5 THINGS TO DO AT THE BEAUTIFUL PROVINCE OF BOHOL

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Bohol is the heart of the islands. It is the home province of Carlos P. Garcia, the eighth president of the Republic of the Philippines. It is the tenth largest island in the country, famous for its diving locations and characteristically one of the top ten diving sites in the world. Chocolate Hills remained to be the most famous attraction of the province and The Philippine Tarsier is the second smallest primate in the world. Its more fun just an adventure and destination.

Please join me to revisit the exquisiteness of Bohol province. We all know what happened in the province last October, where most of the famous attractions were totally ruined by a 7.2 magnitude earthquake. I’m glad that I was able to visit those places last July on my birthday before the disaster happened. Nevertheless, the purpose of this column is not to remember how badly it was but to show the world the real beauty of Bohol. The cheerful Boholanos will absolutely stand again and the places will be restored to original magnificence.

I'm not sure what the situation now is but when we were there, there are travel agencies that offers countryside tour with inclusions. Our hotel (Vista Pension House) also offered an eight-hour countryside tour. Check the itinerary below and prices. Rates are inclusive of Driver's Fee, Gasoline, and all entrance fee with lunch buffet at Loboc River.

Itinerary:                                                                          Package per Head:

1. Blood Compact Shrine                                                 P3195 1pax

2. Baclayon Church and Museum                                   P1945 2pax/head

3. Python Sanctuary                                                         P1530 3pax/head  

4. Tarsiers                                                                           P1320 4pax/head

5. Loboc River Cruise                                                         P1295 5pax/head

6. Hanging Bridge                                                             P1195 6pax/head   

7. Man-made Forest                                                         P1125 7pax/head

8. Butterfly Sanctuary                                                      P1070 8pax/head 

9. Chocolate Hills                                                              P1030 9pax/head

10. Souvenir Shops                                                            P995 10pax/head

So the countryside is ready to make the tour, although there are more places to go but I will be featuring only those places I have been to during my visit. Please follow this link for more tourist attractions – www.boholtourism.com. Join me for the first part of our tour.

BLOOD COMPACT SHRINE
Also known as Sandugo, this is considered as the first treaty of friendship between Spaniards and Filipinos. The blood compact happened between the Spanish explorer Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and Datu Sikatuna the chieftain of Bohol. Spain has the longest occupation in the country for 377 years (1521 – 1898). 

The monument is located in Tagbilaran East Rd., Tagbilaran City, Bohol.

BUTTERFLY CONSERVATION CENTER

It is a wide collection of unique and colourful butterflies found in the Philippines. This said to be the first ever rehabilitation program for the butterfly species established in the island and now supported by the Local Government Unit and also one the favourite stopover of the visitors coming to Bohol. We were greeted by the cheerful lady who gave us an extensive lecture about the life cycle of Butterflies.

We all know the cycle of Butterfly way back from our science subject in grade school – it started in a Eggs – Caterpillar – Pupa – Adult Emerging from Chrysalis – Butterfly. Well I must say history repeats itself while the lady gave us a speech about them. I was actually hesitant to touch them because I was once victimized by “higad”. So I have this phobia already. And now I know that only those hairy caterpillars are dangerous.

WORLD FAMOUS CHOCOLATE HILLS

The Chocolate Hills is a famous tourist attraction of Bohol. Not just in the province but also one of the icons of Philippine Tourism. In fact they have been declared the country’s third National Geological Monument and proposed for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage list. There are at least 1,260 hills but there may be as many as 1,776 hills spread over an area of 50 square kilometres.

On our way to the site the driver shared us different story behind tiny mountains spread all over the places. He said there were two giants playing stones and sand balls that lasted for a day. Then the messed they left now turns into mole hills that look like women’s breasts. Urgh! I’m just kidding. They are covered with grass, which, at the end of dry season, turns chocolate brown. So the hills derive from their name because of the color.

MAN-MADE FOREST

The driver told us to proceed first to Chocolate hills while few people arrived. So after our Chocolate Hills as promised, we stopped by on this shadier part of 2-kilometer stretch of towering Mahogany trees with wild bushes and ferns. Inside the man-made forest, you can feel the chilly breeze of tranquility and that attracts the by-passers on their way to the Chocolate hills. So even on the hottest day of temperature, when you set foot into this mind-blowing territory, you instantly feel the change of temperature. No wonder we are encouraged to plant more trees to fight against global warming that is heating up the earth. So it’s kinda dim because the sunlight barely reaches the ground because of thick leaves of the trees.

