I just received an email today from an American friend whom I met in Bora. Attached were several photos taken of the passengers who were in the last delayed flight to Caticlan that day and I think this is the reason why we mingled when we were in Bora.
It was really fun meeting them. We shared travel stories and insights about the places we've been to. I think if you are more exposed to different cultures, the more you are tolerant with other races and places.
Cebu Pacific recently opened a new route to Caticlan for the convenience of Bora-bound vacationers. Since Caticlan airport can only handle small aircrafts, we took a Dornier 328 which can carry 72 passengers only. 
It was my first time to fly in a small aircraft and I'm a bit agitated because of the stories I've heard before. My friend said that when you ride a small craft like Asian Spirit (Dornier 328), you will land as a spirit. That is why it is called "Asian Spirit".
When we checked-in, we have to be weighed in with our baggages. If your body weight + your baggages will weigh more than 70 kilos. If you are a bit heavy, then you have to bring extra cash.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
The Last Flight to Bora
Friday, July 18, 2008
Boracay Habagat
Thanks to TyphoonFrank who just visited the archipelago leaving Boracay a dirty white sandy beach island.
I never thought the rumor was true when I was there. The sandstorm was tough and the waves were strong. Strong enough for a beginner surfer.
My flight was delayed and it was already dusk when we arrived in the tiny island paradise. We were starving and we ate like a pig (PG) in one of the restos which offers buffet meal.
At night, buffets are everywhere ranging from Php200 to Php500. It is better to walk around first to get the best deal and the best meal. ;)
The whole island was covered in nets to avoid the sands from coming into hotels, resorts, and restaurants. But all of these did not spoil our fun nor did it stop tourists from going there. Actually, flights to Caticlan were filling up fast and the whole island is still jam packed (I guess, I was the only one spoiling around..hehehe)
It is the rainy season in Philippines and rates are dropping low. It is the best time for budget travelers like me but not a good time for sun worshippers, I guess.
We stayed in La Carmela in Station 2. A nice beach front hotel that costs only Php 2,100 a night, good for 4 persons. What a deal, right?
The next day, we visited the Boracay Adventist Church and attended a morning service. Their church is on Diniwid Beach and it is constructed on a hilltop which is nice to look at. I was also amused with their screen with a Bora background. Nice one. It is nice to get some blessings even while vacationing.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Yeah!!! It's my Birthday....
...We're gonna party like it's my birthday....
I just arrived from my Bora Trip and I was sooooo surprised when the security personnel told me that there was a package for me...I thought it was my new Metrobank credit card...
Instead, I got a dozen flowers and a cake from kwanghui aka. corny boy who happens to be my boypren and I'm sooooo happy.
My heart fluttered...hehehe (kinilig tuloy ang bato kong puso...)
Thanks a lot...Corny Boy!!!
Btw...we already ate the cake...hehehe
Friday, July 4, 2008
Bora Then
I will be in Bora in the next few hours.
I can still remember my first time in Bora 4 years ago.
It was Holy Week and the whole Island seems to drown with the load of tourists on that week.
There were a lot of freebies along the beach, hot bodies, endless parties, and bottomless booze.
We were in a very tight budget at that time and I do hope that this time around I can get my first Bora Braids and will have my birthday dinner at Friday's.
I was able to save only 5 pics and I hope that I can get more memoirs this time around. Di pa kasi uso digi cam nun sa buhay ko kasi pulubing estudyante lang ako nun...hehehe
See you next week!!!
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Ferry sinks in Philippines
MV Princess of the Stars sunk last Sunday, June 22, 2008, in Sibuyan Sea. The passenger ferry was loaded with more than 800 passengers and crews and until now divers are still looking for survivors and missing persons.
