Island Hopping in Panglao, Bohol: Alona Beach, Dolphin Watching, Balicasag Island and Virgin Island

If you think that the province of Bohol is just about old churches, hills, tarsiers and all on land travels, well, better think again. As this province is also blessed by stunning beaches, rich marine life and incredible islands and islets. In fact, Panglao is an island in the southwest region of Bohol which is famous for island hopping activity. The island hopping covers a visit to Alona Beach, Balicasag Island and the Virgin Island. Along side, some of the activities you can do during island hopping are: dolphin-watching, fish feeding, snorkeling and of course swimming.

How to get there?

Going to Panglao - if you are coming from Tagbilaran airport you may ride a taxi to take you to Panglao. Taxi ride may costs you 500-600 Pesos. Or if you are in a tight budget, you may rent a tricycle which you can haggle for about 300 Pesos. Inform the driver to drop you at Alona beach as that will be your jump off point for this island hopping activity. Alona beach is a well known spot in Panglao so most of the drivers know where it is located. Island Hopping Tour - Once you've reach Alona beach, there are bunch of agents/boatmen which will approach you that offers island tour. Price ranges from 1800 - 2600 pesos depending on the season (off peak season is of course much cheaper than peak season). This is the time where you should use your haggling technique. 

You may contact Kuya Bernie for Panglao service and island hopping tour at 0999-929-8445. Tagbilaran to Panglao charge is 500 Pesos. Island Hopping Tour charge is 2,500 pesos. Both are at group expense and NOT per head.

With our bangkero

Alona Beach

The busy shore of Alona Beach

Just like what I've stated before, Alona Beach will be the starting point of your island hopping adventure. It is usually the area where you will be picked up by your boat. But aside from that, Alona beach is also a nice beach to for you to relax. Alona beach has this long shore which is characterized by creamy white sand. The water here is pretty clear which is perfect for swimming! There are also a lot of hotels along the shore as well as restaurants just in case you decided to stay a couple of days in Panglao.

Alona Beach during night time

Dolphin Watching

Trip start very early in the morning

Island hopping adventure in Panglao usually starts at 6 am or earlier and it is due to the dolphin watching activity included on most of the package. As per our boatmen, dolphins are only visible early in the morning. In fact, if you happen to see a dolphin around 8 am then you're one lucky person. So I strongly encourage you to wake up early and be there on time for you not to missed this activity.

However, although we we're on the right spot and time where dolphins are usually seen, we still had a hard time to see them. Our boat was sailing round and round hoping to see even a single dolphin. After sailing for almost 30minutes, thank God that He heard our prayers and wish that day! We're blessed because we did not only saw a single dolphin but we found a group of dolphins swimming along. Once we had them in sight, we started chasing them on different directions which is kind of crazy yet super fun and cool! They're even flipping in mid-air while we were tracking them which WOWs us! These creatures really swims fast. There are times that they're meters away from us and there are times where they're just right in front of our boat and seems like touring us in their habitat! Dolphins here are free which makes it fun to watch.

Finally! A group of dolphins show up!

Got lucky to have a shot like this

Balicasag Island

Right after our encounter with the dolphins we then head to our next destination, at Balicasag Island. From the dolphin watching area, we traveled for no more than 30 mins to reach Balicasag Island. The island is known for marine sanctuaries and with that, this site makes it a perfect place for snorkeling and fish feeding activities.

Hep! Hep! But before you can dive into the sanctuary, you have to settle first some fees:

• Small boat - 250 pesos/head (mandatory)
• Snorkels and goggles - 150 pesos/head (optional)
• Water shoes - 150 pesos/head (optional)
• Fins - 250 pesos/head (optional)
• Underwater camera - 1,000 (optional)

The small boat includes a boatman/guide which will take you to the sanctuary. I find the snorkeling gears too pricey so if you own these gears, I strongly recommend that you bring them with you so you don't have to rent from them.

Moving forward, as we alight and jump on the sanctuary, I was amazed on the different fishes I saw in the area! It exceed on what I expected to see because there are LOTS of fishes nesting in Balicasag Island. And if you're lucky enough, you might able to see turtles as well. Too bad we don't have underwater camera to document what we saw. (Soon: The pictures I am sharing for this section are from my officemate who also happened to visit Balicasag Island)

Virgin Island

Just enjoying the sun...

