Bohol Philippines - God's Little Paradise ...Indeed

Before saying goodbye to my last company and moving here in Adelaide, our business partner invited us at Bohol for their summer outing...who wouldn't agree to join?? My last trip to Bohol was I think 2002 and I'm sure a lots have changed and what's more exciting is that we are staying at the newest place called Amorita Resort in Alona Beach, Panglao Island.

I was so excited because it will be our last (at the moment) summer vacation in the Philippines. I know what I'm going to miss once we move even then because I so love our beaches and the spas!!!

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The Great Bohol Adventure

We were in Bohol from December 3-9 and boy, did we enjoy it! It was our first time to travel alone, as a family, without the usual extended family members or friends. It was also the first plane ride for my kids. Ishi was afraid at first, complete with a trembling chin and teary eyes, but later on was very happy to be up there on the clouds. They just complained of a little pain in the ears which disappeared later on.

We arrived at the Bohol Divers Resort ( I got a package from Tata Rabe, she is a very accommodating lady and will give you a package that will suit you, contact her at tatarabe@yahoo.com) at around 4pm. Our room was at the other side of the resort, with a garden view and 2 minutes walk to the beach and 5 minutes walk to the big swimming pool. The walk was really a good thing since it helped us burn the food, he he. We immediately went to check the beach and we were not disappointed!

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Bohol Escapades 11.29-30.08

Bohol Island is the main island of Bohol Province in the Visayas. It lies southeast from Cebu Island across Cebu Strait (in some references called Bohol Strait) and southwest from Leyte Island, separated by the Camotes Sea and Canigao Channel. Bohol is also located north of Mindanao with Bohol Sea between them.

The reasons to visit Bohol can be as varied as the number of people who visit the place, but there are a few that will usually resound among the many reasons. Those who favor some fun in the tropical waters will find a lot of idyllic beaches. You’ll find all sorts of seaside wonders from developed beaches like Alona Beach to exclusive secluded waterfront locations for your own private encounters in the tropical waters.

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Viva Bohol!

This is the first time Garandee's family has ever been to the Philippines, so we had to make a good impression to encourage them to visit more often. She thought Bohol will definitely make a good first impression, and boy was she right!

Garandee's Mom and brother have never experienced a beach in their whole lives so you can just imagine how amazed they were when we arrived at the Bohol Beach Club in Panglao Island. Read on for the photos!

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Panglao Bohol Resorts - Dumaluan Beach Resort

If you're looking for value accommodation among the wide selection of Bohol resorts in Panglao, then you should check out Dumaluan Beach Resort. It's actually beside Bohol Beach Club, the more popular among island resorts in Panglao, yet Dumaluan offers rooms at more affordable rates.

Dumaluan Beach resort is located at a more serene side of Panglao. The view from this Bohol resort is picture-perfect. Any tourist would love basking in the fine white sand, enjoying the sight of the sky merging with the sea with huge white clouds looming over the horizon. Unlike Boracay, people here are lesser in number. One could easily read a good book and relax under the shade of nearby trees.

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Bohol: Tourist Paradise

The oval-shaped island province of Bohol has been recently named as a world-class destination in Central Visayas because of its pristine beaches, majestic sunset, hidden caves, ancient structures, magnificent mountains, friendly people and “Chocolate Hills.”

Bohol lies southeast of Cebu and southwest of Leyte. The island, characterized by hilly and rolling terrain, has around 167 mountains, 73 islets. The provincial government was created by Republic Act 2711 on March 10, 1917. It was the site of two revolts against the Spanish colonial government-Tamblot Rebellion (1621) and the Dagohoy Revolt (1744-1829).

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Yoyoy: The Original Boholano Idol

Before we had the likes of Cesar Montano, Luke Mijares, Giselle Sanchez, no other Boholano had made such a big name in the entertainment industry than Yoyoy Villame.

Who would not have heard and laughed at the songs like Magellan, Butse Kik, Philippine Geography and Mag-exercise Tayo Tuwing Umaga? His music earned him the title as the Philippine's "King of Novelty Songs".

Born Roman Tesorio Villame on November 18, 1932, he was a native of Calape, a municipality north of Tagbilaran. It is said that he was at one time a jeepney driver here in Manila, at another time an army draftee, before he went back to Bohol to become a bus driver.

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Escape into Paradiso, Pandanon

Looking for the perfect beach?

Pandanon Island is the place to go. White sand and warm turquoise waters await the visitor for a day of fun in the sun.”

Google Pandanon Island and you’ll be greeted with more than five hundred search results. I found the ‘quote’ above in one of them. Ask a fellow Boholano where Pandanon Island is and you’ll most likely get a shrug. Meanwhile, other literatures list this beach as Pandanon Island, Cebu, Philippines.

