching, Hinagdanan Cave and Bohol Bee Farm. 

Dolphin Watching, Balicasag and Virgin Island Hopping and Snorkeling (starts around 5AM)

Mag-Aso Falls Tour consists of: Mag-aso Falls, Punta Cruz Watchtower, Marijoboc Python, Abatan River tourism Complex

Mag Aso Falls

E.A.T. Danao Adventure Tour

Activities you can have in Danao Adventure Park:

• Zipline or Suislide
• Skyride or Cable Car
• Plunge or Canyon Swing
• River Trekking
• River Tubing
• River Kayaking
• Wall Climbing
• Village Tour
• Organic Farm Visitation
• Camping
• Rappelling
• Root Climbing
• Caving

Sagbayan Peak

* A drop-by in Sagbayan Peak is possible on the way back from Danao

For Dive Sites:  Click Here

ACCOMMODATION REVIEWS:

Eskaya Infinity Pool

Eskaya is the best resort I’ve been to. Not because of their facilities, but because of the courteous staff all around the area. There was an instance when I was bitten by a mosquito, the nurse immediately approached me with 3 anti itching ointments on hand – note that I didn’t ask for assistance. We checked in at Balai 11, the smallest villa in eskaya with a floor area of 250 Square meters. Staying in Eskaya for me is rewarding, you get to commune with nature. Other than the staff, you’ll barely see people in the area. It’s so relaxing and romantic ;) Food is great though choice of food is very limited due to the resort having only 1 restaurant, Lantawan which is located right in front of the infinity pool.

Unique Qualities: Infinity pool, very courteous staff, - again extra courteous staff. Privacy ;)

Address: Tawala, Panglao Island, Philippines

Comparison: most expensive

Price: US$180 and up

Theme: Hotel

Bohol Tropics  is the resort where you get the best value for your  money. Although Bohol tropics isn't a beach front resort, the place is very accessible because it's situated along tagbilaran and near the sea port. The resort has 3 large pools, one warm water pool which is located in front of the pool side room. At night, a band performs in their bar wherein you can have a few drinks. Rates are relatively cheap and the accommodation is great. Although the rooms are very basic, the resort provides great facilities and service. I really enjoyed the night life in Bohol Tropics.

Address: Graham Avenue, Tagbilaran City, Bohol, 6300, Philippines

Comparison: less expensive than average

Price: US$20-40

Theme: Hotel

Panglao Island Nature Resort and Spa

A resort I would highly recommend for those who want to relax and have privacy - without splurging that much money. A 30-minute drive from Tagbilaran airport. Unlike resorts located at Alona stretch, Panglao Island Nature resort is situated way farther and the only resort around the vicinity. They even have a small cave inside the resort with deep waters - ideal for those who want a mini adventure without leaving the area. They have golf carts that would bring you to your room for those who opt not to walk - though the rooms from the reception area is near, about less than a minute walk. Room was very clean and spacious. Food was great especially during breakfast. They serve buffet meals and they even allowed us to convert our buffet lunch into packed lunch as we went on island hopping. In this resort, you will definitely get what you pay for.


Unique Qualities: One thing I liked about this resort is the pathway going to the mini island on the beach. It has a hammock where you can relax during the mid-afternoon or any time of the day. This pathway is only visible during low tide. The pool was average, an infinity pool but nothing fancy. It has 2 whirlpool on each end and a swim up bar. They have a mini game area near the pool where one could play billiards, ping-pong, darts, etc.

