tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61803634000240122552024-03-13T09:57:59.210-07:00Bol-anoneverything about bohol and the journeying boholanoGibohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01612881111998926100noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180363400024012255.post-19753556114123009052014-03-20T12:43:00.001-07:002014-03-20T12:46:51.272-07:00Bangon Bol-anon blog<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I9zdCmoscGY/UytEmA9j7tI/AAAAAAAAB14/RZmhpSNfWSg/s1600/IMG_8039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I9zdCmoscGY/UytEmA9j7tI/AAAAAAAAB14/RZmhpSNfWSg/s1600/IMG_8039.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
Just to say, this blog is back. (",)<br />
<br />Gibohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01612881111998926100noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180363400024012255.post-24166246085021682842011-05-02T20:09:00.000-07:002011-05-02T20:09:41.906-07:00Enjoying Halohalo in Bohol<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l2cxkK8Lccs/Tb9xKYPGANI/AAAAAAAAAWI/SzZhjxmdDr0/s1600/halohalo+garden+cafe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l2cxkK8Lccs/Tb9xKYPGANI/AAAAAAAAAWI/SzZhjxmdDr0/s200/halohalo+garden+cafe.jpg" width="86" /></a>In (warm) summer afternoons, who can resist the halo halo? Wikipedia defines halohalo as "a popular Filipino dessert that is a mixture of shaved ice and evaporated milk to which are added various boiled sweet beans and fruits, and served in a tall glass or bowl." But my favorite halo halo in Bohol, for quite a number of years now does not have those boiled sweet beans. It does not even have ube haleya or leche flan. It's just tons of diced fresh fruits interspersed with shaved ice, bathed in milk and topped with your favorite flavour of ice cream.<br />
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For several years now, nothing comes best to me than Garden Cafe's halohalo. The restaurant, run by the IDEA Philippines, an NGO working for the welfare of deaf-mute, is located right next to the St. Joseph Cathedral in Tagbilaran City. It has been renovated and "re-themed" since it opened more or less 20 years ago, but the friendly service, and the halohalo still remains the same and to my liking.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nQHxTqcn0Eo/Tb9xfK80A1I/AAAAAAAAAWM/5fK3LgXmN8M/s1600/bee_farm_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nQHxTqcn0Eo/Tb9xfK80A1I/AAAAAAAAAWM/5fK3LgXmN8M/s200/bee_farm_01.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>However, it seems like Garden Cafe will face a competition this year for the best halohalo in town. My wife and I tried the Buzz Cafe's halohalo and it was a blast. (The cafe is located at Island City Mall.) Buko strips mixed with fresh mango, banana, watermelon, and avocado cubes lined the bottom of the bowl where the halo-halo was served. A generous stream of milk made the shaved ice float and home-made malunggay ice cream completed the very tempting dessert. <br />
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The price was almost twice what you will pay at Garden Cafe, but I really didn't mind. In the next few days, I need to make up my mind.<br />
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</div>Miko Cañareshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07724792963709441793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180363400024012255.post-30599589613574232062010-12-25T11:39:00.000-08:002010-12-25T11:48:45.445-08:00Bohol and this blog in 2011<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kvDHTrMESn0/TRZKAHyPm-I/AAAAAAAABCg/ilFlTPUSmLg/s1600/Panglao%2B005.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kvDHTrMESn0/TRZKAHyPm-I/AAAAAAAABCg/ilFlTPUSmLg/s200/Panglao%2B005.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554708556358327266" /></a>I can't believe my last post in this blog was in May of 2009. I think that was the last time I was able to go home to our beloved province. Long time.<div><br /></div><div>Well, I resolve to make this blog active again in 2011. To begin with, I have registered the domain <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.bol-anon.net">www.bol-anon.net</a> for this blog, still about Bohol and the journeying Boholanos around the world.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have a lot of things in my mind. So, I hope you drop by once in a while. God bless.</div>Gibohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01612881111998926100noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180363400024012255.post-22043136882511139772009-05-19T16:33:00.000-07:002009-05-19T16:58:32.312-07:00Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Dauis, BoholI have just came from a brief vacation in Bohol. Before I went home, I listed a few sites I planned to visit during my stay. One of them is Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Dauis, Bohol.<div><br /></div><div>I was not able to visit many of the sites I listed, but Dauis Church I did. I would like to share with you some pictures I took of the very amazing place recently declared by the National Historical Institute as a "national historical landmark".<div><br /><div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kvDHTrMESn0/ShNGVAdVCgI/AAAAAAAAA7g/h_MNzWSbuPA/s200/Bohol+May+2009+147.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337687310078380546" /><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kvDHTrMESn0/ShNGLazKGEI/AAAAAAAAA7Y/ieTR-3tAg2U/s200/Bohol+May+2009+148.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337687145350568002" /><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kvDHTrMESn0/ShNF5EoPflI/AAAAAAAAA7Q/9yYVMMRlcgo/s200/Bohol+May+2009+154.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337686830161559122" /><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kvDHTrMESn0/ShNFpcSudBI/AAAAAAAAA7I/_2mTP1i5DfU/s200/Bohol+May+2009+155.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337686561635857426" /><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kvDHTrMESn0/ShNFWhgqdtI/AAAAAAAAA7A/pTQJJEvczOI/s200/Bohol+May+2009+163.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337686236618979026" /><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kvDHTrMESn0/ShNEkpEvLfI/AAAAAAAAA6o/gyD1dp1QATo/s200/Bohol+May+2009+164.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337685379655871986" /><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kvDHTrMESn0/ShNERI4u0JI/AAAAAAAAA6g/M-kWmh4dz4M/s200/Bohol+May+2009+173.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337685044598067346" /></div></div></div>Gibohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01612881111998926100noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180363400024012255.post-1540197567490371732009-04-30T15:14:00.000-07:002009-05-18T16:16:15.076-07:00Bohol Towns Online<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kvDHTrMESn0/ShHsNAo_tPI/AAAAAAAAA6I/X7vAiLuC1Zo/s1600-h/inabanga.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 196px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kvDHTrMESn0/ShHsNAo_tPI/AAAAAAAAA6I/X7vAiLuC1Zo/s200/inabanga.