The ferry capsized because it could no longer endure Typhoon Fengshen's wrath(locally named as Typhoon Frank). Due to heavy winds and rain, the ship could no longer hold against its force and I think the captain ordered his passengers to wear lifejackets as the survivors who were found were already wearing them. Then, the captain decided to dock in the nearest island to seek refuge but the ferry capsized immediately leaving no time for other passengers to jump outside the ship or for her to dock in the nearby Sibuyan Island.
The ferry left Manila for Cebu and was given an approval by the Coast Guard as it was only Signal No. 1 in Manila and PagAsa predicted that the typhoon will move to Bicol. Sad to say, the typhoon changed its path and went to Romblon area where the ferry was at that time.
Sulpicio Lines admitted that 860 were on board as the ferry capsized: "There were 751 manifested passengers and 111 crew members on board the capsized vessel." The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) suspended all sea travel operations of the Sulpicio. Sulpicio lines released the names of 32 survivors with the complete passenger manifest and crew list uploaded on their website.
In a country with 7,100 islands, it has been a common form of transportation for the Filipinos to travel by sea. This really scared a lot of people, even me, and I hope that these calamities will be lessened in the future or much better if we will no longer have to experience this grieving occurrence.
God bless to those who lost their mother, their father, their sisters, their brothers, sons, daughters, relatives, friends, and colleagues.
Let's pray for those who died and hope for those who survived.
To know more about this captivating news, please go to Yahoo News!
Monday, June 23, 2008
Bohol Bee Farm
their homepage says so...
and I think it is just being true to itself...
The motor ride took us about 30 minutes from our place in Alumbong, Panglao to Dao, Dauis. The trickling heat of summer almost burnt us like barbecues. I thought the ride will not be that long, but I think I miscalculated again ( I usually do) the distance.
Yes, the Bohol Bee Farm specializes in culturing bees, making local artifacts, and organic food.
Since we we still have to tour the countryside of Bohol that day, we weren't able to try their hilot sessions but we our tastebuds were able to get a treat from their hot, hot, hot menu.
1. Puto Maya't Tsokolate
2. Honey-glazed Bangus
3. Ginataang Alimango
4. Organic Salad
Takam na takam talaga si kwanghui...
Masarap?
If you are planning to go to Bohol Bee Farm, just ask the friendly locals for directions as it is quite hard to locate the place.
BOHOL BEE FARM
Ms. Vicky Wallace
Dao, Dauis, Panglao Island, Bohol
+6338.5022288
+63917.3041491
vickywallace@boholbeefarm.com
Monday, June 16, 2008
Bohol Road Trip
Bohol's countryside has actually more to offer than just pristine beaches and dolphin watching. The main feature of Bohol is not their beaches, but the world famous Chocolate Hills, a one of a kind geological landscape, and the previously smallest primate in the world, the tarsier.
On our 4th day in Bohol, we went road tripping, the commuters way. It was fun and, at the same time, tiring. We road a jeepney, a bus, and a habal-habal (motorcycle). Here are the sights that we saw during our road trip....
1. Chocolate Hills, Carmen
It took us 2 hours from Panglao to Carmen, Bohol. First, we took a jeepney from Panglao to Tagbilaran, Php20. Then, we took a bus to Carmen, Php55. When we arrived in Carmen, we took a habal-habal (motorcycle) to a viewing area, which is actually one of the chocolate hills. The ride costs us Php20.
2. Butterfly Garden
Entrance Fee: Php20
Typical Butterfly Garden
3. Loboc River
4. Tarsier Visit
5. Loboc Church
Unfortunately, we weren't able to take a photo of the famous Baclayon Church as we were already running out of time and also, as a courtesy to other passengers.
See it to love it!!!
Read More: Behold, Bohol
Friday, June 13, 2008
Happy Anniversary!!! - Friday the 13th
Grabe!!! Friday the 13th pa nagkataon ung anniversary ng batch namin dito sa opis...
I never imagined that we will endure this long. I confess that at first I felt that I have no hopes in this company that I worked for. I thought that I'm not good enough or strong enough to withstand the trials, the workload, the environment, especially the not-so-nice people that I work for. Siguro hindi na mawawala yun wherever you go, ayt?
