Legend of the Chocolate Hills

Ever wonder how the Chocolate Hills of Carmen, Bohol came to be? Let's skip the science behind it and just go back to the distant past when fairies, ogres and giants used to roam around with mortal beings.

The legend revolves around the ill-fated love story of Arugo, the gentle giant and Aluya, the beautiful mortal. 

It was love at first sight for the gentle, mild-mannered & very shy giant.

Arugo was so smitten with the charms of Aluya that he couldn't take his mind off her which led him to stalk, observe and admire her from a distance. 

Later on, he made his presence felt by offering her the bounty of food such as root crops, fruits and vegetables to show his affection and admiration for her. 

Finally, he mustered enough courage to talk to her and reveal his feelings for her.

Alas, Aluya despite having some feelings for him, hesitated and ultimately, didn't accept his proposal and she ran away from him and never to be seen again. 

The rejection was devastating for Arugo. He was so heartbroken and inconsolable that he couldn't help but cry and cry for days and nights while he searched near & far for his one true love. 

Finally, the gods and deities took pity on him so they cast a spell and the tears that fell on the flatlands soon turned into mounds and became what is now known as the Chocolate Hills.

ACCREDITED BES.PH SUPPLIERS 

Photo & Video: 

ERIC CELLAN PHOTOGRAPHY

Direction & Narration: 

DEO GUDEN of 

Dr. Events & Crown Jewel

Script & Host/Narrator: 

RAUL GATAL

Costume Design & Wardrobe:

KIM VILLAMOR

RYAN SADUDAQUIL

Coordination: 

RANY JUN "MAMITA"

YOLA BON FUENTES

DONA BUSLON

Dona Buslon Production

Dona Buslon Production Weddings & Events Coordination Team

Set Designer/ Florist:

Jrex Styling by DR. EVENTS of

DEO GUDEN & JOHNREX POJAS

Airbrush Make Up:

YAN TIEMPO

Hairstylist:

JAMIE AUGUIS BEAUTIFYING INDUSTRY 

Prenup Stylist:

CONCEPT & STYLE BY ROM'S NET | ROMUEL POCOT 

Model & Talent Agency: 

RMAB of Reygel Balboa Dulfo & Gerry Lugod

KRYSTL BALL  as "ALUYA"

CARL DAVE Sumampong as "ARUGU"

Set Musical Performer:

JAM 403

Location:

ACASIA  GLAMPING, Carmen, Bohol

BES. PH & Tourism Frontliners Get Jabbed Against COVID 19

As Bohol stirs back to life and welcomes back visitors and tourists, tourism & event frontliners also face the risk of infection from covid19 because of frequent face- to- face interaction with clients.

BES.PH members
Layout by Michael Yu

The Bohol Event Suppliers - PH (BES-PH), Bohol's biggest group of event professionals & composed of planners, coordinators, florists, hair & make-up artists, program hosts & event emcees, designers, boutique owners, music & dance entertainers, light & sound providers, meal caterers, modeling agents & handlers,  photographers & videographers, is grateful for the vaccination opportunity. 

Alexis Cadelina oversees the Bool Elem School vaccination 

Thank you to the Department of Tourism, the Bohol Tourism Office, Bohol Gov. Art Yap, Tagbilaran City Mayor Baba Yap, Tagbilaran City First Lady Jane Yap, the resorts and hotels sector for accommodating the group in the ongoing covid19 vaccination rollouts in Tagbilaran City and Panglao. 

Your Roving Eye was one of those who were listed for the vaccination schedule last Tuesday, June 20 at Bool Elementary School.

From registration to pre- counseling, to the vaccine jab itself and the post- vaccination, it was fast- paced and well- organized. 

Kudos to BES-PH Pres. Chan Schreurs Wallace for the coordination and to the staff who manned the vaccination rollout. 

Staying at the Best Western Plus The Ivywall Resort in Panglao

It was a most enjoyable weekend indeed with your Roving Eye at Best Western Plus The Ivywall Resort. 

