Breathtaking Bohol

Waves crashing along Alona Beach

This has post has been long overdue. Actually, I have forgotten to post about my trip to Bohol until I found time to clean up some space on my camera's memory card (I know,  it's been ages!). My trip was actually a rediscovery on how beautiful my country is. Amid the smog and pollution of Manila, there lies a little island in the Visayas that boasts of a beautiful and scenic countryside, quiet and pristine beaches and wonderful, friendly people.





I was feeling sick on the way to the docks of Cebu but I wouldn't let that get in the way of seeing Bohol. I didn't have time to drop by Shamrock so I could let my boyfriend taste Cebu's famous otap but found some in the stalls of pier (only, it was quite expensive compared to buying it from the store).

Quiet and tranquil Alona Kew

Onboard supercat, I fell asleep and woke up to dark clouds and a little drizzle spattering the windows of the ferry boat. We met our driver Tatay Dodong at Tagbilaran port and he drove us to our accomodations at Alona Kew Beach Resort. On the way, he regaled us with stories about the island. That's when we decided that we will hire him as our tour guide for our countryside tour the next day. ^^



Furry beach bums

We didn't waste time in exploring the beach upon our arrival at Alona Kew. Even meeting a few beach dogs lounging and napping by the beach. Compared to the noise and parties of Boracay, the beaches of Bohol are quiet and ideal if you want to relax and enjoy some peace. Like on most beaches, you will find some ladies offering massages, manicure and pedicure right there on the beach.

Blood compact memorial

The next day we had our countryide tour. We visited the blood compact site and the actual place where the ship of Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez De Legazpi docked. Our guide even took us to another place where he said the ships were actually docked. He said it is not really open to the public because it is owned by the owner of Alone Kew Beach Resort.





 

Next, we were off to see the tarsier sanctuary. They don't charge any entrance fee but there is a box where they accept donations (they use it to buy food for the tarsiers, so if you visit, put in a lot! ^^, ). It was great to catch them before they doze off. Unfortunately, you're not allowed to touch them because they easily get stressed. One of the guides pointed to us some of the female pregnant tarsiers.  I also went to the gift shop to buy some tarsier headbands for my nieces, which I find really cute.

Chocolate Hills

Next stop are the world-famous Chocolate Hills. It was a bit sunny when we got there, and the climb can be very tiring. But the view when you reach the top was amazing! For first time visitors you have to ring the bell on top for luck. The climb down was a litle steep so it's important to be extra careful.









We had our lunch at one of the floating restos. They served a lot of seafood so boyfriend did not eat much(",). But he did eat the the pork and chicken. There was a singer onboard who sang songs from each country to the delight of guests who came from Japan, China, Korea, US and of course. It was nice sharing meal on a moving vessel and seeing pretty sights.




Our second to the last stop was the Baclayon church, the oldest in Bohol. You cannot come in the church if you're wearing a short skirt or shorts. But they have some shawls you can tie around your waist if you want to go inside. They also have a museum that houses priests' vestments that dates back to Spanish colonialism, old religious statues, old furniture and a lot more. The guide even took us to an area on the second floor where the rich and affluent families sit during masses. We felt we were transported back in time. Who knows, some plots were hatched within those very walls.





Our last stop was pasalubong shopping. We got those sugar-free coffee mixes as well as peanut kisses. Then back to Alona Kew and lounge at the beach with a good book.

We had dinner by the beach that evening. It wasn't crowded so the ambiance was really nice and relaxing. The next day we went back to Cebu. We will definitely come back and stay longer in Bohol. ^^

An evening with The Phantom of the Opera

The world's longest running musical The Phantom of the Opera by the great Andrew Lloyd Webber has finally come to Manila. I remembered getting excited seeing the great billboards lining SLEX and city buses advertising the show. I did not expect that I will watch the show because of my schedule but imagine my joy when it was extended until October 14! I consider it another great birthday gift that I will see the show after all.

The stage and the famous chandelier

We got to the CCP quite early so we took it as a chance to take photos and get our souvenirs. My friend Kit (she is officially my fellow Phan) and I were so thrilled to get good seats at orchestra level. It was truly a wonderful experience to see this masterpiece. The stage with all those impressive sets were jaw-dropping, the music enthralling and the amazing cast equals to an unforgettable night. 