Address: Bingag, Daius, Panglao, 6339, Philippines
Comparison: more expensive than average
Phone: (63-2) 724-1051
Price: US$120-180
Theme: Hotel

Dumaluan Beach Resort is by far the worst resort I've been to. Not only in Bohol but in my whole 23 years of existenc. The resort has cheap rates given that it's a beach front resort, but this does not give reason to the poor service that the resort offers. The staff in Dumaluan doesn't know what courtesy means. Let me start with the extra mattress we requested - not only did it take more than an hour for it to be delivered, but the staff also left the extra mattress in another room's porch - hence, we carried the mattress ourselves. The bathroom's drainage is clogged, they don't provide extra mats, and another thing, it is my first time have been in a resort that does not provide service water. The only good experience I've had in this resort was when we were about to leave, one staff offered to carry my bag, other than that there is NONE. Even if their rates are comparatively cheap, I would be willing to spend more, or even double rather than come back in Dumaluan Beach Resort.

Comparison: less expensive than average

Price: US$20-40

Theme: Hotel

For car rental rates click HERE. This will give you a brief idea as to how much the car rental is depending on your tour destination. I would strongly recommend though to avoid booking car rentals prior because upon arrival in tagbilaran airport, you will see a lot of locals offering for car rental. And the good thing is, you can even haggle.


In my opinion, Bohol is the perfect place to spend it with your significant other. Among all the places I've been to, Bohol is one of the most romantic tourist spots in the Philippines. I've been to Bohol numerous times but whenever I come back, it still feels as if it's my first time. Note: Yes i have been to all the tourist places i've cited above, That's how much i love bohol. :)

Bebe's sentiments about me :)

Patrick's (my boyfriend) note to me back in 2009 :)

10 things dat i wud do for u:


1. watch you sleep, even if im sleepy rin. ilike doing this kasi para kang little baby angel wen ur sleeping :) PLUS i get to kiss u super duper ng marami sa face ng hindi mo alam.. hihihi


2. cook for you... ung favorite mo, ung eggs ko lol :)


3. drive you to work, and at the same time, sunduin ka kahit late nako sa usapang time naten.. hehehhee atleast i know nakarating ka safe sa work and makakauwi ka din ng safe


4. let u sleep inside my car pagkahatid ko sayo sa work.... ur always sleepy kasi bebe eh, plus i get to do ung #1 watch u sleep :) ahihihi


5. bully you then after nun hug u and kissing kissing.. hahaha :)ang super cute and wawa ka everytime i bully u kasi lagi ka nag cry hihihi then pag hug ko sayo happy ka na ulit :) hihihihi


6. go shopping with you... waaaah.. kahit sobrang sa ladies department lahat ng mga babae pagkamalan akong bading, kasi lagi ka nag aask kung ano masbagay sayo.. :P "oh bebe masbagay yan sayo" :)




7. il let your wear my jacket everytime we watch a movie, kahit nangingisay na ako sa lamig :P hihihi teka, bket d ka nga ba nagdadala ng jacket everytime nagwawatch tyo?


8. bring you to tagaytay then sleeping sleeping sa kubo.. QT?


9. change the way i look, kahit pagsuutin mo pa ako ng body fit, tutal bigbody naman ako. :P


10. and lastly, love you suped duper duper more than anyone in this world..


bebe, 2009 na! happy new year! grabe im so excited na sa mga upcoming outings naten.. hehehehe.. sorry if sometimes d ako nakakareply pag tulog ako, lol malamang bebe tulog. please be a very gud bebe and i promise you, i will never cheat on u. give you all the time in the world coz u mean so much to me. i love you super my jorjy, my bestfriend, my bebe... muah :) missing missing u already..


P.S.
i love you 3 times a day,, ooopss make that 100times a day. ay teka, more than that pala.. bsta.. i love you i love you i love you :)

Coron, Palawan

Coron is one of the best places I've been so far. Its amazing rock formations, pristine waters, sunken wrecks and more - it's definitely an adventure.

I would highly recommend that you visit during the first quarter of the year. My first visit was March 2010 and due to it's majestic beauty, I came back September of 2010. There's a very big difference as September is known to be that "habagat" months or rainy season. For that reason, planktons, weeds/ algae are booming around the area.

THINGS TO DO

I would highly recommend that you visit Coron during the first quarter of the year as September is known to be the "habagat" or rainy season where algae is booming around the area. 

