Falling in Love with Bohol province part II

It was my birthday treat last September 2011 when we visited the province of Bohol coming from Cebu City. It was a 4 days 3 nights trip where we spend an overnight stay in Cebu City and 2 nights in Panglao Bohol. We stayed at Paragayo resort 3 minutes walking distance from Alona Beach. Aside from their budget friendly room rate, we also availed from them a Countryside tour which includes Chocolate Hills, Baclayon Church, Tarsier, Manmade forest, Hanging Bridge, Butterfly sanctuary and Loboc River. It cost us 2500php for the whole day trip (van service) and an additional 400php for buffet lunch while on board a floating restaurant cruising the Loboc River. It was definitely a worthy trip as we got to see the historical and interesting destinations in Bohol.

Some points of destination in the lovely province of Bohol which is known to be Countryside tour are as follows:

1. Blood Compact

Our Countryside tour started as early as 7 in the morning since we have a jam-packed schedule for the whole day. Our first stop was the historical Blood Compact Shrine also known as "Sanduguan" that means “Isang Dugo” or “One Blood.” It depicts the first treaty of friendship between the Spanish and the Filipinos happened among Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and Rajah Sikatuna on March 16, 1565. Just behind the silver monument of Blood Compact Site is a majestic view of the sea.

Cheers! Blood Compact Site Bohol 

Blood Compact Site o Sanduguan Bohol

Beautiful view Blood compact site Bohol

2.       Chocolate Hills

Our second stop was the famous Chocolate Hills. According to locals these hills’ total count is 1, 268 and it was described as Chocolate just like the Hershey Kisses because during dry season the grass covering the hills turns brown. Furthermore, you need to climb hundreds of steps to see the 360 view of the hills and once on the viewing deck, you will get awed by its magnificent beauty. 

Kisses - like Chocolate Hills 

Beautiful Chocolate Hills

Bohol's famous Chocolate Hills

Chocolate Hills, Bohol province

Beautiful Sky - Chocolate Hills 

3.       Simply Butterflies Conservation Center

The third stop on our Countryside tour was the Simply Butterflies Conservatory Center. It is the first butterfly livelihood breeding center in Bohol. We were welcomed by a tarsier mascot that I thought was not moving and surprised me hahaha. We really enjoyed the tour because of our very informative and funny tour guide, Jomar. He discussed the life cycle of a butterfly and assisted us on taking a butterfly picture effects. Photo enthusiast will surely enjoy this place as butterflies are everywhere and you will also get a chance to hold a butterfly. 

Cutesy Butterfly on rest Simply Butterflies Conservation Center

Trick Shot - Simply Butterflies Conservatory Center

4.     Manmade Forest

Our 4^th “quick” stop was the Bohol Man-made forest. Since it’s along the way, our tour guide/driver pulled over for a moment to this stunning place full of tall mangroves. The forest really stands out as it was arranged beautifully of the same height since they were planted and grew at the same time reaching up the sky. You will also notice shifting of temperature once you enter the manmade forest feeling the refreshing cool breeze made by the canopy of overhanging trees. It’s really beautiful in here especially when you go closer with the trees where it feels like you’re living in Forks with Bella & Edward.

Bohol's manmade forest

high trees - manmade forest Bohol

Enchanting Manmade Forest Bohol

Manmade forest Bohol province

5.     Tarsier Conservation Center

The 5^th stop we made was in Tarsier Conservation Area where we’ve got the chance to have a close encounter with the Philippines pride as one of the smallest primate in the world, the Tarsier. Arriving here, we were greeted by a local tour guide that discussed to us some friendly reminders. Tarsier is a nocturnal animal which is highly sensitive to light that’s why flash photography is not allowed. You must also observe silence while touring since all of them were sleeping at daytime. It’s an unforgettable experience for us since we only see tarsiers on books and internet. They are all adorable most especially Tarsier moms bringing their little ones. We can’t take our eyes staring at them while grasping the branches of small trees and winking their large eyes.

Hide n Seek Tarsier

tight grip on a tree - Bohol's tarsier

So small yet so cute - Tarsier

6.       Hanging Bridge

Our 6th destination was the Sipatan Hanging Bridge made up of bamboo. Honey teased me while crossing the bridge since it’s swaying while I’m grasping my balance on every step I make and I’m so afraid with the thought that the bridge may fall down hahaha.  At the end of the bridge there are several souvenir stalls where you can find cheaper goodies (pasalubong) that you can bring home to your family and friends.