As for our final stop on this island hopping adventure, we visited Virgin Island. If Balicasag boasts its rich marine life, Virgin Island of Panglao is popular for its simplicity. Simple in a sense that the main attraction of this island is its long and narrow sandbar. Just prepare to be burn because there isn't much shade in this island. Who cares anyway? Just enjoy your island escapade!

The long sandbar of this island

Hahaha... Trying out some dancing pose here

To sum up my experience, it has been a great trip to see the other side of Bohol. Island hopping in Panglao is a really must try activity when visiting the province of Bohol. It was worth the penny and time. Just don't forget to bring your snorkeling gears in case you have them. It will surely save you and your pocket! Haha


Breakdown of Expenses:
Island hopping tour - 2,500 Pesos/good for 6 pax
Small boat at Balicasag Island - 250 pesos/head (mandatory)
Snorkels and goggles - 150 pesos/head (optional)
Water shoes - 150 pesos/head (optional)
Fins - 250 pesos/head (optional)
Underwater camera - 1,000 (optional)
Food - **.**

POV: Retouching Photographs

Photo © Tewfic El-Sawy- All Rights Reserved

Since starting on my photography trajectory some 15 years ago, I've been consistently adamant about not spending much time on post processing my images. Whether it was Photoshop, Color Efex (and its derivatives), Silver Efex or even Lightroom, I resisted the lure of "improving" the photographs I made whilst leading my many photo expeditions-workshops and solo assignments.

It's an aesthetic decision coupled with a genuine disinterest in spending time poring over digital images and pixel-peeking. I just don't have the patience to do what other photographers seem to revel in.

With the advent of Color Efex, I softened my resistance. With just a click or two (or three) on a preset filter, I could change (and improve) the photographs that I liked... and that was almost a revelation to me.

It was easier. I liked the results. I didn't have to spend an hour over a single image.

Photo © Tewfic El-Sawy- All Rights Reserved

And then earlier this year, I started the long journey on my personal project "Hầu Đồng: The Spirit Mediums of Viet Nam"; researching, documenting and photographing the Vietnamese religion of the Mother Goddesses, and the practice of mediumship. The project is currently taking shape, and ought to culminate in a book, combining photographs and text.

As I progressed and added more photographs to my inventory, test prints were made, and I was generally pleased with the results. 

I also just chanced on a photo retouching software program, and as Hầu Đồng ceremonies involve women mediums, colorful brocade costumes, a degree of exotic background pageantry and rituals, dance and songs, it certainly has a connection with fashion photography.

Photo © Tewfic El-Sawy- All Rights Reserved

Fashion photography? Yes, I'm serious. And fashion photography needs retouching software....so I put two and two together, and acquired the software*. Boom! Another revelation of sorts to me. 

It proved to be a cinch to use. A click here and there, and I could tackle the facial and skin imperfections that I would've normally have had to fix in Photoshop, or more probably just ignored. The key is to avoid overdoing the degree of "fixing" as it would alter the physiognomies of the subjects I photographed (as in botched face-lifts), and pushed to the extreme would render them unrecognizable. We've seen this on the covers of fashion magazines, and we wonder if it's really Julia Roberts or not.

The usefulness of this retouching software will be proven or disproven when I run a few test prints. I'd like to see whether it is a non-destructive image editing software  (it claims to be) before I run it on the Hầu Đồng photographs.

* PortraitPro...

A Quick Getaway to Sky Ranch, Tagaytay

It's been years since I last visited an amusement park. I'm not fond of leisure parks but I enjoy seeing those humongous machines which can carry 20 or more people. Well maybe because I think I'm already too old for it. But just recently, I was able to spend time on one of the famous amusement park to Mañilenos. Nonetheless, the Sky Ranch -- which is found in the cool and chill town of Tagaytay.

How to get there?
Sky Ranch is a famous spot to Mañilenos because it does not only offer fun rides but also because it is very accessible. In fact, it is just one bus ride away if you'll be taking the bus terminal at Coastal Mall in Parañaque. Just take the route going to Tagaytay or Batangas and just ask the bus conductor to drop you off at Sky Ranch. And yes, this amusement park is just along the way. That is why it is hard to missed out.

Sky Ranch is a 5-hectare leisure park which has no more than 20 rides. I consider most of the rides here to be child-friendly. Rides such as the Express train, Bubble-O-Fun, Grand Carousel and more. Sky Eye is also found in Sky Ranch which is dubbed as the tallest ferris wheel in the Philippines. Cost of rides ranges from 50 PhP to 500 PhP depending on the ride's extremity. And by the way, there is an entrance fee to Sky Ranch:

80.00 PhP – Weekdays (Mondays to Fridays, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.)
100.00 PhP – Saturday, Sunday and Holidays (8 a.m. to 10 p.m.)

