Rediscovering Bohol

I just rediscovered my home province Bohol through the eyes of two first- time visitors from the United States. Indeed, we are so blessed with our beautiful island paradise that has so much to offer.

Thanks Maria Esmee and her American husband Danny for pointing them out for me.

Playing tour guide, photographer, driver and interpreter all rolled into one was a role that I played to the hilt for you see, Esmee was no ordinary guest. She was a good friend from way way back when we were medical representatives based in Dumaguete City.

Imagine that the last time we saw each other was back in 1996 or a good 20 years!

Here are some of the highlights of our one- day tour in Bohol.

Our first stop was at the old Baclayon Church in Baclayon some nine kilometers from Tagbilaran City

Next stop was at the enchanting Bilar Man-Made Forest in Bilar

 Bilar Man- Made Forest in central Bohol

From Bilar, we were off to see the iconic Chocolate Hills in Carmen. 

Then a pit stop at the Tarsier Sanctuary right inside Bilar man- Made Forest

Then a blast from the past as we stepped inside the ancestral house of a famous and prominent Boholano clan

Then a must- have photo at the Bool Blood Compact Site

Finally, lunch at Amorita Resort overlooking the spectacular Alona Beach in Panglao, Bohol.

I must confess that I got a little melancholic as bid adieu to my friends Esmee and Danny but I take comfort in the realization that hey after 20 long years, the friendship is still there!

And by the way, if you want to tour Bohol at your own pace and in the most comfortable and most affordable self- drive vehicles, then choose Bohol FBC Car Rental

When the Boholano Blogger Finally Met the 2013 Miss Universe 3rd Runner Up!

When Your Blogger first caught sight of Ariella Ara Arida during the early days leading to the 2013 Bb Pilipinas Gold Edition, it was a journey like no other. While other pageant websites, experts, fans and bloggers rarely had her as a favorite or a frontrunner, Your Blogger thought otherwise.

 2015 Miss Panglao Pageant Chairman of the Board of Judges

There was that something about Ara that I knew would get her the nod of the esteemed panel of judges and get into the good graces of Madame SMA or Stella Marquez Araneta, founder of the country’s longest- running and most prestigious beauty competition

 

 Encounter of a Lifetime, August 24, 2015, Alona Beach

Was it Ara’s smoky eyes and piercing stare? Or was it perhaps the bewitching and beguiling charm of the Laguna lass that made the difference?

A day or so before the Gold Edition winners were to be crowned, Your Blogger came up with his list of probable winners and had Ara rounding out his choices as His Sentimental Favorite.

The rest is history as they say and Ara went on to represent the Philippines in the 2013 Miss Universe Pageant in Moscow, Russia where she became the first & only Filipina to have topped both the swimsuit competition & the worldwide online fan voting.

 Ara Arida is 2013 Miss Universe 3rd Runner Up

Anyway, who would have known that Your Blogger would finally get the chance to meet her up close and personal? The 2015 Miss Panglao Pageant made it all happen. Not for a few minutes nor for an hour but for three unforgettable days in Alona Beach, Panglao, Bohol. 

Let the photos speak for the surreal experience

 with Ara Arida during Chocolate Hills Tour 

goofing with Bessie Besana, Atty Dannt Gapasin Jr & Ara
Bilar Man- Made Forest, Bilar, Bohol  

 enjoying the Loboc River Cruise 

 before boarding time 

  before the Judges' Briefing
Baybayon Restaurant, Alona Tropical Beach Resort
Photo Credits: DJ Arro

Fabulous Fairtytale Forest Wedding in Bohol: Part Two

Here's Part Two of the magical & memorable wedding that took place in the middle of  the enchanting Bilar Man- Made Forest in Bilar, Bohol. 

Except for a few captions, Your Blogger will let the photos speak for themselves.

Congratulations & best wishes to Joan Christine and Frederic Soupart whose dream wedding turned into a reality.

 LOVELY LOVEBIRDS

OF COLOR, CANAPES & CHILLERS

Here's the link to  Fab Fairytale Wedding: Part One

Kudos also to Bohol’s competent & efficient wedding suppliers who rose to the occasion. From Michael Yu & Joseph Ven Dumadag’s Blue Grass Project for the venue & event styling to Silverbleu Weddings & Things for the coordination.

Providing the mellifluous & heavenly musical accompaniment were some of the former members of the Loboc Children’s Choir who have banded together to form the Loboc Youth Choir

Photo Credits: Michael Yu