Bohol Getaway

For quite sometime, my husband and I were planning to have an out-of-town vacation, when I meant by out-of-town, I meant airplane-riding, going beyond Luzon island vacation. An amazing thing happened after my spouse won a "raffle" from the coupon he filled-up during the Pacquiao vs. Margarito fight at the Metrobar (Pacquiao ticket courtesy from his office). A week after the said Pacquiao-Margarito event, A Customer Service Representative from Astoria Club called my husband and informed him that he was lucky to win a 3D/2N (3 days, 2 nights) stay at any Astoria Club affiliated hotels nationwide. Skeptical at first, because of the negative statements and testimonials of other people from the web about Astoria’s marketing "strategy", my husband contacted the affiliated hotels indicated at the Gift Certificate inquiring about the legitimacy of the said gift certificate. It turned out, it was a genuine thing – no strings attached, no hidden charges except for a Php 5,000.00 worth of cash deposit which is completely reimbursable after the tour. So after some paperworks, hotel and flight bookings, and 3 months waiting, my family and I found ourselves getting ready for our Bohol vacation.

It was quite a while since I flew domestic and was pleased to see the improvements with the airport facilities. Already, they have a prayer room, net zone (for those who have net gadgets – it’s for free!), feeding room for babies and toddlers, and my son’s fave – the clean, childproof, air conditioned play room. Because of that heavenly place and Ahgi’s new found friends, our two hours wait for our flight was a breeze. Contrast to the negative reviews on Zest Air’s punctuality and service, our on-board experience was quite peaceful and satisfying. We arrived at Bohol right on time, the attendants were courteous and a bit strict when it comes to plane’s rules, and my son managed to doze-off 15 minutes before we touched-down.

Our contacted ride/guide was waiting for us, on the dot, outside the airport and right there and then, our Day 1 at Bohol commenced.

Day 1:

We gave our itinerary to Kuya Eric (our designated driver/guide) and he candidly gave suggestions to where we should be headed first and the chronology of the rest of our agenda to maximize our time. From the airport we went straight to the municipality of Corella, where the Philippine Tarsier Foundation, Inc. is located. The Tarsier sanctuary, 134 hectares of forested land, serves as a protected habitat for Philippine tarsiers, considered to be the world’s smallest primate and is endemic to the country. We were not allowed to cuddle, make loud noises nor feed them because still, they are considered wild and free. With an experienced and educated guide from the center, we learned a lot of things about the small creature that is now endangered.

After that educational tour, we headed to the old town of Loboc, the cradle of the Boholano soul. The town is known for its floating restaurants and river cruise along the scenic and winding Loay-Loboc River. Aside from the river, people also come here to see the tarsier. Unfortunately, the tarsiers here are kept in an inadequate cage, and better be observed in the Tarsier Sanctuary back in Corella. We decided to have our lunch here since it’s already noon time. With their array of dishes offered at their buffet table, for 400Php, it’s already a reasonable prize. As soon as all the passengers were done with their lunch, our raft started to depart from the dock and began the cruise. A 30-40 minutes tour of forested river banks, great hillside view, small waterfalls, swimming foreigners and dancing/singing children of a cultural group, where Ahgi attempted to dance with, it was a relaxing and enjoyable way of exploring a river.

The next site in our itinerary was the famous Chocolate Hills of Carmen. But before getting there, we passed-by this great man-made forest of Mahogany in Bilar. By the time we got to the location of the Chocolate Hills, I was told that we still have to climb a total of 214 steps leading to the observation deck to fully appreciate the beauty of 1,247 hills excluding the 2 hills developed as resorts and deck for tourism. With experiencing an extreme stomach spasm, it will be quite a feat to reach the top. My husband volunteered to find a shop to buy a pill to relieve my pain, while Aizen and I, started to climb bit by bit, one step at a time using the ramps not the stairs. Slowly but surely, we arrived at the deck and there, my husband (used the stairs) was already waiting for us. He managed to get an anti-hyperacidity tablet for free from the clinic. They were not lying when they said the view will be spectacular. It was breath-taking when I saw the sight despite of what I’m feeling at that time. My husband and kiddo got crazy with the camera and in my amazement; no tantrums came from my son though I knew he was already tired. It was time to climb down and by now, my ache started to feel like a heart burn. Again, we visited the site’s clinic and asked for mefenamic acid and cheerfully, the nurse gave it me. We rested for a while in the resto and ate some ice cream. One thing I’ve noticed at some of Bohol’s tourist destinations. They provide computers with computer access for free for anyone to use.

Finished buying some of Aizen’s souvenirs, we continued our tour back to Bilar for the Simply Butterfly Conservation Center, the first butterfly livelihood breeding and conservation program in Bohol. They have an open landscaped garden planted with flowering plants that attract the butterflies to feed on them. It’s amazing to see that the place is full of butterflies. Also, seats were provided where I was able to relax and watch the lovely creatures as they flutter about. Pathways were also available around the garden, where some cabanas are and with hammocks where Alfred and Ahgi playfully lied down to.