It must be that the island is only a few miles from Mactan Island and its throng of beach resorts and may, in fact, be more accessible from Cebu than Jetafe, Bohol, the island’s mother town. And that guests of these resorts are mostly brought to the island via motorized outriggers for day tours and stops from dive safaris, as part of their vacation packages.

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A pilgrimage to the Baclayon Church

Sometimes, when we are too close to something, we fail to see its beauty. This is probably the reason why there are still many Boholanos, especially those living at the coastal areas, who have yet to visit the viewing deck of the Chocolate Hills in Carmen, Bohol, or even the new one in Sagbayan, Bohol.

Because we know it is just nearby, we sort of miss out on how extraordinary the thing is. It is exactly the same with the Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Baclayon, Bohol, the second oldest stone Church in the Philippines. I don't think many really appreciate its place in the history of our country.

Baclayon is a municipality which is 6 kilometers east of Tagbilaran City. It is Bohol's oldest municipality and the mother of 3 other municipalities, namely, Alburquerqe, Balilihan and Sikatuna.

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Who's Taking the Panglao Airport Seriously?

Sometimes, people think make-believe stories are true because they are repetitively told.

Okay, GMA was in Bohol sometime middle of this year because she laid (to rest?) the time capsule to signify the start of the airport construction at Panglao. Okay, she and her confreres said that the airport will be funded from the national budget because her government had loan savings equivalent to 2.2 billion, 1 billion of which will be used for the Panglao airport. Okay, Governor Aumentado boasted that the economic internal rate of return of the proposed Panglao airport is 23.6%, by far exceeding NEDA’s required 15%. But were they really serious?

Since the time capsule ceremony, for whatever that was worth, nothing else moved in Panglao (thank heavens!), besides the desperate buying and selling of land, brought about by speculation and fear. Some sources said a bulldozer just paved a few meters of earth just so to make the impression that something was going on for GMA’s visit. Interestingly, I monitored the national dailies that day and watched a few of the newscasts in two of the popular stations in the country and not a single line mentioned an airport, just the highly publicized cabinet meeting. So was she really serious?

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Bohol: A Bountiful Province of the Philippines

One of the Philippine provinces that travelers should consider if they want to have a memorable vacation is Bohol. This island province houses fascinating man made attractions and natural wonders like Loboc River, Chocolate Hills and the endemic and smallest primate in the world, the tarsier. Room accommodations and transfer services in Bohol are affordable so tourists will not have problems when it comes to their budget.

One of the island provinces in the Philippines, Bohol has fascinating and wonderful sceneries. Many people like to travel to this province to view its enticing beaches and majestic Chocolate hills. As of year 2000, there are 1, 137, 268 residents in this Visayan province. In addition, the average size of families or households in the island province is 5.41 people.

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Bohol Tour Part V: Panglao Island Beach Resort

After getting all sweaty and smelly (of bat poo) at the Hinagdanan Cave, Gim and I badly needed some refreshment! We had two choices. Bohol Beach Club or Panglao Island Beach Resort. We were only in Bohol for a day, so we couldn't choose both. Panglao Resort was right beside Hinagdanan, so that made the choice much easier. (I recently saw some pictures of Bohol Beach Club and it's amazing, so we're definitely reserving that for next year.)

Panglao Island Beach Resort looks very ordinary from the outside. We weren't planning to go inside, we just stopped by to take a picture before we headed on to Hinagdanan, so I could post it on my blog and say I'd been there but I really hadn't.

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Culture-rich Bohol

Our first agenda was the Cutural and Historical Tour. We got a Tour Guide, Kuya Willy, and he took us all over the province with matching commentaries and trivia about the province. We also learned through him that 70% of Bohol's income comes from tourism. Marj sat in front of the van and matched Kuya Willy's history-filled stories with her questions while Anna, Libay and I sat in the back and took turns sleeping as we go from one destination to another.

We were so hungry from the flight so our first stop was at the Loboc River where the Riverwatch Floating Restaurant was. It was a one-of-a-kind lunch cruise that let you sail through the majestic Loboc River with stops at river banks where rondalla music entertains. The food is okay and the buffet has a good selection. I wasn't able to enjoy much of it though because of an unexpected work call.

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Enjoy Scenic Views at Nuts Huts Resort in Bohol

Situated elegantly along Loboc River in the municipality of Loboc within the fascinating province of Bohol, Nuts Huts Resort offers tourists and guests a unique perspective of the richness and beauty of the Philippines. By offering outstanding scenic views where people can relax freely, this very fine resort is truly one of the most fascinating tourist stops within the province. For years, this location continuously serves as a good alternative to the common hotel experience.

