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Showing posts from February, 2009

Appreciating Gourmet Food at the Bee Farm in Panglao Island in Bohol

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A must-see establishment in Bohol is the Bee Farm which is located in the very famous island of Panglao . It is popular for producing organic vegetables which they also use in preparing the dishes in their restaurant. The Bee Farm offers tours inside their herbal/vegetable garden which are cultivated using organic materials. You are also taken to the bee production site, where an assistant explains how honey is produced and about the different social ranking of bees. It is really very informative and educational. There is a queen bee, working bees, male bees that only mate with the queen, soldier bees, etc. It is a wide society in there. The Bee farm is a hotel/restaurant where tourists can stay and appreciate the verdant surroundings and the ocean view.  There are many chalets for guests to choose from that are equipped with creature comforts. This is one of the chalets that the Bee Farm rents out to guests. The Bee Farm overlooks t

Dolphin Watching at Pamilacan Island in Bohol

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After the countryside tour of Bohol, you can also try island hopping and enjoy more surprises. Pamilacan Island is a marine sanctuary and home to many biodiversity. You need to leave at 5:30 in the morning to enjoy the sunrise and catch the dolphins as they usually come out and frolic in the surface at this time of the day. This is one of the closer shot of a dolphin jumping into the surface. If you are lucky, you get to see schools of "flippers" in the surface and whale sharks but on some occasions, you get piecemeals. The trip to Pamilacan Island costs P1,000 per head and this is inclusive of the bangka ride (canoe sail), morning snack (of native root crops that you probably have missed a lot) lunch (of seafood, native dish which became more delicious after snorkeling, swimming and enjoying the sea) as well as for the "dolphin caller" An old Spanish fort built on the island gives it a mysterious air. The coastline and

The Sandugo (Blood Compact) Shrine in Tagbilaran, Bohol

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The Sandugo Shrine in Tagbilaran is a historical monument depicting the treaty of friendship between the Spaniards and the Filipinos. The blood compact in Bohol was between Rajah Sikatuna, then Bohol chieftain and Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legazpi on March 16, 1565. This is the final stop of the countryside tour.

Lunch at Loboc River

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This institution is located just along the riverbank of the famous Loboc River . Most of its historical artifacts have been preserved and old statues of saints are kept here. The museum looks imposing with Loboc River in the foreground. Along the banks of Loboc River are floating restaurants which take the diners to a cruise down the river after dining on seafood and other popular Filipino dishes. A local guitarist serenades you with Visayan love songs and other popular music. Just try to be awake throughout the cruise, you know what I mean: full stomach, soft and clean breeze, haunting music = drowsy (just like taking a drug) The path that our cruise took after the hearty seafood lunch. Take note of the absence of any garbage. I wish some other bigger and wider rivers were as clean as this. I cant help but feel envious towards these young boys for having a treasure like this. This river makes their childhood normal an

The Chocolate Hills from Sagbayan Peak in Bohol

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If you are planning to explore the island of Bohol,dont forget to include in your itinerary the town of Sagbayan . Here, you will enjoy the breathtaking view of the Chocolate Hills. You will find a viewing area here with lifesize figures of your favorite Disney characters. Just like these figures of Snow White and the seven dwarfs. They're added attractions for the little ones. On your way back to your hotels, dont forget to get some souvenir items for "pasalubong". It is a must for us Filipinos. (It's a cultural thing, dont ask!) Going up the peak is fun and convenient in this winding paved pathway. And a good way to burn those calories. There are also added amenities to refresh you after the long drive from Tagbilaran City. Some facts about Sagbayan: Sagbayan is a 5th class municipality in Bohol and has a population of more or less 19,000 and about 1 hour away from Tagbilaran City. How to get here: From Tagbilaran Airport, you can hire a van for a one-day