Bohol

"Balik, balik...sa Bohol...balik!" Heard this the first time I experienced the Loboc River cruise in Bohol in 2008. Since then, I've lost track of how many trips I had whether for work or leisure. Getting a direct flight from Manila to Tagbilaran is an option. In my case, however, the jump-off point was always from Cebu, which takes a 2-hour ferry ride to get to Tagbilaran.

My first time in Bohol was a day-trip with my Aunt Josie and cousins, Kristel and Iza. Aunt Josie's friend, Mar Pacatang, toured us around:

1. Blood Compact Shrine commemorating the ancient ritual of sealing an agreement between the Bohol chieftain Datu Sikatuna and Spanish explorer Miguel Lopez de Legazpi after his arrival in Bohol in 1565

2. Baclayon Church, which is the oldest stone church in Bohol and second oldest in the country next to San Agustin Church

3. Cruised through Loboc River while feasting on a floating buffet restaurant

4. Tarsier Sanctuary dedicated to protect the endangered small nocturnal primates in the country

5. 2-kilometer Loboc man-made mahogany forest

6. Simply Butterflies Conservation Center, which houses more than 60 species of butterflies and is Bohol's first butterfly livelihood breeding program built to protect its butterfly population

7. Tigbao Hanging Bridge used by locals to cross the Sipatan River

8. The majestic Chocolate Hills that are likened to chocolates because its green formations turn brown during the dry season

It took us more than five hours to explore these known destinations. Seeing the tarsiers endemic to the Philippines up close was the trip's highlight. Keep in mind that no camera flash are allowed in taking their pictures! Let's prevent them from being stressed out. Let the graphic image of a tarsier bumping its head repeatedly be enough as a caution.

In 2009, I came back with my Sumasabog na Kalan or SNK friends. Did the countryside tour again but was excited to see Panglao for the first time! We spent the night in Tierra Azul Alona Beach House. Prepare yourself for Panglao's night life. We danced and drank till we dropped. Island hopping the following day was unbelievable! Just imagine how clear the underwater visibility is. Totally loved it! Oh, and the Virgin Island sandbar is a must-see!

Couldn't get enough of Panglao so I was back again in 2012, with Ling and Gemmie Choa. It was a day-trip spent diving. We were able to do 2 dives with Philippine Fun Divers. Underwater visibility wasn't as good because it was raining during our trip. But Balicasag Island's underwater beauty still stood out. See also Balicasag, Bohol: An Underwater Feast.

I would have welcomed coming back twice in October 2013 but the reasons were heartbreaking. Central Visayas had been hit by a magnitude 7.2 quake. I needed to go to Bohol to cover the massive destruction the quake caused. The locals I met showed me another facet of Bohol---of how the Boholanos' unwavering faith and resiliency can survive even the strongest disaster.

For inquiries for Bohol transpo and tours, you may reach Mar Pacatang at this number: 0919-572-2955.