Nuts Huts Resort features a very beautiful garden where its guests can spend their valuable time quietly and peacefully. Truly, this place offers a sweet escape and a perfect getaway from the bustling and stressful life in the city. At the same time, the sweet smell of fresh air produced by the plants is definitely a charmer for local and foreign visitors alike. Nuts Huts Resort is really a haven for people who love the peace and quiet brought about by nature. Moreover, guests can enjoy other exciting outdoor recreational activities like bird-watching, hiking, and mountain biking.

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Bohol Tour Part IV: Hinagdanan Cave

In 2007, when Gim and I visited Bohol, Philippines, we took the Bohol River Cruise, explored the Loboc Museum and visited the Chocolate Hills. All in a day. And by public transportation, no less.

This time around, we ditched the open-air buses and contracted an airconditioned van to tour us around for the whole day. We explored the Hinagdanan Cave, burned ourselves sunning in Panglao Island Beach Resort and visited the site of the famous Sandugo (Blood Compact) site where Spanish king conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and Bohol native Datu Sikatuna drank each other's blood as a sign of friendship.

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10 Things to Love About Bohol

I fell in love with Bohol the first time I went there three years ago to attend the wedding of a friend's brother. I've been going there every chance I get since then, to what my Boholano friend Raoul Tidalgo and I call "our paradise on earth."

When my big-city-trapped friends ask me why I'm always in Bohol (it just seems like that because I keep on mentioning the place and the people in this corner every once too often), I want to tell them, "Let me count the ways," rattling off the following "10 Things to Love About Bohol" (not necessarily in this order):

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Panglao, Bohol - The Photography Experience

A week ago exactly, I was in photography paradise–that is if shooting tropical spots is your thing. In the past, I’d think only of Boracay when they say “nice beaches” but the weekend at Panglao, Bohol made me think otherwise. Panglao has that little touch of “wild” in it that commercialized Boracay has long let go of in favor of souvenir shops and the nth bar in every imaginable sandy space.

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A Guide to Bohol’s Magnificent Churches

Bohol is one of the first islands that were evangelized by the Spanish missionaries. Through Polo or forced labor imposed by the friars, the people were able to build many churches around the province. These churches were, to date, preserved to its original structure and is known worldwide for its amazing architectural design. It also has the tendency of bringing the spectator to the olden times and sending them back to its history.

Weddings in the bohol churches are unquestionably at the top of its league. Soon-to-be weds can expect the kind of ambiance that will make them feel the solemnity and elegance of their wedding. Weddings in the bohol churches will surely not fall out of place.

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Diving in Bohol

Here are some of my favorite photos from the dives on Balicasag Island near Bohol. There was great visibility, almost no current, and really healthy corals and fish populations. These photos are here especially for my sister, to keep her satisfied until her next dive trip.

With amateur equipment, it’s difficult to adequately capture the abundance of life on coral reefs- the water filters the light and obscures vivid colors and teeming schools of fish. This picture, though, begins to describe what it was like at Balicasag Island.

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Visit Bohol

Scenic Bohol casts an enigmatic charm drawn from the many archaic mementos spread throughout the oval-shaped island - from unique rock formations to a 45-million-year-old mammal species, from massive stone watchtowers built by the Spaniards in the 18th century. Surrounding the mainland are 73 other smaller offshore islands and islets whose palm-fringed coastlines are rimmed by white sand and sheltering coves. Serpentine coastal highways wind along unsullied beaches and rustic rivers where the tourist can stop at any point and jump in for a dip.

Bohol is the perfect arena for scuba diving, kayaking, trekking and cave exploration. For the less adventurous, it offers leisurely pursuits like cruising, swimming, snorkeling or, simply, collecting seashells by the seashore.

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Who is Francisco Dagohoy?

I would like to tell you about one of the greatest, if not the greatest, Boholano icons of all time. Francisco Dagohoy led the longest revolt in Philippine history against the Spanish colonial government. This took place in Bohol from 1744 to 1829, roughly 85 years.

Here are some less known facts/trivia about the man:

* His real name was Francisco Sendrijas and he was a native of Inabanga, Bohol. He was actually a cabeza de barangay or one of the barangay captains of the town.
* The name Dagohoy was derived from his local alias “dagon sa hoyohoy” translated in English as "amulet or charm of the gentle wind" that people believed he possessed.

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Prawn Farm Restaurant, Tagbilaran, Bohol

After morning of meetings with our lawyer in Tagbilaran, I asked him where we could eat a good lunch and he immediately said we should go to the Prawn Farm. My initial reaction was “wow, cool, I want to eat just above the fishponds”… and off we went. And then I realized that the restaurant “Prawn Farm” was located on the ground floor of the Island City Mall, the largest airconditioned structure in the city… But any apprehensions about a mall lunch were laid to rest when the dishes started arriving at the table…

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Jose Rizal in Bohol

Last June 19, the Philippines observed the 147th birth anniversary of its national hero, Dr Jose P Rizal. Did you know that Dr Rizal went to Bohol once when he was still alive? According to Jes Tirol, a prominent local historian, Dr Rizal went to Bohol sometime in the last week of June 1895.

