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.

Paloma/Marimar does incredible animal sounds

Wake-uppers:

Libby and Tessie Sumampong receive the
 “Best Bohol Cuisine Specialty Restaurant”
 during the Golden Globe Annual Awards 2015
 for Business Excellence. –Courtesy: Loboc RiverWatch Floating Resto

Scene: The Cuisina Ni Tisay has been awarded the “Best Bohol Cuisine Specialty Restaurant” during the Golden Globe Annual Awards 2015 for Business Excellence on April 15 at the Manila Hotel. The award was presented by the Philippines Best Companies.Com Inc., Sinag News Magazine, Sining at Gabay ng Buhay Foundation Inc., and the National Data Research Examiner and Marketing Services Inc.  The Golden Globe Awards (GGAABE) is an annual recognition that searches for companies and brands that exhibit innovative business practices, deliver quality products and services, epitomize customer concern and engagement, exemplify a reputable and ethical business image, display excellent value proposition and pricing, and serve truthfulness in business management. The award was personally received by couple Libby and Tessie Sumampong. “Just received our Certificate and our Trophy! Super Thankfulllll ! To God be the glory,” said Tessie. Cuisina ni Tisay is located at the Chocolate Hills Adventure Park (Chap) in Carmen town.

 

Scene: Three blind items for this week: 1) Is S sleeping over at the apartment of his girlfriend Ms A (a  beauty queen)? A VRS (who happens to live nearby) swears that she saw S coming out of A’s place in the early hours of the morning. “A’s bestfriend is S’s girlfriend,” said VRS; 2) Photo of this beauty queen circulating in the net has received negative feedback. But her friend-manager came to defend her “alaga” saying, “don’t comment if you don’t like.” “Well, people can do what they want in this hi-tech society,” said VRS; and 3) This make-up artist and hairstylist (MUAAHS) was disappointed with one of the members of the beauty committee who is slow to answer queries. “Busy-busyhan ang show ni Mommy A,” said VRS. MUAAHS also said that the upcoming contest has invited big celebrities. "The contestants whose photos were severely photoshopped, I think are not worth it," said MUAAHS.

 

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Remember Paloma aka Marimar, well-loved and fondly remembered by visitors at the Bohol Python and Wildlife Park in Baclayon, also known for his kagwang--buwis-buhay performance?

 

Last week, I went to Bohol Python and Wildlife Park in Baclayon town to visit JingJing  Salibay and Paloma.  After the death of Prony, Bohol’s international animal superstar, on August 14, 2013, the wild park had experienced a laidback.

 

“Everything is back to normal,” said JingJing Salibay, the park’s caretaker.  Well, she was right because I saw a lot of foreign visitors and locals visiting the park.

 

At the entrance, Paloma was busy welcoming the guests.

 

Paloma aka Marimar has a new talent: to mimic sounds
of animals in weirdest and funniest ways. –LPU

“Welcome to the Bohol Python and Wildlife Park!”

 

Then, he began shouting:

 

Oooohhhhlok olokok olokolok...(for turkey)

 

Ahhhhtatakakakaa (for bird)

 

Whaaaakkkk ming kaun naka waaakkkkk (for crow)

 

owhhhh owhhhh (for bird)

 

Spectators were amazed that animals became “alive-alert-awake-enthusiastic” upon hearing Paloma. It was a remarkable feat that visitors could hardly believe what they witnessed.

 

Paloma can mimic the sounds of the animals, from monkeys and pigs to birds and even flies! Paloma’s crow and turkey imitations are spot-on, the bird perfect.

 

While Paloma has been known for his deadly antics and acrobatic performance (he is still performing after the animal tour), mimicking animals seems to be a particular talent.

 

Paloma has studied and mastered the sounds of the different species of birds during his pasttime. He spends his time imitating their sounds -- the way the birds communicate with each other on different situations.

 

JingJing Salibay kisses her new pet
(and beside the glass which contains
the bones of Prony). -LPU

And it is hard to believe that he has been able to mimic the sounds of the birds (of course, in weirdest and funniest ways!Ha!Ha!Ha!).

 

"I will preserve their voices," said Paloma.

 

On the other hand, JingJing said that a visit to the park is a learning experience.

 

“Here at Bohol Python and Wildlife Park, it is not only a tourist destination but it’s also an educational tour,” said JingJing. “Because we have lots of wildlife animals not only pythons.”

 

If you have missed Prony, “her” preserved body is still the biggest attraction inside the park Sofronio, the “reincarnation” of Prony.  Prony’s bones are on display inside a glass. The arrangement of the bones and delicate structures is remarkable. The Salibay family has plans to register Prony’s preserved bones to the Guiness Book of World Records (in other category) sometime soon.

 

If you have never tasted the Bohol new product, don’t forget to try the crunchy and spicy organic “chichaworm” at the park. “It’s rich in protein just like my favorite,” said Paloma. To order, contact EAL Organic Chicaworm at 0935125820/09323822345.

 

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HNU-Ultimate Mohawks wins 3rd in Frisbee tournament

 

Frisbee might not be totally mainstream in Philippine sports thinking, but it was on full display just recently as Dumaguete hosted the tournament.

