Bohol it is... Day 2

Praise God, for day two started with a very fine day. =)

After breakfast, we went to the first part of  our itinerary, the Nova Shell Museum.

Nova Shell Museum is owned by  Mr. Quirino Hora, a well-known shell collector from Panglao Island, Bohol.

His interest in shell collection paid him a success of having his own museum and an opportunity to have shells named after him.

Bursa Quirihorai, he discovered in 1987 while Primovula Horai was in 1994. Both shells were found in Panglao Island.

The biggest shell in the museum.

The smallest shell in the museum.

then The Hinagdanan Cave (located at Bingag, Dauis, Bohol)

I'm not into caves, and this was my first to enter a cave with narrow opening, but it was really a wonderful experience. Thanks to our guide (forgot his name) for taking beautiful photos inside. =)

 

In the 16th Century, Bingag was covered by thick vegetation.  The people came to live and developed the land. One day, while the owner of this land was clearing the area for a farm, he discovered two adjacent holes. Noticeable only when some decayed trunks were removed. He tried to determine its depth by throwing a stone down and was surprised to hear a splash. 

The present entrance was discovered much later when a big tree died and decayed which was found out to be connected to the two original holes. Later on, a ladder was made in order for someone to get down inside without having difficulties. Ladder in the dialects is "Hagdan". So the cave came to be known as Hinagdanan Cave. 

Meanwhile, the early inhabitants use this cave as a source of water for drinking, washing and bathing.

Simbahan ng Dauis (Daius Church)

Boyoyoy (over 60 years old man with less than 3ft. of height)

lunch at  Bohol Bee Farm.

Bohol Bee Farm, one of the very popular tourist's spots in Panglao Island, Bohol.

For me, it was like Sonia's Garden in Tagaytay because of their Garden Fresh products and amenities such as Rooms, Spa, etc. for tourists but Bohol Bee Farm has more to offer.

You will have a quick tour to the farm and a short trivia about what grows in their garden what they can do to our body to keep us healthy. Tour and trivia are facilitated by their staff.

Crafts and Livelihood : An all women section of the farm that creates handy crafts for souvenirs.

Malungay, Langka, Pandan and Spicy Ginger Ice Cream

Burp! =)

Bohol it is... Day 1

Finally, blogging again...

It has been more than a month already since I posted my last blog. Been very busy with work stuff.
I praise God for all the things He has done to my life and my family.

Back to our Cebu - Bohol trip...

After Cebu, we took a supercat fast ferry boat for Tagbilaran, Bohol.
With fare more of less P550 (can't remember the exact fare) and less than Three hours of travel time. Bohol it is. :)

We stayed at Lost Horizon Beach Resort, Panglao Island, Bohol for Three days and Two nights.

We had no problem staying here.

Food was great; staffs were friendly; rooms were okay (from what we stayed at least), unlimited Wifi, relaxing live band every night and of-course  beach front. :)

Mr. Crab's picture was taken at the shore in-front of Lost Horizon Beach Resort.

We went to Loboc River and had our lunch at Riverwatch Floating Resto.
All you need is P400.00 (P100 -  Boat and P300 - Buffet Lunch) then you're good to go.
You'll enjoy a superb lunch while being serenaded in-house guitar man (forgot his name) and  while having Loboc River tour. Additionally, you'll be able to enjoy a sing and dance performance from a group of Boholanos living near Loboc River.

Loboc River Floating Restaurant

      

After Loboc River, we went to see one of the endangered species in the world  and can be found in Bohol. The Tarsier (Philippines).

Taken from Tarsier Conservation Area, Loboc, Bohol

Taken from Tarsier Conservation Area, Loboc, Bohol

then The Man Made Forest...

...simply amazing...

then, one of the seven wonders of the world. The Chocolate Hills.
Not all Filipinos in their lifetime have the opportunity to visit this breath-taking wonder of the world. I thank God for this opportunity to appreciate His creation that can only be found in Bohol.

I did see some structures near the hills. I just hope that the local government will maintain its captivating beauty, or it will be sold and end-up to be a resort, village or subdivision.

Before we went back to Lost Horizon, we passed by to some tourist spots...

Prony (the biggest python I've ever seen so far)

Baclayon Church

The Blood Compact

The Blood Compact with Dad

After a very tiring day, a dinner with my wife ease everything.

