ThOuGhTs, iDeAs, oPiNiOnS, cHaTtEr

Bohol: Revisited

It is exactly two years ago today when I first step foot in Bohol. Luckily, I was one of those who will attend the seminar to be held at the Bohol Beach Club.

June 20, 2003, Friday. We left in two batches. I was among the first batch to leave Manila for Bohol. We arrived before lunch. While waiting for the others to arrive, we checked out the resort's facilities.

Bohol Beach Club. (20Jun2003)

The seminar started after lunch, finishing in the early part of the evening. We had our dinner near the beach.

Bohol Beach Club Pool. (20Jun2003)

June 21, 2003, Saturday. Have to wake really early, even before the sun rises, since an activity was arranged for us: whale and dolphin watching. Two big bancas were provided for us. To make things organized, our banca-mates are also our plane-mates.

Bohol Sunrise. (21Jun2003)


Horizon. (21Jun2003)

It took several hours and a lot of weaving back-and-forth before we spotted a group of dolphins. (Because of the tsunami which occurred last year, December 2004, to our neighboring countries, it was believed that family of dolphins were said to have travelled to Bohol. Thus, there are now several sightings of said mammal in this area.)

Afterwhich, we proceeded to Pamilacan Island where we saw a make-shift museum containing the jaws of dead whale and dolphins. Then, we moved to the other side of the island to eat our lunch at the (white) beach.

Museum at Pamilacan Island. (21Jun2003)

The activity after lunch is snorkeling on another island. Since I was not "dressed for the occasion" (plus I don't know how to swim), I joined the group who would be returning to the Beach Club. Thus, the two boats left the island for different destinations.

Back to Bohol Beach Club, I decided to rest in the cottage for a few minutes before checking out the resort and to get some pictures. This is when I spotted the rainbow.

Rainbow. (21Jun2003)


Banca. (21Jun2003)


Bohol Sunset. (21Jun2003)

We had our dinner again near the beach. But this time, it included a videoke. To make the videoke fun and to encourage everyone to sing, the first ten who will belt out a tune will be given a t-shirt. (I received a shirt. It seems like everyone is requesting me to sing... hehehe!) The first to receive a score of 100 will get an optical mouse. I did get a 100 but was not the first to do it. They promised me that I will receive an optical mouse once we get back to Manila. Up to this day, I have not seen that darned mouse! (LOL)

June 22, 2003, Sunday. Our last day at Bohol. We cannot leave the place without visiting the Chocolate Hills and the Tarsier. The night before, it was arranged that we would be hiring a van for the tour. It will be a tight schedule since we have to make sure that we are back in the resort by lunch time, enough time for a bite and leave for the airport.

On the way to chocolate hills, we can see a hill here and there. Not that exciting, really. Until we reached our destination, where we will climb several steps to see a better view. It did not prepare me for what I am about to see. All I can say was, "Whoa!". The beauty and the grandeur of it all cannot be captured by the camera. (I took pictures anyway. hehe!) One has to see it personally to witness its magnificence.

Chocolate Hills. (22Jun2003)

Our next stop is the place where we can see the tarsier, which is considered as the smallest primate in the world. The tarsiers have enormous eyes, long tails, and pads at the end of each of their fingers and toes. The pads let them climb trees very well. I held one at the back of my hand. It is almost the same size (if not smaller) as my fist.

Tarsier. (22Jun2003)

Then, like a well-oiled machine, we were back in the resort just in time for lunch and a take-off... c",)

posted by ~GFA~ @ 6/20/2005 10:53:00 AM