MASSAGE SERVICE 
 by trained blind Masseurs/Masseuses of the Dept. of Social Welfare
and Devt.-Area vocational rehabilitation center II avail at Php 50.00 ($1.50)per 30 minutes. A joint project of UAI and DSWD. 

       
A tourist avails of the massage services. Manicure and Pedicure is also offered.
                       
                           

Or one can shop, watch televison or video, drink coffee, eat some snacks in the restaurant or simply take a nap before boarding.

                           
              
Our tour starts from Tagbilaran, the capital city of Bohol.
This is the road that leads to Panglao Island from Tagbilaran.

The Blood Compact

Along this route, one passes by a historical marker. On this spot, was the blood compact between Sikatuna and Rajah Humabon, that took place in the 1600's. After Magellan's death, his remaining crew circumnavigated the world, and returned to Spain. A century later, Spain sent Sikatuna to the Philippines to colonize the country. Sikatuna was met by Rajah Humabon, who was currently the chieftain of the island. This event is commemorated annually and especially pronounced during the "SANDUGO" festivals. to the top

COTTAGE INDUSTRIES

NIPA                                                                   The countryside of Bohol is blessed with an abundance of Nipa Palm trees. This leaf have always been used for the thatched roofs of the houses . They are also woven into baskets and bags.                                                                                                      local woman weaving the nipa

BOLO-MAKING

One of Bohol's leading cottage industry is also bolo making.                                                                                           watch out....! My buddy, Tess got a Bolo in her hand...and a big smile in her face!!!??? She must be up to something! to the top

TARSIER

The world's smallest primate, the Tarsier. It is older than a monkey. They feed on crickets. They are only active during night time. The Tarsiers can only give birth once a year. And if you catch them, you have to catch two or one commits suicide.  The top of their head is very delicate, as it does not have any bone structure surrounding their brain.  Bohol has the largest  sanctuary of preserving these animals. It  shares  7 hectares of an open sanctuary with exotic flora and fauna near the inland town of Bilar. They are also  found in Leyte, and Malaysia                                                                           nocturnal animals, the TARSIERS to the top

Chocolate Hills

Bohol's mysterious Chocolate Hills are the islands premier attraction. Ranging in height from 40 to 120 meters, the 1268 hills resemble giant scoops of chocolate ice cream during the dry season. An american named it , Chocolate Hills, as it reminded him of the shape of Hershey's chocolate kisses. Bohol is a volcanic island and used to be under shallow water. The exposure of sunlight, coral reefs, and salty water along with the movement of water ....this metamorphic process, gave rise to the famous chocolate hills. The hills turn brown during the summer months of May, June, and July. Otherwise, the hills are green throughout the year.                                               I call it the chocolate mint hills   The Legend of the Chocolate Hills   Once upon a time, a giant used to live in this area. He fell in love with one of the  local women in town. Unfortunately, she was already engaged to be married. One day, when she was bathing, the giant kidnapped her and took her in the palm of his hand. The girl was so scared that she died in the palm of his hands. The giant cried remorsefully. He buried the body of his loved one, and killed himself. Out of his tears, the chocolates hills sprouted and grew.

The Loboc River Cruise

How about a cruise along the river wilds of Loboc,        eat a sumptuous native lunch in a floating restaurant,              while being serenaded by a singing chorus?                         The Loboc Cruises are normally run by cooperative of family businesses.. The musical town of Loboc is noted for the musicale talent of it's people. They are known to be born with a musicale instrument. That is, ...the kids learn to play, a musicale instrument at a very early age. The town's choir had won the national chorale competition for the past three years. They are composed of kids form 7 - 11 yrs. old, and they have been doing an international tour in Europe and the US.. Loboc  is also known to have the longest Christmas. Their Christmas starts from Dec.16 to Feb. 3, ending during the "Feast of the Candles".   to the top

BACLAYON CHURCH

This Church is considered to be one of the oldest churches in the Philippines. It was built by the Jesuits, although the Augustinian Recollects renovated it and added a modern facade. The first Spanish missionaries in the region, Fr. Juan de Torres and Fr. Gabriel Sanchez, first settled in Baclayon in 1595. Although Baclayon was the seat of Spanish Jesuit missionaries, fear of moro marauders soon forced them to move their headquarters more inland, to Loboc. Only in 1717, Baclayon became a parish, and the church was constructed. A history of blood, sweat and tears followed. Some 300+ native forced laborers constructed the church from coral stones, which they took form the sea, cut into square blocks and piled onto each other. They used bamboo to move and lift the stones in position, and used a million eggwhites to cement them together. The building was completed 10 years later, 1727. In the Baclayon Church was a dungeon, used to punish the natives who violated the rules of the Roman Catholic church as well as those who refused to work in the construction. Next to the church is an old convent, which also houses a small museum with centuries-old religious relics, artifacts and other antiquities, dating back to the 16th century. Baclayon is located 6 km east of Tagbilaran. One may catch a bus or jeepey in Tagbilaran, going into the direction of Bacalayon. A tricycle may also take you there.

PANGLAO ISLAND

Of course, last but not least, one of the country's favourite diving spots.                                                             Panglao Island  Many foreigners, mostly Europeans reside in the  island of Pangloa, where you can find retirees below the age of 50. Pangloa Island, also known as the Alona Island was named after one of the Philippines hot siren movie star, Alona Alegre. Before the island was even developed and known, she made one bold movie with Fernando Poe Jr, also one of the famous local movie star. After the movie, the island and all the existing establishment carry her name. Does she even know?I wonder...

"more on bohol"


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