Our Cebu/Bohol Trip
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1 January 1970
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Note: To see the pictures in the original Picasa album, click here
Like I promised, I’m gonna post a summary of our recently concluded Cebu/Bohol trip. We were at Cebu and Bohol from Feb 13th to 16th and technically it’s a valentine vacation for us. We had a 4 days / 3 nights FREE stay at the Crown Regency Hotel, courtesy of Club Ultima.
Day 1
We got to the NAIA 2 hours ahead the flight schedule. We preferred to be there earlier since it’s our first airplane experience, and we don’t want hassles. We are not just excited at all, but also cautious of everything. It’s the day most people fear of, the Friday the 13th (and I’m not a believer). So you know, anything unlikely could happen and we wanna make sure we’re ahead of it and we’re prepared. So we anticipated missing the flight. We stayed at the airport, all checked-in, all was well, except that we were moved to another gate for Cebu Pacific flight. It’s fine since it happens to everyone I know. And then the PA announced the flight will be delayed, and it’s also fine. I guess it’s normal for every flight.
Our chance came, we boarded the plane, took some pictures and short videos of the plane taking off, and before we knew it, we’re approaching the Mactan airport already. It’s only approximately an hour from Manila.
After we got off the plane and have our bags, we took a cab to the Crown Regency Hotel Fuente. It’s located at Cebu City, with full accessibility to any place you wanna go. You know, malls, park, ports, markets, etc…
We arrived at the hotel, and it didn’t take a while before we have ourselves in a very comfortable well ventilated suite with 2 queen-sized bed, personal refrigirator and a machine called television. Our two daughters really loved the new room which they used to call ‘houseroom’ while we’re there. Thanks to Club Ultima for giving us that chance.
We roamed every places at the hotel, had lunch at Mr. Grill, and then we rested to the comfort of our ‘houseroom’. We arranged our things so the room will look like our own room, not-too-clean-not-messy-too and rested for the next day.
Day 2
It’s Valentines day, and according to our itenerary, we’ll be heading to Bohol via Supercat. So we got up early and prepared for our trip. We arrived early at the Cebu port but not early enough for a quite long line of passengers claiming tickets. We had an online reservation so we’re pretty calm that we are guaranteed to have the tickets. Of course we will not because their office said we should have claimed it 24 hours before. Glad I have some hypnotism skills and made the cashier marked 4 seats for us. We arrived at the Tagbilaran port in about 2 hours on the sea. The day wasn’t so bright by the way. Some nimbus clouds drop waters from time to time and covers the sunlight. But they can’t stop us.
To make the most of our 1 day, we rented a car to take us anywhere we want with ease. It’s a nice package since we have a car, a driver, and a tour guide for only Php 1600. Don’t know if there are cheaper rates but this is affordable already.
We headed first to the Blood Compact Shrine, and I met Barack Obama. Of course it’s not the real Barack Obama but I didn’t expect I would see this kind of shirt at a souvenir shop in Bohol.
Next stop is Loboc River Cruise where we spent our lunch on a river (it’s not obvious), on a native floating restaurant, pushed by a motorized boat traveling at a speed of approximately 8 – 10kms/hr. It was a different kind of experience for us and I would recommend everyone to try this as well. Along the river were groups of native performers, doing native dancing to the tune of their native songs. Very entertaining indeed, and I would definitely love to come back to that place. At the end of the Loboc River were little falls where the river begins. So technically, we didn’t reach the end of the river but rather the start and so I don’t know where the other end leads. Maybe to the sea. What do you think?
Next we went to visit some tarsiers, which are so tiny monkeys resting on small branches of small trees. They are not harmful as opposed to what I believed when I was only in grade school. But their eyes were bigger than their bodies. Of course I’m exaggerating. The rain was pouring a little heavier so we did not have much fun with the tarsiers. We left immediately and drove up to Chocolate Hills.
It was a long travel from the Loboc River to Chocolate Hills. We passed along the amazong man-made forest which reminds me of the place we used to stay when we’re shooting Twilight. The trees were high and straight up. The road is narrow and winding. Drops of rain continues, making the leaves even greener and the place a little more perfect for hunting warrior spiders. 
So we reached the Chocolate Hills Complex and we have to climb up 214 steps. Who’s not gonna make it if it’s the first time? Of course, I carried Ley on my arms and take her to the top of the complex so her young eyes could witness the nice view of the hills. But it’s foggy so haven’t got the nicest view. Sam walks along with her Mom to the top, and showed no tireness. After taking some pictures, we went down and hop on each souvenir stores to find what we can find.
Since the little wet weather, we planned to drive back to the port, having a short stop at the Baclayon Church. But along the way, our tour guide suggested us to visit the Bohol Python named Prony, the largest snake in captivity. It measures 23 ft in length and 300 kgs. Photos on the site shows Prony wating live pigs. Mom-in-law posed beside Prony and had a photo souvenir. I did not want to have mine since the snake is not too pleasant-looking.
After it, we headed to the Baclayon Church, and along the way bought some Ube Jam that tastes like natural ice cream. At Baclayon Church, we went straight inside and say thanks to that 1 day of happiness granted to us. Inside the church were images of saints that are arranged squarely on the front wall. It’s a rather amazing architecture to witness personally since it shows how good men preserve the history. Baclayon is considered one of the oldest churches in the Philippines and the most preserved Jesuit build church.
Then head back to the port, rode Super Cat back to Cebu, took a cab to the Hotel, and rested overnight.
Day 3
It’s all Cebu. We prepared early again for our Cebu exporation. We know we don’t have all the time we need, and we just planned to visit whatever we can.
First stop is the Sto. Niño church, which is only few blocks away from our hotel. We attended the mass and enjoyed some time there. Our little girls had fun throwing coins on the wishing wells.
After the mass, we visited Magellan’s Cross, which is only few steps beside the church. I was amazed to see that it’s indeed a small place as opposed to what my knowledge tells. On my textbooks during grade school, I always imagine it’s a huge palace roof. But it did not disappoint me. It’s a great experience being there and to tell you, I love Magellan.
Next destination is the Plantation Bay in Mactan Cebu. It’s approximately 45 mins drive from Cebu City. We enjoyed buffet lunch at the Kilimanjaro Kafe and spent most of our day walking around the vicinity. It would be much fun if we can swim at the pools that are perfectly engineered. After that, we drive back to Cebu and bought Danggit and Lechon as take home. We then spent the rest of the day at the Crown Regency’s swimming pool.
Day 4
It’s time to go home. We have most prepared everything the night before. All things are packed in our bags, but those that needs to be kept in the fridge. But a circumstance occur that delayed us to the airport. We arrived 25 mins before the flight, but no matter what excuse we suggest, Cebu Pacific won’t let us get the flight. So we had to avail another tickets and won’t get refunds. It was 10:30 AM and the next earliest affordable flight was 5:30PM. We took Philippine Airlines back to Manila, and it’s the delay happened for a reason so we can experience a much comfortable Philippine Airlines Airbus. Everything inside the PAL, is much much better than Cebu Pacific. I swear.
So there’s our Cebu and Bohol experience. Thanks for your interest reading it. Photos of our trip will come after. I promise…
I thoroughly enjoyed our trip to Bohol last year. Hindi kami nagpunta ng Cebu! Next time na lang…
been in Bohol just few weeks ago i enjoyed the tour with the assistance of the driver/guide just contact him 09054035093
thanks hanmil! will try your contact next time when we visit Bohol again.
Do you have a Facebook page I can like?