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c h i k k a
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MAYA O. CALICA
PHOTOS
LESTER LEDESMA (CHURCH AND CHOCOLATE HILLS), JOANNE HALILI (OLD HOUSE)
One true-blue Boholana tells us what’s most fun
to do in her hometown
10 things you’ll love about…
Tagbilaran
ASK RURAL BANKER
Lisa Suarez about
Bohol, and she gushes. Her father, Greg,
is from Tagbilaran and was raised in the
province. The hobbyist photographer also
got involved with heritage work and flies
back every chance she gets. Her tips?
1
Get a primate
education
At merely 8 to 16cm tall, the tarsier is a
top attraction in Bohol. See them up close
at the Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella.
www.
boholboard.com/tarsier-sanctuary.php
8
Run for the
(Chocolate) hills
There are two ways to see the hills: at the
“official” viewing site in Carmen, where
you’ll see amazing 360˚ views from the
viewing deck for a small fee, and from
Sagbayan Peak, where you can get closer.
3
Go river wild
Explore other river cruises besides the
popular Loboc River Cruise. “There’s one
that takes you down the Abatan River on
the West; you can arrange for an afternoon
tour from Cortes. They serve dinner and
you can watch a cultural performance.”
4
Visit the churches
“Two of the country’s most beautiful
churches are in Bohol — Baclayon and
Loboc — although I think Maribojoc is just
as beautiful,” says Suarez. Be prepared to
spend at least a day church hopping.
5
Dive and snorkel
Take your pick from Balicasag,
Cabilao and Pamilacan, just to name a few.
“I can’t single out a particular dive spot
as there are so many,” she says. Along
Alona Beach, where you’ll find many quiet
stretches that are perfect for lounging, there
are several dive shops and groups you can
check out.
6
Next stop: Dauis
Dauis Church has beautiful murals
and miracle wells. Inside the convent
across it is Café Lawis, where you can order
pasta and paninis (try the
ube
panini). For
dinner, more traditional fare like
halang-
halang
(chicken with coconut milk) and
humba
(braised pork belly) are served.
9
Listen to angelic
voices
Composed of 30 kids aged nine to 13, the
Loboc Children’s Choir is a cultural treasure,
and has performed for visiting dignitaries.
“If you chance upon them practicing in the
convent, or singing in the Loboc Parish
Church, consider it serendipitous.”
www.
lobocchildrenschoir.net
10
Your home away
from home
Amarela in Panglao Island is a great place
to call home. “I love it because so much of
the owner’s personality, passion, and love
for Bohol is evident in the space.”
www.
amarelaresort-bohol.com
Cebu Pacific flies to Tagbilaran from Manila.
www.cebupacificair.com
Bohol’s Chocolate Hills; (inset) well-
preserved ancestral homes
take you back in time
The gilded altar of the
centuries-old Baclayon Church
2
Island hop
“In Balicasag, go towards the side
that’s not facing Panglao. The sea is so
blue and there is a marine sanctuary,”
says Suarez. “Pamilacan Island is for
whale sighting; there are about six types of
species.”
www.bohol-philippines.com
7
Enter an old house
The Clarin Ancestral House in Loay,
built in 1840, belongs to the Clarins, one of
the local prominent families. “Old homes in
Bohol had a simplicity to them, and were
more functional than opulent or decadent,”
Lisa observes. “It’s a lifestyle museum
that’s privately maintained.” Across it is
Loay Church.