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B E S P O K E B O H O L
YOU’LL BE SPOILT
for choice when you visit Tarsier
Botanika, Nicolas and Patricia Moussempes’ sanctuary
in Panglao. What began with a garden cultivated on five
to six hectares of land has become a lush playground for
the couple’s many passions. “We wanted a business so
personalized to what we love, one that gives pleasure to
people,” says Nicolas.
Where else in Bohol can you bite into an authentic French
éclair or croissant (Patricia studied at the prestigious Le Notre
cooking school in Paris), walk through an aviary of birds, visit
a petting zoo, or learn classical English riding from a French
instructor in an Olympic-sized equestrian arena? (Patricia and
Nicolas love riding.) Art lovers can browse in the museum
that houses Nicolas’ private collection of 17th-, 18th- and
19th-century art from Europe. The newest addition to the
park is Tarsier Paprika, a restaurant that serves European
and Asian cuisine. The fine-dining establishment has two
dining rooms housed in glass, the Jellyfish bar, and sweeping
views of the Bohol Sea and Siquijor. And you can be sure the
couple spared no expense in carrying out their dream. “Now
is the time for us to be perfectionists,” says Nicolas. “We give
excellence for the pleasure of bringing pleasure.”
Entrance fee is PHP300 (for Bohol residents) and PHP500
(for non-Bohol residents) inclusive of tour. www.philtarsier.com
From French croissants to horseback riding
to exotic plants and birds — this world-
class theme park in Bohol has it all!
TARSIER
BOTANIKA
Best of all, the Bohol Bee Farm has
become the venue for educating visitors
about organic farming. “You have to
give, take the time to teach and set a
good example,” says Vicky.
And despite having a staff of 228,
Vicky is still very much involved with
the daily activities of the resort. Whether
it’s overseeing the renovation of the
main house, instructing the kitchen staff
on how to garnish salads with edible
flowers, chatting with the women at the
livelihood center while they weave their
looms, or talking to guests, she gives
each task her whole-hearted attention.
“Clients appreciate what we have here,”
she smiles. “That’s because we inspire
them to choose to create something
beautiful.”
Cebu Pacific flies to Tagbilaran from
Manila.
www.cebupacificair.com
Above: A community of women make
their livelihood working the looms
Below: Delicious
merienda
of hot
chocolate and mango sticky rice
Watch beautiful
patterns emerge as
the women weave
Enjoy good food and
artistic pursuits at Bohol’s
Tarsier Botanika; (inset)
owners Nicolas and Patricia
Moussempes
PHOTOS
LESTER LEDESMA