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

A Memorable Cocolate Hills Wedding Prenuptial Photo & Video Shoot

Welcome to Carmen, Bohol, home of the world-famous Chocolate Hills! 

With more than a thousand hills spread over an area of more than 50 square kilometers, these hills that resemble chocolates especially during summer when the green grass turns brown make for one breathtaking and awe-inspiring appreciation of God's truly amazing wonders. 

Pia Wurtzbach 

Surprisingly, despite its beauty, potential and fame, the Chocolate Hills haven't been on top of the mind when it comes to choice of locations for destination weddings' prenup photo & video sessions. 

Your Blogger with Ara Arida

Just imagine capturing the engaged couple's most romantic moments with the Chocolate Hills as the perfect backdrop, the blue azure skies as the canopy & the gentle breeze providing the petfect rustic ambience! 

So what would convince potential clients, tour operators & wedding planners to make a go for the Chocolate Hills as one of the best choices for prenup sessions? 

THE CHALLENGE The BES. Ph team assigned with the Chocolate Hills challenge faced the daunting task of organizing an outdoors- themed prenup photo & video session that would have the Legend of the Chocolate Hills as inspiration for the prenup mood board. 

BES.Ph members brainstorm 

CREATIVE COLLABORATION A lot of research went to the design of the wardrobe and the use of accessories. With the local Bohol folklore as focal point for the story board will give it a unique romantic flair that is distinctly Boholano. In addition, the team sourced out materials and aesthetics that are reflective and identified with the colors, sounds, flavors, textures & artistic flair uniquely Boholano.

Photo by Lito Sy

PRENUP STORY BOARD The proposed mood board for the prenup session was based on the legend and presented in five sequences.

Just like the other famous ill-fated lovers in history such as Romeo & Juliet, Jack & Rose of Titanic and Samson & Delilah, Arugo and Aluya didn't end up in each other's arms thus a twist has been added to the ending. 

THE TWIST 

Because love transcends time & place, the creative team gave Arugo and Aluya the elusive happy ending to their tragic love story thus a prenup session that is romantic and inspiring for all engaged couples.

The Carmen photo & video shoot was one of four Bohol locations that were included in a Department of Tourism campaign that would help promote the beautiful island paradise as a destination wedding location.

A core team of the country's leading wedding & event planners led by Themes & Motifs, the Philippines' most trusted event professionals were on hand to provide feedback and conducted a capacity- building workshop for BES.Ph, Bohol's biggest aggrupation of event planners & suppliers.

Special thanks to the Bohol Federation of Travel and Tour Operators (BOFETTO) for lending their expertise and for facilitating the visit of the group.

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

Pure Shores Villa: Bohol's Best Luxury Getaway

“There is nothing like it in Bohol yet” gushed my divine jetsetting pal Celevel when asked to give one good reason why it would be worth the trip. Celevel was excited to give us a quick tour around the place which she says is perfect for intimate holiday experience or if you are looking for an exclusive venue for a special celebration.

 Selfie with Celevel & EJ

Anda, Bohol

It took forever to fix our schedules but trust Celevel to pull off what seemed to be impossible. Except for Michael Yu & Joseph Dumadag who couldn’t postpone a client meeting in Cebu, top Boholano designer EJ Relampagos & Your Blogger headed off to Celevel’s beach house in Jagna.

EJ & Celevel with the majestic queen of Pure Shores 

From Jagna where we picked up Celevel at her lovely abode, we took a leisurely 30- minute drive before we finally reached Pure Shores Villa, a private luxury villa in eastern Bohol. Although it is located along the highway of Anda Peninsula, it is officially nestled in Sitio De La Paz in Barangay Basdio, Guindulman, Bohol.

We instantly felt at home the minute the villa’s resident manager & staff welcomed us with the brightest & most cheerful smiles and proffered us glasses of ice- cold buko juice (your choice of aqua or pink!)