Bohol's Hanging Bridge

Bohol's Hanging bridge

7.       Loboc River

During lunch time, our driver dropped us off to a selection of restaurants where you will be cruising along the Loboc river. An eat-all-you-can buffet costs us 400 pesos per head with a jetty stopover in a raft-like stage where locals entertained us by folk dance and serenaded us by local songs. It was really a great experience eating sumptuous lunch while cruising along Loboc River with beautiful view of lush greeneries coordinated with acoustic singers.

sumptuous meal Loboc River

Loboc River Cruisin'

Beautiful view while cruising aboard a floating restaurant Loboc River

Loboc River

Loboc River

Loboc River Bohol

Stop over Loboc River cruise Bohol

8.       Bohol Python & Wildlife Park

T   This fun place is more of a mini zoo where you will get a chance to hold and have a close encounter with photo op to different animals, birds, reptiles and the largest snake in captivity.

Python... so scary!

     9.    Baclayon Church

Our last stop to complete our Countryside tour was the famous Baclayon church, one of the oldest stone churches in the Philippines. Adjacent to the church was a museum where you can find some old artifacts.

Baclayon Church

Baclayon Church Altar

In General, our trip to Bohol was really a great and wonderful experience. You will definitely fall in love with this province as it offers not only historical places but beautiful mountain views, stunning white beaches, cute creatures like Tarsier and the reflection on how locals give importance to their ecosystem. 

We will surely go back to Bohol! =)

Falling In Love with Bohol Province Part I

It was September of year 2011 when Honey and I decided to celebrate my birthday in the beautiful province of Bohol. It was an unexpected Cebu-Bohol trip since me and my friends have gone to Sagada-Banaue trip the previous month and we still have the booked tickets from Cebu Pacific. Instead of feeling bad with the tickets, Honey and I pursued the trip for my birthday. Lucky and Happy Me!

During our first day we visited Cebu City first and explored the nearby Magellan’s Cross, Basilica de Sto. Nino and Fort Santiago. We spent a night in Cebu City then travelled by ferry to Tagbilaran the following morning. Coming from Cebu you need to ride fast craft for 1 hour and 40minutes to reach Tagbilaran City. For your convenience, you can buy in advance ferry tickets (800/2way) from 2Go in Robinson’s Mall Cebu (2^nd floor Robinson’s city proper) for a sure seat.

2GO booth selling ferry tickets Cebu-Bohol

SuperCat Cebu - Bohol 

Tagbilaran Port

Upon arrival at Tagbilaran port, we were fetched by Paragayo Resort service van; our choice of stay for 3 days in Bohol. Paragayo Resort, even though not a beach front hotel is just a 2-3 minute walk from Panglao’s famous Alona beach. It’s a convenient inn since it is located along the road and near different establishments like eatery, restaurants, souvenir shops, internet shops and convenient stores.

Front of Paragayo Resort Bohol

Comfort Room for Standard room

Double bed

Paragayo’s rate starts from 900 for fan room up to 3000php for room that fits 4 people. What we’ve got was their standard air-conditioned room good for 2 worth 1300 per night and 2500php for Countryside tour with ferry/airport transfer. They also offer room packages with Countryside Tour (Chocolate Hills) for 4,960php on sharing. All room rates increases for about 13% on peak season especially Holy week. All room amenities including air-conditioning unit, hot and cold shower, safety deposit box , TV in deluxe room work fine. They provide towels, soaps and a roll of tissue, replenished/changed daily, and they will clean/change your towels everyday which is really a nice gesture. You will enjoy your stay in Paragayo Resort as this inn is always clean, with free public wifi and has a garden where you can relax on one of their native hut while surfing the net or just simply reading a book.  My favorite place in Paragayo is their well-maintained garden and their pavilion in the garden where we stay every time we hang out after the tour to relax and to connect to the Wi-Fi.  I love staying at their garden while on a rocking chair because it's so relaxing. Moreover, the staffs are friendly and very accommodating making sure they will attend to all your needs especially if you want to arrange a tour with them. We really enjoyed our stay in Paragayo as it is very relaxing, with good ambience, helpful staff and really best value for money.

Paragayo Resort Bohol

Paragayo Resort Bohol

Paragayo Resort Bohol

Paragayo Resort

For more information you can visit their website or contact them by email and they will reply as soon as they got your message.

          

Paragayo Resort, At Rona's Corner Tawala, Panglao, Bohol, 6340

Telephone numbers: (038) 502 4043 or (038) 502 9172

Mobile number: (Smart) 0918 7183316

E-mail: paragayoresort@gmail.com

www.panglaoisland.net/paragayoresort/

For other hotel recommendations in Bohol, you may check out this list:

Bohol beachclub             

+63 38 502 9222

Coco Grove Tourist Inn                              

Ciculado St., Poblacion Dauis Bohol

+63 38 411-4904, 411-4396, 502-2150, 501-7557

Email: info@cocogrovebohol.com, doryppenales@yahoo.com

Harmony Hotel                                

Danao, Panglao Bohol

+63 38 502 8289

+639054118911

Whites &Greens Beach resort                 

Brgy. Libaong Panglao, Bohol

+63 908 958 6878

+63 38 502 9433

Alona Kew WhiteBeach Resort                               

Bgy. Tawala  Alona Beach, Panglao

+63 38 502 9042

+63 908 529 1146 +63 917 304 1936

Dao DiamondHotel                                        

Km. 3 Dao District Tagbilaran City

 +63 38 411 5568

+63 917 306 2946

E-mail: daodiamond@hotmail.com

Bohol TropicsResort                                    

Graham Avenue, Tagbilaran City

+63 38 411 3510 to 14

E-mail: boholtropics@boholtropics.com info@boholtropics.com

During our 1^st day in Bohol, we explored Panglao’s famous Alona Beach.  Probably the most developed beach on Panglao is Alona Beach. Located at the Southwest of the island, this beach is about one and a half kilometers long, lined with several nice resorts and accommodations which are great to stay for some time and different food establishments to eat out as well. Several motorboats are wharfed here as this is the jump-off point for trippers going to Balicasag Island. The beach has a fine cream white sand and clear waters. Staying at the beach is so relaxing even though we don't have the chance to swim because of winds and waves, staying at the seashore while listening to beach waves was just enough.

Alona Beach Panglao Bohol

Alona Beach Panglao Bohol

Alona Beach Panglao Bohol

Alona Beach Panglao Bohol

Alona Beach Panglao Bohol

Great sky at Alona Beach Panglao Bohol

Alona Beach Panglao Bohol

Rock Formations at Alona Beach Panglao Bohol

Rock Formations at Alona Beach Panglao Bohol

Alona Beach Panglao Bohol

Alona Beach Panglao Bohol

Discovering Calaguas Island

It was summer of year 2011 when our group was invited for a vacation by one of my  bestfriend, Rhems in the town of Daet, province of Camarines Norte. Daet is said to be the “gateway to Bicolandia” as it is under the first province that you will pass by once you have entered Bicol Region.

We traveled 10 hours by a service jeepney that includes traffic all the way to Daet. We stayed in Rhems’ Aunt’s house just walking distance the famous Bagasbas beach where surfers really enjoy big waves. While in Bicol, we really enjoyed our stay there as we’ve got bonded with the Madrazo clan, played with dogs, meeting new friends, breathed fresh air, enjoyed the sun & beach, and ate delicious home-made Bicolano dishes especially fresh fish and “sinantol” (ground santol with coconut cream).  It's been quite a while since I've been home to Bicol, my Nanay’s province. I’ve visited Barcelona Sorsogon when I was 18 years old and Nanay go there at least once a year for summer vacation and to visit our farm. I so miss “baylehan”(sayawan) and the bicolano dishes, the province I will not getting tired of coming back.

Bagasbas Beach

During our 2^nd day at Daet, we have decided to visit the famous Calaguas Island. We’ve been hearing about Calaguas Islands long time ago which boasts off white sand and azure waters. From then on, we promised ourselves that whenever had an opportunity to visit Bicol province we will drop by Calaguas Island. Our original plan was to go there on Black Saturday but the patrol boat which is managed by Rhems’ Uncle who worked at the Municipal hall was only available on Good Friday. We have no choice but to proceed with the plan. We dauntlessly conquered the 3 hours bumpy boat ride from Bagasbas beach to Calaguas Island. Honestly it was not an easy ride as we need to be in the middle of the sea for 3 hours while dancing with the big waves once in a while but the beautiful side of it was the breathtaking views of mountains and sea that you will pass by on your way to Calaguas Island. 

On our way to Calaguas

How to get to Calaguas Islands;

Getting there you need to travel 6 to 7 hours by by bus from Manila to Daet and an additional 2 hours boat ride from Paracale or Vinzon Route.  Philtranco or Superlines offers travel from Manila to Daet, they also have direct way to Paracale trips with non air conditioned buses. Alternatively, you can ride Daet bound buses and get off at Talobatib junction then ride another bus for less than an hour to get to Paracale town and then proceed to Paracale fishport by trike. Then ask some local fisherman if they can get you Mahabang Buhangin aka Calaguas Island. They usually charged from 1500 to 3000 pesos depending on the number of person. 

For Vinzon route:

From Daet proper you can catch jeeney to Vinzons and get off at the fishport and look for a boat to Mahabang Buhangin aka Calaguas.

After conquering the 3 hours bumpy boat ride, all our efforts paid off as we finally see the beautiful paradise of Calaguas Island. It was a very peaceful place with oh-so-white sand that shines with the reflection of sun rays. Beach lover will surely enjoy this place as this island is so pure with pristine waters and it’s not that commercialized unlike other beaches in the Philippines.

