EL PARADISO

Panglao is an island in the Philippines located in the Central Visayas. Politically, it is divided into two municipalities: Dauis and Panglao, part of Bohol Province. Panglao is located southwest of the island of Bohol and east of Cebu.

Currently Panglao is one of the top tourist destinations in the Philippines, famous for its beautiful dive spots and its coral reef, as well as many several islet ideal for beach bathing like the islets of Gak-ang and Pontod.

In early history, Panglao was known to Chinese, Malay, Siamese and Indonesian traders. In 1803, Spanish explorers came to the shores of Panglao in search of fresh water. At the time a couple of natives on the seashore were making fishing devices called "panggaw". One of the Spaniards asked what the name of the island was. The natives--who thought the visitors were asking what they were making--then replied "panggaw". Hence, from that term, was derived the name Panglao.

CLEAN, PRISTINE WATERS.WHITE, POWDERY SANDS.AFFORDABLE BEACHES AND RESORTS.HANDSOME HUNKS AND SEXY LADS... WHAT MORE CAN U ASK FOR?!..

even for a very short while we experienced how NIRVANA feels like.. it was my first to go on a swim in Panglao Island, and they we're right.. it's almost PARADISE!..

the heat was perfect to have our skins toasted!.. the beach was not crowded which allowed us ginormous space to play CAtchBall eeerr Catch Sunblock (we used sunblock spray bottle instead of a ball.. lools!)

we also had a quick photoshoot with rachel arandilla and liz arnie as models.. hahaha!

the resort is ideal for water activities such as snorkeling, banana boating, kayaking and diving.. if you're into these kinds of activities, then Panglao is absolutely the place to be!...

(me, debs and rachel.. random urge of vanity.. lol!)

ps. thank you Panglao island for the free souvenirs... JELLYFISH STINGS!

(now i know how the itch feels like.. hahaha!)

JOURNEY TO THE NOT-SO-CENTER OF THE EARTH

Hinagdanan Cave is a cave on Panglao Island, in Bohol Province, in the Philippines. It is a naturally lighted cavern with a deep lagoon and many large stalactites and stalagmites.

The cave is lit by sunlight which filters through holes in the ceiling. The underground lake is a popular swimming spot. (wikipedia)

right after our arrival at Tagbilaran Sea Port, we had a quick lunch at Atiatihan Chicken Grill, and proceeded to Dauis, Bohol. first stop was HINAGDANAN CAVE!

at last! after 20 years of waiting, i was finally able to set foot inside this famous cave.. we were supposed to visit this spot during our family outing last year but the government temporarily closed it for repair..

the cave was a bit warm but the lake was freakin’ coooooold!.. i dont think i could survive the water’s temperature there neither its depth.. hahaha!

there were lots of small black birds flying and resting on the cave’s ceiling.. a group of boys also had their share of fun by diving into the deep salty pool..

HINAGDANAN CAVE is definitely a must-see for nature lovers and spelunkers.. :D

(at the cave’s entrance..)

AVATAR-ISH BOHOL

Bohol is an island province of the Philippines located in the Central Visayas region, consisting of Bohol Island and 75 minor surrounding islands. Its capital is Tagbilaran City. With a land area of 4,117.3 square kilometers (1,589.7 sq mi) and a coastline 261 kilometers (162 mi) long, Bohol is the tenth largest island of the Philippines.

The province is a popular tourist destination with its beaches and resorts.The Chocolate Hills, numerous mounds of limestone formation, is the most popular attraction. The island of Panglao, located just southwest of Tagbilaran City, is famous for its diving locations and routinely listed as one of the top ten diving locations in the world. Numerous tourist resorts dot the southern beaches and cater to divers from around the world. The Philippine Tarsier, considered the second-smallest primate in the world, is indigenous to the island.

(source: wikipedia)

Bohol is like a second home to me.. a place not too distant and unfamiliar since both my mom and dad grew up on that island..

my mom came from Mabini, while my Dad from Tagbilaran City.. we also have relatives (some i haven’t even seen in person..) in various Bohol towns including Carmen, Corella, Mabini, and Garcia-Hernandez..

we’ve been visiting the province every summer or holiday vacations as far as i could remember.

i grew up loving Bohol!.. not just because of its natural beauty, rich flora and fauna, mouth-watering “calamays”, peanut kisses and broas, but also because of the warm hospitality that’s uniquely Boholano..

but my previous trip to Bohol last March 26-28, 2010 was definitely one of a greatest trip in my life!.. memorable indeed!!… super duper fun!

the Bohol trip was just a random lunchbreak chika with my classmates.. desperate to break free from all our school plates and deadlines, we joked about going on a trip right after ditching college. i didnt expect for it to come true!.. hahahaha!..

here’s our Final ITINERARY:

arrival, Hinagdanan Cave, panglao island, E.A.T. Danao, Chocolate Hills, G1 island ATV rentals, Loboc River cruise, Busay Falls, Loctob Spring, Bohol Bee farm, departure…

and the fourteen DAREDEVILS:

(the fourteenth was holding the camera.. who was it?!..)