Make sure to bring lots of food during Island Hopping. It was our problem when we went off to the Islands as there are no places to buy food / water aside from Coron town.

Barracuda lake - (entrance fee php 100) - It's a famous dive site for its rock formations. A fresh water lake with a depth of 30 meters or 100 feet. Before reaching the lake itself, one would have to clamber over the rocks to get down to the peaceful and picturesque crater itself, I was scared to death as I'm afraid of heights, no stairs or anything, you literally climb the limestone's. You don't need to use a wetsuit for this dive as after the first 12 to 13m you reach an intense thermo- & halocline where the water temperature rapidly rises from about 27°C to 38°C. It is uncomfortably hot on the way down and then on the way back up the top layer feels freezing! There's not a lot to see at the bottom of the crater and the silt kicks up really quickly. On the way back out keep your eyes open for shrimps.
(september 2010, barracuda lake already had a ladder like stairs made of wood, no difficulty climbing)

Skeleton wreck - (entrance fee - 100 php) - I was a bit disappointed with this as it's only a sunken fisherman's boat, nothing really amazing.

Twin Lagoon (entrance fee - 100 php) - Twin Lagoon in my opinion is Coron's pride - according to reviews. So I had to see it for myself. I was a bit disappointed as the reviews were overrated. There are 2 ways to enter the twin lagoon, one is you swim beneath the twin rock formation (which is only allowed during low tide) and next is you climb over the rocks. It was high tide when we went so we weren't able to experience swimming beneath the rocks. (sayang). Water temp was extremely cold reason why I didn't enjoy it here.
Update: September 2010, I was able to swim beneath the rocks and it was indeed an experience. :) 

Siete Picados - (entrance fee 100) Protected coral reef wherein large and colorful fishes could be found. Don't forget to bring bread during this trip. During low tide, be careful of the sea urchins. On my September trip, I learned that the Corals here are being planted. The old man has a small house floating in the middle of the ocean near Siete Picados and cited that he plants Corals at night as most of them die easily. 

Kayangan Lake (entrance fee - 200 php) - Unlike barracuda lake, the climb to Kayangan Lake is much easier. it’s a brackish water that many foreign & locals likes to go outings sometimes called the Blue Lagoon. This beautiful picture-perfect scenery can be seen after a walk up a mountain trail. About 15 to 20 minutes and exploring with its limestone cliffs formations and crystal clear waters are awesome and that almost took my breath away. Swimming in the cleanest lake in the Philippines fresh water lake (with a bit of salt water) in the Philippines is an experience that every Filipino should have. The entire area is perfect for taking portrait shots with limestone cliffs in the background and clean lake in the middle ground. It is the scenic landscape, crystal clear waters, that attracts and fascinates most foreign & local’s travelers.

• Atwayan / Banol beach - basically they look alike. Stop by here for lunch. The beach has a short stretch.
• Kalachuchi Beach
• Sampaloc Beach
• Twin Peaks
• Diwata Lagoon
• 91 Beach
• Lusong Gunboat 
• East Tangat Gunboat 
• Coral Garden
• North and South Cay Island Tour
• Black Island and Dibutnay Island Tour

Mt Tapyas - is DEFINITELY tiring. Doing this on the first day would be difficult as the island trip for the first day itself is already tiring. Only advisable for younger tourists. I'm only 22 and I really really really got tired climbing Mt. Tapyas. (no entrance fee)

Maquinit Hot Spring

All mentioned above aside from Mt. Tapyas and Maquinit Hot Spring are snorkeling sites. Get ready to get tired and again, bring lots of food and water. During the snorkeling tour, we had our lunch in the boat. ;)

Malcapuya Island / Banana Island - Staying here the entire day would be advisable as it's a 2 hour boat ride from Coron Town. The beach is super nice, sand is super fine with super clear waters. Entrance fee is Php 150. There are also cabanas where you could rest in during the afternoon. ;) Also, make sure to leave early as the trip could be really wavy if you leave late morning.  during my march trip, I consider this the most beautiful beach i've been in my entire life. As for my September trip, I felt otherwise. Since it's habagat or rainy season, there are a lot of algae around the area. Previously, the sand on the island is comparable to pulvoron or powder, but on my latter visit, it was comparable to rock salt and there were even trash / garbage already. According to our boatman, a building is being constructed on the island probable reason why it isn't as breathtaking as my first visit.