 

The crunchy and spicy organic “chichaworm” 

is available at the Bohol Python and Wildlife Park. -LPU

The Holy Name University (HNU)- Ultimate Mohawks won third place in the recently concluded UCL (Ultimate Collegiate League) Frisbee Tournament held at the Silliman Ballfield in Dumaguete City. Silliman University's disc breakers ranked second beaten by MSU-Iligan's team which won the championship with a score of 14.15 leading only by one point. 

 

The first intercollegiate frisbee league was participated in by different prestigious schools from the Philippines.

 

The HNU- Ultimate Mohawks roster were Dave Samson, Peter Hamoay, Eric John Borja, Ray Conner Samson, Rainfred Galanida, Fred Anthony Soriano, Anthony June Madronero, Gio Jubac, Chiojo Jubac

Richard Andamon, Raymond Andamon, Ian Reambonanza, Paul Sarabia, Christian Montanez, Gerald

April Joy Baliong, Ina Laurel, Abigail Bernadas, Valerie Joy Omas-as, Nina Ello and Chelsea Lagang.

 

April Joy Baliong (player who had the highest points scored) received the “score machine” award while Fred Anthony Soriano received the “best defense” award.

 

Beryl Elizabeth Lupot was the team’s coach.

 

The Holy Name University (HNU)-Ultimate Mohawks
 after winning the Ultimate Collegiate League Frisbee Tournament in Dumaguete City.-Courtesy: Beryl Lupot

Jake Linton, France Jordan and Bencel Borja also trained the team before the tournament.

 

“We won because we played hard for each other. Every single player on our team played the best he could play, put in 100 percent effort and contributed to the team,” Lupot said.

 

The team was also sponsored by JNP Construction and Supply, FB Shutters and Services, Joann Pabato, Dr. Dale Ello, Jeric Lim – Bohol Hotel La Roca, Jun Constantine Caturza – Jj’s Seafood Village, Aaron Domingo – Bohol Island Leo Club, Coby Rubillar – Bohol Trading, Dr. and Mrs. Doyet Dumaluan andA’s Chicken Nuggets.

 

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Siquijor when it sizzles

To many Filipinos, the name Siquijor conjures up images of witchcraft and bizarre rituals. This tiny island composed of six towns has been unfairly labelled for centuries, but for those who have discovered its hidden beauty and treasures, they make Siquijor as their second home.

For the nth time, my visit to Siquijor last Holy Week (the best time to explore the island) was truly enchanted where magical delights beckon around every corner.

Our group — Butch Bernas and Guilly Quibir-Licayan (of Tagbilaran City Science High School), Arjame Deniega (of Sevilla National High School), fashion mogul Maximiel Tallo, radio personality Edward Guyano, Clarence Pesquira and Michael Lawrence Castillon — was the latest batch to be invited by Fiel Angeli Araoarao-Gabin and her hubby Engr. Jerome John Gabin who, we soon found out, was an Apostoles at14 and he’s serving as Saint Peter for 17 years.  We were together in the boat with Amy Arayan (of the Bohol Chronicle) and balikbayan Alot Bagotchay who had their own itinerary. We stayed at the house of Mrs. Laura “Mommy Lou” Jumawan-Gabin (former Department of Education Supervisor), together with daughters Lanih Lei Flores and Monette May Burgon and their families.

This much the group saw and did:

Siquijor has magic. Often mistaken as “Siqui-horror” and other ghoulish stories, Siquijor reveals so much more enchantment which offers several white-sandy beaches, scenic mountains and other places of interests.  -LPU

On Maundy Thursday, we went to visit the St. Francis de Assisi Church, Capilay Spring (San Juan), the 400-year-old balite tree for fish spa in Lazi (where we chanced to interview actor-singer and Siquijor Vice-Governor  Dingdong Avanzado with his wife Jessa Zaragosa), St. Isidore Church  and Convent  (Lazi) and Mt. Bandilaan for the Healing Festival.  We were able to witness the traditional washing of the feet of the Apostles. The parishioners brought food to be blessed by the priest and shared with the Apostles. According to Mommy Lou, the locals keep the bones of the fish, chicken, pig or cow and hide it atop the “abuhan” in the kitchen with the belief that one will never run out of food for guests in any gathering in one’s house.

On Good Friday, before 12 noon, we dipped ourselves in the sea, as we were told that we will be spared from evil spirit if we did that. Others roamed around the ancient cemetery to collect “things” for  the ritual.

The next day, Black Saturday, we went to the house of the late Juan Ponce in San Antonio, Siquijor to let Arjame, Maam Guilly, Maximiel and Lawrence see for themselves the ritual of mixing exotic herbs and rather “unusual” ingredients to come up with a potent “sumpa” (antidote) for illnesses and hex. 

Of course, we didn’t leave Siquijor without visiting the Lugnason Falls and namiesta in barangay Tambisan in San Juan! It’s very Boholano that after we ate the tagbalay gave us a bringhouse! Burp! Burp!

