BOHOL Summer Escapade (1): Countryside Tour

BOHOL Summer Escapade (1): Countryside Tour (April 9, 2010)

The rays of the early-morning sunshine greeted us warmly as we hurriedly made our way to the Ocean Jet terminal. Imagine five very stressed-out girls, reeling from lack of sleep, work-related stress, and life in general – heaving their I must say very heavy (and big) maletas as if they were going on a week-long trip to a secluded island. No, it’s only for a weekend, and it’s only in Bohol. But even if it's only for a weekend (thank God for long weekends), I think we all needed this "escape." After months of itinerary-planning, bickering, convincing (it took a considerable amount of effort a.k.a. bullying to make sure we were complete for this trip) and a seemingly endless stream of e-mails, FINALLY, I can say that summer has arrived. And what better way to kick it off than a long weekend of sun, sand, sea, and a few surprises in between?

I’ve ferried myself to and from Bohol countless times, but the scene that greets everyone as the ferry docks in the Tagbilaran port never fails to amaze me. The sun greets you with its warmth, and you’re surrounded with all shades of blue – from the clear sky to the even clearer sea. The water looks so clean and inviting that a first-timer would probably be tempted to jump. From the port we went to the nearest Jollibee to eat our breakfast and stuff ourselves with enough energy for the long and exciting day ahead.

B O H O L  C O U N T R Y S I D E  T O U R

The great thing about Bohol is that it’s relatively small, so the tourist attractions are very easy to go to. Most of the attractions are also just along the main highway on the way to Carmen, so we were able to complete the entire countryside tour in just one morning.

The first attraction we visited was the Sandugo Blood Compact Shrine, which is still located in Tagbilaran City. Many people don't know that Bohol played a key role in Philippine history. This is where the first friendship treaty between the Spaniards and the Filipinos was sealed all those centuries ago. This was the blood compact between Datu Sikatuna and Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, which happened on March 16, 1565. The monument depicts this very important scene, and it got its name because the word "sandugo" means one blood. The shrine was located just by the road, but it was overlooking a splendid view of the sea.

Baclayon Church

We continued driving along the highway and visited the Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Baclayon. More commonly known as the Baclayon Church, this church is one of the oldest in the Philippines. The current building is said to have been completed way back in 1727. We also got the opportunity to visit their museum, which they placed in an old convent beside the church. We weren't able to take pictures of the relics inside, but there were a lot of ancient artifacts.

The Philippine tarsier

From Baclayon we made our way to the Tarsier Sanctuary in Loboc. Bohol is famous for several things, but next to the Chocolate Hills, the tarsier is perhaps its most identifiable icon.

No bigger than an adult's hand

The Philippine tarsier is one of the smallest primates known to man. Their very small size, which is most of the time no bigger than an adult hand, makes them so precious to behold. Their small size also makes their eyes huge in comparison, and when they stare back at you it seems as if they're perpetually awake and surprised.

Sevilla Hanging Bridge

We passed by the Loboc River as well, but we wanted to save the Loboc River Tour for the evening. We decided to go to Sevilla instead, where the hanging bridge is located. I've been to Bohol several times but this is my first time in the hanging bridge. It's a bit of a detour from the main road, but I wanted to go someplace different which is why I insisted that we include this in our itinerary. The hanging bridge is basically made of bamboo and rope, and beneath it is the Sipatan River. It's not only a tourist attraction, because the locals actually use it in their day to day living as well. Although it looks a bit scary at first, the bamboo was quite strong and we made it to the other side alive. On our way back we weren't as scared, even if the bridge was quite wobbly.

Bilar man-made forest

After Sevilla, we went back to the main highway going to Carmen, where the Chocolate Hills is located. Along the way we passed by the town of Bilar. In the town of Bilar is a man-made rainforest, which is about 2 km long. Everyone passing by this road will go through the forest, and you'll know that you're in the forest because it suddenly becomes darker and cooler. This is due to the tall mahogany trees that were planted many years ago.

Finally, after a few more minutes of driving, we were in Carmen. Carmen is home to the world-famous Chocolate Hills. You haven't been to Bohol if you haven't seen the Chocolate Hills, and it's the one item that's always present in any Bohol countryside tour. Once we reached the Chocolate Hills viewing center in Carmen, we had to climb hundreds of steps to reach the top. We were on one of the hills, and we had to go to the top for the best vantage point. From up there we saw the famous hills, and there were probably more than a thousand hills in the area, all of different sizes but of the same dome-like shape.

Chocolate Hills

G U N S  A N D  M I L I T A R Y  T A N K S

After our little countryside tour, we proceeded to the army camp, which is still located in Carmen. I cleared up the afternoon for an exclusive target-shooting session. The funny thing is, this is actually my first real target-shooting experience. When my siblings did it in the past, I was either asleep or I didn’t want to go. I didn’t realize how fun it was until I actually tried it.

Target shooting

We started off with a cardboard target and three bullets. It was a little intimidating to hold a real gun with real bullets at first, but you get the hang of it eventually. Plus, you’re trained by actual military officers, so it’s all good. The next level, which is a lot harder, is having to hit 9 bottles with 10 bullets. The key is patience and precision. And steady hands. After the target shooting we rode in an actual military tank. Guns and tanks are not new to me, but it was quite a novel experience for my Manila friends.

As the afternoon progressed, we had to make a lot of adjustments in the original itinerary, due to unforseen and annoying circumstances like a delayed flight and RAIN pouring in the middle of what was originally a very hot summer day. We were no longer able to go to E.A.T. Danao and decided to push it to a later day. 

T H E  M U S I C  O F  L O B O C

The Loboc River is known to many, but the night cruise is one of its latest attractions. If in the day cruise you’re greeted with a beautiful green scenery and authentic provincial life (i.e. kids swimming and playing by the river), the night cruise is a different experience altogether.

The Loboc River night cruise

The cool breeze brushes your face as you cruise through the 2.85-km stretch of the well-known river. The entire stretch is lighted magnificently, so you can see the trees and their reflections on the water. The cruise also comes with a serenade (on guitar), so you just feel tranquility, peace, and heck, even romance. It’s a welcome change from the humdrum of everyday life.

At the end of the river, before turning back, a group of very festive locals greeted us with a song and dance presentation, with the help of their rondalla instruments. This was our last stop before turning back. We temporarily got stranded at the end of the river, so we were the last ones there. 

Rondalla performance

When we finally disembarked, we proceeded to the concert hall. This was the best way to end the night, as the acclaimed Loboc Youth Ambassador Band inspired us with their artistry and music. The band was basically group of kids with ages ranging from around Grade 3 to 4th Year High School. Each kid had an instrument (trumpet, trombone, saxophone, French horn, flute) and they all played their hearts out. We found out at the beginning of the concert that this is actually a poverty-alleviation project where interested kids are taught music (and given instruments) for free, and through their music these scholars can support themselves all throughout their college education. This by itself is a noble feat, but what’s even more inspiring is how good these kids actually are. The concert is something you wouldn’t expect to see in the middle of a place like Bohol, which makes it all the more heartwarming.

So our first day in Bohol has official ended, and at around midnight seven very tired but fulfilled girls made their way to Panglao, ready for an early-morning search for dolphins. We all slept soundly, knowing that no matter how little sleep we get, the crystalline blue waters and beaches of Bohol will be welcoming us with open arms when the sun rises.