 ***Also visit Caluit sanctuary. You can travel via boat or land whichever you prefer. Make sure to leave early - around 4AM. 

 ***WRECK DIVING - Coron is one of the most visited destinations for wreck diving in the Philippines. Wreck dive sites are found in a depth as shallow as 10-30 feet and as deep as 120-140 feet. Most are in the range of about 60-80 feet, perfect for sports divers. On September 24, 1944 this island was a witness to the US Navy’s aerial bombardment of the Japanese cargo and support vessels, seeking shelter in its turquoise waters. These have now become a sanctuary for a variety of marine creatures that call these wrecks their home. Wreck Diving Sites in Coron Bay includes the Irako Wreck, Okikawa Maru Wreck, Akitsushima Wreck, Kogyo Maru Wreck, Olympia Maru Wreck, Kyokuzan Maru Wreck, East Tangat Gunboat Wreck, Nanshin Maru Wreck, Lusong Gunboat Wreck and Skeleton Wreck. Because the wrecks have been under water for about 60 years they have become coral reefs in their own right. Both simple and advanced penetration dives are possible. Thus they are suitable for experienced wreck divers and those just starting this type of diving. They are also a delight to dive externally, as reefs, to experience the abundance of life they have attracted. 

Boat hire for Coron Island Tour is Php1,500. (Day 1 - small boat, fits up to 6) 

For the dive sites / snorkeling sites it would be Php 2,500 since it's way farther. (Day 2 - medium boat, fits up to 8) 

For Malcapuya Island / Banana Island price ranges from Php 3,500 - 4,500 (Day 3 - big boat, fits up to 12) since you'd be needing a bigger boat - and waaay farther than the sites mentioned above. 

**take note of the rates (as of 2010) indicated as there are some boatman that would charge you more than this. In addition, some would offer you packages, before confirming, inquire about the size of the boats being rented if you will be booking online.

TIPS

Luggage and bags: Beach Bag, a "rubber ducky" (it's a brand of a bag that can float in the water) as much as possible since exploring the place would be via boat where you can get wet if the waves are strong. To keep all your things / valuables protected. 

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: It is advisable to wear your swimming attire upon leaving for Island Hopping. Aqua shoes is a must have when climbing Kayangan Lake and Barracuda Lake - you can wear slippers but the hike could be really slippery.Fins / Aqua shoes - when snorkeling in Coral Garden. There are sea urchins around the area. 

Photo Equipment: Extra Battery for the Island tour, Underwater camera since most of the trips would be snorkeling. 

Miscellaneous: Bring lots of cash since there are no ATM machines within town. And only few accepts credit card.

Warnings:

• When snorkeling in Coral Garden, it is advisable to wear flippers or aqua shoes as there are sea urchins in the area. 

• Beware of over priced boats.

• Mosquitoes at night. Bring Insect repellent

NOTE: Accommodation to be updated soon. 

My sentiments about him

Finally, on July 15, exactly 8 days from now, is our long-awaited trip to Boracay. I have been anticipating for that day since our third year anniversary, June 8th of this year. Not because we haven’t been on vacation for the longest time, but because we technically haven’t “celebrated” our 48 months as a couple. Another factor that contributed to my excitement was the surprise Patrick accidentally mentioned previously. According to him, he has prepared something special in view of our anniversary. I often fuss about his being too complacent in our relationship, to the extent that I’m in the borderline of complaining and being belligerent. Earlier today, a realization came upon me. Why do I have to wait until July 15th for that so called “special surprise”? when every single day, Patrick makes me feel special. He massages me – tries to understand my ill-tempered attitude – sacrifices for me – drives for me when I’m too tired from work/school – ensures that I eat on time and a gazillion more. =)

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

I will soon update my blog, i just signed up. Teeheee =)

Ehhhh?