However, I understand that we are all excited to take a unique shot but we need extra precaution. This is a highway so vehicles are passing by in both directions. And guess what I had the time to do “planking” in the middle of this stretch and that is my first time ever. Scary though because car might hit me while taking pictures.

THE PHILIPPINE TARSIER

The Philippine Tarsier – this is one of the reasons why we visit Bohol. Although considered as the smallest primate in earth but I can say that this is the second smallest after I saw the one in Ocean Park Hongkong. The Tarsier is another icon of the country as being used in postal stamps and official mascot of the Philippines in international sporting meet. Sadly though because there are only I guess 15 tarsiers that are available for public and at that are not allowed to touch. Caretaker said that there are more tarsiers on a separate forest that are not open for public.

The Philippine tarsier is a shy nocturnal. They are asleep during the day and only active to look for food during the night.

And that is the first part of my Bohol countryside tour. Next is the second part, we will just need to take our lunch at the famous Loboc River cruise. 

1 CHECKING VEST PENSION HOUSE IN BOHOL

It is nearly a year now when we booked the flight for Bohol. That time, we supposed to seek out return flight from Hong Kong. Though plenty of schedules but of course it would be better if we could get much affordable fare. We gazed into different airlines, clicks here and there. Pero mukhang kaakibat na yata natin ang panahon. Surprisingly, it was around 2am when Cebu Pacific matched up with our plans. They were offering piso fare which most of the people or I must stay travelers waiting for.

And the day arrived. How I missed riding an airplane kahit na makailang beses na ako nakasakay. It feels like it’s always the first time. My eyes were stuck outside an endless spectrum, nothing I can see except for white cotton ball-like thingy. No wonder I finished my two-hour ride with stiff neck soreness. Arrived in Tagbilaran Airport around 10:30am. 

My partner been to this round-shaped island a lot of time, fourth time I guess. So we decided to stay where they stayed from the past visits. They have free pick up service since the distance is just five-minutes away from the airport. Sabihin lang sila na magpapick up kayo.

In a minimum of five-day break, you must secure a very good place to stay in order to give fairness how the real vacay. So when looking at one of the best of Bohol yet affordable lodging house, Vest Pension House I would say the most recommended. I believe there are one thousand star hotels standing around the island but this yet arranged the quality of what strollers looking for. I only feel sorry more noise added on the photos, I just wish to have this "DSLR" camera before the year ends.

We were greeted by the staff with a warm welcome at nakakatuwa pa ung receptionist, talaga namang English-ish galore. In fairness to her, she’s not trying hard though mas magaling pa kamo siya saken. Nag expect lang siguro ako na magtatagalog sila dahil alam nilang galing kaming Manila pero malaking pagkakamali. And since I am pure Bisaya, hindi ko na rin natiis na hindi magsalita, how I missed talking my mother tongue.

We will be staying the island for four days so we settled everything, we chose Deluxe Twin for a rate of P1,500/day with an inclusive of breakfast for all paying guests. And not to mention this lodge won Trip Advisor as one the best place to stay in Bohol. 

This is the aisle, simple yet patterned to the typical Filipino houses. Light green color with paintings showing the island tourist locations. The floor likewise looks like a shining armor. Pedeng pede nag magsalamin. 

So here’s the room. Sobrang laki niya para sa aming dalawa. One is a double size and the other is a single. It can actually accommodate up to five people. 

And who say’s selfie is outburst no more. Nah. Ginagawa ko pa rin yan ng palihim. Maganda ung ilaw medyo yellowish so perfect for portrait shot. The problem is I don’t have this perfect camera kaya magtiis sa mababang quality.

So literally the theme for this place is kinda vintage-traditional ish. It has only four floors so it doesn’t elevator that will lift you up and down. But it doesn’t matter, it’s not too high though, it’s manageable.

