Travelling around the archipelago always has been work for me. Always on the go and no time to enjoy the sun, sand, sounds and sights of the places I visit. I only got a chance to enjoy them thru the photos that I have taken. Always telling myself that I will be back and have a holiday to enjoy and absorb everything in.

Then came a family friend from Switzerland and have been asking for me and my mom, to accompany her on a 5 day vacation in Bohol! (“Yeah I know what you are thinking, 5 days is too much! True, but what the heck, it just means we have more time to enjoy everything and not be in a hurry to cover everything and be able to get a nice tan out of it as well.”) I checked my calendar, booked a flight, and before I know it, we are on our way to the Tagbilaran airport for our much awaited, so deserved vacation.

As we are picked up from the airport, the friendliness of the people is hard to resist and our eyes have been enjoying the view of the city to Alona beach. It is so hard to bring down my guard and my writer instinct, so used to all work and no play mode… hopefully by the end of the week I will be able to adjust and be able to enjoy everything as a tourist for a change.

We stayed in a small family resort owned by our balikbayan’s friend which is called the Rene Swiss House (not your 5 star beach front resort but is ‘ok’ enough if you are on a tight budget and prefers a more home-atmosphere accommodation) The place is a good 5-10 minutes’ walk to the famous Alona beach and are surrounded by numerous restaurants with the freshest seafood you can find in the island.

The first day, we took our time to relax and stroll around the area. We arrived around 2pm so we just checked in, changed outfits and hurried up to get our late lunch. A stroll at the beach, lots of pictures being taken and a fascinated first time tourists such as my mom and our balikbayan friend is enjoying every minute of it. And me, instantly became their personal tourist guide and adviser! (Feeling proud being the youngest in the group, ahem.) Anyway, we basically spent our first day settling in and resting, as we still got a few days left in the island to enjoy.

Our first morning came and my visitors are eager to prepare for a day out sight-seeing! Wearing the most comfortable shoes, and summer outfits, sun block and cameras ready, we are out for a day of adventure.

First stop, the  Immaculate Concepcion Parish in Baclayon. I thought that for me, this will just be another routine walk, “I already visited this place” I said to myself, but I fell in love with the architecture and story of the church that I brought my visitors there for them to see. Not knowing that I would learn something new on this trip. First, the Baclayon Pipe organ, the third oldest pipe organ in the Philippines, is already fixed and is used during mass for some time now. One more thing, my attention was called by my balikbayan friend to one of the panels of the church, she pointed out an image that came out naturally made of algae, the image of the patron saint of the church. A miracle? Coincidence? Natural phenomenon? Whatever it is, it was surprising I was not able to see it before and it was right there in front of me. Good thing I came back huh? (more about the Baclayon Church? click here...)

Next stop, the man-made forest on route to the famous chocolate hills; this is what I can say, the highlight of our trip. On our way to the site, I have been telling the story on how the hills were formed and how amazing these hills are when you see them in person and up close.

As we passed by the man-made forest, we stopped for a number of pictures. Ester, our balikbayan friend and my mom, Myrna, was overwhelmed on how the trees were formed. Amazed by the beauty of nature, they cannot wait to see the Chocolate hills so we went along our way. Having to sight the very first hill, we all sighed and can only say, “wow”.  I even had goosebumps after seeing it for the second time. It was truly amazing. No postcard or photo can compare to the natural beauty of nature. Once there, my mom bravely climbed the 214 steps. Good thing there are shades where you can stop and have a breather. Once on top, and we have a full view of the Chocolate Hills, there is no time to waste, pictures have to be taken in every angle! For the first time, we do not mind the heat of the sun, all we wanted was to get great shots with the hills. (more about the Chocolate Hills? click here...)

Lunch time is fast approaching, and the best way to relax and enjoy a local cuisine was to take the Loboc River cruise. Yes, this was enjoyed by my balikbayan guest. All she can utter was, “only if my family was here, they will surely enjoy this too”. And promised that on their next trip to the Philippines, Bohol will be revisited again.

As we enjoyed lunch, we were serenaded by the locals with their native songs as we cruise thru the river.

The soft breeze, quiet waters, and serene surroundings were a great way to pause for a moment and be able to take everything in to enjoy. (to read more of the Loboc River Cruise, click here....)

Before heading back to our place and call it a day, our driver suggested for us to visit this one place. The Sipatan Bridge or commonly known as the hanging bridge of Bohol. It is located in the Municipality of Sevilla, Bohol and is seldom included in tours.

The Sipatan Hanging Bridge is actually a 100-meter footbridge made up of flexible and tough bamboo. This footbridge actually serves the locals to cross the river but tourists started to go to this bridge to find a sense of adventure. Being terrified with heights myself, I am very hesitant to cross (my mom didn’t even have the courage to stay at the foot of bridge) but I have to accompany our brave and adventurous guest in crossing the bridge so I have to go as well.

After paying the Php 10.00 entrance fee (Proceeds will go to the development and maintenance of the bridge), all I can say to myself is “do not look down”.  I walk as slow as possible across the bridge, trying to keep steady which is impossible as the footbridge is constantly swaying especially when people are walking pass me! It was even hard to smile for the camera and hold one as well, but I have to do it, for the sake of “documentation”.

By the time I arrived at the end of the footbridge, I had the sigh of relief “I made it”, but then in a split second I realized I have to go through all that one more time to be able to return to the other side.

As I compose myself, and prepare for another walk across that footbridge, I found myself amongst the townsfolk selling souvenirs and a man who can remove the husks of a coconut in just seconds using his teeth! For about php50.00 I think, he will do a show for you.

After a day of sight-seeing and tour of some of the best sights in Bohol, we spend the rest of our vacation soaking in the sun and swimming in the clear waters of the Alona beach.

Until the day of our return to Manila, all I can hear is satisfaction and awe from my mom and our balikbayan guest, this has been a fruitful, educational and relaxing vacation that all of us would cherish forever. Revisiting Bohol is truly a great experience that opened my eyes to a different place and perspective in life. One thing I learned from this trip, it’s not what you do or where you go, what matters is with whom you shared these moments with, that’s a keepsake.