summer breeze, colorful bikinis, and blue sky
It was April 15, 2008; 6:30 am; Tuesday. "nobody’s gonna love me better, I must stick with you forever..." my alarm woke me up. I got up so early to pack my things and get ready for another summer escapade!!! Yeah, I went to Bohol with the love of my life, Lau. We planned this thing for us, to spend time together, and to escape from our busy life.
We arrived at exactly 6:00 am in Tagbilaran City. There, we were welcomed by Mr. June, our driver for the day. We didn't expect that an Altis Car would be fetching us up: D So we ventured through a quiete long drive going to Panglao Island where we stayed for 3 days. I slept the entire trip and worse I got sea sick 'gidagat ko' coz of the swirly-like road while Lau was so busy recording everything on his camera/video gadget.
...and we finally arrived in Panglao Island....
The morning sunrise, the white fine sand, the sky of a variable color of pale to light blue, the water wheel turning at the grist mill, and the rolling waves of the ocean greeted us as our summer adventure in the Island began. I was so fascinated by the view; from the resort's great service, room accommodation, food, and the people of Panglao Island itself who were so kind and friendly to us. No, we declined the water's tempting invitation to flash in the water right away but instead we went to the different resorts in the Island. I can feel the water hit my feet, and the sea shells washing upon the sandy shore as we walked along the island. There are actually a lot of resorts there, each with different themes and styles. There were also a lot of foreigners, mostly Dutch, tanning under the sun. Not long before we joined these tourists and the water.
The night life in Panglao is just so cozy and relaxing. Tables were so perfectly arranged and because it was just in the shore, it created a romantic aura to everyone. The candle light drama and the tasty sea foods rejuvenated my senses. I have never experienced such a cozy lifestyle such that. So we had a fancy dinner, and decided to just stay there for hours. We were talking about anything under the dark sky filled with stars. I even saw a falling star and made a wish: D ...and this is our night-ender in Pangalo Island.
Day 2 was an exciting and beautiful day, far from our ordinary life routines. We started the day by an early morning bath in the sea, had a buffet breakfast and then waited for our tour guide. Yes! You heard it right, a tour guide; p Ms. Fritzie Zamora was our tour guide for the day. She happens to be the look-alike of my friend Frizzy and both of them know how to sing: D but anyways...and so Mr. Leo (driver) and Fritzie picked us up. I'll just list down below the places that we have visited.
1. Baclayon Church - the oldest historical church in Bohol. It was built with such magnificent architectural structures and built. Everything there are preserved, are very old and very valuable (not to mention the crystal necklace of Virgin Mary). From the door, stairs, windows, priest holy bibles, religious sculptures and statues; you can really tell that this church has stood there for so many years and witnessed the historical events from the reign of the Spaniards up to the present generation. The Baclayon bell tower is also a sight to behold.
2. Bahaylon Bridge - There are actually 2 bridges connecting the places of Bohol and one of which is the Bahaylon Bridge. It is not really a long bridge but from the top, you can see the river and the greens. As per Fritzie, it was a docking point before during the reign of the Spaniards. And yeah, Bohol also has this bridge called 'Bridge to nowhere...' hahahahha...it is just an unfinished bridge.
3. Tarsier Sanctuary - I still could not believe that I saw and felt these primates, hahaha. They are really small, smaller than a fist of my hand. They have huge eyes, long tail (longer that its body) and they just stick to branches. They behave like monkeys in a way but most of the time they just sleep specially during the day. We got the chance to feed them with their favorite food 'crickets' and by doing so; we were able to see the smiles from them! And I finally saw what a KAGWANG looks like, hahahaha!
Trivia: Tarsiers have this suicidal tendency especially if they get hurt. They tend to bang their heads or just stop breathing if they get hurt so please be sensitive enough in holding them.
4. Man-Made Forest in Carmen - We thought that we were not in the Philippines but somewhere else like America when we got to the place. It was like an autumn season in America because of the large trees, and fallen dried leaves. It was such a moment of tranquility and serenity. The site was just so perfect that I don't want to leave the place, huhu...
5. CHOCOLATE HILLS - like written in big letters, haha. I finally saw them in reality and not in pictures anymore. It is an attractive and picturesque one. I forgot how many steps to climb the spot to see a clearer picture/view of the hills from above. The soil is very salty and acidic that is why only grasses can survive and grow there. And yeah from the soil to the grasses, everything looks so chocolaty. We stayed under the sun and just forgot about the heat/warmth just to appreciate the beauty of nature. We’ve heard different fictional stories about how the chocolate hills were formed and I still like hearing them until now: D
Chocolate Hills is the Philippine entry for the 7 WONDERS OF THE WORLD program so I am campaigning for it. Please vote for it online.
6. LOBOC, the music town of Bohol - A trip to the island of Bohol is never complete without experiencing the Loboc river boat ride. Loboc is 21 km from city proper via paved roads that provide convenient access. We had an “eat all you can” lunch buffet while being serenaded by two musicians belting Tagalog and Visayan songs. The whole trip takes almost an hour and takes you to the edge of the river where it is fed by water flowing down the higher peaks. Coconut palms and lush vegetation line the riverbanks as the soothing calm and quiet relax you. You can try out and savor Filipino cuisine as you enjoy the fresh tropical breeze. World renowned hospitality, Filipino talent and artistry, rich flavors, tropical adventures and exotic flora and fauna, the Loboc river boat ride lets visitors experience Filipino culture in a nutshell.
7. Hinagdanan Cave - this is our last stop. It not really a spacious cave but it has a water pool in the center where people can refresh themselves. There are carvings and paintings in the walls too.
Actually the silence of the baryo, the greens, and the old houses (most of the houses in the province are very old and historical, and they intend to preserve them) are already scenic. Just like any other provinces, boholanos also produce handicrafts like banig, bags, and sandals made out of palm materials.
...so this trip completed our second day in Bohol. Place hopping in the island is never tiring in a way: D
Leaving the Island of Panglao,Bohol somehow created mixed emotions in my heart. I am already missing it even if I was still there. I will surely never forget the embrace of the Pangalo Island and the memories it shared to me. With such contentment, I walked away with my back bringing nothing but pure happiness...and PASALUBONGS!!!