And here’s the inclusive breakfast. Marami na siya but if you want something more. I must say take order their specialty – Vest Chicken Adobo. The best ansarap, gusto ko nga sana magdala nun sa manila kaso 10am pa start ng order na hindi pang breakfast. So hindi ako nakadala dahil same time din ung flight naming pabalik. 

They also have mini gift shop, small bar, dining/entertainment room. You can surprise your loved one with something Bohol souvenirs. Their hotel gift shop carries different locally made clothing and authentic jewelry created by Bohol Tribe artists. 

With the service mark of “The Only Pension House with Hotel Amenities at Pension House Rates”, let's check how competitive this place in targeting the needs of budget packers. It is located in Tamblot Extension, Tagbiliran City. Contact numbers: (63-38) 501 8079 or 09268779896 Email Address: vestpension@yahoo.com. For room rates you may check their website at www.vestpensionhouse.com. Overall we had a great stay in this place, mababait ung staff, malinis ang lugar, tsaka walang reklamo. This one is recommended when visiting Bohol.

11 MAKATI: THE 2012 SYMPHONY OF LIGHTS AND SOUNDS AT THE AYALA TRIANGLE

It has been Makati City’s annual tradition of lighting their streets with Christmas lights and decorations. The most remarkable amongst the street is Ayala Avenue. The island is full of bright white lights in different artistic decorations. Buildings around the area are also geared up putting huge Christmas decorations positioned in front of it. No wonder Makati is one of the brightest cities during this yuletide season.

On the other hand, Ayala Gardens is back alive. The Symphony of Lights and Sounds once again ready to give entertainment. I wasn’t able to watch the first lights and sounds on November 16 and only heard it across networking sites that it has been started. 

Last night, I was able to witness how dazzling it is. I thought I was late but luckily I was able to catch the last show. A lot of people patiently waiting, so I know there's one more. Nevertheless the show displays every day, starting from 6PM to 9PM. The enchanting lights and sound comes on 30 minutes interval and it will last until December 30. As per management, in cases of bad weather condition, the show will be postponed and resume whenever the weather is safe and sound.

Last year I was able to watched the show and I guess from my own opinion it was way better. The only difference about this year is the floating effect of Christmas balls and the teardrops lights. But anyway, the most important is the spirit of Christmas thru their harmony of lights and sound. It's still good.

Here are the schedules of events:

December 6: Young Voices [High School Christmas Caroling competition, 6pm at Ayala Triangel Gardens]

December 6-7: Kindred Voices [Christmas concert series with Lea Salonga and Nikki Gil together with ABS-CBN’s Philharmonic Orchestra under Maestro Gerard Salonga. December 6, 6PM at Greenbelt 5 Fashion Walk Area | December 7 at Glorietta New Activity Centre]

December 14: 2^nd Avenue’s Christmas at the Gardens [Musical performance by The Company, 7PM at the Ayala Triangle Gardens]

December 15-23: Thanksgiving Masses [Mass starts at 6PM at Ayala Triangle Gardens]

4 HONG KONG: FIRST TIME TO SET FOOT IN A FOREIGN SOIL

Leading to boarding the plane, I had the assurance that I’m going to set my first foot on a foreign country. The moment the plane took off, I’m a bit thrilled. I know its going to be welcome Hong Kong! However my heart still worried, what if’s questions still on my mind. What if these Hong Kong staff notice my red eyes? What gonna happen next?!

I had the mixed emotions on top of the earth. I was happy for my second fly yet my brain still thinking of what if’s. Nakakabaliw! Sea of clouds entertained my eyes and minutes later I feel bored so I had the power nap after filling all the information needed for arrival card distributed by flight attendants.

Hong Kong Immigration form to fill up, and Octopus Card. 