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337306741665150194" /></a>I took the time to search for all working official websites of the various Bohol towns or municipalities and ended up with the following list. Some of the websites are clearly still being constructed but a few are quite well developed. All except one are using gov.ph domains. Batuan is still using a .com domain.<div><ul><li><a href="http://anda-bohol.gov.ph/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">Anda - http://anda-bohol.gov.ph/</span></a><br /></li><li><a href="http://antequera-bohol.gov.ph/">Antequera - http://antequera-bohol.gov.ph/</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.baclayon.gov.ph/">Baclayon - http://www.baclayon.gov.ph/</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.lgubatuanbohol.com/">Batuan - http://www.lgubatuanbohol.com/</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.bienunido.gov.ph/">Bien Unido - http://www.bienunido.gov.ph/</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://calape-bohol.gov.ph/">Calape - http://calape-bohol.gov.ph/</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.carmen-bohol.gov.ph/">Carmen - http://www.carmen-bohol.gov.ph/</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.catigbian.gov.ph/">Catigbian - http://www.catigbian.gov.ph/</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.cortes.gov.ph/">Cortes - http://www.cortes.gov.ph/</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.dimiao.gov.ph/">Dimiao - http://www.dimiao.gov.ph/</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.guindulman.gov.ph/">Guindulman - http://www.guindulman.gov.ph/</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.inabanga.gov.ph/">Inabanga - http://www.inabanga.gov.ph</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.jagna.gov.ph/">Jagna - http://www.jagna.gov.ph/</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.lobocbohol.gov.ph/">Loboc - http://www.lobocbohol.gov.ph/</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.loon.gov.ph/">Loon - http://www.loon.gov.ph/</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.mabini.gov.ph/">Mabini - http://www.mabini.gov.ph/</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.maribojoc.gov.ph/">Maribojoc - http://www.maribojoc.gov.ph/</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.carlospgarcia.gov.ph/">Pres. Carlos P. Garcia - http://www.carlospgarcia.gov.ph/</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.talibon-bohol.gov.ph/">Talibon - http://www.talibon-bohol.gov.ph/</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.trinidad-bohol.gov.ph/">Trinidad - http://www.trinidad-bohol.gov.ph/</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.tubigon.gov.ph/">Tubigon - http://www.tubigon.gov.ph</a><br /></li></ul><p></p> </div>Gibohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01612881111998926100noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180363400024012255.post-14069783207824814612009-04-20T09:49:00.000-07:002009-05-18T16:29:54.682-07:00May 1, Feast of St.Joseph, Patron Saint of Tagbilaran<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kvDHTrMESn0/ShHt33fHzfI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/YHP_rLDFhiY/s1600-h/Bohol+May+2009+084.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337308577453821426" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kvDHTrMESn0/ShHt33fHzfI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/YHP_rLDFhiY/s200/Bohol+May+2009+084.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div>Elsewhere in the Philippines, May 1 will always be known as Labor Day. But in Tagbilaran and in the rest of Bohol, we know it as the feast of St. Joseph, patron saint of the city.</div><div> </div><div></div><div>But in the church's calendar, March 19 is really the original feast of St. Joseph. They say that the reason why we celebrate it on May 1 is that the people want to celebrate it after Lent. I guess no one wants to hold a feast during that period.</div><div></div><div> </div><div>Jes Tirol, our dear Boholano historian, tells us there is a <a href="http://www.boholchronicle.com/2007/apr/29/opinion2.htm">deeper story</a> behind it. According to him, the May 1 feast was designed to lessen the rivalry between Poblacion 1 and 2 who before were celebrarting different fiestas.</div><div> </div><div></div><div>There is hardly no hint of such rivalry in the May 1 fiesta of Tagbilaran these days. The residents of the city, at least those living in the poblacion and in the adjacent barangays, celebrate it with as much pomp as everybody else.</div><div></div><div> </div><div>It is really our way of thanking the Lord and our patron saint, St. Joseph, for all blessing received during the year. Advance happy fiesta everyone.</div>Gibohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01612881111998926100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180363400024012255.post-74514602058269652552009-02-14T13:31:00.000-08:002009-02-14T14:27:43.376-08:00Tigum Bol-anon Tibuok Kalibutan (TBTK) 2009<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kvDHTrMESn0/SZdB3lNHCWI/AAAAAAAAA4A/1Oh7Rs421es/s1600-h/blood+compact.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kvDHTrMESn0/SZdB3lNHCWI/AAAAAAAAA4A/1Oh7Rs421es/s200/blood+compact.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302779509387757922" border="0" /></a>Come July 16 to 26, the province of Bohol will again host Tigum Bol-anon Tibuok Kalibutan, a gathering of Boholanos from around the world, a continuing testament for our love for home and for going home.<br /><br />The gathering will commence with an audience with the President at Malacañang on July 14 but will officially start in Bohol only on July 16. The ten-day program includes school reunions, pageants, a medical mission, a tree-planting activity, even an international cockfighting derby, and the famous Sandugo Festival.<br /><br />The Sandugo Festival Street Dancing which will be held on Sunday, July 19, promises to be a really grand event not only because of the expected influx of foreign tourists but also with the presence of hundreds, if not thousands, of our province-mates who will be coming home in time for the TBTK.<br /><br />For details of the activities, visit <a href="http://www.tbtk.org/">www.tbtk.org</a>, the official website of the ten-day event. (Photo from www.tbtk.org)Gibohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01612881111998926100noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180363400024012255.post-2561143256138976152009-02-09T06:48:00.000-08:002009-02-10T08:11:24.687-08:00Bohol telephone directory online<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kvDHTrMESn0/SZBKXSBi9MI/AAAAAAAAA3w/bfCnlCfi3GM/s1600-h/bohol+directory.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kvDHTrMESn0/SZBKXSBi9MI/AAAAAAAAA3w/bfCnlCfi3GM/s200/bohol+directory.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300818525250843842" border="0" /></a>Finding a the phone number of a friend or an establishment in Bohol used to be a hassle. Each of the telephone companies operating in Bohol has their own directory. Someone looking for a phone number usually ended up checking all the available directories.<br /><br />Now, thanks to <a href="http://boholdirectory.info/">BoholDirectory.info</a>, it is already very easy to find phone numbers of friends and acquaintances in Bohol. In fact, the site is very helpful to people searching for someone in Bohol or planning trips or vacations to the province.