But it is also here that I found true, lasting friends. I believe kasi na "when a farmer harvests, he doesn't count how many rotten apples he has but on how many good apples he got".
Thanks to the movie that I watched before. It really inspired me.
Ang tagal na pala namin dito...Bihira sa mga customer service companies ang tumatagal ng 2 years ah.. Yung iba, 3 months pa lang, lipat na ng iba...
It's our 2nd year and I'm thankful to God for always guiding us and making us strong.
Enough of drama, cheers to that!!!
Andun sila sa Dampa ngayon to celebrate...sayang di me makasama...I need to woooooooooooork...
Independence Day!!!
June 12 is Philippines Independence Day!!!
This is 110th Indepedence Anniversary of Philippines after we gained freedom from Spain only to be captured by US! How's that?
Yes, we were under superpowers before, Spain, US, and Japan, but we considered this day as the day when we got our freedom after 300 years of Spanish control.
I hope that we can experience the freedom that we want today.
1. Freedom from Meralco's high electric bills
2. Freedom from Abu Sayyaf
4. Freedom to Ces Oreña Drillon and company
4. Freedom from corrupt government officials (asa pa?)
Do you still remember the Php5 bill? 
Sabi ko nga sa sarili ko "I may lose all my money but I will never trade my freedom".
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Dolphin Watching and Fish Feeding in Bohol
During our island tour, we have experienced to watch the Dolphins swimming in the sea upclose and feeding the fishes in the marine sanctuary in Balicasag Island.
Oh yes, I have seen dolphins in the sea numerous times during my sea trips but not as close as what a rigged boat can give.
To my excitement, I can't help but to exclaim "WOW".
View it below.
Bad thing though, it seems like our guide is in a rush as he did not pursue to spot more swimming dolphins at that time as he wants to proceed to Balicasag immediately. Also, the dolphins look like kawawa kasi everytime their bodies appear in the water, the bancas hurry up to their location and it seems like they are so disturbed by the motor running in the waters...
When we were in Balicasag Island, I never expected that we will be see and feed different kind of fishes!!! And I mean it...
My friend was sooooo amazed that he can't help but say, "It's so Amaziiiiiiiiiiiiing..."
He is kinda taong gubat but, anyways, this one is unforgettable as I was able to capture it through my underwater camera...
The whole Island Hopping Tour: Dolphin Watching, Balicasag Island, and Virgin Island, costs only Php1,500 ($34). Once you go to Balicasag Island, you need to have ride a small banca with a guide that costs Php150 ($3.50) per person and if your tour doesn't include snorkels, you can rent them at Php150 ($3.50) each also. These can be hired in the island itself.
If you are planning to go to Panglao and do the same adventure, here are my tips:
1. Wake up early!!! Dolphins can easily be spotted around 6:00 am til 10:00 am. The boatman and the tour guides will pick you up on or before 6:00 am as it takes 15-20 minutes to go to the sea where the dolphins are. This was our problem on our 2nd day as we were too lazy to wake-up that's why we postponed our tour on the 3rd day.
2. Ask your boatman to take time to spot the dolphins. Some boatmen will proceed to Balicasag immediately and doesn't have the patient to give you more experience with the dolphins...grrrrrrrr...
3. Balicasag Island does not offer just good snorkeling but fresh seafood and sightseeing as well. Nagpapicture pa kami sa monkey dun.
Back to what I'm saying, when you arrive there, you can see a lot of vendors selling fresh fish like in Dampa Seaside. You will just pick a fish you want to feast on and they will cook it for you, ala paluto in Tagalog, or in French, ala carte.
4. Visit the old and the new tower in Balicasag. It is will just take a few minutes
to reach these towers. Just make sure that you will not get lost along the way, like we did. :(
5. Take time to chill in Virgin Island. Boatmen don't like to spend more time in Virgin Island and they would even do the maang-maangan look as if they don't know that Virgin Island tour is included in the trip. Ask the boatman to bring you there and hang your hammock anywhere and chill....