A certain Felipe Dolotina in Bilar, Bohol told Tirol that he had met Dr Rizal, who stayed in their house during his visit. This incident prompted Tirol to conduct research to confirm this information.

In 1892, Dr Rizal was exiled to Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte. There he continued his medical practice. While there, he wrote a letter to the Governor General to ask permission to search for an agricultural colony. This was granted.

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Osang’s Pastries, Baclayon, Bohol

Osang’s is a home based business that is located behind or on the side of the Baclayon church in Bohol. I think they have been in the same spot for the last 40 years, though they may have moved once in that period. They used to hand mix all of their batters, the slow mixing motion a key to the consistency of their baked goods… but today they have a commercial looking mixer that they use on (and this is one of their secrets) very small batches of dough, using a maximum of only 6 eggs at a time! They can make up to 30 batches or so of dough on a given morning and only bake up until lunchtime, after which the goods are wrapped then picked up by those who previously placed orders. They don’t cook that much if there are no big orders, so visiting them unannounced can lead to a huge disappointment if they have nothing to sell you.

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Bohol - Philippines: More Than the Usual Tourist Spot

Bohol, a small island in central Philippines, is known for the world famous and unique Chocolate Hills. It is one of the country’s most popular tourist spots. It’s true though that when most people think of Bohol, almost nothing else comes to mind. It might surprise you that it is more than the usual tourist spot and that there’s more to explore and to see in this island than those limestone hill formations.

Bohol is home to pristine beach shores. Panglao Island, just minutes away from the capital Tagbilaran, is increasingly gaining more popularity among local and foreign tourists as a more laid-back and tranquil beach destination alternative to Boracay.

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Bohol Diving Sites

There are a number of Bohol Diving spots that offer excellent diving. Balicasag, long known for its exotic seashells, (the natives net-fish the deeper waters for rare specimens), and its cascading coral walls is considered one of the best dive spots in the country.

alona beachThe waters off Pamilacan Island teem with schools of tuna, snappers, groupers, mackerel and surgeonfish. Dolphins and pilot whales can also be viewed from the distance.

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Bohol Trekking

Bohol has great trekking opportunities. The island is ideal for cross-country treks without ascending high mountains. Bohols highest point is just one kilometer above sea level.

Bohol trekking offers rolling hills, patches of forest interspersed with small villages and pastoral farmlands. Towns are interconnected with cross-country routes. The islands interior is trouble free and the easy terrain makes it a safe place to explore.

Exploring the forest around Corella may offer sights of the rare tarsier. This nocturnal animal is a very shy and delicate primate. A visit to the breeding center at Barrio Cancatac near Corella will be an interesting trip for animal lovers.

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Photo Links: A Taste of Bohol, Bohol in Black and White, etc.

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Bohol.. my beloved!

The best part of this vacation was the beach! I loved the islands that we went to. With white sands and smiling corrals with star fish and others...

We've also seen the Tarsier (world's smallest monkey?! Correct me... I have no idea). Regardless what it is, it is tarsier! They are cute though I was a bit concern that they are not getting enough sleep they deserve because of the many visitors that they have at day considering that they are night creatures and need to sleep at day! Maybe local government can implement some rules on this?!

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Bohol: small monkeys, big hills and dodgy bikes

I arrived in Malapascua almost two weeks ago and was dismayed to find out that the reason for my arrival had ceased to exist. The Floating Bar had been destroyed by my good buddy Frank the Typhoon! (see previous blog entry) Ok, it wasn't destroyed, but it was damaged and not to be used until high season, which is in December. Shoulders stooped and heavy dive bag being dragged behind me (in thick beach sand), I continued my search for accommodation on Malapascua Island, just north of the Philippines top tourist destination - Cebu. I was a little down at this point - I had heard from mates in London that the bar was a MUST-DO on any Philippines backpacker trip. The misery!

I made my way by ferry to Bohol next, and I met a fellow South African in Panglao Island at yes, you guessed it, a dive resort. I won't bore with any of those dive details, other than to say a moral eel nibbled on my finger when I held onto some reef (very bad dive ettiquete) on one dive. I dont know what it was doing, but it was a very funny experience. The diving in general was very good there.

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Panglao island, Bohol "Little Paradise of Pure Hearts"

It is summertime! The skies gets clearer! The breeze hovers faster! The sun shines longer and time for mountain climbing or hill climbing for that matter! Wowieeee! And during these lovely months, what better place to be than in BOHOL! It is where you can find TARSIERS- considered to be the smallest monkeys in the world! How - about - that!

