BOHOL in my Mind

Bohol, Philippines – Needless to say, most of us dream of vacationing abroad. A glance of awesome sights and places around the globe would lead one to sigh and pray hard for God’s miraculous providence. But out of the awareness of many Filipinos, our country has a lot to offer when it comes to vacation spots from heights to sea. And one of the best places to explore in the Philippines is Bohol Province, the Land of History and Natural Beauty.

Bohol Province really speaks to its name as the land of history and natural beauty. Wherever you go around the place, ancient landmarks that tell the story of our past and the magnificence of mother nature in splendid glory are so abundant in Bohol.

If you wish to frolic under the sun and swim in white sand beaches, the Panglao Island in Bohol offers a pristine sea that combines beach tripping and spa experiences. This island does not resemble white sand beaches in other places that are pre-occupied with partying and loud sounds, for in fact, when you are in Panglao Island, its going to be a luxurious treat for your spirit and your soul.

Being the land of history, centuries-old churches from the Spanish era are still alive in Bohol. These churches where many generations have stood witness to its hayday up to this very moment are still worthy places of worships, prayers and the Holy Eucharist. Bishop Leonardo Medroso and the priests of the Diocese of Tagbilaran keep the sanctity of these churches by shepherding the parishioners to continue the faith that built these long living churches.

Baclayon Church, one if not the oldest churches in the Philippines, is four hundred years old and still counting. Despite of its very old age, the grandeur that resides in its history lives on.

The beauty of nature is overflowing in Bohol just with the presence of these majestic Chocolate Hills. The magical sea of identical hills that turn into dark brown during summer is so alluring once you get there and see them personally.

Aside from the hills, the passive yet loyal Tarsier, a nocturnal animal, gives both local and foreign tourists a warm welcome to Bohol. Likewise, the famous Loboc River silently flows in serenity to treat every visitors an experience worth remembering.

Bohol, being the origin of the blood that flows into my veins, is close to my heart. I was not born there, but my forefathers and father were true-bloodied Bol-anons. When I first step foot in Bohol, I do feel that I belong. So, there is no doubt, Bohol is always in my mind.

The Grandeur of the Bishop's Palace

Tagbilaran City, Bohol – It is a rare instance when old architectural designs aging almost two centuries blend so well with modern technologies and contemporary developments. However in Bohol, the land of history and natural beauty, a tapestry of ancient artworks and latest pieces of art is a harmony that surrounds the entire province.

From the oldest churches in the country to the most updated shopping malls, they can all be found in Bohol. And one structure that stood witness to this camaraderie of the old and the new is the Plaza del Palacio de Obispo.

The Bishop’s Palace of the Diocese of Tagbilaran lies beside the almost two hundred years old Cathedral of St. Joseph. Quantum memories of every generation that pass in these cultural heritage are the ones which can testify how each and every new improvements done in these places have not in any way disrespected the grandeur of the past. Hence, it smoothly blends so well that created a picture of perfect harmony.

The Most Reverend, Bishop Leonardo Y. Medroso, Bishop of the Diocese of Tagbilaran, ably maintains the sanctity of both the cathedral and the palace. As the beloved bishop of Tagbilaran, Bishop Medroso always leads his flock to worship and thank God for these wonderful gifts of fusing modern day with ancient times.

Likewise, the people of Tagbilaran and the parishioners of the Cathedral of St. Joseph, work hand in hand to help preserve the historical structures with the kind of gentle introduction of modern technologies in the palace and the cathedral as well.

The façade of the Bishop’s Palace welcomes everyone from all walks of faith. The simple yet magnifying landscape and presence of a water fountain fronting the palace is a picture of people from different generations in worship to one God.

Inside the high-ceiling palace is the presence of centuries-old furnitures that will somehow bring you into a time travel back to the Spanish era. Modern sala sets in the very spacious living room mixed so well with ancient rocking chair and a resting chair Bohol is famous for, the “butaka”.

Modern dining room and kitchen with western interior designs are in loving complements with the old round dining table guarded by a piece of ancient The Last Supper artwork on the wall.

Ancient long dining table we just see in movies is present in the palace. A literally wide veranda or terrace can give you a chance to view almost half of the city. Gigantic doors will usher you to see untouched wooden floors and ceilings. With all these ancient surroundings, a giant flat screen television set blends silently with the legacy of the ancient times. All these and more are manifestations that Bohol is undoubtedly a land of history and natural beauty.

A Flushing Meadows at the Heart of Panglao Island

In Bohol beckons a new experience for fun and relaxation. Flushing Meadows Resort and Playground blooms like a cherry blossom in summer, ready to give local and foreign tourists the ultimate tropical paradise memories.

Flushing Meadows Resort and Playground is strategically situated in Dauis, Bohol, set along the pristine white beach of the world-renowned Panglao Island. This new haven for sun, sea and sand has its own exclusive beach, as well as facilities and activity centers where guests can dip into an extensive array of recreational activities, including an international-standard tennis court, a campsite, and a fishing center.