I’m always terrified of hanging bridge and when I learned that we will be going to Sevilla to cross the two bridges (one, going to the other side, and the other for going back). The famous bamboo hanging bridge can be found crossing the Sipatan River. This hanging bridge has become a tourist attraction in Bohol because crossing it is quite different from crossing a concrete or wooden bridge. While crossing the bridge, I felt that the bridge was swaying and bouncing a lot on every step that hyphened my phobia. Meanwhile, the tandem father and son, also our driver (who, I must say, was also hesitant to cross) were all behind me. My husband, carrying our crying son just for them to be able to cross, was really tired after that workout. We bought fresh coconut with a man opening it up for us. I managed to ask the vendor if I could change my shirt inside her home, and she gleefully lead me inside.

Clothes changed, tummy full, we continued our journey back to Loboc town. We briefly stopped at the Church of San Pedro also widely known as the Loboc Church. The second oldest church in Bohol, it was originally built in 1602. The bell tower of Loboc is about 100 meters from the church and across the highway with the unfinished fly-over bridge. Attached to the building is a three storey convent, which today houses the Museo de Loboc on the second and third floor. We were quite scared and careful on stepping to some floor slabs because of its age and some are already damaged. Inside the church, we were able to admire some remarkable native paintings on the ceiling dating back to 1890’s depicting the way of the cross and imagery of the Holy Family.

Seen the Baclayon Church’s façade, we headed to another famous site, the Sandugo Blood Compact site at Tagbilaran City. Aside from the brass statues, it offers a nice view over the Bohol Sea, with Panglao Island to the right and Pamilacan Island a bit farther away to the left. Unfortunately, it was a weekend and hence, a lot of tourists were eager to get a pic of themselves with the Spaniards and the Datu. It’s already sunset and time for dinner. We ate at this local grill house, Inato Ati-Atihan, which offers chicken inato and other seafoods. The place was cozy and airy (though the weather in Bohol is was quite humid and warm). We ate some Tinola, Halang-Halang (fish with coconut milk) , Inato and grilled tuna. We were full again and it was already dark. It’s time to cross the bridge to Panglao Island.

Kuya asked us if we want to visit the house of our transportation provider, Ate Andrea, which was on the way going to our hotel. We said sure. There, we were greeted by Ate Andrea herself and her family. They were kind, friendly, and warm people with a cozy house but great design details – architectural and interior. On their big wooden sofa, Ahgi sat on top of it and played a laptop with their daughter, Paula. After some discussion on the next day’s agenda, we said our good byes and good nights but the kiddo was very reluctant to bid his farewell to his new found friend (even was willing to be left behind and stay for the night).

The Bohol Beach Club

Alas! We are headed to the Bohol Beach Club Resort and were really tired and really longing for a cold shower after our long day of touring. Once we reached the guard house, I thought the reception area will be just around the corner. But to my dismay, it will be quite a few hundred meters of long, dark, winding, rough road before we reach the resort proper. Though arriving at the resort lobby, we were greeted by pleasant looking receptionists and a room boy was ready to hand our luggage and lead us to our room. As soon as we received our room key, we walked around the receiving area and through the stone pathways leading to a complex of two-storey buildings with gorgeous garden fronts and large swimming pool. Room 538 was given to us and as soon as we got in and settled our baggage, I finally got my shower and to my astonishment, Ahgi still got some energy to watch some cartoons. And Alfred…..well, he was already snoring at that time.

Day 2:

When I woke up, my husband was already gone for his early beach jog. With Ahgi still asleep, I managed to have a bath and sorted our used clothes. When I finished organizing our things, I woke Aizen up to give him a bath and prepare him for our half-day tour of Panglao Island. By the time my husband arrived, we got to take a few shots of our room balcony and view had our breakfast at the Agotata Restaurant beach front.

By 9:00 am, our ride for the tour arrived with Ate Andrea herself as our guide. As we passed-by some resorts, she told us which were the best and just so-so. We visited the Alona Kew which was quite famous to other tourists because of its Boracay feel to it – mini restos along the beach and air-conditioned cottages provided for over-nighters. As we continued, we stopped at the Panglao Church or the Church of St. Augustine. In addition to the massive stone church which is clearly of Spanish-time vintage, one can see across the spacious plaza other landmarks of Spain’s occupation: the watch tower, said to be the tallest of its kind in the Philippines though it’s already close because of its hazardous state and the seaside which were covered by mangroves.

Next on our tour was the Hinagdanan Cave in Dauis. The cave is lit by sunlight which filters through holes in the ceiling. The underground lake is a popular swimming spot, but it has been known to test for high levels of various pollutants, since it is fed by ground runoff. The tour guide that we got was really funny and candid. He knew well the history and mastered every corner of the cave…and even our own camera! (even teaching my husband on the settings that should be used inside the cave). Aizen seemed enjoying the view inside more than me. As we emerged from the cave, we were all sweaty and I noticed, I itched a lot. We bought a shirt and Ahgi and I changed our clothes before we catch any pneumonia - BTW, the souvenirs here are more affordable than any souvenir shops around Bohol because manufacturers are near this site.