With its sleek and modern design, the luxury vacation place reigns supreme at the Alona Beach in Panglao. Bohol’s first international chain resort has 80 swanky rooms equipped with modern amenities and each with its own balcony.

It was quiet and devoid of the usual holiday makers and travelers when I checked in one serene Friday morning. 

It was understandable considering that the resort had just reopened to the public after almost a year of self- imposed lockdown

From the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic and up to the present, the resort has  expanded and enhanced their cleaning protocol with the launch of the new WE CARE CLEAN program. 

Based on the guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the program addresses everything from guest room and common area cleanliness, to streamlined processes that minimize contact between guests and associates while maintaining the customer service expected from a Best Western-branded hotel.

There is the mandatory temperature- taking, social distancing, contact tracing forms and use of hand sanitizers before proceeding with the check in.

Presently, the resort is open on weekends but will gradually reopen to the required occupancy level. 

Guests can relax by the pool, on the beach or in the seaside garden. There’s a children’s playground, fitness center and a bar. 

As the sun sets, hie off to the scenic Teraza Rooftop Deck for a truly unforgettable cocktail experience then dine in style at the hotel’s Alon Restaurant.

Breakfast at the hotel was a delight since I had an unobstructed view of the pristine waters of Alona Beach. 

Afterwards, I took a refreshing dip at the pool all by myself. Would I be returning soon? Of course, the hotel is a paradise especially for those who are planning a stay cation and work at home mode. 

There is a fast Wi-Fi connectivity and the business office is so accommodating. All these while having unlimited access to coffee and pastries. 

It was such a whirlwind stay that I was dillydallying when it was time to check out. 

Halamanan Residences: The Perfect Getaway

Halamanan Residences in Tawala, Panglao fulfils your dream of privacy and exclusivity in one of seven private garden villas.  Each villa offers a fully equipped kitchen, indoor dining area,   your own al fresco dining area set in a private garden and your choice of a private or semi- private pool.  Perfect for honeymooners! 

Villa rental rate includes taxes, electricity & water fees, fast internet connection, linen, towels and cleaning service.  

Guests undergo mandatory safety protocols before check- in. 

For bookings and inquiries, here's the link: Halamanan Residences

Malinawon Resort in Panglao, Bohol

Malinawon Resort located in Danao, Panglao is named after a Bisaya word that literally means peaceful, serene and quiet. And true enough, if you’re the type who goes for solitude and serenity, this is the perfect place to be.  

The newly- reopened resort has 24 elegant resort suite rooms equipped with modern furnishings and fitted with cable TV, WIFI access and flat screen TVs. Each of the rooms has a scenic balcony that leads directly to the pool fringed with tall, gently swaying coconut palm trees.

Indeed, Malinawon Resort is a practical home away from home with the most basic amenities for a comfortable and worry- free break.

Mandatory safety protocols are in place and the resort has a No Mask No Entry policy in place.

 

For bookings & inquiries, here’s the link: Malinawon

Bonding & Biking in Breathtaking Bohol

With lockdown restrictions already easing up, Bohol residents have started looking for fun & leisurely activities to indulge in. Whether an entirely new hobby or picking up where they left off, residents have started going out in droves after staying indoor for almost five months.

With Bohol under Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) non- contact sports & fun activities such as swimming, biking, tennis and scuba diving are allowed already.

 Mandatory safety protocols are observed to allow for an exhilarating yet safe activity. 

Cong. Aris Aumentado with wife Vanessa & son Lawrence

Let’s start first with biking, one of Bohol’s most popular leisure activities because of the island’s paved smooth roads. It allows for a healthy cardiovascular workout, bond with family and friends and enjoy the scenic postcard- pretty Bohol landscape.  Even before the COVID 19 pandemic, biking has already been attracting hordes of biking enthusiasts and biking groups have even been formed to regulate and monitor their activities.

Ms. Vanessa Aumentado, wife of Cong. Aris Aumentado, shares some practical tips to fully enjoy the activity.

