This is the last part of Thomas' trip to Bohol, Philippines..
Bohol, calm, rustic and the “tuk tuks” look like cardboard boxes on wheels. I am headed to Panglao island , that’s where you want to go for the beaches, the laid back life and great local food. From the ferry point , its about 30 mins drive to Panglao island and your point of reference is Alona Beach. It’s the happening place, clubs, hotels, resorts, beautiful each. Its not the longest stretch of beach , in fact, after Alona, the rest of the beaches on Panglao are in coves or short stretches but they are pristine, clean, quiet and there’s always a small resort or hotel to entice you to stay a little longer .
Well ,lets not forget Bohol, the main island because that’s where you go to see the Chocolate Hills. Its like those little Hersheys conical chocolates but way larger, just imagine over 1,700 of them stretched before your eyes. Take the LoBoc river cruise, where you will see performances of the villages staged on floating pontoons along the rive banks. Yeah, its commercial , touristy but its nice to see the villagers vibrancy, their warm welcoming looks, their colorful attire.
Then there’s the Phillipine Tarsiers, no bigger than our palms, yet when they are awake (at night) you’ll be lucky to see them due to “ grease lightning” speed. So, you will see them in the Tarsier sanctuaries in the afternoon, where they will be slumbering, till some tourist wakes one up with a loud voice , hoping to catch them moving. Well they do but due to their speed , where are they huh ????? Oh, these little fellas can rotate their heads 180 degrees and if you think you can bring one home as a pet, they are known to commit “hara kiri” if they are moved from their normal habitat.
If you have the chance drop in to listen the Loboc Childrens choir, world famous but sadly not so well known in these parts. They performed for me in the Loboc church, ( their HQ) it brought tears to my eyes to see poor village children clad in slippers and t shirts sing with a resonance that reminds you of some of the best boy choirs from Europe. They were preparing to compete in a choir competition in Spain. I hope they win, for all their efforts including walking one hour to get home after their daily rehearsals in the church.
Finally, don’t forget the Baclayon church, one of the oldest stone churches in the Phillipines. You can also see all manner of ceremonial robes and paraphernalia used in the church from the 18th century.
Then its back to the ferry for my return to Cebu and flight home.
Did I tell you that the Bohol and Panglao smiles and warmth were even more engaging !!
No comments:
Post a Comment