<br /><br />Just by searching, one can immediately get the telephone numbers of the taxi company in Bohol, some van-for-rent establishments, pension houses, hotels and resorts, and many others. Isn't that a great thing? Try the <a href="http://boholdirectory.info/">site</a> out to better appreciate it.Gibohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01612881111998926100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180363400024012255.post-77209536936106932302009-02-08T10:37:00.000-08:002009-02-08T10:59:10.355-08:00List of Bohol Town Fiestas<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kvDHTrMESn0/SY8rYHIVqNI/AAAAAAAAA3k/30-Fc6Y7Oig/s1600-h/loboc-church.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kvDHTrMESn0/SY8rYHIVqNI/AAAAAAAAA3k/30-Fc6Y7Oig/s200/loboc-church.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300502979669240018" border="0" /></a>They say that the island of Bohol sinks about an inch in May due to the thousands of Bol-anons who come home to attend the many town and barrio fiestas celebrated during the month. You can almost feel this once you disembark from those overloaded ships docking at the Tagbilaran Port in May.<br /><br />Fiestas in Bohol are occasions of great joy and merry-making, as well as lots of free food. Almost every household in town or in the barrio is on a welcome mode and, yes, you can literally go to any house, even if you do not know the owner, and eat your heart out.<br /><br />Experience this to believe. The following is a list of Bohol town fiestas in chronological order and with their corresponding patron saints.<br /><br />January 16 - Cortes - Santo Niño<br />January 16 - Pres. Garcia - Holy Child<br />January 16 - Valencia Sr. - Santo Niño<br />January 17 - Carmen Saint - Anthony de Abbot<br />January 29 - Ubay - Holy Child<br />Last Saturday of January - Getafe - Holy Infant<br />February 11 - Dagohoy - Our Lady of Lourdes<br />April 27 - Corella - Nuestra Señora del Villar<br />May 1 - Tagbilaran City - Saint Joseph the Worker<br />May 4 - Alburquerque - Santa Monica<br />May 4 - Mabini - Santa Monica<br />May 4 - Sagbayan - San Agustin<br />May 8 - San Miguel - Saint Michael<br />May 10 - Calape - Saint Vincent Ferrer<br />May 15 - Bilar - Saint Isidore the Farmer<br />May 15 - Trinidad - Saint Isidore<br />May 15 - Tubigon - San Isidro Labrador<br />May 19 - Candijay - Saint Joseph<br />May 29 - Talibon - Blessed Trinity<br />June 13 - Sikatuna - Saint Anthony de Padua<br />June 24 - Garcia Hernandez - Saint John the Baptist<br />June 29 - Loboc - Saint Peter the Apostle<br />June 30 - Inabangga - Saint Paul<br />July 16 - Balilihan - Virgin of Carmel<br />July 25 - Batuan - Saint James<br />July 26 - Alicia - Saint Joachim<br />August 15 - Dauis - Our Lady of Assumption<br />August 28 - Sagbayan - San Agustin<br />August 28 - Panglao - San Agustin<br />First Saturday of September - Guindulman - Our Lady of Consolation<br />September 8 - Loon - Our Lady of Light<br />September 10 - Dimiao - Saint Nicolas de Tolentino<br />September 29 - Clarin - Saint Michael<br />September 29 - Jagna - Saint Michael<br />October 7 - Buenavista - Santo Rosario<br />October 7 - Lila - Holy Rosary<br />October 11 - Pilar - Virgen del Pilar<br />Last Saturday of October - Antequera - Virgin of the Most Holy Rosary<br />November 24 - Maribojoc - Saint Vincent<br />December 8 - Baclayon - Immaculate Conception<br />December 8 - Catigbi-an - Immaculate Conception<br />December 8 - Duero - Immaculate Conception<br />December 8 - Sierra Bullones - Immaculate Conception<br />December 12 - Sevilla Virgen - of Guadalupe<br />December 30 - Danao - Holy Family<br />Movable - Anda - Holy Infant<br />Movable - Bien Unido - Holy Child<br />Movable - Loay - Santisima TrinidadGibohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01612881111998926100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180363400024012255.post-47437607283561587602009-02-08T10:03:00.000-08:002009-02-08T10:11:47.597-08:00Inquirer.net explores Panglao<iframe src="http://www.inquirer.net/view/2263" style="width: 370px; height: 298px; display: block;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0">This page requires a higher version browser</iframe><br />Here is another report on Panglao, one of the best tourist attractions of the province of Bohol. Marjorie Gorospe of Inquirer.net explores the island and discovers locals (Bol-anons) and tourists savoring the peace and quite of the island laced by beautiful white-sand beaches.Gibohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01612881111998926100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180363400024012255.post-91766054624641199072008-11-04T11:58:00.000-08:002008-11-05T00:32:08.716-08:00Groundbreaking of the Pres. Garcia Pilipino Muna Monument<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kvDHTrMESn0/SRD4X8fDjMI/AAAAAAAAA14/eSXt-o2nFT8/s1600-h/cpg.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 160px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kvDHTrMESn0/SRD4X8fDjMI/AAAAAAAAA14/eSXt-o2nFT8/s200/cpg.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264981054653172930" border="0" /></a>On November 7, there will be a groundbreaking of the President Carlos P. Garcia Pilipino Muna monument to be erected at the Carlos P. Garcia Avenue, formerly known as C5.<br /><br />The Governor of Bohol, Erico Aumentado, and the three members of the House of Representatives of the province, together with MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando and Mayor Freddie Tinga of Taguig, will officiate the groundbreaking.<br /><br />The monument will be a tribute to the 8th president of our republic and an expression of gratitude for his noble contributions to our society, especially the Filipino-first policy.<br /><br />The event comes a few days after we commemorated the former president's birthday yesterday, November 4. Garcia, the only Boholano president and the most accomplished Boholano stateman ever, was born on November 4, 1896.<br /><br />For all Boholanos in Metro Manila, you may join or watch groundbreaking at 2pm on November 7. If you want to know more about Pres. Carlos P. Garcia, don't fail to read my series of posts on him entitled "<a href="http://bol-anon.blogspot.com/2007/12/bard-from-bohol.html">The Bard from Bohol</a>".Gibohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01612881111998926100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180363400024012255.post-59027822160870761542008-10-31T13:01:00.001-07:002008-10-31T13:53:53.222-07:00Bohol Websites<ul><li><a href="http://www.aybm.org/">Association of Young Boholanos in Metro Manila</a></li><li><a href="http://www.bohol-island.com/bahrr/main.htm">Bohol Association of Hotels, Resorts and Restaurants</a></li><li><a href="http://www.bohol.gov.ph/">Bohol Provincial Government</a></li><li><a href="http://www.lobocchildrenschoir.net/">Loboc Childrens Choir</a></li><li><a href="http://www.jagna.gov.ph/">Municipality of Jagna</a></li><li><a href="http://www.lobocbohol.gov.ph/">Municipality of Loboc</a></li><li><a href="http://www.trinidad-bohol.gov.ph/">Municipality of Trinidad</a></li><li><a href="http://www.tarsierfoundation.org/content/">Philippine Tarsier Foundation, Inc.