Then, forget about the boatman...kidding
Enjoy tripping!!!
Bow...
Read More: Behold, Bohol
Monday, June 9, 2008
Happy Birthday, Steffi!!!
Sweet 17!!!
Today, is our lil' sis birthday. I literally mean lil'.
lil' girl
lil' hands
lil' arms
lil' balikog legs
lil' dreams like shopping...
lil' money like 20 bucks in her wallet
lil' celebration
I know that she's a bit sad that there is no celebration about this "Special Day" but Steffi, always remember that it is not how big your birthday bash that counts or the gifts that you will receive but how you have lived for the year that passed and how you look forward for the year ahead....
More BIRTHDAYS to COME!!!
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Alona Beach and Virgin Island
At first glance, Alona Beach is like mini Boracay... the long stretchy coral beach and the side-by-side resorts and restaurants...Though the main difference is that Bora has the paraws while Panglao has the white boats scattering in the whole beach front...
Honestly speaking, don't expect much that its sand is as fine and as white as Bora's. Nevertheless, this is still a fine beach getaway which can give you a little privacy compared to what you can get in Aklan's little island.
Alona Beach maybe the most famous beach in Panglao or even in the whole Bohol Island but there are more beaches with private resorts in other parts of the Islands but most resorts and action happen here. So, if you are with your friends, wants to mingle with other tourists, want to enjoy the beach straight from your room without getting into a motorbike, the best location is Alona Beach.
I had a great time while I was there. The beach, the people, the food, the marine sanctuaries, the motorbike rides, and a lot more...First day, we were so tired that I just slept the whole afternoon and went out at night...what a waste of time, ayt?, but you can't blame me as I just got back from a chaotic busy week before the trip...
The next day, I continued being bum by having my massage on the beach that costs only Php250 and Mary the therapist is kind and good in her field. I recommend Mary. Yes, I do.
On the third day, that's when a lot of activities happen... We went dolphin watching, snorkeling in Balicasag Island, and a tour to Virgin Island with it's spectacular sandbar that can only be seen during low tide. Island Hopping cost us only Php1,500 including the snorkels as there were only 2 of us. I recommend Abeth as he is nice and he can give you a good deal compared to other guides. If you are planning to go island hopping, you just ask for him and he also gives country tours worth Php1,800 to Php2,500.
When I was in Virgin Island, I felt total exclusivity. It seems like the whole island is yours and you can hang your hammock anywhere you fancy and just chill...chill...chill...
I wish I had a bit more time but we have to keep on moving as we need to go and see the countryside as well.
Hope you can put Panglao as your next destination to go...
Location: Alona Beach is located in Panglao, Bohol, Philippines.
Getting There:If you are from Manila, you can get a plane to Tagbilaran, Bohol airport. Once there, it takes another 20 minutes from Tagbilaran to Panglao Island. You can arrange a pick-up from your hotel that costs around Php600 or take a taxi on your own that costs around Php300-Php400.
If you are coming from Cebu, you can take fast jets like Ocean Jet, SuperCat, or Weesam Express. This costs around Php400-P570 and they have seasonal promotions. Travel time takes about 2 hours.
Where to Stay?:Accommodations ranges from Php1,500 to Php25,000 depending on the resort that you will be staying. A popular midrange resort is Alona Kew White Beach. You may also have the option to check the resorts once you are there so that you can choose what fits for you as some good-priced resorts are not listed on the web.
Where to Eat?:It will be easy for you to check the restaurants at night that during daytime. If you are looking for a place to have your breakfast or lunch, it will be either, you check the resorts' restos or the carinderias. Anyways, food is not too pricey and fish is always fresh.
I will definitely come back here again...
Read More: Behold, Bohol
