If there’s one thing I
realized on this familiarization tour is the resiliency of the Filipinos
especially the Boholanos. That in spite and despite of what had happened a year
ago, they are counting their blessings rather than lingering the pain of the
tragedy. So really, what’s up Bohol?
My travel blogger friends and I were invited to the What’s Up Bohol? event of the Philippine Tour Operators’
Association (PHILTOA). Together with tour operators and media personalities, we
were all in for a great 3-day destination update on tourism offering of Bohol.
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| Well, hello again! |
Astoria Bohol
The monsoon started to
dominate Metro Manila weather so I wasn’t expecting the perfect weather in
Bohol. But the sun glowed and the heat caressed my skin as we reached the
shores of Astoria Bohol (check rates) in the town of Baclayon.
Breakfast was served and
we all enjoyed the local favorites. Daing
na Bangus, Tocino, Longganisa, Scrambled eggs and Arroz caldo were available at the buffet spread. Fresh hot chocolate was also served. The group savored this yummy
offering overlooking the beach.
We also get to check one
of the 8 rooms in the resort. Astoria Bohol significantly incorporated local
touch to the room and the woven chair was my favorite, it reminded me of my
old folks’ siesta time in our hometown.
Albuquerque Church
The group then proceeded
to the town of Albuquerque and visited the Albur parish.
The strong posts made
of huge timbers made it withstand the earthquake that hit the northern part of
Bohol last year. The paintings on the ceiling are also notable, reminiscent
to the Sistine Chapel in Vatican.
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| Coral stones |
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| Interesting posts |
You should never skip
the Albuquerque church when you visit Bohol.
Philippine
Tarsier Sanctuary
The Philippine Tarsier
Sanctuary was the group’s next stop. Efforts to preserve the smallest primate
in the world have been successful and all other “tarsier centers” catering to
tourists were closed to properly manage all of the tarsiers.
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| Hide and seek with the tarsiers |
The sanctuary is the
closest thing to their natural habitat. Tarsiers are nocturnal creatures so we’re
lucky when we get to see one who’s all wide awake to greet us. We were hushing
each other as they’re quite susceptible to stress. Also, suicide incidents are quite high when they’re confined in tight spaces; kudos to all the
volunteers and researchers for all their efforts in preserving the tarsiers.
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| Oh, there you are! |
Loboc River Resort
After our close
encounter with the tarsiers, we get to check Loboc River Resort (check rates) for another
room inspection. I’ve been to the Loboc River years back for the cruise (with
lunch) but never get the chance to just chill alongside the river.
The reception area is
quite inviting. Comfy chairs are positioned near the wooden planks that serve
as the docking area for the boats and kayaks. I could stay there all day and
chill or probably get that perfect tan I really wanted.
The rooms are on stilts (due
to river surge) and you could definitely get that tropical feel you’re looking
for inside it. A balcony with a huge rocking chair facing the river is the perfect
place to relax. But I think the highlight of the room is the bedroom. You could
see the lush vegetation from the huge glass wall behind the draperies. It feels
like you’re one with nature.
Chocolate Hills Adventure Park (CHAP)
The Chocolate Hills
Adventure Park was my favorite for that day. Imagine yourselves zipbiking from
one Chocolate Hill to another, the first of its kind in the country. There is
an entrance fee (60 pesos) when entering the adventure park’s premises. This allows
you to go around the park, the hanging bridge and the 248-step stone stairway
to the Chocolate Hills viewing deck. There’s a different tariff though for the
Tree Top Rope Challenge, Zip Bike and other attractions in the park.
We were first treated to
a nice buffet lunch at the adventure park. Shrimps, crabs, some fish, squids and
pork barbecue were some of the choices on the spread. We feasted on the local
desserts as well; boiled taro, sweet potatoes, sticky rice and some fresh
fruits were my favorites.
After lunch, we headed
straight to the adventure park’s briefing area for a quick refresher on the do’s
and don’ts around the park. Blood pressures were checked and stuff were stowed
inside the lockers. Waivers were signed and last minute security reminders were
given. Excitement overflowed as everyone set off.
Shrieks and giggles dominated the hanging bridge when we’re crossing it to check out the Tree Top Rope Challenge. I’ve experienced the Aerial Walk of SandBox Alviera and told myself that I’m done with it for this year (quota na) so I moved on and ditched the Tree Top Rope Challenge.
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| Quota na ako sa aerial walk this year, so pass muna. |
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| Dare to zipbike |
I didn’t waste time and
asked the guides to give me my bike right away. I wasn’t worried because I have faith on the park's security measures. I counted 1
to 3 and started to pedal my way to the other hill. It was as simple as biking
on a stationary bike.
I started to feel the
strong winds that made me panic for four seconds and then went on again. Whew!
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| It.Was.Scary. |
The view was great up
there. I stopped in the middle of the zip and absorbed everything that’s
happening at that time. It’s that feeling being up there and experiencing it; that
thrill and excitement of conquering a new challenge. For me, this is definitely
the best way to view the Chocolate Hills.
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| Kuya, pwedeng isang ride pa?! |
Overall, I enjoyed the Chocolate
Hills Adventure Park. It’s the most refreshing way experience the Chocolate
Hills. I’m gonna come back here for the Tree Top Rope Challenge!
Bohol
Beach Club
After the
adventure-packed day, we checked in at Bohol Beach Club (check out my resort review on Bohol Beach Club). We freshen up a bit and prepared for the
dinner in the nearby resort.
South
Palms Beach Resort
After checking in at
Bohol Beach Club, we walked our way to the South Palms Beach Resort (check rates) for another
resort inspection. My favorite is the beachfront rooms that provide you an easy
access to the beach. Nice!
Dinner was served at the
Oceanica Seafood Restaurant. The buffet spread included some shrimps (which I
totally love!), squids, some fish and other seafood favorites. Other dishes were
also served but we were so captivated by the fresh seafood and almost forgot
about everything on the spread.
The best part is that we
get to watch a live performance from Sir Joey Ayala himself. Apparently, he was
a guest performer of some important personalities from the South East Asia
Region. I asked for a photo to be taken with him and he obliged. Beers (still
from the buffet) overflowed and we couldn’t ask for more (the beach, nice
dinner, Joey Ayala, beer).
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I'll get in touch with you...
Joey to Carla (ahem)
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The first day of the
What’s Up Bohol? Familiarization Trip was so fun. Yes, some parts of
Bohol were greatly affected of the earthquake but I guess the resiliency of the
people made the whole province stronger than ever. Boholanos didn’t sulk and
grumble on the tragedy that struck them but rather accepted it slowly and moved
on eventually. Let’s go, Bohol!
Astoria
Bohol (book online)
Brgy.Taguihon, Baclayon,
Bohol, Philippines
Contact Numbers: (+63)
38.540.9880 | (+63) 2.335.1111
Email Address: rsvn@astoriabohol.com
Philippine
Tarsier Sanctuary
Loboc
River Resort (book online)
Camayaan Road, Loboc,
Bohol, Philippines
Contact Number: (+63)
38.510.4565
Email Address:
lobocriverresort@yahoo.com
Chocolate
Hills Adventure Park
Buenos Aires, Carmen,
Bohol, Philippines
Contact Number: (+63)
932.667.7098
Email Address: chocolatehills_adventurepark@yahoo.com
South
Palms Resort (book online)
Brgy.Bolod, Panglao
Island,
Bohol, Philippines
Contact Numbers: (+63)
38.502.8288 | (+63) 917.716.7609
Email Address: info@southpalmsresort.com
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