</a></li><li><a href="http://www.tagbilaran.gov.ph/">Tagbilaran City Government</a></li></ul>Related Links:<br /><ul><li><a href="http://bol-anon.blogspot.com/2008/10/bohol-hotels-and-resorts.html">Bohol Hotels and Resorts</a></li><li><a href="http://bol-anon.blogspot.com/2008/10/airlines-and-shipping-companies-going.html">Airlines/Shipping Companies to Bohol</a></li><li><a href="http://bol-anon.blogspot.com/2008/10/bohol-newspapers.html">Bohol Newspapers</a></li><li><a href="http://bol-anon.blogspot.com/2008/10/bohol-blogs.html">Bohol Blogs</a></li></ul>Gibohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01612881111998926100noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180363400024012255.post-89139094863814394902008-10-31T12:58:00.000-07:002008-10-31T13:54:51.994-07:00Bohol Blogs<ul><li><a href="http://www.boholanalysis.com/">Bohol Analysis</a></li><li><a href="http://bohol-beach-resorts.com/">Bohol Beach Resort Philippines</a></li><li><a href="http://boholblog.blogspot.com/">Bohol Blog</a></li><li><a href="http://boholfoods-dining.blogspot.com/">Bohol Foods-Dining</a></li><li><a href="http://ryanmacalandag.blogspot.com/">Bohol Lifestyle Photographer</a></li><li><a href="http://bohollomo.blogspot.com/">Bohol Lomo</a></li><li><a href="http://boholparadise.blogspot.com/">Bohol Paradise</a></li><li><a href="http://boholphil.blogspot.com/">Bohol Philippines</a></li><li><a href="http://boholrepublic.com/">Bohol Republic</a></li><li><a href="http://www.boholtouristspots.blogspot.com/">Bohol Tourist Spots</a></li><li><a href="http://www.boholweb.com/content/">Bohol Web</a></li><li><a href="http://julaitravels.blogspot.com/">Boholana Around d' World</a></li><li><a href="http://lifeinbohol.blogspot.com/">Life in Bohol</a></li><li><a href="http://metro-tagbilaran.blogspot.com/">Metropolitan Tagbilaran</a></li><li><a href="http://junauza.blogspot.com/">Tech Source from Bohol</a></li><li><a href="http://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/">Tubag Bohol</a></li><li><a href="http://www.sheena-daye.com/">Young Lady from Bohol</a></li></ul>Related Links:<br /><ul><li><a href="http://bol-anon.blogspot.com/2008/10/bohol-hotels-and-resorts.html">Bohol Hotels and Resorts</a></li><li><a href="http://bol-anon.blogspot.com/2008/10/airlines-and-shipping-companies-going.html">Airlines/Shipping Companies to Bohol</a></li><li><a href="http://bol-anon.blogspot.com/2008/10/bohol-newspapers.html">Bohol Newspapers</a></li><li><a href="http://bol-anon.blogspot.com/2008/10/bohol-websites.html">Bohol Websites</a></li></ul>Gibohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01612881111998926100noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180363400024012255.post-6944767180916657902008-10-31T12:57:00.000-07:002008-10-31T13:56:26.547-07:00Bohol Newspapers<ul><li><a href="http://www.boholsundaypost.net/">Bohol Sunday Post</a></li><li><a href="http://www.boholtimes.net/">Bohol Times</a></li><li><a href="http://www.boholchronicle.com/">The Bohol Chronicle</a></li><li><a href="http://www.theboholstandard.com/">The Bohol Stardard</a></li></ul>Related Links:<br /><ul><li><a href="http://bol-anon.blogspot.com/2008/10/bohol-hotels-and-resorts.html">Bohol Hotels and Resorts</a></li><li><a href="http://bol-anon.blogspot.com/2008/10/airlines-and-shipping-companies-going.html">Airlines/Shipping Companies to Bohol</a></li><li><a href="http://bol-anon.blogspot.com/2008/10/bohol-websites.html">Bohol Websites</a></li><li><a href="http://bol-anon.blogspot.com/2008/10/bohol-blogs.html">Bohol Blogs</a></li></ul>Gibohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01612881111998926100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180363400024012255.post-42542384377243713222008-10-31T12:54:00.000-07:002008-10-31T15:01:29.213-07:00Airlines and Shipping Companies going to Bohol<ul><li><a href="http://www.cebupacificair.com/index.html">Cebu Pacific</a></li><li><a href="http://www.liteshippingcorp.com/">Light Shipping</a></li><li><a href="http://www.oceanjet.net/">Ocean Jet</a></li><li><a href="http://www.philippineairlines.com/">Philippine Airlines</a></li><li><a href="http://www.sulpiciolines.com/index.html">Sulpicio Lines</a></li><li><a href="http://www.supercat.com.ph/index.asp">Supercat</a></li><li><a href="http://www.superferry.com.ph/index.asp">Superferry</a></li><li><a href="http://www.transasiashipping.com/index.html">Trans-asia Shipping</a></li><li><a href="http://www.zimnet.com/weesam/php/index.php">Weesam Express</a></li></ul>Related Links:<br /><ul><li><a href="http://bol-anon.blogspot.com/2008/10/bohol-hotels-and-resorts.html">Bohol Hotels and Resorts</a></li><li><a href="http://bol-anon.blogspot.com/2008/10/bohol-newspapers.html">Bohol Newspapers</a></li><li><a href="http://bol-anon.blogspot.com/2008/10/bohol-websites.html">Bohol Websites</a></li><li><a href="http://bol-anon.blogspot.com/2008/10/bohol-blogs.html">Bohol Blogs</a><br /></li></ul>Gibohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01612881111998926100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180363400024012255.post-92003324263771485862008-10-31T12:52:00.000-07:002009-04-20T10:30:54.994-07:00Bohol Hotels and Resorts<ul><li><a href="http://ecochest.com/alumbungbohol/">Alambung Resort</a></li><li><a href="http://www.alonakew.com/">Alona Kew White Beach Resort</a></li><li><a href="http://www.alonapalmbeach.com/">Alona Palm Beach Resort</a></li><li><a href="http://www.ananyana.com/">Ananyana Beach Resort</a></li><li><a href="http://www.divephil.com/bohol/balicasa/">Balicasag Island Resort</a></li><li><a href="http://www.bituon.com/">Bituon Beach Resort</a></li><li><a href="http://www.boholbeachclub.com.ph/">Bohol Beach Club</a></li><li><a href="http://www.boholbeefarm.com/index.php">Bohol Bee Farm</a></li><li><a href="http://www.boholplazaresort.com/Home.htm">Bohol Plaza Resort</a></li><li><a href="http://www.boholsearesort.com/">Bohol Sea Resort</a></li><li><a href="http://www.boholtropics.com/index.html">Bohol Tropics</a></li><li><a href="http://www.boholdapdapresort.com/">Bohol's Dapdap Resort</a></li><li><a href="http://www.panglaobeachvilla.com/">Casa Santa Barbara Vacation House</a></li><li><a href="http://www.chriscentville.com/cville/">Chriscent Ville Hotel</a></li><li><a href="http://www.citadelalona.com/">Citadel Alona Inn</a></li><li><a href="http://www.cocowhite-beach.com/cms/">Cocowhite Beach Resort</a></li><li><a href="http://members.tripod.com/coralpoint/">Coral Point Dive Resort</a></li><li><a href="http://www.elportalinn.net/index.html">El Portal Inn</a></li><li><a href="http://www.eskayabeach.com/">Eskaya Beach Resort and Spa</a></li><li><a href="http://www.flower-beach.com/rahmen.htm">Flower Beach and Diving Resort</a></li><li><a href="http://www.flowergarden-resort.com/Mainframe_english.htm">Flower Garden Resort</a></li><li><a href="http://www.flushingmeadows.com.ph/">Flushing Meadows Resort</a></li><li><a href="http://www.panglaoislandresort.com/">Hidden Coral Divers Club</a></li><li><a href="http://www.islahayahay.com/">Isla Hayahay Beach Resort</a></li><li><a href="http://jagnalodge.com/">Jagna Lodge</a></li><li><a href="http://www.laestrella.ph/">La Estrella Beach Resort</a></li><li><a href="http://www.losthorizonresort.net/">Lost Horizon Resort</a></li><li><a href="http://www.metrocentrehotel.com/">Metrocentre Hotel</a></li><li><a