The End of Day 1

Metro Cebu, the twin brother of Metro Manila

This trip was already booked since November of last year.
I'm very excited because this is my first time to visit Cebu then Bohol.

Actually, I had almost not been able to join this trip because two months prior to this, I was scheduled to fly to Korea for our project and it conflicts with this trip schedule.

Praise and thank God for He allowed my flight for Korea be moved for another week. Yay! =)

Going to Cebu. 
We took the 7am flight of Cebu Pacific Air bound for Cebu.

Mt. Mayon - Albay

I was looking outside the window, letting myself be captivated by God's wonderful creations especially passing through Albay and appreciate the beauty of Mt. Mayon.

Mt. Mayon is one of many places in the Philippines that we want to see and experience its stunning perfect cone shape. 

I remember when I was young, I only see Mt. Mayon in Philippine post card.



If God will allow, we'll visit Mt. Mayon next year. =)

Anyway, It was about lunch time and the weather rainy when we arrived in Cebu.

Taoist Temple
Beverly Hills Subd., Cebu City
Once settled at Sampaguita Suite, we went directly to our first destination, the Taoist Temple.

This is our first time to enter a Chinese (Taoist) temple; No entrance fee, just respect and appreciate. 

The place is clean and well maintained.

Taking pictures in some areas inside the temple are prohibited, especially their prayer room.

Then, Parian Monument, Yap-Sandiego Ancestral house, Magellan's Cross, etc.

Parian Monument  (Parian - Colon sts., Cebu City)

Parian Monument  (Parian - Colon sts., Cebu City)

Yap - Sandiego Ancestral House

Yap - Sandiego Ancestral House

(One of the oldest houses in the Philippines)

"BUILD DURING THE LATE 17TH CENTURY BY THE CHINESE MERCHANTS RESIDING IN PARIAN. THIS WAS THE HOUSE OF MARIA ELEUTERIO AND CONSOLACION YAP. THE ELDEST DAUGHTER MARIA YAP LATER ON MARRIEND TO DON MARIANO SANDIEGO. CEBEZA DE BARANGAY OF PARIAN 1880'S.AT PRESENT THIS ANCESTRAL HOUSE IS IN THE CUSTODY OF MR. AND MRS. VAL SANDIEGO."

-----

It was sad for us that we didn't have a chance to see what's inside the house because it was flooded with rain waters.

Lunch at AA BBQ.
Cebu City

Marlon (our guide and driver ) brought us to AA BBQ for lunch. Its kind of odd because everything we ordered was Ok except for the barbeque. =)

My favorite - Grilled Milkfish
(i forgot the local name)

Cebu Cathedral

Magellan's Cross

Magellan's Cross
This Cross of Tindalo Wood
Encases the Original Cross Planted
By Ferninand Magellan On This Very Site
April 21, 1521

 

Magellan's Cross

Magellan's Cross, the beginning of Christianity in the Philippines. Unfortunately, the place is not as I picture it (from a post card again).

I guess it was very long time because I can hardly remember the last time I saw a post card.

With so many people (tourists and locals) walking around and street children running and playing; I patiently waited for the right moment  and somehow got the right angle and capture this shot.

Sto. Nino Church

It was the beatification of Pedro Calungson when we were here.

THE FORT OF SAN PEDRO, DESCRIBED IN AN OFFICIAL REPORT OF 1739, IS TRIANGULAR IN SHAPE
AND MADE OF STONE AND MORTAR. THE THREE BASTIONS LA CONCEPTION, SAN IGNACIO DE LOYOLA
AND SAN MIGUEL - POWDER MAGAZINE.

THE FORT OF SAN PEDRO

THE FORT OF SAN PEDRO

Me and Allegre Guitars

Aside from many historical landmarks, Cebu is very well-known in guitar making. Located in Lapu-Lapu City, Allegre Guitars is one the best maker of quality guitars.

Allegre Guitars

In the picture, the guitar I was playing, is worth Php 75,000.00, but they do give discounts, if you're really interested. =)

Allegre Guitars

Cebu city is a great place to visit, yet it seems that we never left Manila.

Thanks to our friends Pao and Rams for the effort helping us to have a guide while we were in Cebu.