But did you know that Tarsiers aren't monkeys at all. Actually, they belong to a different specie which is: Tarsius syrichta. Its classification is quite obscure and are often considered by taxonomits(researchers on the study of the general laws and principles of classification) to be "...of distinct suborder among the primates." Others classify these Philippine tarsiers along the line with the lemurs, lorises and bushbabies as prosimians. Oh, Whatever!

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Of Sunburns, Snorkeling and Finding Nemo

Unbelievable. They look straight at you, doe-eyed and incredibly cute, you can’t help but stare back as intently, as adorably. Clown fishes.

Clown fishes by their writhing anemone. They have to be the most adorable sea creatures ever. And very brave, too, they don’t dart away at the site of mere humans. I couldn’t believe I met them, just then. And there. At a beach whose coral reef was previously unheard of (at least by me). Punta Cruz Beach in Maribojoc, Bohol isn’t exactly the best beach in Bohol. There’s barely any sand, the seashore’s rocky with the kind that maims, and it’s dotted with sea urchins, huge sea urchins. The place is flocked with locals and tourists alike because of the centuries-old triangle-planned stone watchtower, Punta Cruz. And it’s not as crowded as the ones in Panglao. It still has the rustic feel about it.

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Bohol Bee Farm By Sweet Lemon

My visit to Bohol Bee Farm was indeed rewarding because of the picturesque scenery that they have and the sumptious, delictable, healthy food that they serve.

The motor ride took us about 30 minutes from our place in Alumbong, Panglao to Dao, Dauis. The trickling heat of summer almost burnt us like barbecues. I thought the ride will not be that long, but I think I miscalculated again ( I usually do) the distance.

More @ The Sweet Lemon's Life

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An Extra Day in Bohol

T.S. Frank wanted us all to stay in Bohol and so we did. Yesterday, T.S. Frank arrived in the vicinity of Central and Western Visayas. All trips coming in and out of Bohol were cancelled. There was no leaving the island of the tarsiers. In fact, during the Bohol tour the day earlier, the weather was already uncooperative. We did manage to enjoy the tour though despite the bad weather. We went to the Blood Compact monument, visited the tarsiers near Loboc, climbed 214 steps to see the chocolate hills frosted in early morning fog, went on a river cruise in Loboc River over a floating restaurant, entertained by youngsters singing on a floating raft at the very end of the river and visited the Baclayon Church, the second oldest church in the Philippines. From there we went to a souvenir shop to buy "pasalubong".

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Buhol Buhol sa Bohol

Oh yes, just got back from a weekend vacation in Bohol.

One of my goals this year is to either go to Bohol or Boracay and I just accomplished one!

Bayantrade's (my company) had its summer outing in Bohol from May 24-26. After GSDC's (my department) shift ended in the morning, we headed immediately to the airport. Flight was one hour delayed (as usual for cebu pacific), we arrived at around 3 PM in Alona Kew Beach Resort in Panglao where we had our welcome lunch.

I was awake for 29 hours because we had culture building activities and seminar in Bohol Beach Club. I was so tired and I slept the moment I saw my bed in my suite.

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Alona Kew White Beach Resort, Panglao, Bohol

Alona Kew White Beach Resort is located right by Alona Beach’s white sandy shoreline, perfectly complemented by shimmering blue tropical cool waters, coconut tree lined pathways, sun filled days and romantic nights.

Alona Kew is just the place for fun filled days with family and friends. Frolic on the beach, dive and discover the wonders of the sea. The resort presents choices for endless days of adventure and pleasure with motorized and non- motorized aqua sport facilities. Stretch out along the beach for an invigorating massage or simply bask under beautiful azure skies.

The evening transform into a relaxing romantic paradise, soft lights, the sound of the waves, the fresh catch of the sea, your favorite drinks, the cool tropical evening breeze enveloping you… just the perfect setting for a romantic mood.

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BOHOL 2-day Tour

My team mate, PIO wanted to visit the island of Bohol as he was never been there. Much of a thought that me and my girl pals have been to that picturesque local place, we offered a suggestion to tour him around. It was a plan out of the blue. And it’s been quite a while that we thought of re-visiting as we would like to feel the Loboc river cruise experience which we never had during our first time in it (it was raining that previous day!)

Good thing we had Manong Leonard’s no. as our contact for the van and a tour guide in one. We set the day for the tour on May 31, 2008. We only spent the car rent for Php 2,500 for the whole trip (arrival and departure). But we had a discount!!! Yahoo! The only surprising thing that happened a day before we went to Bohol, my other team mates backed out! Glad to know that another girl friend of mine also wanted to join! There were 4 of us on tour, my girl friend’s boyfriend catch up to our cottage accommodation late in the afternoon.