href="http://www.olmansview.com/">Olmans View Resort</a></li><li><a href="http://www.panglaoisland.com/">Panglao Island Nature Resort</a></li><li><a href="http://www.polaris-dive.com/index.htm">Polaris Beach and Dive Resort</a></li><li><a href="http://www.soledadsuites.com/index.html">Soledad Suites</a></li><li><a href="http://www.sunapartelle.com/index.htm">Sun Apartelle</a></li><li><a href="http://taverspensionhouse.tripod.com/">Taver's Pension House</a></li><li><a href="http://www.villabelza.com/english.php">VillaBelza Resort</a></li><li><a href="http://www.waterparadise.com.ph/index.html">Water Paradise Resort</a></li><li><a href="http://www.wregent.com/">Wregent Plaza Hotel</a></li></ul>Related Links:<br /><ul><li><a href="http://bol-anon.blogspot.com/2008/10/airlines-and-shipping-companies-going.html">Airlines/Shipping Companies to Bohol</a></li><li><a href="http://bol-anon.blogspot.com/2008/10/bohol-newspapers.html">Bohol Newspapers</a></li><li><a href="http://bol-anon.blogspot.com/2008/10/bohol-websites.html">Bohol Websites</a></li><li><a href="http://bol-anon.blogspot.com/2008/10/bohol-blogs.html">Bohol Blogs</a></li></ul>Gibohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01612881111998926100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180363400024012255.post-72704870204988840842008-10-19T02:04:00.000-07:002008-10-20T06:17:04.527-07:00A pilgrimage to the Baclayon Church<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kvDHTrMESn0/SPsa0k3OXVI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/_bZv3PfAfQc/s1600-h/baclayon+church+sketch.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kvDHTrMESn0/SPsa0k3OXVI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/_bZv3PfAfQc/s320/baclayon+church+sketch.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258826480436010322" border="0" /></a>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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />In Cebuano, "baclayon" means the distance that one needs to walk. This is probably the reason why the town was so named as it is located at the coast of Bohol several kilometers away from the other communities of inhabitants of the island at that time.<br /><br />In 1595, or some 413 years ago, the first Spanish missionaries in the region, known then as "doctrineros", arrived and settled in the area. The priests, Fr. Juan de Torres and Fr. Gabriel Sanchez, erected a <span style="font-style: italic;">visita</span> immediately after their arrival.<br /><br />Baclayon became the first seat of the Spanish Jesuit missionaries in the Philippine islands. However, fear of Moro marauders soon forced the Jesuits to move their headquarters inland to what is now the town of Loboc.<br /><br />It was only in 1717 that Baclayon became a parish and construction of the stone church as it stands now commenced. This makes the Baclayon Church the second oldest stone church in the Philippines. The oldest is the San Agustin Church located in Real Street, Intramuros, Manila, whose foundation is said to have been laid in 1571.<br /><br />Some 200 natives were forced to work and construct the church using coral stones which they took from the nearby sea, cut into square blocks, and piled on top of each other. The forced laborers used bamboo to move and lift the stones in position and the white of probably more than a million eggs to stick the stones together, a testament to the early quality workmanship of Boholanos.<br /><br />The stone church built by the Jesuit was completed in 1727. A large bell was installed in 1835. In the 19th century, the Augustinian Recollects added a modern facade and a number of stone buildings which now surrounds the church. All these have largely been preserved even to this day making the church one of the best preserved stone churches in the country.<br /><br />Somewhere underneath the Baclayon Church is a dungeon where natives who violated the rules of the Spaniards and of the Roman Catholic church were punished. Next to the church is the old convent which now houses a museum containing religious relics, artifacts and other antiquities dating back to the 16th century.<br /><br />Among the museum's collections which you can view for a few pesos are an ivory stature of the crucified Christ looking towards the heaven, a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary said to have been presented by Queen Catherine of Aragon, relics of St. Ignatius of Loyola, old embroidered eccelessiastical vestments, books with carabao skin covers, librettos of church music written in Latin on sheep skins and cuadro paintings made by the Filipino painter Liberato Gatchalian in 1859.<br /><br />One writeup also mentions an image of St. Blaise, patron for the throat, which is said to have been stolen and returned to the museum, courtesy of a buyer, only 2 years after. The same writeup mentions an image of the Holy Family which is said to have been hit by cannon ball but survived without a scratch. Other writeups mentions a crystal chandelier, a silver tabernacle, an altar inlaid with gold, life-size statues, some elegant cups and crowns, among many others.<br /><br />I have been to the Baclayon Church many times, but as is obvious in this post, I have never been there long enough to see and appreciate all its wonderful and historical details. Still, I am very proud invite everyone to visit it and learn more about our history and our Catholic faith.<br /><br />For I believe knowing more about the church is really a pilgrimage. It will, I hope, bring us closer to our Creator and the real purpose of our lives.Gibohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01612881111998926100noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180363400024012255.post-7417969197914443482008-09-12T06:39:00.000-07:002008-09-30T06:09:14.669-07:00Yoyoy: The Original Boholano Idol<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kvDHTrMESn0/SNpTOXgJ27I/AAAAAAAAAzw/YGFli0yV-OI/s1600-h/yoyoy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kvDHTrMESn0/SNpTOXgJ27I/AAAAAAAAAzw/YGFli0yV-OI/s200/yoyoy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249599821945887666" border="0" /></a>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.<br /><br />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".<br /><br />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.<br /><br />In fact, I grew up hearing stories about him from common folks. According to them, Yoyoy used to be a driver of Bohol Land which for a long time was the only bus company operating in the province.<br /><br />Yoyoy never allowed his work to discourage him from his music. Instead, he formed a rondalla combo with his fellow drivers, until his bosses in the bus company took notice and formed a recording studio just for him.<br /><br />Yoyoy recorded his first song, Magellan, in 1972. After so many unforgettable hits, he died on May 16, 2007 as respected singer, composer, lyricist and comedian.<br /><br />Even after his death, his music lives on and will continue to bring laughter to our lives. You don't believe me? Try listening to his Yoyoy's songs <a href="http://www.fiql.com/playlists/the_best_of_yoyoy_villame/">here</a>. You may also watch Yoyoy's videos <a href="http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=yoyoy+villame&search_type=">here</a>.Gibohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01612881111998926100noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180363400024012255.post-67878810309973324682008-07-27T13:39:00.000-07:002008-09-24T07:40:29.590-07:00Who is Francisco Dagohoy?