Finally, after more than two hours of flying, wheels touched down. I was excited. I can call myself a foreigner. My eyes were busy looking outside; I wanna know how HK looked like. I glanced across the wide airyspace. Clustered around the airport were different planes. There were pettite and gigantic buffalo planes. Kung kanina sa Clark, nalalakihan ako sa Cebu Pacific pero sobrang nanliit siya sa Cathay Pacific. My goodness, I can’t imagine how these big planes fly. I can’t help but to take picture of it. I feel so amazed. Nakaka promdi ng sobra..hayy patawad naman. FYI: The Airbus A380 is the world's largest passenger plane. It is also the heaviest and the costliest commercial passenger aircraft ever built. If you want to buy it, it will cost you more than $300 million apiece. The super jumbo is gigantic, like a Titanic in the sky. It's tail stands seven stories high; and the plane is as wide as a soccer field, strectching 260 feet from wingtip to wingtip. It is also as long as two blue whales. Source

The Gigantic Buffalo Plane

My heart was pounding as I heard my footsteps coming down the solid board. I felt the vibrations through my head to legs. My eyes began to manoeuvre around the area. Comparisons rolled over my head, I felt like I owned the place. This is it.

The Hong Kong International Airport is really huge. It seems like it housed a single city in Metro Manila. The facilities were excellent, centralized air con, ceilings were too high. I started seeing singkit people and Chinese letters. I know I'm not dreaming anymore. I'm also surprised with this walklator, I'm not tired of walking yet but I opt to try this moving walkways. Nakakamangha! FYI: Hong Kong International Airport is the 10^th largest airport in the world. Please click here to check the top 10 largest airports in the World.

The Walkalators

To picture out how big the airport is, after passing these walkalators and buzzing around the escalators I thought there was no ending. I was again wowed when I saw the train. We need to ride trains to get into the entrance section. Fantastic.

Trains arrived every after a minute.

Approaching to immigration counters, worried again for my sickness. I dunno what will happen next, I was again holding my scapular asking for a little help. I understand that they will be asking routine questions like - When is your flight back to Manila? How much money you have? Where will you stay? How many days you will be staying?

I gave my passport and look at the officer. She stared my face once or twice just to verify the photo. I was ready for the questions; couple of seconds later I heard the scanner and stamps. Gotcha! No questions thrown. I got it.

Next

We went to triage to purchase an Octopus card; my partner has the card already so I need one for myself. Initial deposit is $50, minimum stored value is $100 but we chose to preload our cards for $200. This $50 will be refunded once you surrender the card upon leaving the country. I didn’t return the card for souvenir. Hehe.

It is wise to purchase an Octopus card because you gonna need it to any form of transportation, whether MTR or Bus, also accepted at any convenience stores and fast food chains. No need to worry of any change or cash. For more info, please refer to their official website here.

After all the stuffs, we get to bus terminal that will bring us to Tsim Sha Tsui. We boarded A21, a double decker airbus. I only saw it from foreign movies. I chose to board on the upper deck, just to experience.

The AirBus. Going to Tsim Sha Tsui, always refer to A21 mark.

Upper Deck view

Passing thru the bridge. Clean and Smooth roadways.

Tsim Sha Tsui is the 13^th station but no need to worry if you forgot to count the bus stops, there’s a screen in front of the decks to tell you the next station in both Chinese and English translations with voice over. Otherwise, you can see a huge signage for every bus stop. On our way to Tsim Sha Tsui, it was an hour ride and again my eyes were gaze outside. The whole ride was fast yet comfortable; the roads were smooth and very easy to manoeuvre. I also noticed that the driver position on the right side.

Arriving on our stop, my partner walk around and get to Burlington House where the Taisan Guest House located, it is on the 15^th floor 58 Nathan Road. It’s his second time in Hong Kong same guest house so we had no problem on finding the place. Taisan has two separate guest houses located on the same building. We went to Ally’s place an Indonesian caretaker and gave us bigger room for one night only and costs $480 [P 2640], then transfer building B for the next three days of stay and costs $350 [P 1925], bit smaller but it was fine, our room has a fascinating view outside where the tallest building can be seen. FYI:The tallest building in Hong Kong is the 118-storey International Commerce Centre, which was completed in 2010 and rises 484 metres (1588 feet). It also stands as the 2^nd tallest building in People’s Republic of China and 5^th tallest building in the world. Wikipedia.

Outside Burlington House. Logo in red means MTR

I met Ate Yolly, Pinoy caretaker and gave us a very good deal. She sells all the tickets at discounted rates on our - Sky Terrace, Macau via Cotai Jet, Ngong Ping 360 and Ocean Park tours.

Lively Granville Street.

Less Traffic. Clean Roads.

Next stop. Explore Hong Kong!!!