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Panglao Island Nature Resort, Dauis, Bohol

This tropical-island resort has to be seen to be believed. You’ll feel as if you’ve just set foot in paradise every minute of your stay at Panglao Island Nature Resort. The resort features a restaurant serving both Filipino and Western specialties in a laid-back environment. Take a dip in the pool overlooking the sea and grab a drink at the Seahorse Pool Bar while relaxing to the sound of the gently-lapping waves. You’ll never be short of things to do. Play a game of pool at the resort or go diving in the clear water of the island. This is a typical beach haven.

The Seaview bungalow has a veranda, with a relaxing view of the sea (Seaview nga, ano?) and it also has a jacuzzi which takes about 15-30 minutes to warm up. Room colors are heavy on yellows, greens, and orange — making it look sunny and cheery. The bed is huge! There are also large glass windows all around (even in the bathroom!) so even while in the bathroom, you can look out and see what the sea looks like outside. Comparing the room at Panglao Island Nature Resort and at Alona Palm, the rooms at Alona Palm are more spacious but the Seaview Bungalow in Panglao Island is much more attractive. The flooring at Panglao is also safer — wood — and is less slippery when wet. It’s more ideal for families with smaller kids.

More @ Beaches & Resorts

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Chocolate Hills of Bohol going strong on New 7 Wonders

Chocolate Hills of Bohol has going strong in the search for the New 7 Wonders of Nature. Few days ago Chocolate Hills was on the 5 position but things has change now because Bohol’s Chocolate Hills went to number 4 position. Followed by another Philippines nominee Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park which also went up from number 6 to 5.

Chocolate Hills of Bohol are probably one of the Philippines famous tourist attraction. It is composed of around 1,268 perfectly cone-shaped hills, all about the same size, spread over an area of more than 50 sq km. The hills are covered in green grass that turns brown during the dry season, giving them the name ”Chocolate Hills.”

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Bohol Beach Club - Best Vacation Ever

It has been a long time since I last wrote a real story. A lot of things has happened and I wouldn't want to experience those ugly stuff that occurred a few weeks back. I may not have the mood to tell you guys my unforgettable and bad experience. Maybe someday when I think I'm ready to tell the world.

Anyway, I've had beautiful and wonderful things that happened last May 19-21. My husband and I went on a vacation to Bohol. It's been so long since I last rode an airplane. I really missed it. We planned this vacation ever since last year. Unfortunately, we were planning to go to Singapore or Malaysia before. There's just one problem and it's another story. Well, no regrets though. We had a great time.

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The Island of Bohol

Posted by: Randell

After the rains ended about 17:00, I went out to find something to eat for the day. The first place I tried had several pots of stews that looked good. But when I asked what each was, the appeal left me. One was heart. One was lung. One was stomach. And on, and on, and on. I went next door, and they had some good looking chunks of pork in a dark heavy sauce. I got a plate of that and a serving of rice. The meat was tender and tasty, but it was a bit salty. The rice was great, so I enjoyed the meal even if it was too salty for me.

From there, I went to pick up my laundry. I arrived about 10 minutes too early, but there just happened to be two processionals passing in the area. Each had a drum and bugle corps. One was already down the street, so I could only see and hear it at a distance. But the other was passing just as I arrived. It had lots of young girls in fancy dresses. And people were carrying arches of flowers over each girl. Not sure what the situation was, but it was fun to see and hear.

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Bohol Beach Club, Panglao Island

Peacefully nestled in the Central Visayas region and regarded among the best tourist destinations around the world. But beyond the magnificence of Chocolate Hills; the antiquity of Baclayon Church; the natural wonders of Hinagdanan Cave; and the rarity of world renowned Tarsier; Bohol definitely offers more.

Bohol Beach Club, nestles in Panglao Island in the Central Visayas. This is approximately thirty (30) minutes by land from Tagbilaran City. Bohol has become a popular destination for tourist, as it is blessed with natural wonders. These include sight such as the magnificent Chocolate Hills, the Hinagdanan Cave, the Loboc River and the smallest mammal in the world the Philippines’ Tarsier.

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Balik sa Bohol, balik

Summer is indeed a time for vacation and trips. My summer time is still in its height though often times we experience rainy days.

Two weeks ago, Alvin, Miss Arden, Rhoda and I went to Bohol for a four-day vacation. Why Bohol? We chose Bohol because last summer we had been to Boracay and this time we would like to grab the invitation of Bernadette Caseñas, Alvin's first cousin, to visit her place.

We stayed at their house for days and we were so thankful for the warm accommodation of the Caseñas Family, (Mrs. Josephina, Bernadette and her daughter Jovihonni) who treated us as part of the family.