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kvDHTrMESn0/SNpRSGkGXdI/AAAAAAAAAzg/yno-7PFsTPQ/s1600-h/dagohoy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kvDHTrMESn0/SNpRSGkGXdI/AAAAAAAAAzg/yno-7PFsTPQ/s200/dagohoy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249597687095254482" border="0" /></a>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.<br /><br />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 <i>cabeza de barangay</i> or one of the barangay captains of the town.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />The Dagohoy revolt was triggered by the refusal of the Jesuit priest, Fr. Morales, to give a Christian burial to Sagarino, Dagohoy's brother, a constable who died in service while chasing a fugitive.<br /><br />The signal of the uprising was the killing of Father Giuseppe Lamberti, curate of Jagna on January 24, 1744. Shortly afterwards, Father Morales was killed by Dagohoy.<br /><br />Dagohoy established a free government in the mountains and had followers which at the height of the revolt reached 20,000. The patriots remained unsubdued even after Dagohoy's death.<br /><br />Dagohoy defeated the Spanish-Filipino forces sent against him. Twenty Spanish governors-general, from Gasper de la Torre (1739–45) to Juan Antonio Martinez (1822–25), tried to quell the rebellion and failed.<br /><br />The revolt was finally subdued in 1829, after a campaign by Spanish expedition under Captain Manuel Sanz landed in Bohol and fought for more than a year.<br /><br />The Francisco Dagohoy Cave in the town of Danao was the headquarters of Dagohoy and one of its many passages had an underwater route. It is said that every time Spaniards searched the cave, he would swim underwater to hide in the breathing space.<br /><br />Hundreds of Dagohoy's followers preferred death inside the cave than surrender. Their skeletons still remain in the site.<br /><br />Taken from<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francisco_Dagohoy"> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francisco_Dagohoy</a>.Gibohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01612881111998926100noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180363400024012255.post-87567857317550271142008-05-11T07:00:00.000-07:002008-05-28T15:41:26.001-07:00Chocolate Hills in the new 7 wonders of nature?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_kvDHTrMESn0/SCcEmxhb3rI/AAAAAAAAAiA/z9zbI4kA93E/s1600-h/chocolate+hills.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_kvDHTrMESn0/SCcEmxhb3rI/AAAAAAAAAiA/z9zbI4kA93E/s200/chocolate+hills.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199129358997642930" border="0" /></a>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.<br /><br />Now, after the resounding success of the search for the new 7 wonders of the world, the organizers, the New7Wonders Foundation, is now conducting a second campaign, this time for the new 7 wonders of nature. Qualified to be nominated are all natural sites, natural monuments and landscape.<br /><br />Of course, one of the nominees from the Philippines is our very own Chocolate Hills. It is described at new7wonders.com as:<br /><blockquote>"... an unusual geological formation in Bohol, Philippines. 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.''</blockquote>The Chocolate Hills is now ranked no. 9. The other nominee from the Philippines, the Tubbataha Reef, in now ranked no. 8. Voting is going to last only until December 31, 2008. After that, a declaration will be made and the winning sites/countries will have plenty of bragging rights.<br /><br />Wouldn't you want the Chocolate Hills to make it to top 7? If yes, then we need to vote and we need to actively campaign and tell the world of its beauty. To vote, please go to the <a href="http://www.new7wonders.com/nature/en/nominees/asia/c/ChocolateHills/">7 new wonders' page on Chocolate Hills</a> and find the link below. We can do it!Gibohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01612881111998926100noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180363400024012255.post-22875718796877857452008-05-09T19:10:00.000-07:002008-05-09T19:47:44.326-07:00Welcome to Bohol by Mang Medik<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_kvDHTrMESn0/SCUKX-GjpDI/AAAAAAAAAh4/VvOLMNhcwWc/s1600-h/welcome+to+bohol.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198572751792874546" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_kvDHTrMESn0/SCUKX-GjpDI/AAAAAAAAAh4/VvOLMNhcwWc/s200/welcome+to+bohol.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div>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.</div><div></div><br /><div>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.</div><div></div><br /><div>I got all the more convinced of this when I decided to scour YouTube for videos about Bohol and by Bol-anons. I loved what I saw, especially the videos on the famous Loboc Children's Choir which I have yet to see live. Really makes you proud to be Bol-anon.</div><div></div><br /><div>But I was struck by one video posted by Manuel Viloria of <a href="http://www.viloria.com/">viloria.com</a>. Where else do you get such warm welcome like <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmIe1S9g1-c">this one by Mang Medik</a> at one of the floating restaurants at the Loboc River in Loboc, Bohol. A familiar song but even us Bol-anons feel the warmth every time it is sang.</div><div></div><br /><div>Mang Medik's welcome goes:</div><div></div><br /><div><em>"Welcome to Bohol, this is the land of Chocolate Hills, this is the land of the golden sun, this is the home of a noble man. We wish (wesh) you a happy coming to our beloved Philippines. This is Bohol, our pride Bohol, welcome visitors (besetors). This is Bohol, Loboc Bohol, welcome to visitors."</em></div><br /><div></div><div>Watch Mang Medik by viloria.com at YouTube <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmIe1S9g1-c">here</a>. I have also added a video bar to my sidebar, so that you can easily get to watch all those videos on Bohol at YouTube. Hope you'll enjoy them. Happy viewing.</div>Gibohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01612881111998926100noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180363400024012255.post-65454666140257453012008-04-09T05:54:00.000-07:002008-04-09T07:50:15.393-07:00Port of friendship<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_kvDHTrMESn0/R_zNlfMTuuI/AAAAAAAAAhI/azcc-Mdy8TM/s1600-h/calamay2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_kvDHTrMESn0/R_zNlfMTuuI/AAAAAAAAAhI/azcc-Mdy8TM/s200/calamay2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187246914735946466" border="0" /></a>The City of Tagbilaran prides itself of being a city of friendship. This claim is based on the historic blood compact between Rajah Sikatuna and the Miguel Lopez de Legaspi. The agreement between the Spanish conquistador and a native chieftain has been described as one of the first, if not the first, treaty between the east and the west.