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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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!
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| 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.