The other day, Patrick (my boyfriend) created his own blog and posted his first entry. It was about commonwealth’s speed limit. I can’t stop laughing upon reading his rants about it. His signing up for blogspot.com kept me nostalgic for quite a while. I used to have my own blog (xanga.com/porgy_88) way back then (2005) inspired by one of my good high school friends, Lucian.  Due to time constraint and busy schedule, I eventually discontinued creating entries for my online journal. Recently (like hours ago) something urged me to sign up for blogspot, and then here I am creating my mementos again.

If I would start way back from where I stopped creating entries it would take me years to fill it out. So I’ll start with last Friday. For the past week, my stubborn wisdom tooth decided to say “hello” to this world, hence causing me excruciating pain for several days. Wednesday, I informed my boss that I might not be able to report for work one of those preceding days, depending on my appointment with my dentist. He then said, that due to productivity requirements, he will not allow my sick leave. Okay so Friday, I went to the dentist and undergone “odontectomy”. The dentist was kind enough to keep me preoccupied by telling me stories about anything. He “sliced” my gums to be able to extract my obstinate wisdom tooth. Okay masakit, non-stop bleeding.  Despite the operation + non stop bleeding + agonizing pain +  medical certificate clearly indicating “for BED REST, I still reported for work – per my boss’ requirement. I am not expecting that he gives me extra consideration due to my condition, but a simple “how are you feeling?” would do. Pero.. wala eh! Ahahahaha. I love my job; I strongly believe that every company has their own pros and cons. Now it keeps me thinking, how can I work under someone who doesn't even care? J Oh well I will soon be leaving for a long awaited vacation, I hope this helps in clearing my mind.

Oh and by the way, this was the first weekend of 2011 that i was alcohol free. Tooth ache + First Day + Fever. San ka pa? ;) 

The Mystical Orange

When days seemingly feel sulky and dull, I take an orange and indulge. For the orange is precisely like the setting sun, just before night, beaming with the warm glow of a reddish-yellow light. If you reached out to touch it, you could, with the tips of your finger, trace the soft little bumps on its outer shell. And if cupped in your palm, it would roll gently and caress your skin with a certain moistness only citrine fruits could provide. Above the round fruit is a dent from which the stem has been removed; let the tip of your thumb burrow down there, and before it mauls the soft pulp within, use your index finger to pin the skin. And round and round, pull it out. As you do, you hear the sound of roots and vines being torn from a distant forest, as if trees are being parted, uprooted. Round and round until all that is left is a soft orange ball, clearly divided in portions, but ever clouded by veins of white fiber.

The peeled off part has two sides. On one side, the familiar soft bumpy skin, and the interior, is a pale resemblance of the outer shell. Already, your body could do no more than feel enticed by its gloriously youthful smell. You gently take a portion from it, careful not to puncture the precious bag of juice. And as you welcome it into your mouth, your tongue will bear witness to its softness. You may bite it or crush it with your tongue, and you would behold the merry flavors of nature’s sweet delights, gushing in all corners of your known mouth. As the sweetness slides, you reminisce warm summer days and pleasant memories of life. And back in your mouth, these pulps and membranes of clear skin dance joyously with your tongue.

Eating orange reminds me of how sweet life can be.

Tragedy - why is it interesting?

My thoughts on it:

To make a journal sellable, newspapers and magazines specialize on articles that attract a vast number of reader’s interest. As a rule of thumb, a story that catches a reader’s attention is one that deals with human emotions.  How an individual responds to a certain situation is dependent on various factors such as: a person’s social status, educational attainment, exposure, race and gender.  Considering the law of supply and demand, why the demand for articles such as these?