<br /><br />This tradition of hospitality and friendship continues as the city gives warm welcome to visitors and tourists especially through its port. We got to observe this hospitality when the ship we were taking to Dipolog City made a stop at the Port of Tagbilaran on - what better day - Good Friday.<br /><br />One would think that, considering that it was Good Friday, there would be little activity at the port. Wrong. The first to greet us was the the pilot boat which met our ship to "deliver" a pilot who will assist in steering and docking. The boat's approach provided brief entertainment to us passengers who have been watching the sea for around a day already.<br /><br />As the ship was about to dock, we were met by <a href="http://gibo37.multiply.com/photos/album/15/Boat_people">small boats carrying women and children</a> - boat people, we used to call them - all waving at us and begging us to throw coins into the water. With ease, they dove after and retrieved the coins, emerging from the water with warm smiles on their faces. It was fun watching them, although it was also disturbing to see infants on the boat with them.<br /><br />During the stop, <a href="http://gibo37.multiply.com/photos/album/14/Turistang_mini">we made sure to go around the port and buy some goodies</a>. Vendors of the famous calamay were all lined up under a tent, all reaching out to you with the all too familiar coconut shell with a red band. Beyond them were stores and carinderias selling, among others, the famous peanut kisses and its variants, very cheap barbecue, the diamond shaped "posu", and the traditional probinsyano pasalubong of cookies in large square cans.<br /><br />After shopping, we also took time to appreciate the <a href="http://gibo37.multiply.com/photos/album/13/Port_of_Tagbilaran">beauty of the port</a>. One would easily notice the blue green waters, the bancas docked there, and the many tricycles - with the always present bible verse at the back - waiting and ready to take passengers into the heart of Tagbilaran, the city of friendship.Gibohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01612881111998926100noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180363400024012255.post-72115528784969714722008-01-12T22:55:00.000-08:002008-01-14T00:36:11.307-08:00The joys of travelling by seaThe Presidential yacht. Manila Hotel at dusk. Manila from the sea. One Superferry to another. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_kvDHTrMESn0/R4m4JcxNYpI/AAAAAAAAAeU/wLi34KknssA/s1600-h/Image068.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5154853720983167634" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; CURSOR: pointer" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_kvDHTrMESn0/R4m4JcxNYpI/AAAAAAAAAeU/wLi34KknssA/s200/Image068.jpg" border="0" /></a>A traveller's reflections. View on top.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_kvDHTrMESn0/R4m2vMxNYoI/AAAAAAAAAeM/HgS32DJpX6g/s1600-h/Image070.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5154852170499973762" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; CURSOR: pointer" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_kvDHTrMESn0/R4m2vMxNYoI/AAAAAAAAAeM/HgS32DJpX6g/s200/Image070.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_kvDHTrMESn0/R4m2osxNYnI/AAAAAAAAAeE/Z_rHZ4exoHo/s1600-h/Image067.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5154852058830824050" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; CURSOR: pointer" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_kvDHTrMESn0/R4m2osxNYnI/AAAAAAAAAeE/Z_rHZ4exoHo/s200/Image067.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_kvDHTrMESn0/R4m2i8xNYmI/AAAAAAAAAd8/cZBscjUtYzc/s1600-h/Image058.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5154851960046576226" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; CURSOR: pointer" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_kvDHTrMESn0/R4m2i8xNYmI/AAAAAAAAAd8/cZBscjUtYzc/s200/Image058.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_kvDHTrMESn0/R4m2aMxNYlI/AAAAAAAAAd0/d77YokSOpE8/s1600-h/Image059.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5154851809722720850" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; CURSOR: pointer" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_kvDHTrMESn0/R4m2aMxNYlI/AAAAAAAAAd0/d77YokSOpE8/s200/Image059.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_kvDHTrMESn0/R4m2TcxNYkI/AAAAAAAAAds/6Yv5FPV-Tek/s1600-h/Image063.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5154851693758603842" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; CURSOR: pointer" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_kvDHTrMESn0/R4m2TcxNYkI/AAAAAAAAAds/6Yv5FPV-Tek/s200/Image063.jpg" border="0" /></a>Gibohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01612881111998926100noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180363400024012255.post-51726625996540636452008-01-06T21:26:00.000-08:002008-01-08T12:10:02.703-08:00White sands of Candabong, Anda, Bohol<a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_kvDHTrMESn0/R4MveMxNYgI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/ohRLvAiudPg/s1600-h/candabong+anda.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5153014594512183810" style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right;" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_kvDHTrMESn0/R4MveMxNYgI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/ohRLvAiudPg/s200/candabong+anda.jpg" border="0" /></a>No doubt it was the highlight of our vacation in Bohol. Last December 30, we trooped from the mountains of Sudlon, Alicia, Bohol, where my wife hails, to the enchanting white sands of Candabong, Anda, a nearby town, for a cool Rizal Day splash.<br /><br />The beach was public. We paid absolutely nothing to get in. The sand was creamy white and not artificial, unlike those in other private resorts in the province. At the farthest end of the semi-oval stretch of white sand is a small rock/island shaped like a soldier's helmet. Along the shore were lines of boats and huts lying idly, as if time has stopped in that corner of the world.<br /><br />When we arrived (at around 9am) there was nobody there. We had the whole place to ourselves. When my 5-year old son saw the place, he smiled all the way up to his ears. Then he plunged and spent the whole day on the water. A few other groups arrived later, but there was still plenty of space run around. In fact, there was plenty of space to do our barbecue and some cooking.<br /><br />Our biggest expense that day was the transportation going there. All other expenses were minimal. The rent for the hut was only P150. The rent for the floats (inflated tire interiors) ranged only from P20 to P50 for unlimited use. Incidentally, we were told that you can take a pump boat ride, from one point to another, for only P150.<br /><br />I was totally enchanted by the place. I didn't know that there was any other place in Bohol with beaches that can rival those in Dauis and Panglao. There is. Anda, a fifth class municipality located 100km from Tagbilaran, is home to a lot of white-sand beaches which have been described as "better than...".<br /><br />In fact, aside from the beaches, I learned that the town also has a waterfalls (Anda Falls at Barangay Casica) and a "mountain paradise" at Barangay Tanod and Linawan. And not only that. I also learned that Anda has a rich history as shown by primitive burial caves (Candabong, Bacong, Virgen, Casica and Talisay) and rock paintings (Lamanok Point, Barangay Badiang) located on cliffs beside the sea.