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

Meet the Mister & Miss BISU 2016 Big Winners

 Mister BISU 2016 with BISU Candijay Campus Director

Dr. Daisy Dellesa & his coach

Candijay’s Ace Brian Cecilio lived up to the promise of his name when he pipped Tagbilaran City’s Erwin John Mila for the title of Mister BISU 2016 Bohol Provincial Search and earned the right to represent Bohol in the PASUC (Philippine Association of State Colleges & Universities) and SCUAA (State Colleges & Universities Athletic Association). 

It was a thrilling down- the –wire finish for the gentlemen as Candijay and Tagbilaran City tied twice; in the resort wear segment and the final reckoning. Balilihan’s bet Lord Ribay, the pre- pageant favorite, finished in third place.

Prior to bagging the title, Ace was also declared Best in Interview and Best in Swimwear and placed a close second to Erwin John for the Best in Formal Wear title.

 The First Runners Up

Named Mr. Photogenic was Mr. Tagbilaran, Best in Production Number was Mr. Clarin and Mr. Congeniality was Mr. Calape.  

 With Balilihan Campus Director Prof. Virgilia Tejada & coach Cathy Napinas

 Both the male & female bets of
Balilihan  clinch 2nd RU honors

For the Miss BISU 2016 title, Tagbilaran City’s Alana Marymane Ligue was in a league of her own and outclassed the competition when she swept the production number, swimwear, evening gown and two rounds of interviews. 

 Miss BISU 2016  with school directors,coaches and outgoing Miss BISU 2016

She also clinched the Miss Photogenic title awarded by TJ Medrana of TJMedrana Photography. Named 1^st RU with a consistent and stellar performance was Miss Bilar Sherlyn Lopez. Second RU and Miss Congeniality was Balilihan’s Flora Mae Balicog

Six pairs representing the six campuses of the Bohol Island State University system competed in the Mister & Miss BISU 2016 Search, considered as the glamorous highlight of the four- day athletic meet that wraps up today in Bilar Campus, the host venue