WHAT TO WEAR Helmet, gloves, bright- coloured cycling jersey & shorts with padding, comfortable rubber shoes and shades.    

BEST TIME FOR ACTIVITY Early in the morning between 5 am and 7 am or late in the afternoon 4 pm to 7 pm. 

MOST POPULAR ROUTES From the capital city of Tagbilaran to Panglao (20 kilometer distance) , Tagbilaran City to Corella and Sikatuna (10 kms. & 17 kms from the city, respectively)  Panglao to the interior towns of Loboc, Bilar & Carmen (20 km, 40 km & 60 km, respectively or Panglao to Jagna (66 km) in eastern Bohol. 

Vanessa advises beginners and first- time visitors to take it easy with an hour- long ride that would take you to the countryside and get glimpses not only of breathtaking natural wonders but also of the island’s daily life.

Iconic Panglao Watchtower

FAB FOUR. Judith, Vanessa, Lirio & Evelyn

For those who traverse from Panglao, bikers may choose to go to eastern coastal Bohol or tour the interior part. It’s both a lesson in history and a pleasant travel experience as you pass by towns with their age- old stone churches, busy markets and modern town halls. In between, there are unobstructed views of the coast that overlooks the Mindanao Sea. You may do quick stop overs for refreshments, some chitchat and selfies at IG- worthy sites.   

Quick stop to enjoy the scenery at eastern Bohol 

Want a feel of Bohol’s interior towns? Then proceed to Loboc (20 km distance) via Corella (home of the Tarsier Sanctuary) and Sikatuna. From Loboc where you get glimpses of its famed floating restaurants, you may proceed to Bilar where you pass through the enchanting Bilar Man- Made Forest and see the iconic Chocolate Hills in Carmen (60 kms) 

At the peak of Mt. Banat-i, Tagbilaran City's highest peak

So how about you guys? Are you ready for the ride of your life?

A pose at the impressive facade of Moadto Strip Mall, Panglao 

Photo credits: Ms. Vanessa Aumentado

Welcome to Modala Beach Resort in Panglao, Bohol

The September 18 soft opening of Modala Beach Resort in Doljo, Panglao gave Bohol’s tourism industry something to cheer and smile about. The opening of its doors to locals augurs well for a brighter and sunny year-ender in the midst of the uncertain times brought about by the COVID 19 pandemic.

Resort GM Rommel Gonzales welcomed everyone to the activity and introduced the department heads who were responsible for the smooth day- to- day operations of the latest tourism jewel in Panglao.    

TOURISM JEWEL Modala Beach Resort is a posh architectural wonder that boasts of the longest stretch of white sand shoreline in Panglao island.

The modern luxury resort has 126 stylish beach rooms each with a private balcony that overlooks the ocean. Gently swaying palm trees give the resort its tropical vibe.  

SAFETY PROTOCCOLS Mandatory temperature- taking, use of disinfectants & hand sanitizers and social distancing measures are strictly implemented. QR-code enabled scanning ensures quicker check in and also used for contact tracing. Safety kits that include isopropyl alcohol, sanitary spray & mask envelopes are part of the rooms’ essential items.

THINGS TO DO Lounge or take a dip in the infinity pool while enjoying a cocktail or two from the bar. Rejuvenate and recharge at Hayahay Spa and savour the goodness of international and Asian cuisines at Mangaon Ta Restaurant & Bar. The resort has numerous activities to enjoy – take a dip and discover the beauty and wonder of the sea, kayak your way around the waters, try the paddle board, play Frisbee or beach volleyball with your family and friends or just soak in the sun. 

Alongside Modala is Moadto Strip Mall, the first-ever beachfront shopping, retail and dining attraction in Bohol where guests can access a variety of activities that they may take pleasure in during their stay. 

Choose from a variety of F & B establishments such as The Buzz and Imperial Garden Restaurant and try their different cuisines, stroll or shop for souvenirs. 

Congratulations Modala Beach Resort on your soft opening! Cheers!