<br /><br />Its rich history flourished through the years. The town was officially created during the Spanish era and named after Governor General Simon de Anda y Salazar. Its church had Spanish priests up to as late as 1937, the last one being Fr. Luis Llorente, who left long after Spain ceded the Philippines to the United States.<br /><br />As if these were not enough trivia, Anda is home to the mysterious (some say miraculous) remains/tomb of Potenciana Saranza (Inday Pontenciana), a teacher from Gingoog City, who after her death in 1953, had allegedly performed miracles by healing the sick. A lot of people now go to her shrine and consider her a "saint".<br /><br />With all these, wouldn't you want to visit Anda?Gibohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01612881111998926100noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180363400024012255.post-7847825318024186642007-12-17T08:53:00.000-08:002007-12-17T16:42:14.644-08:00Alumbung Tropical Living<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_kvDHTrMESn0/R2cXBcxNYZI/AAAAAAAAAcY/BCceFHSm7DY/s1600-h/lumbungs.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_kvDHTrMESn0/R2cXBcxNYZI/AAAAAAAAAcY/BCceFHSm7DY/s320/lumbungs.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145106412963979666" border="0" /></a><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" >Hopefully, this will be the first of many. I have recently started a survey on hotels, resorts, inns and pension houses in </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:place><span style="font-family:Arial;">Bohol</span></st1:place></span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" > with the hope of getting more personalized information from them regarding their places. First to respond is Bob of Alambung Tropical Living located in Panglao. His responses clearly exemplify the kind of hospitality they offer.<br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" >The place is named after their Lumbungs, traditional native Balinese rice barns which they have constructed with Filipino touch. The place is located in Danao, Panglao Bohol, and within five-minute walk to the sea and a two-minute ride to the famous </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:place><st1:placename><span style="font-family:Arial;">Alona</span></st1:placename><span style="font-family:Arial;"> </span><st1:placetype><span style="font-family:Arial;">Beach</span></st1:placetype></st1:place></span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" >. For inquiries, visit their website at </span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" ><a href="http://www.alumbungbohol.com/" target="_blank">www.alumbungbohol.com</a></span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" > or email</span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" > </span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" ><a href="mailto:info@alumbungbohol.com" target="_blank">info@alumbungbohol.com</a>.<br /><br /></span> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style=""><span style="font-family:Arial;">What's your place like?</span></b></span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" > <strong><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:Arial;" >We have 2 villas and 1 cottage only, a small private place perfect for relaxing in a beautiful tropical garden.</span></strong><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style=""><span style="font-family:Arial;">What are the accommodation options and how affordable are the rates?</span></b></span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" > <strong><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:Arial;" >Villa rate for 2 persons is 1700 Php starting </span></strong></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:date year="1500" day="1" month="2"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:Arial;" >February 1st, 1500</span></strong></st1:date><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:Arial;" > Php until then. For extra person, the rate is 300 PHP for maximum of 5 in a villa. Cottage rate for 2 persons is 1200 PHP starting </span></strong><st1:date year="1000" day="1" month="2"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:Arial;" >February 1st, 1000</span></strong></st1:date><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:Arial;" > PHP until then.</span></strong></span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" ><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style=""><span style="font-family:Arial;">What kind of activities can we do there?</span></b></span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" > W<strong><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:Arial;" >e are more on accommodation only, although we also arrange tours and island hopping, and have bikes for rent and can arrange motorbike rental.</span></strong><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style=""><span style="font-family:Arial;">What are your amenities?</span></b></span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" > O<strong><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:Arial;" >ur villas are fully furnished with kitchen, you can barbecue as well. We are more on relaxation.</span></strong><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style=""><span style="font-family:Arial;">What sets your place apart from the others?</span></b></span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" > <strong><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:Arial;" >Comments from our guests: private, clean, tastefully arranged and decorated, quiet, romantic, away from the hustle and bustle.</span></strong><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style=""><span style="font-family:Arial;">How do we get in touch with you and book?</span></b></span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" > Through <strong><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:Arial;" >our website at <a href="http://www.alumbungbohol.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">www.alumbungbohol.com</span></a>.</span></strong><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style=""><span style="font-family:Arial;">Who is your manager/caretaker there?</span></b></span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" > Me, <strong><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:Arial;" >Bob, the owner.</span></strong><o:p></o:p></span></p> <span style="font-size:100%;"><b style=""><span style="font-family:Arial;">Why do you think should tourists visit </span></b><st1:place><b style=""><span style="font-family:Arial;">Bohol</span></b></st1:place><b style=""><span style="font-family:Arial;">?</span></b></span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" > <strong><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:Arial;" >Everything is here: beaches, history, coutryside, flaura... and then, if guests need to go to a city, there is also Tagbilaran.<br /><br /></span></strong></span>Gibohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01612881111998926100noreply@blogger.com6