Wake-uppers:
Scene: It’s the merry month of
May! The feast of Saint Joseph, patron saint of Tagbilaran City, on May 1 starts
the month-long fiestas in Bohol. Everyday is fiesta and visitors and strangers
can “eat the house.” Plenty of inasal,
humba, hamunada, tuba, desserts,
etc…Everybody is welcome, no invitations required!
Scene: From Atty. Greg Delgado: The Lungsuranon Performances Arts Ensemble (LUPAE) of Tubigon failed to
place in Folk Dance National Competition sponsored by NCCA at MOA but the paisanos
learned a lot competing against Vigan, Palawan, Phil. Normal University, etc. Calling
NCCA insiders like Gardy Labad to invest into these kids which defeated best
dance schools in Cebu recently earning them an invite to this prestigious dance
contest.
Scene: The body of the Boholano seaman who died
during an Iranian Navy operation for the rescue of the crew of a hijacked ship
off the southwestern coast of India last month finally arrived home last Thursday.
Stephen Barbarona, 33, of Antequera town, suffocated in heavy smoke in the
vessel’s burning engine room, where he hid during the gun battle. (Prof.
Reinerio Augusto Real, who represented Gov. Edgar Chatto, was at the airport to
meet the bereaved family. Thanks a bunch to SPO1 Melinda Mendez Basalo, PO2
Reymar Catubigan, Marcelo Orioque and Reniel Mendez for facilitating my
request.)
 |
| Photo: ICM |
Scene: Island City Mall was taking part in the
celebration of Earth Day's 42nd anniversary staging the Miss Teen Earth 2012. The
nine candidates took part in a tree planting activity of the Alturas Group of
Companies in Brgy. San Pascual, Ubay supervised by DENR. Karen Morfreux of Anda
was crowned Miss Teen Earth 2012. Miss ICM Teen Air was Irish Cleanuar, Erica Jane Mejos was crowned Miss Teen ICM Water and Frances Marie Montejo was declared Miss ICM
Teen Fire.
Scene: The University of
Bohol/Rafael Palma College grand alumni homecoming is on May 15 at the
University of Bohol. The event coincides with the Tigum Bol-anon sa Tibuok Kalibutan (TBTK) gathering slated on May
8-9. A registration fee of Php 200 is required for the dinner-fellowship.
Contact Renee Marjorie Plazos (0900-528-6198), Atty. Greg Austral
(0920-903-7894) and Reinerio Augusto Real (0916-457-6504).
***
Inspired
by Lonely Planet’s unsung places of
the world, Bared came out of some
destinations, no matter how beautiful and stunning, drop off the tourist radar.
It's not easy to put together 15 unsung and unfairly
underrated places because Bohol is known for its terrific scenery, history and
culture. It has great towns, countryside and a coastline.
I
remind you, this is completely subjective. You may have your own favorite
unsung places. Here’s a sampling of places to spark your interest, away from
the usual tourist spots, mostly overlooked because of chance, geography and the
presence of more glamorous and well-promoted neighbors.
1. Anda
This
anomalous town is top of a must-visit list. Anda feels like a hidden oasis
where people can enjoy and relax in its white sandy beaches and bright
turquoise sea. The shoreline remains largely untouched by buildings and
infrastructures, and a coral reef that keeps the waters calm also makes for an
ideal snorkeling and swimming spot. In fact, Anda has yet to be completely
invaded by tourism and is, therefore, still rather secluded and peaceful. Locals recommend that you take a trip to the
less-travelled ‘other’ side of Lamanok Point, a place to see hematite rock
painting and ancient burial caves. Ask the guide about the love story of Iska
and Mugan.
 |
| Half
a mile of sparkling sand, palm trees swaying over a white beach, lush tropical
plants, and endless sunshine make Anda one of Bohol’s most scenic beaches. Photo by Leo P. Udtohan |
2. Pandanon Island
and Banacon Island, Getafe
Pandanon
Island has gradually gained popularity because of its natural white sand that
extends into the sea and the church which stands in the middle of the island. The
neighboring Banacon Island is the home of the largest mangrove plantation in
Asia.
 | |||
| One of many islands in Getafe town, Pandanon Island stands out with its blend of chic and island relaxation. |
 |
| Early morning view at Banacon Island Photo by: Leo P. Udtohan |
3. Bien Unido
Perhaps
it’s the lure of Ubay that leads people to forget Bien Unido. Whatever the
reason, this graceful town is bizarrely under-visited. Those who make it out
here will discover the underwater grottos. The wilderness beach on Jao Island
has some of the most pristine sand to be found.