More @ The News Today

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Bohol: An adventurers Mecca

For those that have visited Bohol, they can attest to the spirit of the local people. Their knowledge of their forebear's history and the land that they inhabit, is full of wisdom. If you're into adventure, don't miss this article.

Sink your teeth into history, nature and adventure. For 85 long years, freedom fighter Francisco Dagohoy and around 23,000 of his men fought against Spanish rule. Through the patriotic deeds of Dagohoy and his men, the people of Bohol lived free from the hands of Spaniards.

Cradled between vast mountain ranges and nature’s best, lies the very site where Dagohoy and his men fought for freedom.

Enter Danao, Bohol, home of the longest revolution against the conquistadors and now host to a new adventure for the modern-day thrill seeker.

More @ Cebu Lifestyles

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Danao: Investing in people and historic natural resource

Posted by: Rey Anthony Chiu

FOR YEARS, elusive capital has evaded Danao leaders intending to shake off insurgency baggage to hitch ride with Bohol tourism development bandwagon.

Without a reliable investor willing to risk and left with nothing but raw manpower and cascading tourism resource potential, Danao Mayor Thomas Louis Gonzaga claimed they could not just easily surrender to fate.

"We have been urging investors to come [to Danao], did not get any," Mayor Gonzaga said in his message during the ceremonies marking the turn over of DOT grants to Bohol communities tourism development efforts two weeks ago.

More @ pia.gov.ph

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Enticing-Sounding Destinations: The Chocolate Hills

Posted by: Amanda

We admit we don't know everything about every destination in the whole world, but we sure are surprised that we hadn't heard of the Chocolate Hills until now. They're found in Bohol in the Philippines and have hit the headlines because they're in the running to be one of the new Natural Wonders of the World.

More @ Jaunted.com

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Chocolate Hills Is Back On Track

Posted by: Jerry Sisican

After going missing under mysterious circumstances, Bohol's pride, the Chocolate Hills, is back in the Top 10 (down 3 notches from 6 to 9) in the ongoing quest for the New 7 Wonders of Nature. When it went missing from the list a couple of weeks ago, lots of Bol-anons wanting to vote for the famous hills were asking what has happened. The good governor and the 1st district congressman also got involved and queried several organisations, including the organisers themselves (New7Wonders Foundation), on why Chocolate Hills was taken off from the list.

I tried to dig out possible reasons in the web and came across the story of the delisting of Ha Long Bay, still on top of the list at the moment, which is found in Vietnam. I found it from the Press section of the organiser's website (http://www.new7wonders.com/). The news story cited the reason for its delisting as the infringement of the organiser's copyrights. Apparently, some of the bay's supporters have used, for commercial purposes, contents from the organiser's website without its expressed permission. The bay's main organising committee had acted positively on the New7Wonders Foundation's demand for their supporters to stop these acts. Since then Ha Long Bay is back on the list.

More @ Bohol on My Mind

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Escape to Bohol

Posted by: Pixiepop

Whenever summer comes along, most beachcombers tend to think of Boracay or Puerto Galera as the places to go to for a fun-filled time at the beach. While those places are deserving of their reputation as excellent summer vacation spots, there are lots of other places in the Philippines that are just as interesting and exciting, and are worth checking out, too. If you're the type who wants more than the usual partying nightlife by the beach, you might want to try Bohol.

Just starting to emerge as an ideal place for discovery and adventure, Bohol has lots to offer the wide-eyed child in all of us. Aside from being famous for their Chocolate Hills and cute, shy tarsiers, which are already givens as must-sees when you visit the island, Bohol has several other natural wonders just waiting to be explored.

More @ Pinoy Tour

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Chocolate Hills in the new 7 wonders of nature?

Posted by: Gibo

Last July 17, 2007, the New 7 Wonders of the World were announced during the Official Declaration in Lisbon, Portugal. The list included the Chichen Itza of Mexico, the Christ Redeemer of Brazil, the Colosseum of Italy, the Taj Mahal of India, the Great Wall of China, the Petra of Jordan, and the Machu Picchu of Peru.

More @ Bol-anon

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Boholano priest is Vatican’s envoy to Haiti

Pope Benedict XVI has named another Filipino as apostolic nuncio or the Vatican’s ambassador to Haiti.

Monsignor Bernardito C. Auza, first counsellor of the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations in New York, was appointed apostolic nuncio of Haiti by the Pope on Thursday, according to a notice from Vatican read during Sunday masses at all churches here.

More @ Inquirer.net

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Welcome to Bohol by Mang Medik

Posted by: Gibo

On my posts about the white beaches in Candabong, Anda, Bohol, someone commented (I think it was Amadeo) that we should not only be writing about the sights and wonders of Bohol, we should also write about its people, the Bol-anons.