Nestled at the heart of Bohol’s stunning seascape, each guestroom of the Flushing Meadows Resort & Playground is equipped with a private balcony that looks out to the beach and the verdant garden of the resort. Guestrooms are likewise equipped with the technology-driven ethos of city life, making the Flushing Meadows Resort & Playground the perfect place for family vacations, romantic getaways, and corporate team-building activities.

There are 68 exquisitely designed guestrooms and suites which are built with spaciousness and coziness. It features room designs that teem with a tropical vibe, giving hotel accommodations one would expect only from a first-class resort. All rooms have balconies with expansive seating areas. Room categories range from the superior room to the presidential suite, each catering to the different needs of the guest.

At the Flushing Meadows Resort and Playground, experience a tropical paradise lifestyle with every conceivable comfort and convenience. Whether you are on a holiday or business trip, the quality service and best-in-class amenities at Flushing Meadows Resort & Playground will make you stay for more lavish indulgence.

A day and two nights can never be enough to indulge in a place where nature and pleasure, fun and excitement abounds, which can only be found in Flushing Meadows Resort and Playground. With the warm welcome and accommodation given to us by its owner, Ms. Mavic L. Mercado, Flushing Meadows is not only a home away from home but a home where memories are forever etched in our hearts. Together with her husband, Mr. Dave Mercado, this couple helped so much in making this humble island in Bohol best known across the world.

BASKING on an Immaculate Beach

It is best to go barefoot when you happen to step on Panglao’s best beach. The sun, the sea and the sky, all blend well to make the white sandy beaches glitter magically.

Running down the slope of the hilly planes of the island leads one to a revered secret. Unbeknownst to first timers, the immaculate beauty of nature is well-adorned at the foot of its rocky hills – Panglao Island’s Beach.

The beach of Panglao Island in Bohol is by far and no doubt the best beach this archipelago has to offer. Serene and sandy, pristine and blessed, the beach in Panglao is a part of heaven here on earth.

Alona Beach is one thing great about Panglao and its beaches. It is located in barangay Tawala, Panglao. This centerpiece of the island is a 1.5-kilometer stretch of glittering white sand in the southwest portion of Panglao Island.

Alona Beach is considered the most popular beach in Panglao, which is shared by different resorts that offer various cuisines and cater to different markets.
There are also quite a number of establishments offering diving lessons and rent of dive equipments.

The seas are exceptionally clear, and this combination of pristine sand and crystal clear seas has led some experts to label it as one of the best tropical beach in the region, but I’d like to stand on what I have said “it’s the best in the country”.

The tranquil waters are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, kayaking and learning to dive. The adventurous types can also easily rent boats to go to deeper reefs in nearby islands. It’s a gift package when you’re in Panglao.

People in this island are gentle that they could not spare anyone new to the place from their awesome goodness. Hospitality runs in their veins, but goodness of the heart exudes in their spirited personality.The immaculate beach of Panglao Island comes in a form most lovable. It gives meaning to earthly pilgrimage by showing one a glimpse of heaven. Panglao Island is a nature’s bounty. Panglao Island is a gift from God.

Celebrating Music with Christian Bautista

Music moves the heart, influences the body and mind, and can unite an entire generation in a deep feeling of strength. Music is the driving force for people to express their feelings and become free. It is a kind of nutrient that nourishes an entire person, from wherever part of the globe he or she may come from.

Celebrating music from Asia to HCDC, the Holy Cross of Davao College on its 57th Foundation Anniversary last September 9, 2008 had a memorable ChrisCross Concert, “From Asia to HCDC: A celebration of music with Asia’s Pop Idol CHRISTIAN BAUTISTA.

The 57th HCDC Founding Anniversary with the theme: “The Cross: The foundation and strength to carry out our mission”, became the inspiration of the Holy Cross family to strive for excellence in education in the spirit of the Cross, where the Lord Jesus, expressed his unconditional love for all His people.

The “ChrisCross Concert” featured Asia’s Pop Idol, Christian Bautista. Christian Bautista deserves to be the new generation’s role model for greatness in music and depth as a person. Among the new breed of young singers, he is one who has captured the heart and soul of those who love and are loved. His voice and ballad treatment of all his songs became his tool of creating sensation and substance rolled and offered in one package for the expressive people to enjoy and emote with.

Christian Bautista says that what inspires him to sing from the heart all the time is the meaning of the song. Beyond melodies, he delivers his every song full of inspiration from the love of God, his family, and all his fans. He is thankful for the generous hospitality extended to him by the Davaoenos, most especially all the Holy Crossians who jum-packed the HCDC gymnasium screaming with joy and love for Christian Bautista, an instrument of God in bringing good and wholesome love songs to everyone.

When asked, “Who is Christian Bautista if he is not a popular singer?”, he readily answered Christian Bautista as simple and plain, he is like an ordinary guy playing basketball and computer games during his free time. Despite his busy and so hectic a schedule, he emphasized that he always sees to it that he finds time, quality at that, to spend with his family.

Dealing with all the issues surrounding him, from national anthem glitches to Rachelle Ann Go, he is but perfectly composed and ready to face them all. He is a man who knows mistakes and failures and doesn’t run away from them, just like us. Because I believe in Christian Bautista and his music, I spared him from those questions. He is undoubtedly an artist of substance and meaning.