  Welcome Relief: Refreshing thirst- quenchers

Holding court in the 4,500 square meter property is a four- bedroom villa that showcases contemporary Asian architecture and modern amenities. Like the lady of the manor, the luxury villa looks effortlessly elegant and stylish and seems to be gazing proudly at the spacious grounds and at the magnificent panoramic view of Guindulman Bay.

With a total of five well- appointed bedrooms (bedroom # 5 is located under the pool cabana) and a fully- equipped & well- stocked kitchen, the fully- staffed Pure Shores Villa can accommodate 10 adults and four to six children.  

The uniqueness and exclusivity of the place plus the spacious grounds make it perfect to let down one’s hair with all the unrestrained freedom, privacy & space without losing the intimacy and the ambience for the occasion. 

A few leisurely paces from the villa is the inviting infinity pool and jacuzzi that seemed to have been carved out from the scenic promontory that overlooks the marine sanctuary. To the left is the pool cabana which is perfect for sipping your favorite drinks, enjoying a massage, getting a manicure or catching the spectacular sunsets.

To the right of the pool is the dining cabana which can also be utilized for a special event. As we enjoyed a hearty lunch by the cabana, visions of unique and memorable events and occasions were already swirling in my very fertile mind. 

 Easy breezy feel at the pool cabana

From engagement parties to exclusive weddings, from chi chi events and to intimate celebrations, Pure Shores is the place to be where the verdant & lush surroundings, turquoise waters and azure skies heighten & amplify your sensory experiences.  Truly where heaven and earth meet in Bohol! Just the perfect place especially for your all'aperto parties or gatherings

cheerful staff obliges Your Roving Eye with a photo

 Visit Lazada  HERE for the Best Deals

As dusk began to settle, the whole place acquired a more romantic feel and the jovial mood became more contemplative as everybody became lost in their own thoughts.

 this nighttime scene at the pool is surreal

We almost gave in to the irresistible offer to stay overnight but work deadlines and scheduled appointments got in the way. It was one brief yet blissful experience that I really loved and I look forward to going back for a longer stay.

Here's a great aerial video of Pure Shores

For inquiries or bookings, visit the place at any of the following links:

pureshoresvilla.com

airbnb for pureshores

pureshoresvilla fb page

Fab & Fantastic Bohol Wedding Photos by Nog Bernido

Here’s a sneak peek at the breathtaking forest wedding of Joan Christine and Frederic Soupart as captured by the lenses of top Bohol- based photographer Nog Bernido (www.nogbernido.com).

Event styling & Floral arrangements :Blue Grass Project  by Michael Yu & Joseph Ven Dumadag

Wedding Coordinator: Silverbleu Weddings & Things Marigold Zaldivar Fuego

Hair & Make Up: Jhan Jhan del Valle

Wedding Gown: Karen Ferrer  

Chad Estillore & Yvonne Geolagon Wedding

Chad Estillore & Yvonne Geolagon reaffirmed the lifetime vows they made three years ago and this time, they exchanged their "I Do's"  at the St. Augustine Parish Church in Panglao, Bohol, December 28, 2014

What made their wedding extra special was the presence of relatives & friends who jetted in from abroad and from all over the country.

WHERE THEY FIRST MET

They first met at a christening 10 years ago where both were baptismal sponsors. One thing led to another and the rest, as they say, is shared history that is retold to loved ones and friends.

with godchild Cielo who made it happen

FABULOUS RECEPTION

The newlyweds received their guests and entourage at the fabulous Verdant Pavilion in PINR where a grand celebration awaited everyone.

Your Blogger and MOR 97.1 Lupig Sila for Life’s DJ Jacky Gonzales co- emceed the reception

L-R: Maridal Hontanosas, Paul Ampoloquio, Your Blogger & Janey Ampoloquio 

Silverbleu Weddings & Things coordinated the event while Blue Grass Project did the event styling. 

Budz & Bagz created the ensemble of the entourage