I could not agree more. Despite some bad incidents that you read in the newspapers once in a while, I truly believe that we, the people in and from the province. are really great friendly people. I'm sure that many people who have visited the province can attest to this.

More @ Bol-anon

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Bohol is Philippines' Model for Eco-Tourism

Eco-Cultural tourism was then an unthinkable word, until the Boholanos showed what it is.

Entirely packaging a tourism that is a spin-off from the traditional definitions, Bohol's eco-tourism has made it a model for the country, admits Secretary Joseph Ace Durano, during awarding ceremonies of the Department of Tourism (DOT) Turismo Mismo grantees in Magtangtang Danao, Bohol, May 1.

"Even at a time when eco-tourism was not crafted yet, the Boholanos were able to define it," he said after going through the Eco, Educational, Extreme Adventure Tourism (EAT) in Danao.

More @ Cebu-Philippines.net

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Weekend Snapshot: Bohol Tour

Posted by: Chikai

Here are some shots taken on our day tour in Bohol. It’s an island province of the Philippines located in the Central Visayas region. It is the 10th largest island in the country and is a popular tourist destination with its beaches and resorts. We stayed in Bohol for 3 days and 2 nights. We got there on May 1 which is the town fiesta of Tagbilaran City so just imagine the crowd! Add to the fact that it’s the summer season and tourists from all over the world are pouring in. We were just so lucky because we got to book the last room available at Buen-Bella Pension House. All other hotels and inns are fully booked already! Yay!

More @ Blogsilog

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Bol-anon Top Notcher in Teachers Board Exam

Topping the 2008 national board exam for teachers was farthest from his mind. He did not even expect to pass.

"But I prayed so hard for Divine help and did the best that I could to pass the exam. So when I was informed that I landed in top 10, I could hardly believe it," Jessie Auxilio said.

Auxilio, a 2006-2007 Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEED) graduate of BIT-Talibon landed 6th place in this year's successful board passers.

The Professional Regulations Commission (PRC) released the result last Thursday.

More @ Only in the Philippines

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Joseph and that Unforgettable Loboc River Cruise

Posted by: Miko Cañares

I was with my family on a river cruise in the famous Loboc river when our boatman and tour guide Joseph made striking remarks and critical questions that every person thinking about development, whether in local, national, or international spheres, must ponder on. Joseph, to most of us in that brief boat ride, embodied every soul that is forcefully and unjustly included in the ‘development’ process, and even those that are, without choice, excluded from its supposed benefits.

More @ Bohol Analysis

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How to pick just one of more than 7,000 islands?

Posted by: Tim Patterson

Matador expert CaseyGusto lived on Bohol island in the Philippines for 2 years. Bohol gets a lot of tourists, he says, which it should - it’s one of the most beautiful islands in the whole archipelago.

But there are gorgeous parts of Bohol that are not developed, including outlying islands, where you can chill with some of the friendliest locals in the world.

More @ Matador Trips

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Out of the ordinary

The Chocolate Hills, so named by a nameless tourist, are covered in a thin green coat of scrub vegetation. They look like hills, the way a child would draw them, a series of stolid sinusoidal curves marching forward into a socialist utopia

“Myra, these are not chocolate hills,” says Myra, our guide to the island of Bohol, quoting one of her Italian clients. “These are giant breasts.” On the top of one of the thousand hills, it seems as if only a sex-mad man could have made that remark.

The Chocolate Hills, so named by a nameless tourist, are covered in a thin green coat of scrub vegetation. They look like hills, the way a child would draw them, a series of stolid sinusoidal curves marching forward into a socialist utopia.

More @ MSN Life & Style

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Chocolate Hills back in the race for New 7 Wonders of Nature

BOHOL’S famed Chocolate Hills is back in the running to become one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature after contest organizers took it out from the final list of nominees two weeks ago.

Bohol Gov. Erico Aumentado said the Chocolate Hills was put back in the list by the New 7 Wonders of Nature (N7W), a non-government organization, which launched the search, after he complied with the contest’s final requirement, which was to set up an official support committee for Bohol's natural wonder.

More @ Cebu Daily News

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Bohol Getaway By Cyril

Posted by: Cyril

One of my most anticipated summer holiday with the whole family took place in one of the country's premiere tourist destination.. BOHOL!!!!... Nine cherished and fun-filled days surely wasnt enough!!! We stayed at Panglao Island's 5 star resort Bohol Beach Club. The place was to die for! It's fine, white, powdery sand will surely captivate the young and the old. Not to mention its cyrstal clear blue cool waters with so much underwater treasures to see and witness.With it's great food, amenities and 6,000 + a night accommodations.

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