Going to Central Vizayas won’t be complete without buying danggit or any kind of salted dried fish. Ate knew where exactly to buy such products and with a great discount and freshly made. At the Tagbilaran Central Market, you will find Grace dried fish stall. Everything you’ve purchased will be sealed with heat-sealer.

We went back to Dauis at Panglao Island to visit the Dauis Church or the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption. A waterwell, known for its water’s healing power, lies at the foot of the main altar. Local history tells that this well originated from the Spanish era. Pirates often attacked Christian settlements and it was during one such attack that the people took refuge behind locked doors of the church. Besieged by the enemy for days, the people run out of food and water. The well miraculously sprang up and since then has become the source of drinking water for the populace nearby, especially during droughts. The water tastes truly fresh, despite the well’s closeness to the seashore. Each of us had a bottle of the miracle water in exchange of donation in any amount. Short walk from the church, there’s the Café Lawis and the Handumanan Shop with a picturesque view of the rectory courtyard and the humongous, old Acacia tree.

Done with a lot of photo ops, we headed back to Panglao where we decided to have our lunch at the Bohol Bee Farm. Discreetly located and nestled in lush greens and quiet paths, the farm is a haven of fresh and organic produce of fruits, vegetables, flowers and honey. We were delighted with their interesting smorgasbord of organic delight especially their pesto cream which my son gobbled hungrily. We had their hot fish sinigang then Aizen and I had spaghetti in red sauce. Ate Andrea urged us to taste their salad with flowers-Blue wild rose, bouganvilla and yellow cosmos. It tasted fantastic especially with their honey-mustard dressing on top of it. The farm also offers a souvenir shop with their entire organic products available and some crafts made in Bohol. My son was having a blast with all the tarsier magnets, headbands and grippers while their honey was exquisitely fresh and pure.

Our Bohol tour experience ended there. As we were dropped at our hotel, we bid our farewell to our guide and thanked for her warm welcome to us and for her patiently touring us around their wonderful place. Honestly, I missed her J

Immediately as we entered our room, I took a shower and I found out some of the rashes all over my body mostly in my face. I thought the rashes in my face were caused by an allergic reaction when we entered the cave earlier but it turned out I caught the Chicken Pox virus from my brother. Great! I have a virus in the midst of my vacation. What the heck! I’m here, better yet to have a blast despite of my condition. We went to the beach and were in awe to find it very beautiful - fine white sand like powder, hammocks and chairs were all over the beach for the hotel guests. Ahgi at first, not used to sands and dirt in his shoes, was irritated as sands get into his soles and slip-ons. But as soon he got his hands on the sands, he refused to walk back to our side of the beach and continued to play. Alfred went back to our room to fetch Ahgi’s sand castle kit and then gave them to Aizen which he started to dig around our area. It was low tide and a lot of sea urchins were scattered around the sea and shoreline but that didn’t hindered us to have a great time. The sun was starting to hide when I said quits. We all went out of the beach but I went straight to room while Aizen and Alfred continued their fun at the pool.

I felt weak, my temp started to rise and I had some dry cough as I finished my bath. My husband suggested calling the hotel’s medical assistance and when I did, I was very pleased that they were fast and sincere in helping me. Fortunately, I have all my medicines with me, even my nebules. They lend me their nebulizer and promised to check on me before we check-out the next day. Because I can’t go out of our room, my husband ordered a room service of their tinola and salted egg enselada.

Day 3:

Time to go home. We woke up quite late and again my husband woke up early to have his morning swim and with Ahgi, they experienced a glass-bottom boat ride. I spent my morning packing all our things and planning to which bag some items should in be. Finished with everything, Aizen and I already took our bath and was just watching the television, the phone rang and it was the hotel’s nurse, checking on me and I confessed that I might have the pox virus. Quite nervous that the plane might not let me ride, I asked for suggestion what actions should we take. They suggested some steps but it might take us some precious time so my husband just took a chance. The hotel booked us a ride from the hotel to the airport, we took our lunch to the nearby restaurant and waited a couple more hours for our flight with me wearing a bandana and eye shades like a Muslim woman. It worked and hours later we are already here at manila.

We had our moments at Bohol. Some are fun and some, for me, frustrating. But there’s one thing that stayed with me until now, even it's already been weeks. It’s not the chocolate hills, nor our hotel. But the people we have the pleasure of meeting there. Not one person ever gave us an impression of arrogance or smug. They were all warm, sincere and hospitable and that’s also the same thing that gave me an idea that I will be back in Bohol someday.

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Manila Reservations, Sales and Marketing Office
Rm. 1401 Victoria Building, United Nations Avenue, Ermita, Manila 1000

Telephone Number: (02) 522-2301 to 04; (02) 522-4162
Facsimile Number: (02) 522-2301/04
E-mail Address: salesdirector@tambuli.com

Bohol Beach Club
Bo. Bolod, Panglao Island, 6340

Telephone Number: (038) 502-9222 / 9212 to 14; (038) 411-5222 to 23
Facsimile Number: (038) 411-5226
Toll Free Number: 1-800-1888-2227
E-mail Address: bbclub@mozcom.com

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For Tours and Transportation
(van or sedan with driver)
Look for Ms. Andrea Toribio
Mobile Number: (+63) 905-243-3833