We missed the visit to the famous centuries-old Cang-Isok House, which is made of native material like nipa. Maybe next time.

Here are the “must-see’s” and the “must-do’s” in Siquijor:

St. Isidore Church and Convent or Lazi Church and Convent which was constructed in 1884 is the biggest convent in the Philippines and the whole Asia. -LPU

•Visita Iglesia. Siquijor is also the home of centuries-old churches. The starting point for the tour is the St. Francis de Assisi Church in Siquijor, Siquijor. It is only a walking distance from the Siquijor port. Few meters from the church, in the middle of a plaza, stands the bell tower that has served as a watch tower for the sea raiders during the Spanish colonial period. In the town of Lazi, you can visit the San Isidro Labrador Church, one of the most outstanding cultural heritage churches in the Philippines, and the San Isidro Labrador Convent which is said to the one of the biggest and oldest convents in the Philippines. In the town of Maria, the Sta. Maria Church houses the statue of Santa Rita de Cascia, an Italian saint touted as the miraculous Black Maria that is dressed in black garb and carrying a human skull on one hand and a cross on the other with staring eyes!

•Giant Balete Tree and Fish spa- The 400 year-old Balete tree is believed to be enchanted because of its eerily hanging roots and vines. Folks believe that it is home to mythical and scary creatures like agta and engkanto. But the balete has real dwellers- the doctor fish or garra rufa!  It is a new and fun alternative health and beauty treatment in Siquijor to safely and gently exfoliate the feet. The fishes clean pores, remove dead skin cells and also serve as a micro massage of the feet and legs, improving blood circulation. The experience is slightly ticklish at first, but skin instantly becomes softer and smoother. WATCH NEWS HERE.

The Cambugahay Falls is the most famous falls in the Island. See its several levels of waterfalls and enjoy its cool and refreshing waters.- LPU

•Cambugahay Falls- Swing like Tarzan from here! Cambugahay Falls in Lazi is one of the attractions in Siquijor. It has a multi-tiered waterfalls with clear turquoise waters. Look for the swing rope hanging on the tree and do a Tarzan jump. Swimming lagoons are formed downstream where tourists can get a refreshing dip in the cool water. WATCH NEWS HERE.

•Capilay Spring Park. This is a natural spring-fed swimming pool located in the town of San Juan. Visitors can have a picnic, dine and swim here. Don’t forget Tating’s creamier ice cream! It can bring delight during hot and humid days! WATCH NEWS HERE.

•Mt. Bandilaan National Park. Going up a mountain can be exhausting but not in Siquijor’s highest peak. The Mt. Bandilaan Nature Park has natural springs, hiking trails, caves, and even a butterfly sanctuary. The more spiritual might be moved to reflecting by the Stations of the Cross. Visitors can climb a tower to get a panoramic view of the island and Bohol. 

•Beaches – Siquijor has a postcard-perfect scoop of pristine white-sand beaches.  Salagdoong Beach in Maria town is famous for its climb jump and rock formations. The town of San Juan has the best resorts in Siquijor. The undeveloped Paliton Beach in San Juan has sugar-fine, white sand that could very well match Panglao’s white-sand.  You can enjoy Paliton beach without the noise of overdevelopment and the nightlife. It's a place where you can relax and enjoy the beach...and to catch beautiful sunsets!

The fish spa is a new and fun alternative health
and beauty treatment in Siquijor to safely and
gently exfoliate the feet. - LPU

•Oging- They are not foreigners but many of them can be found in Siquijor. People who have very white hair to the point of being snow-white, flour-like freckled white skin and very white eyes are called “Oging” in native Siquijor. Since, the island is associated with magick and mysticism, most of the people believe that “ogings” are children of engkantos. In medicine, "Ogings" are known as albino, people who lack color pigmentation in thei bodies. Albinism as a congenital disorder characterized by the complete or partial absence of pigment in the skin, hair and eyes due to the absence or defect of an enzyme involved in the production of melanin.

•See a mananambal- In spite of the long presence of Christianity, Siquijor is noted for herbal medicine, witchcraft, magick and superstition, with San Antonio as the center of shamanism. There are many mananambals in San Antonio, most prominent is the Ponce family. The province of Siquijor has gathered the mananambals who practice several styles of healing for tourism through a Healing Festival during Holy Week. For seven Fridays, the herbalists and sorcerers roam the forests, seas, caves and cemeteries to gather medicinal herbs and roots to make amulets, charms, love potions and other concoctions. They cook their concoctions on Black Saturday.  If you’re still craving a taste of Siquijor’s mystical side, ask a local to point you to a faith healer or sorcerer. The famous Bolo-Bolo folk healing method is a must try.

Siquijor is noted for herbal medicine, witchcraft, magick and superstition, with San Antonio as the center of shamanism.- LPU

How to get there:

Sea- Travel to Siquijor by fastcraft from Cebu (five hours) or Dumaguete (45 minutes) and Lite Shipping from Tagbilaran to Larena, Siquijor (three hours) every Monday, Wednesday and Sunday at 7 p.m.

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

SIQUIJOR ON GMA NEWS THIS 2015: