It was actually a spur of the moment decision. When the most sought-after Cebu Pacific Promo fares hit the web, we readily grabbed the opportunity to find the best destination and perfect holiday getaway, we found Bohol. For a 400++ pesos bargain, we were able to book a round trip flight via Cebu, off to our most awaited vacation.
Our first pit stop started in Makati. We were bound for Cebu at exactly 7:20 PM but our watch reflected 5:46 PM already. Check-in counter closes exactly 45 minutes before flight. Whew! We were up for some action for sure granting pre-vacation traffic was expected on our way to the airport. After almost 45 agonizing minutes on the road and just in the nick of time, we hit the airport. Yes, relief!
Pre-departure scenes
We giddily took pictures even though the announcer already advised passengers to be onboard…
… and the picture-taking went on seconds after our arrival in Cebu…
… and on, in every place we set foot onto.
Our plan was to stay first in Cebu for a night before officially going to Bohol. We stayed at Sampaguita Suites, a nice and neat place, which I never bothered to look at before when I used to pass by there. Actually before working in Manila, I’ve had worked in two companies in Cebu for almost two and a half years. It’s nice to feel the familiar place, the people and the memories.
We went to the famous Larsian, one of the biggest barbecue grill stop in Cebu. I was able to meet as well my dear brother Dodoy.
That night, I wasn’t able to join the group in their videoke spree. I was too tired and too busy playing with Alas, the cutie, little baby who tagged along in our trip. He was a breath of fresh air after the long, energy-draining travel. For sure the group would have a bang at Mango Square with the affordable videoke rates and sumptuous food. I guess.
Baby Alas
Videoke at Mango Park
The next morning was like another amazing race to beat. We left Sampaguita Suites at around 9 AM and our scheduled ETD was 9:30 AM. It was a buzzer-beater taxi-ride again. Exactly after we arrived at the port, the check in counter of Ocean Jet, the ship that will transport us to Bohol, closed. We were very lucky.
The sun was in favor of us as we arrived in Bohol. The cheerful Manong Lando, our driver cum tour guide for the next day, greeted us at the port. After exhanging pleasantries, we decided then to buy for our food supply at a nearby market. Since it was almost lunch, we went to nearby KFC,Island City Mall to fill our stomachs. We happened to even meet Barney.
Tagbilaran Port
Barney and Alas
Mang Lando then led us to our billeting place at Panglao - the Citadel Inn. The place was nice considering the homey ambiance and feel. The front desk featured warm designs of furniture and decors. We spend the whole afternoon resting and when we thought we have gathered enough energy, we decided to stroll around. We went to nearby Alona Beach for some seaside exploration. After some negotiation for our transportation (public transport are rare finds in there), we sneaked our way into Bohol Beach Club.
Citadel Inn
Alona Shoreline
Panglao Shoreline at twilight
The moment I stepped onto the fine, powdery sand, I felt like being transported into a different world. I’ve never seen such sand so fine that it kept dissolving in my hands. The water was so inviting and we had the best time swimming. We even have our moment when a disoriented woman mistakenly (as she claimed) rummaged over our things at shore while we were busy swimming. In a flash, a chasing scene took place. Thank God none was taken. We went home tired as usual but fully loaded with pictures and memories.
Swimming time
The next morning and almost inseparable from bed, we reluctantly woke up and prepared for the whole day trip. Everyone including baby Alas were geared up to explore Bohol’s prized sites.
Hinagdanan Cave
Famous for its steep steps and natural stalagmites and stalactites, Hinagdanan Cave was an eerie but adventurous experience.
Entrance to Hinagdanan Cave
The historical site was overlooking the vast Bohol Sea and the green countryside of Bohol.
Baclayon Church
Known to be Bohol’s oldest church, Baclayon is a treasure to the Boholano’s Faith and culture.
Python
The famous python featured in many television programs lay motionless inside the cage. Afraid to get near, we just managed ourselves by taking pictures. Aside from Prony (python’s name), there were also other animals for viewing and a flamboyant guide entertaining the visitors questions.
Floating restaurant in Loboc
There is no greater way to enjoy the verdant atmosphere of Bohol than taking a cruise at Loboc river. The spectacular scenery while indulging in overflowing food is something to be relished.
Tarsier in Loboc
Once hailed the world’s smallest monkey but was proven otherwise as a lemur, the tarsier population is found only in Bohol and is bred in captivity due to threat of extinction. These nocturnal creatures are known for their big eyes and aloofness.
Hanging Bridge
One with acrophobia or fear of heights is definitely not recommended to cross the bridge. The bamboo-made bridge would make your pulse faster as it sways in air. The view below is nauseating and not for the faint of heart.
Man-Made Forest
Photoops for a new series "Lost in the Jungle"
What made the man-made forest endearing? It is for the cool and light breeze engulfing you the moment you step outside and feel the place. You will also appreciate that the forest was made out of the concerted efforts of Boholanos way back in the ‘60s.
Chocolate Hills
When you speak of Bohol, you would popularly associate it with the Chocolate Hills. Vying today for a shot to be included in the World Wonders, the pride of Bohol is already a great wonder to behold. The hills were like huge Hershey’s kisses spanning miles and miles- delectable!
Bohol Explorers headed by Baby Alas (second from left)
Sagbayan Peak
Part of the thousand Chocolate Hills, Sagbayan Peak is also a beauty of its own. Strategically situated on top of the hills, the place offers lots of amenities for dining, sight-seeing or simply strolling.
Whacky time @ Sagbayan Peak
Bugs Bunny @ Sagbayan Peak
The whole day wandering took a toll on us as we got home. But nevertheless, despite the tiredness, we managed to cook for our food and enjoy our meal before retiring. Thanks to our homegrown cooks.
Cook in action
Island Hopping
The next day (when you think we’ve had already enough then you’re wrong), we woke up around 4:30 AM for our save-the-best-for-last adventure –island hopping and dolphin watching. Dawn was over and the sun was already creeping in the horizon when we departed from the shoreline. Time was something we need to watch again as we will be returning to Cebu at exactly 11:30 AM.
Early morning call time
The waves were somewhat angry at us that morning. As I grope on the side and every now and then shouts when I feel like the boat was about to capsize, I look at Baby Alas who happen to be oblivious of the situation. How I wish I could relax the way he does.
All of a sudden we found what we’ve been looking for. School of dolphins! Lots of them diving in unison and eventually disappearing. We enjoy chasing after them and when the sun was already prickly hot, the boat pulled over to the Balicasag shore. We were supposed to snorkel but since we have no equipment and time was running out, we decided to stay for a few minutes before going to our next stop. The beach was crystal clear, similar to the beaches found in Mactan Island, Cebu. The only difference was the shoreline was filled with seashells and stones instead of sand.
Virgin Island Shoreline
We then went to our final island hopping destination- the Virgin Island. The view from afar was breathtaking. A halo-like line of white sand delighted our sight. The colors of the water varying from blue, dark blue, blue green, green and lime green surrounded the island. It was like a scene taken out of the postcards from Caribbean. We savored our last few hours of stay in Bohol and took as many pictures as we can.
At exactly 11:15 AM, we were at the Tagbilaran Port to bid goodbye to Bohol, to the places we’ve visited and to the ever gracious Manong Lando. We couldn’t thank him enough for the great service he had offered us. The sound of the ship signalled us to hurry. As usual we were the last to embark on the ship. We were very lucky - again.
It was past one PM when we reached Cebu. Upon arriving, I have to part ways with the team to visit some old friends. I went to Mactan to see my former landlady and best friends Louise and Jersie. I was sad because time was too short to visit many including my former colleagues at Lear and my other friends. But to sum it all up, I’ve made the most out of what was given to me. I’m sure in the future, I’ll visit them again.
It was my second time in Bohol and my nth time in Cebu but the trip was as memorable as it were before. I was back in Manila re-energized, recharged and revived. As I was checking my inbox, another familiar subject popped up. IBT - Cascade 2010 together with all the evidences that what transpired was not a dream.
SMART travellers
All rights reserved. No part of this blog may be copied, printed, or distributed. Photos courtesy of Mr. Mark Camba, Mr. Nick Francisco, Mr. Jay Carlo Gomez, Mr. Em Moreño, and Mr. Basil Valdez