For locals, Bien Unido is the best place to catch some waves and have
some fun in the sun in the northern Corregidor of Bohol.
 |
| Bien Unido charms people Credit: LGU-Bien Unido |
4. Mahaba Island,
Talibon
Mahaba
Island's popularity is on the rise, and for good reason. This small island in Talibon
is a hot spot for beach-goers, and locals suggest Jayvee Beach Resort as the
place to soak up the sun and swim in the sea.
 |
| A warm welcome from Jayvee Beach Resort in Mahaba Island, Talibon |
5. Loon
This
island prides itself of having one of the most beautiful dive sites in the
Philippines. Local sightseers enjoy the crystal-clear water of Piong Falls
located between Nagtuang and Canmaag. In some upland barangays, water
flows from springs that have encouraged the local folks to develop their own
bathing and washing areas.
 |
| Canawa Spring |
6. Candijay
Candijay’s
Canawa Spring is not on most travelers’ itineraries, but if you have time it
rewards exploration. The water is
crystal blue from January to May. Locals would tell you that someone measured
the depth of the water but the instrument did not touch the bottom after 50
fathoms. The Can-umantad Falls is a
must. There are some great rice terraces in Candijay near the village of
Cadapdapan.
7. Jagna
The
town of Jagna shimmers with beaches made up of smooth white pebbles or smooth
slate. But they are all washed by waters that are crystal blue—the most
unforgettable color in the town. It’s chilly
and balmy in the off-the-track Mayana, which is famous for its flowers. The
waterfalls of Kinahugan and Boctol are a must-see. Malbog Hill provides a
panoramic view of the wonderful works of God's hands. Everyone knows calamay, but who takes the time to stop
off at Ching’s?
8. Logarita Spring,
Bilar
Often
bypassed in favor of neighboring Carmen, Bilar is worthy of more attention,
with its cold Logarita Spring. Logarita is extensively covered by a beautiful
mahogany forest which is also home to some flora and fauna. The Simply Butterflies Conservation Center is
the first butterfly livelihood breeding and conservation program in Bohol with
a butterfly garden full of flowering plants and a nature trail. Poblacion sells
flavored pintos and alupe produced fresh on the premises
each day.
9. Himuntagon Hills,
Loay
Barangay
Botoc Occidental is an astonishing surprise in an oft-forgotten corner of Loay.
It’s worth planning to spend the day here, so you can admire the scenic place
of Himuntagon Hills overlooking the Mindanao Sea. The hills bring to the
traveler a feeling of serenity and tranquility and provide fascinating scenes
during sunrise and sunset.
10. Guindulman
One
of the hip spots for the air-kissing, well-heeled set, Guindulman boasts some
of the prettiest rocky and unspoiled shoreline. The Bunhayag Hills overlooks
Anda and Guindulman and is an oasis of relaxation and romance. If you have an
interest in archeology, ancient civilizations or just love exploring, then barangay
Basdio is the perfect combination of sun and adventure.
11. Antequera
This
unassuming yet charismatic town retains its glorious native handicrafts. It
also comes alive when you visit Mag-asao Falls. All summer long, the sound of
the waterfall is music to the ears. When
it comes to the overall waterfalling experience, Mag-aso Falls is hard to beat.
12. Tubigon
This
town, which is blessed with white beaches and sandbars, hills and mountain
ridges for trekking, retains an enticing, elegiac sense of the past. Another
heritage of Tubigon is manifested in its handicrafts such as the loom weaving
in Pinayagan Norte and Sur, Panaytayon, and Ilijan Norte and Ilijan Sur. Climb
Mt. Ilijan for flora and fauna.
13. Garcia-Hernandez
The
rocky coastline has a number of smaller beaches. The coastline is partly protected with
coconut trees that provide a pleasant shade.
The Roxas Park is perfect for summer getaway. The water is beautifully
clean and clear and the area is beautiful. The park is also ideal for outdoor
activities.
14. Sierra-Bullones
Visitors
can’t forget the magnificent rural panorama and variety of color, a profusion
of greenery and flowers. While most
tourists come to Sierra-Bullones for their hidden springs especially Bohol
Paradise Hills Resort, the hilly middle of this town offers some of the
country’s best rice terrace travel. Walking
amongst the rice terraces of Sierra-Bullones is a feast for the senses.
 |
| The rice terraces of Sierra-Bullones stand firmly with all its beauty and charm but due to its remoteness it has been overlooked. Photo by Leo P. Udtohan |
15. San Isidro
Besides
a friendly welcome, you’ll experience an off-beat allure in this town. Hiking
in the nearby Candungaw Peak in Barangay Candungao is a great San Isidro
outdoors adventure. The view from atop this peak is breathtaking in a number of
ways. Try to visit Cantijong Cave in
Cansague Sur and Kilab-kilab Falls in Baunos.
***
Thanks
for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at
leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohan at Twitter/ Facebook.
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