I'm no professional theater critic but I felt Mr. Jonathan Roxmouth's portrayal of the Phantom brought intensity and passion. Absolutely loved how he sang Music of the Night and Point of no Return. It was a moving performance. The lovely Ms. Claire Lyon delivered a beautiful and effortless performance as well. Their final scene together moved us to tears (thank goodness tissues were handy!). 

Meeting the cast after the performance was icing to the cake. The two leads and the rest of the cast were so accommodating and gracious. It was madness at the stage door but they were still all-smiles as they signed souvenir programs and posed for photos. I even heard Head of Wardrobe Mr. Eugene Titus saying that the crowd is getting bigger every day. 

We went home with big smiles on our faces, thankful for having the chance to see this amazing musical. Here's hoping there will be more performances like this in years to come. ^.^



Here are some photos from October 12's performance. ^.^

Loved the seats we got! :)

The talented Mr. Jonathan Roxmouth

My operamate Kit with Mr. Roxmouth

A thrilled Kit with Ms. Lyon

With the beautiful Ms. Claire Lyon 

The dashing Mr. Anthony Downing with two "phans" ^^

Fabulous Cebu

Magellan's Cross

Finally after two years I got myself a decent holiday. The destination: Cebu and Bohol. I have fallen in love with Cebu since flying there twice for work in 2010 and 2011. So I thought the Queen City of the South would be the place to go for my well-deserved holiday. Then my friend Zap came back tanned and happy from her holiday in Bohol. That's when I knew that it should be included in the trip.

But first, I must visit Cebu. Being the oldest city in the country, it boasts a lot of history evident of the Spanish influence you can see around you. Another thing I love about the city is how affordable almost everything is. The trip to Cebu was not just about the sites but glorious food as well! Two of my favorite restaurants are Casa Verde and Mooon Cafe (note the 3 "o"s). I remembered on my first trip there, my friend Neil took me to Mooon Cafe to experience my first baby back ribs. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to finish it by myself but I had a lot of help from Neil. From then on, I took it upon myself to start a tradition of having some ribs on my first day (or night) in Cebu every time I fly in. And don't get me started with the humongous hamburger at Casa Verde! When you're in Cebu, prepare for a gastronomic treat. But of course, if you're in Cebu do not forget their mouth-watering Lechon de Cebu. CNT Lechon is the most popular. However, you will find other brands just as good.

Compared to the horrendous traffic in Manila, Cebu is definitely better. The cab drivers are friendlier and they  return your change even if it's 1 peso. The Cebuanos are also very religious, owing to their devotion to the Sto. Nino. One cab driver told us that they rarely suffer from natural calamities because of their faith and devotion. Also, here in Manila, the Tagalogs find the accent from the Visayan region funny. However, when I stayed there for a month or two it's music to my ears and I love their easy-going ways. When I flew back to Manila I sometimes speak Tagalog with a Visayan lilt.

Cebu is getting more modern each time I visit. You will see high-rise buildings, call center buildings and the like. But amidst the changes, it still retains its charm. It truly deserves its title as Queen of the South. Stay tuned on my next post about Bohol.

Here are some photos from my last trip, courtesy of my wonderful boyfriend (who I might add was a real trooper given the warm weather).  J

Yummy Mexican Ribs from Mooon Cafe

It's amazing how a 9-inch burger is only worth Php 350.00!

During a stroll along Asiatown IT Park

BF got so amused by the jeepney

Still at IT Park, surrounded by call center hubs.

Mooon Cafe and Casa Verde at Asiatown IT Park

One might think this is somewhere in Europe. Freedom Park on the way to the Basilica Minore of Sto. Nino.

A visit to Cebu won't be complete without dropping by the Basilica Minore de Sto. Nino.

Statues of the 4 evangelists in the square (also in the basilica premises).

Garden inside the Basilica premises.

Inside the Basilica Minore de Sto. Nino.

Before flying back home treat yourself to Casa Verde's Big Bang Burger measuring 9-inches.