Romantic relationships are not always built on openness, trust, and intimacy. These relationships are full of paradoxes which people often overlook and ignore. Being emotionally impaired brings out our monsters -- our fears, our insecurities, and the real us. According to studies, “infidelity entails somewhat different negative consequences for men and women, men and women display different emotional and behavioral reactions aimed at reducing the costs of infidelity.”

The New Encyclopedia Britannica reports that, "adultery seems to be as universal and, in some instances, as common as marriage." Imagine the inconsolable grief and pain, not to mention the confusion, anxiety, and sleepless nights? When all is out in the open, the faithful spouse may survive the nightmare, but his or her scars will not easily heal, and the damage done to the marriage may never be completely repaired.

Death - a permanent cessation of all vital functions or the end of life is expected to happen to every individual, but it is something that we can never be prepared for. A tragic death however, is a different story. When an atrocious incident happens it is a big probability that you may even question the value of your own life, or wonder how the person involved deserved such destiny. The tragic events that we read can affect us and how we feel.

So why do reader’s read stories about romantic betrayals, marital infidelities and tragic deaths? The common feeling or emotion I can notice on these topics basically is the unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual damage – pain. “Pain spares no one”. Reading articles such as these may help the reader reduce stress and anxiety. Awareness through reading can make a person realize and understand how to deal with the excruciating pain they have been experiencing. Reading articles about tragic events may be somewhat gratifying for the reader; it may be one factor for them to realize that they are not alone, and that there are worst situations compared to what they have encountered. An agonizing editorial focusing on topics we are sensitive to motivates us from potentially damaging situations, protect ourselves while we heal, and avoid those situations in the future. It is a big probability that these articles may help the reader move on with life and let them appreciate the current situation he/she is in.  In contrast, articles that focus on abysmal misery may serve as a learning ground for others. These articles contain knowledgeable information that may come handy for future endeavors. Ironically, even the most knowledgeable individual will be unprepared to deal with this kind of situation.

Another factor is inquisitiveness. People are often curious of another person’s misfortune and what brought about such horrible situations.  A number try to draw up conclusions on why such occurrences had happened and who the culprits may have been or worst, feel anger towards the person who they feel caused the misfortune. Some are attracted to articles such as these because of the media hype of highlighting these sagas, especially when they affect known personalities, for instance royalty and entertainment personalities.

A poignant story about royalty’s romantic betrayal, infidelity or tragic death may not be the same as what may have happened to a normal being, yet the fact that it did happen, sends a message that life is not a fairy tale. These heartrending proceedings may happen to any persona.  The rich, poor, male, female, Asian or American, well bred or those of humble beginning may encounter the pain brought about by the situations mentioned above.  Hence the articles on these topics cover a vast number of readers, whose attention may some way or the other attract their attention.

The aspect those predicaments convey are timeless, meaning that it may happen in any generation or era, in another factor too, one can consider. Articles which attracts a reader’s attention  at first release and succeeding releases or re-runs, is another plus factor too for the publication industry.  More publications or followings would definitely mean more profit.

The drama brought about by the media are also a source of excitement and entertainment, to show us that every new day a new occurrence can come, thus making the drama longer and having a serial in the process. I remember when I was young; I was so inclined to buy seventeen magazines because their monthly publication contained a story about romantic infidelities.

Exciting events wake up a person’s senses to make it known that at least there is something different from what is happening every day.  When we start to read something that does not end on a specific article or day, we look forward to the succeeding events, consequently making the publication more sellable.  This is definitely one of the main objectives of a magazine or news paper, it basically is not merely for information but for profit as well.

The situations enumerated are not everyday occurrences in spite of it not being timeless. The reality that they can happen and spare no one is what makes it more interesting to many.