PRAYERS for BOHOL and CEBU!

I felt so sad when earthquake hit Bohol and Cebu. Cebu is my second home while Bohol is one of my favorites. These two places are home of my closest friends and relatives. 

Old structures especially Churches are most affected by the incident. Cebu and Bohol are known as home of the best and oldest Churches in the Philippines. Everytime I visit these places, I always stop and take a snapshot of the beautiful facade of these Churches. I haven't heard any destruction in Talibon and Dauis Churches, and I hope they are fine. 

One of the most devastated is the Loon Church where almost nothing but pieces of stones were left. My prayers and sympathy are always with you, to my friends, my family and the rest who are affected with the earthquake. Until now, there are status and tweets that people are still experiencing after shocks and tremors in low magnitude. To my loved ones, please be safe and ask for guidance. Be alert and don't panic.

To the people who are willing to extend their gratitude and kindness, you may send personal message to me. My sister is accepting donations in cash or in kind to the families affected in Bohol and Cebu. 

Loon Church, Bohol

Baclayon Church, Bohol

Loboc Church, Bohol

Sto. Nino Church, Cebu City

Dauis Church, Bohol

Talibon Church, Bohol

Church somewhere in Cebu south

Pangangan Island CALAPE, BOHOL

It was stormy season in Metro Manila when I and my officemate decided to go to Pangangan Island Calape, Bohol for field work. It was a risk that we will ride a boat around the Island during high season of monsoon. 

It was a bit cloudy with slight rain around Metro Manila during our departure from NAIA Terminal Three. I was wishing and hopeful that the weather in Bohol is not the same as in Metro Manila.   

Bohol is a Province and an Island that has so much to offer. It has a lot of activities and perfect for unwinding. It has nice beaches, dive spots, extreme sports, nice views and etc. It has also an easy access from Manila, Cebu and Davao. 

There's a new flight by MidSea Express from Davao-Bohol v.v. check the website for details: http://www.midseaexpress.com/

I will go back to Bohol and search new places to unwind. 

Flight 5J 617 bound for Tagbilaran.

Bohol's rehabilitated highways. No more rough roads around Bohol. 

Rows of Indian Trees, some parts are Acacia Trees. 

Calape Town Proper

The Calape Church, not as old as other Bohol Churches.

The Causeway to Pangangan Island.

Cottages within the Causeway

It looks like an abandoned lighthouse. This is the boundary if the Marine Protected Area in Calape. 

We stayed at Treasure Island Beach Resort in Pangangan Island. They have several choices of food, good food. We ordered more on sea foods which it cost so much in big cities. But in Treasure Island the price is affordable. Look for Maam Blessy owner of Treasure Island Resort: 09165569382. If you want to relax and unwind for few days, for me, Treasure Island Resort is perfect for you. 

Sunset view from Treasure Island Resort

Treasure Island Cottage

Aerial view of Pangangan Island

The Great BOHOL

I was Cebu-based and there were many times I tried to visit BOHOL! Time, budget and effort won't allow me. But during my Travel in the Visayas, Bohol is on my top list. It's like all people around me had been to Bohol.  

Bohol, a great package for tourist. All in one: from Landscape to Seascape; Flora to Fauna, Food and People. 

Upon arrival at Bohol Port, there are many people offering for package tours. All tours are of the same stops and price. The usual price is 1,500.00Php. Two days in Bohol is already enough unless you beyond with your adventures. 

I have decided to take the tour the next day. I was surprised what I saw outside my hotel room.

Moonset at 5:30am

Insider Tip:

You may contact Kuya Jun at +639196457427 or contact my Boholana friend, Sky for more information.

The BOHOL Package Tour:

First Stop: "The SANDUGO" 

The statue of Datu Sikatuna and Miguel Lopez de Legazpi symbolizing the Treaty of Friendship between Spaniards and Filipinos. 

The SANDUGO Statue. As if I was part of the Treaty of Friendship!

Second Stop: "The BACLAYON CHURCH"

The Church of Baclayon remembers us how old the Christianity has been introduced in the Philippines. There were also old Churches in some parts of Bohol as well as in the Visayas Region.

Exterior of Baclayon Church 

 

Interior of the Church

Insider Tip: 

Make a wish during for first visits on Churches. -a tip from a friend, Hannah-

Third Stop: "Philippines' Greatest SNAKE"

It is a Python Snake and it is recorded as the biggest snake in captivity. There is a human-snake too who performs Whitney Houston in Live! 

Biggest Python in captivity.

Insider Tip:

Make sure that the snake is full upon entering its cage.

Fees: 5.00Php - access road, 10.00Php - entrance

Fourth Stop: "Philippines' Smallest Primate: TARSIER, Tarsius syrichta"

The Phillipine Tarsier was known as the World's Smallest Primate but there are articles stating that it's not.

Tarsius syrichta

Insider Tip:

Do no over-stressed them, they are endangered.

Fees: Only Donations

Fifth Stop: "LOBOC RIVER CRUISE"

The Loboc River Cruise is very popular since it is not an ordinary cruise. It's like a fine-dining in a floating restaurant, in the middle of the river with 360degrees view of rainforest. Food is great at 450.00Php.

Loboc Church

The cut-Bridge: the construction was stopped because the Church will be demolished if pursued.

Floating Restaurants and floating raft with the dancing ladies. 

The tip of the river cruise.

Insider Tip: 

Be there by lunch time to make sure food is freshly served. Bring extra money for extra charges like government taxes and so on. Kindly refer to Bohol Official Site for more info.  

Fees: 450.00Php - buffet, 100.00Php

Sixth Stop: "The BUTTERFLY FARM"

There are several species of Butterflies are on site. 

Different types of Butterfly Pupa

Learning Macro-Shot

Insider Tip:

Learn macro option to capture great shots. 
Fees: 25.00Php

Seventh Stop: "MAN-MADE FOREST"

It is a 2-kilometer ride covered with Mahogany Trees. The trees have grown better than those in the wild. 

The Man-Made Forest

Eighth Stop: "The GREAT CHOCOLATE HILLS"

It was raining when I get there so I had to wait until the rain stops. While seeing the view, I was wondering how these things had happen. I always remember when I was a grade-schooler, "Chocolate Hills" is always on discussions about "Ang Mga Anyong Lupa ng Pilipinas". At that age, it's like always a dream of seeing Chocolate Hills in person.    

The GREAT CHOCOLATE HILLS

Upon leaving the View Deck in Carmen

Insider Tip: 

Do not visit during rainy days, you won't enjoy the view. There were no covered walkways to the top of viewing deck. 

Fees: 50.00Php

Aside from these stops/adventures, Bohol has still lot of things to discover. Danao Adventure Park offers great deals for extreme adventurers such as the bungee-like adventures aka Plunge. The beach type of person could go to Panglao Island and other neighboring Islands for great Beach adventure. I had visited Panglao Island but only in few hours at dinner time. I wasn't able to capture great scenery in Panglao but my friend Sky (Under the Sky) wrote about Panglao and her adventures: Paradise called Panglao Island.

I will make sure to feature Danao Adventure Park and Panglao on my next visit in Bohol.