Waterfalls you must see in Bohol

Wake-uppers:

Scene: Some 100 school children attended the Children Summer Camp 2015 at the Agustinian Retreat House in 

Schoolkids from Loon and Maribojoc are
trained to propagate disaster rick reduction and
climate change adaptation during the Summer Camp 2015
 facilitated by the Save the Children

Dauis town. Participants came from the towns of Loon and Maribojoc, the hardest hit by the strong quake.  Children were taught on how to prepare for disasters and how to cope with the climate change. They also planted 100 mangroves in barangay Napo in Loon town in the celebration of the 45^th annual International Mother Earth Day. Save the Children facilitated the said Camp. “It is very important to tap children during emergencies or disasters because they are the most vulnerable sector of the entire population during disaster. It is very important and crucial that a young age of a person’s development that children should be aware, should be properly taught on how to protect themselves,” said Roxanna Epe, program manager of Save the Children.

Scene: Barangay Poblacion 1's Eda Calimbayan Cimafranca was crowned in the biggest, grandest production and extravagantMutya sa Tagbilaran 2015 at the Bohol Wisdom School Gymnasium on Friday. Coming from a family of beauty queens, Cimafranca also won the best in production number, best in swimsuit, best in gown and best in casual interview awards. The search for the city's ambassadress of goodwill is part of the Saulog Tagbilaran 2015 celebration. Poblacion 1 barangay captain is Arlene Karaan.

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Babeng’s Shawarma now open

Tagbilaran is now home to a Turkish temptation. 

The fast casual trend of Babeng’s Shawarma
continues to sweep downtown Tagbilaran.

It’s been months in the making, the Babeng’s Shawarma opened its door at Gallares Street cor B. Inting Street, Tagbilaran City. It serves the smoky flavoured beef along with pickled veggies, onions and sauce, wrapped in soft Khubz, an Arabic flatbread  via counter service for Php 30 (no cheese) and Php 35 (with cheese).

“It is very affordable,” says JP Maslog, proprietor of Babeng’s Shawarma, the only shawarma outlet in the city.

Shawarma is a grilled meat freshly shaved from the spit, topped with vegetables, wrapped in bread and coated with an addicting sauce -- a shawarma may be a Middle Eastern street food item, but it's definitely a constant craving in Tagbilaran, especially for health conscious and on diet individuals.

“Shawarma is usually considered as economical,” says owner JP Maslog.  “Affordable. Delicious. Self-satisfying.”

Shawarma hails from the Middle East with its roots tracing back to Turkey--the word çevirme which means 'to turn' is the origin of this snack's name. Aside from the flavorful meats, the variety of toppings is now endless.

“We have special homemade sauces,” says JP. “Cheese is a popular topping, and there’s chili sauce as an option.”

Food is available for take-out or if you prefer, you can dine in the tables outside the outlet.

Babeng’s Shawarma is open 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. To order, call 0917-7755-1571.

Avengers, attack!

(Note:  I am a shawarma fan. I apologise. Babeng’s Shawarma is a total and utter delight.)

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Tired of beaches?  Luckily, Bohol has some enticing cascades. Some are obvious choices, others are more obscure, but they all share an important quality: Beautiful. One look, and you're bound to be transfixed for hours or a day.  

Fall in love with these waterfalls just a few hours away from the city.

1.The the crystal-clear blue water  Mag-aso Falls are grand, impressive and understandably one of the main tourist attractions in the area. It was destroyed by the quake in 2013 and typhoon Seniang in 2014, but nature has carved a new view to enjoy the falls. Also in Antequera is the Inambacan which has an awesome cave and an amazing natural pool. It was destroyed during the strong quake in 2013 but is still very impressive. A pool is formed below the fall, in which water receives green color.

2. A relatively unknown one is Pahangog Falls (also known as the twin falls) in barangay Guinoyuran in Dimiao town.  Very few travelers get to see and swim in the azure waters of Pahangog Falls. A beautiful and serene place, Pahangog Falls is ideally for adventure lovers who love to experience the boisterous sound of waterfalls. 

3. Also in Dimiao, Dam-agan Falls may not be as famous as some, but it’s no less spectacular. It is considered to be a local secret. The zigzag waterfall is unique.

4. A one-hour and 30-minute hike in barangay Can-umantad in Candijay town will take you to the Can-umantad Falls, the tallest and uninterrupted waterfalls in Bohol. The incredible panoramic views help deepen an appreciation for its grandeur. The color of water varies from crystal clear to azure, to turquoise and the perfect natural surrounding will fascinate you.  If you take the Cabadbaran route, you will enjoy the amazing rice terraces before reaching the Can-umantad Falls.  

5.Binaliw Falls in barangay Cantoyok in Clarin is not a very high falls but stunning because of its emerald waters. The powerful downpour of water is a delight you cannot miss.

6. Getting to Kilab-Kilab Falls in barangay Kaimbang in San Isidro town is no easy task as the road is unpaved. But for those who make the trip, they will make unforgettable memories. Legend has it that people saw a golden chair under the water that it shines (kilab-kilab) when sunlight shines directly through the water. 

7. Kawasan Falls in Balilihan is another countryside interest. Its cool and clear water flowing from above gives a cool and refreshing bath. Also in Baliihan is the Camugao Falls is located in Barangay San Isidro. The falls has a beautiful backdrop of plants.

8. The wonderful Kinahugan waterfalls in Jagna is located in Karap-agan in Cabungaan. Kinahugan Falls is also accessible via motorbike from the Jagna market. The three waterfalls are trigonominal in nature.

9. Busai Falls in Loboc attract many visitors who like to commune with nature. It is not very high but very impressive.

10. This gorgeous waterfall located in barangay San Isidro, Kawasan Falls in Trinidad town is the second and one of the many amazing waterfalls in Bohol.

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Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohan at Twitter /Facebook.

Are you ready for your summer getaway?

At the South Palms in Panglao, the highlight here is the fantastic beach.
The rooms are stylish and well-appointed. – Contributed Photo.

Summer has started.

 

This was the official announcement last Wednesday from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pag-asa). The agency reiterates that Philippines does not have a "summer" as we only have two seasons: dry and wet.

 

And there’s no better way to build memories and beat the heat than an epic summer escapade!

 

Not decided where to go for a summer getaway?

 

Take a cue from our Boholano friends.

 

Benjie Oliva—  Anda, Bohol. To patronize our own and to support our local tourism industry.

 

Donglee Camacho— In the municipality of Anda because it is complete. They have a church and a beach.

 

EJ Relampagos—  Japan because it’s the most picturesque country according to a friend who has been travelling the world...and I love to take pictures of details.

 

Edik Dolotina—  My hometown. To relax with family. A family staycation during holidays is joy like no other.

 

The glorious, powdered-sugar sand in Anda town in Bohol. –Photo by Leo Udtohan

May Hope “Dice” Arcenal—  It would be Palawan and Batanes. Why Palawan because would like to experience the beauty that it offers being one of the Seven Wonders of the World. About Batanes would love to be part of their unique culture and enjoy the vast greeneries and unharmed environment with the touch and display of true  honesty.

 

Queenie Melody Fullante—  Wish I was still a student so I could spend wisely my summer vacation. Anyway, I’ll be spending my Holy Week in Davao. Once back in Bohol on Easter pohon, back  to normal routine: work, JVI projects, and Queenie Duties. And I think will start to bustle for  Miss Bohol 2015. Nothing really biggie for me this summer but thank God for my inborn suntan, everyday feels like summer.

 

Merly Diez Bantugan—  Part will be spent with the family at the white beaches in Panglao, trip to Cebu for a change and part with friends in Palawan this mid-May... for  unwinding and purely leisure, may God bless these  plans!

 

Ryan Sines— I want to spend my summer at Alexis Cliff Dive Resort in Panglao. I haven’t been there. If I am not busy, I will try to set a sked with my friends after the Saulog and Mutya sa Tagbilaran. I’ve heard Alexis is a hidden paradise fronting the sea. I would like to try cliff diving for a super summer adventure!  

 

DinDin Calope— Bantayan Island. I wanna experience the best beach and shoreline and the serenity... as what I’ve heard from people.

 

The cold and clear running water from the
Ughuban Spring in barangay Cambuyo
 in Garcia-Hernandez, Bohol is
perfect for your summer relaxation. –Photo by Leo Udtohan

Reigh Monreal—  Have you heard of the three Bohol Surprise tour packages? Each package takes you to a circuit of stopovers beyond the usual nature and heritage tours. The tours have been developed through a project called Ecotourism Bohol which is assisted by the Japan International  Cooperation Agency. For details, please inquire at the Bohol  Tourism Office. It is, therefore, still Bohol for me this summer. Why go to other places when there are a lot more to discover in your own?

 

Dr. April Lumuthang-Froilan— Summer getaway? Just in our very own Bohol where white, pristine beaches are also found. Why? I will be hitting two birds  with one stone. If I stay, private practice continues-beautifying Boholanos especially the balikbayans...on call all the time! He!He!He!

 

Karen Batuhinay—  No vacation leave for us this summer. We will be on duty at the airport serving incoming and outgoing tourists/passengers of Bohol.

 

Tess Labunog-Sumampong—  I love to go to Tagaytay! I’ve never been there. I want to experience Tagaytay’s cool weather, refreshing scenery and great food. My friends said that it is a food haven with its many restaurants, cafes and farms offering a wide array of food options.

 

Ariel Fullido—  My dream summer escapade is an inter-island mini cruise, counter clockwise just around Bohol, in a yacht from Panglao, to Anda, hopping from Balicasag and  Pamilacan isles. Then off to Pitogo and the underwater grotto in Danajon reef in Bien Unido, before speeding around the islets of Taibon. In tubigon, try to anchor at Dumog and sample the white sand dunes, before taking  a dive in Cabilao, and berth at the end of the day at the harbor view of Bohol Tropics. Now is the time to view from a distance the coastlines around the paradise island of Bohol!

 

The golden leaves become more transparent
during the summer in Loboc-Bilar forests. - Photo by Leo Udtohan

Atty. Julius Gregory Delgado—  I will be in Sagada. It is both cultural and personal. Cultural because it will be my first time to visit the place, interact with locals, see the hanging coffins.  Personal because being in  a pristine mountain range will give me that much needed breather for  me to reflect and think things over. #WhereDoBrokenHeartsGo

 

Mayette Gasatan —  My summer getaway will be here at South Palms Resort in Panglao. As an officer of this resort, I have to see to it that we will give our best Boholano services and products to our tourists. I am doing this not because this is my job but I’m also happy and proud offering our tourists assets (our beaches and our being hospitable- a unique trait of a Boholano) to the tourists.

 

JP Maslog—  Exploring my home province of Bohol would be my best option this year specifically the least known yet equally awe-inspiring as the world renowned  sites like the chocolates of Carmen or the surrealistic beaches  of Panglao.

 

PSSupt Dennis Agustin—  Bohol. Because we have to comply with the security requirements in our Oplan to keep the Lenten season safe and protect vacationers and tourists.

 

Van Delima— There are a couple of my favorite spots for lounging around Bohol or just so to on any beach to kick back and relax, perfect for the hazy days of summer 2015. Well, most families or rather individuals might spend their vacay on a cozy resort with infinity pools; or a trip to Venice beaches in Italy for the lucrative high tax payers. Me? I am the opposite of both worlds, a summer getaway could mean an aura and an atmosphere of totally spontaneous relaxing and partying, good food and art. While I plan to stay in Anda de Boracay for a night or two, then paddle on a boat rental to Lamanok Island where I wish to spend hours on shore semi-NUDE. I can set up camp for the night bonfire , beer etc then back en route head amongst the greenery of the island where I would probably meet backpacking locals or tourists. Being thrown into something where I don't really know what to expect is exciting, I want to blissfully spend the summer holidays with relatively affordable and fun experience!

 

Pat Ruiz— I am going to the towns of Placer and Corpus in Masbate. Natural and pristine beaches; simple organic food and simple people.  Most of all, no congestion. I was there last year for two days. Now, a week. Will share  you some photos.

 

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Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohan at Twitter /Facebook.

Daniel Padilla to heat up Anyag 2013

Wake-uppers:

Scene: Summer Gimik in Bohol: Anda, the beautiful.  When it comes to beautiful, breath-taking beaches, the town of Anda offers some of the most beautiful shores on earth. The Anda beaches boast miles upon miles of pristine, white, sandy shores and the gentle waters lap at your feet in a veritable kaleidoscope of electric blues and sparkling jades. Anda has also cave pools like Cabugnaw and Tibao. A trivia: Anda has appeared on ABS-CBN’s Panday in 2006.

 

A beach on paradise island in Anda, Bohol, Philippines

Scene: Months before the height of election campaign, this lady councilor's (who is seeking higher position) poll numbers routinely hovered in the stratosphere. Last week, with LC basking in the glow of victory in a short, her rating suddenly appeared very low. "Imagine Kuya Leo, wala jud siya ming-attend sa ilang pangampanya pila ka days. She was frustrated jud," says VRS. "She was thinking that head of the group junked her unya naay lain gidala. Pero giam-aman intawon siya." LC had to withdraw her candidacy but was advised not to make such “desperate” move.

 

Seen: Dr. Mary Grace Ochavillo-Uy (of J&N Dental Clinic, 2nd floor, City Pharmacy- CPG Avenue, Tagbilaran City, Tel. No: (038) 411-5317) and her family in South Korea for a holiday. They visited Nami Island, Chungju Lake, Everland, Korea Folk Village and other famous landmarks of South Korea.

 

Dra. Mary Grace Ochavillo-Uy and her family at the Land of the Morning Calm.

Scene: The 12 candidates who will compete in Bohol Queen International 2013 (back to back with a summer disco) on April 27 at Clarin Cultural and Sports Complex. The pageant is presented by LGBT Clarin. For ticket reservation, call 09103396686.

 

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Daniel Padilla will be the guest of honor in the 6^th edition of Anyag sa Tubigon on May 10.

 

This was confirmed by lawyer Julius Gregory Delgado who facilitated and arranged the contract signing in Manila. 

 

Considered as the hottest male teen star today on ABS-CBN, 17-year-old Daniel Padilla will serenade the 12 candidates of Anyag 2013.

Kapamilya star Daniel Padilla

Touted the “Justin Bieber of the Philippines,” Daniel will celebrate his 18^th birthday (which actually falls on April 26) with an upcoming concert on April 30 at the Big Dome.

 

Daniel started out in the industry roughly four years only, but 2012 proved to be his breakthrough year. He had a hit teleserye Princess & I which gave birth to his love team with Kathryn Bernardo, a multi-platinum debut album, and just recently, the movie Must Be...Love with Kathryn and a chart-topping single Nasa ‘Yo Na Ang Lahat which he interpreted for the Himig Handog P-Pop Love Songs 2013 competition.

 

(Note: For tickets to Anyag sa Tubigon, call Tubigon Tourism Office at Tel. No. 508-8496.)

 

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Here’s an interesting contribution from my Cebuano doctor-friend about the newly Pope Francis which she found on Facebook:

 

Recently, when he left his apartment at Domus Marta and went out into the hall, the Pope found a Swiss Guard standing at attention outside his door.

He asked him, “And what are you doing here? Were you awake all night?

“Yes,” the guard answered respectfully.

“Standing?”

“One of my colleagues gave me a break.”

“And you’re not tired?”

“It’s my duty Your Holiness, for Your safety.”

The Pope looked at him with kindness. He went back into his apartment and, after a few minutes, returned with a chair in his hand: “At least sit down and rest.”

Shocked, the Swiss Guard replied, “Forgive me, but I can’t! The rules don’t allow it.”

“The rules?”

“My captain, Your Holiness.”

“Oh, is that so? Well, I’m the Pope and I am asking you to sit down.”

So, between the rules and the Pope, the Swiss Guard, complete with his halberd, chose the chair. And then the Pope brought him some bread and jam for a snack, saying, “Buon appetito, brother.”

 

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Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohan at Twitter /Facebook.