Beautiful Calaguas Island

Calaguas Island

Calaguas Island

Calaguas Island

Calaguas is a group of islands clustering in the Pacific Ocean off the shores of Camarines Norte.  Among locals, Calaguas is most commonly known as “Mahabang Buhangin” which has one of the finest sand beaches in the country.  Calaguas is definitely a must-visit paradise and because it’s not that commercialized you will not find any hotel or room accommodation but there are cottages in the island that you can rent for day or night stay. However, if you want to spend a night in the island it is required to bring your own tent, water and food.  You will enjoy the serenity of the place with just the white sand, azure waters, calm waves and nature at its best. It's so unwinding hearing the beach waves while walking by the sea shore from end to end and let the fine white sand touches your feet. A very relaxing experience you shouldn't miss.

Pristine white sand of Calaguas Island

Picturesque Calaguas Island 

Calaguas Island

B4LIFE invades Calaguas Island

Calaguas Island

Calaguas Island

Calaguas Island

Locals go fishing at Calaguas Island

Calaguas Island

Shell fossils on rocks Calaguas Island

We really enjoyed our day trip in Calaguas Island, witness to that is our overexposed skin resulting to sunburn hahaha. But it’s all worth it; we’ve got to enjoy the scorching hot sun rays, the beautiful white sand and the clear waters. Calaguas is truly a paradise; one of Philippine’s treasure that needs preservation so next generation will have a chance to embrace this paradise as well.

Paradise Island of Calaguas

Alluring beach and pristine white sand of Calaguas Island

Relaxing view of Calaguas Island

Azure waters of Calaguas Island

A Paradise of Camarines Norte - Calaguas Island

Year-Ender for Wondrous 2012

Countdown to 2013 has officially begun and another calendar year comes to a close. But before we bid farewell to year 2012 and move into a new beginning, let me share with you the great and wonderful things that have happened this year.

2012 was really a blast for us. It was a fruitful and happy year for me, my family and my friends. Even though there are struggles and hardships, all went well in the end. Lots of happy memories to cherish, places discovered, newly founded hobbies, learned new things, more bonded relationships, and overflowing blessings from God that we are forever be grateful.

Now, time for recapping the highlights of the whole year 2012.

My 2012 started when an opportunity knocked on our door, as Honey got a job assignment overseas. He was assigned in Malaysia project. First time to experience being away with my Honey and it’s not that easy. But thanks to my best friends for staying beside me and always ready to cheer me up. The absence of my honey didn’t last for long because my father sent me as well to Malaysia early February to fix things up needed for our overseas project. I stayed there for months and I feel so blessed for the unexpected opportunity that came my way. I’ve been able to communicate with other nationality and been able to witness their culture. I also got the chance to visit beautiful places in Johor Bahru where our project was located. And since me and honey were already together in one country we took the chance to visit the famous Kuala Lumpur, Batu Cave and of course, the Petronas Twin Towers. Visiting those awesome places was really unbelievable since we didn’t expect to be in Malaysia that fast.

After finishing our job assignment in Malaysia, Honey and I decided to explore the nearby country which is Singapore. Since Johor Bahru is within the boundary and only 45 minutes away from Singapore, we plan ahead and took the opportunity right away. We were so amazed by how clean, fast growing, and organized country Singapore is. Singaporeans also love to wear fashion even for just an ordinary day at work that turns the street like a fashion runway. We have also got the chance to try Singaporean food in hawkers and I really love their egg noodles in sweet spicy sauce. Some of must-see tourist spot that we've visited are Merlion Park, Orchard, Marina Bay Sands, Clark Quay, Chinatown, Cable car, Resorts World and the super fun place of Universal Studios.

Aside from International travel, our 2012 was also filled with local travel enlisted as follows:

Pampanga

Baguio & Pangasinan

Pagsanjan and Majayjay falls

Tagaytay and Nuvali

Palawan

Manila Ocean Park, Snow Village & Trick Art museum

To sum it all I really had a great and bountiful 2012, though there are still some trials and challenges God still prevailed. It made me realize that there is more to life than what you see. Now i would like to thank all the people who's been part of a good year, thank you for all those who have supported and loved me. My family who's always there for me, my honey for the unconditional love, my bestfriendforlife family who's also my travel buddy - let's enjoy more guys, college BFF who never fails to keep in touch, my loved ones, and to my professors who inspired me, thanks to all of you and the great memories we've shared throughout 2012. May we all have a blessed 2013. Let's all start Fresh and turn up the Heat. 

Thank you God for blessing me more than I deserve. All praises to You!! ;-D 

HAVE A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR GUYS..! Enjoy the new 365days. Cheers to HAPPINESS!