Womenality

One of the remarkable churches we visited in Bohol is the Baclayon Church. It is one of the oldest stone churches built during the Spanish era. Currently, there is a museum next to the church that houses significant artifacts and memorabilias that are being preserve for hundreds of years already. I can’t even forget the 18th century marriage log book there. And I felt like living in the past. So sad that cameras are not allowed so I can’t show any pictures.

Anyways, what makes this church interesting, aside from its rich history is the image of Father Pio on one of the pillars of the church. Father Pio is one of the early Italian priests who have settled in the Baclayon Church and believed to have healing powers. He is also famous for his stigmata – the Christ like wounds that he bore in the palm of his hands. According to our guide, his body is still preserved. He was proclaimed as 462nd saint in 2002 and now called as St Pio of Pietrelcina.

Our trip in Bohol is our first stop for domestic/beach travel this 2011.  I’ve always wanted to go to this place to see the Chocolate Hills but I was surprised because it doesn’t only have the amazing hills, it is also gifted with a beautiful white-sand beach — the Alona Beach.

As I’ve mentioned in my previous post, we got our ticket from PAL’s downpour deals. Our 2-day tour was hosted by Choco Tours(Google them), a local rent-a-car based in the province. We had the Panglao tour on the first day and Bohol Countryside tour on the second day. All costs us Php 7,100 including the airport-resort-airport transfers. They gave us black Toyota Vios. Maybe a little higher than what other travel agencies offer but we think it’s worthy of the price! We are very pleased with their service. And I should mention our tour guide/driver, Kuya Jun because he has been very nice and volunteered as our official photographer during the entire tour. Good thing, we never had to carry and set up our tripod. =)

We left Manila on Wednesday when typhoon Juaning is expected to arrive. We were actually a little nervous as there have been canceled flights on Tuesday. Good thing, our flight was not delayed and we arrived safely in Tagbilaran. I really love flying with PAL!

Happy Peanuts, Combi Bicuit and coffee…

And so… the weather in Bohol is unexpected since we are expecting strong wind due to typhoon. BUT, it’s sunny yet not too hot. Our entire stay there is magnificent. We really enjoyed the view, the weather and the people. Indeed, Bohol is the City of Friendship!

Hello! Sunshine…

Our Panglao Tour commenced as soon as we arrived in Bohol. First stop was in Dauis Church. You should try the healing water from Mama Mary’s well. They only accept donation. After drinking, we realize it really has healing power.

Dauis Church Complex

Dauis Church, Panglao

Dauis Church

Just Outside Dauis Church

Then we went to Ostrich farm, Shell Museum

Ostrich Farm is not that impressive. They only got 4 (I think) Ostrich and other animals. I must say that ostriches in Baluarte in Ilocos and Subic Safari are more interesting. =)

Shell Museum

Then, we had our lunch in Bohol Bee Farm.

Bohol Bee Farm Lunch, #9

Grilled Salmon with Red Rice & Veggie salad with organic flower

We then went to Hinagdanan Cave

Hinagdanan Cave is very dark inside. It’s only the flash of the camera

The tour guide told us that those painting have been there since they discovered the cave. You will not see it unless you use a camera with flash. Interesting…

Our next stop was in Panglao Bell Tower

Panglao Bell Tower

And the last destination for day 1 was in Alona White Sand Beach…

Seafoods!

I really love this place!

We stayed in Panglao Regency Resort, also in Panglao Bohol. Watch out for the pictures. The room costs only P1,800/night but no included breakfast.