I want to try this... if only I was still a kid

Test your fear of heights 

The famous Sky Eye of Sky Ranch

If you have a car, parking will not be a problem as Sky Ranch has a wide parking lot. Parking rates are 30 PhP for bicycles, 50 PhP for cars and 150 PhP for buses. Other amenities includes Gazebos for rent, comfort rooms, clinic / breastfeeding station and souvenir shops.

Souvenir shops and pasalubong centers

I love the view from here

Overall, my experience in Sky Ranch was just fair and nothing magical. But I will not say I didn't enjoyed it because I still did. If you have kids I recommend that you bring them to Sky Ranch. Your kids will surely love and enjoy the rides in this amusement park. And as for you, adults, just enjoy the view and the cool breeze of Tagaytay.

A 180 degree view from Sky Ranch view deck

Note: Do not worry about the food. There are restaurants near the entrance of Sky Ranch. And remember you're in Tagaytay, there are bunch of diners and eateries all over the town which serves great food! 

Apple Watch has finally arrived at Power Mac Center

Apple Special Event last September made another milestone as it introduced to the world the all new series Apple Watches. The unveiling of Apple Watch made so much noise that ever since the day of event, people can't get enough to have it on their hands and experience it. Which includes us, Filipinos.

But after a month of anticipation, finally, I can now say that the long wait is over as Power Mac Center launches Apple Watch in the Philippines. Power Mac Center has become a reliable retail  shop and service provider of Apple products to the Filipino consumer. That's why it is no surprise why Apple appoints them to have the first launch of the Apple Watch here in the country. The big reveal happened yesterday (October 23) at Power Mac Center's flagship store in Greenbelt 3.

Look at those people whose waited this long for the Apple Watch

Apple Watches' straps are interchangeable

The Apple Watch collection comes in three models: the aluminum Apple Watch Sport, the stainless steel Apple Watch, and the solid gold Apple Watch Edition. All (3) three Apple Watches are available in 2 sizes, the 38-mm and 42-mm. Apple Watch may now avail at Power Mac Center Greenbelt 3 and Trinoma with prices starting at 19,990 PhP for the Apple Watch Sport; stainless steel Apple Watch at 30,990 PhP; and Apple Watch Edition at 560,000 PhP

Note: Apple Watch Edition, crafted from custom rose or yellow 18-karat gold alloys, is available exclusively at Power Mac Center Greenbelt 3. Those who want to try it on may arrange an appointment and be assisted by Apple Watch Experts deployed in-store.

Visit Greenbelt 3 to see the Apple Watch display

I was one of the lucky people who got to see and experience Apple Watch as it launches here in the Philippines. Together with other bloggers and writers, we got a special demo from Power Mac Center on Apple Watch.

Aside from this watch can enable the users to view key notifications like call, text and email alerts, Apple Watch supports most iOS apps. It is particularly proud of its integrated health and fitness apps. Apple believes that fitness isn't just limited to sports or hitting the gym. Apple Watch tracks every physical activity and encourages further movement. It ultimately helps set and keep track of fitness goal.

The unboxing of Apple Watch Sport

Everybody is excited to have that shot with the Apple Watch Sport

Pairing the Apple Watch on Iphone 6

The impromptu Apple Watch model that day

Just as what Assistant Brand Manager of Apple for Power Mac Center -- Ivan Ambrosio said, "Apple Watch is a reimagining of the watch as we know it. It's a unique timepiece with innovative features perfect for any Filipino lifestyle - be it for fitness enthusiasts, working professionals, even fashion-savvy ones"

Even the Sport edition Apple Watch looks sleek and stylish

So what are you guys waiting for? Visit Power Mac Center Greenbelt 3 or Trinoma to see it yourself as well! For more information, go to http://www.powermaccenter.com or follow them at:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/powermaccenter
Twitter: www.twitter.com/powermaccenter
Instagram: www.instagram.com/powermaccenter

Thank you for having us!

A Review: Panglao Regents Park of Panglao, Bohol

I'm the kind of traveler who is not fond of stay-cation when I'm out and travelling. I would choose to spend my money on discovering islands and islets, trying out new stuff and activities or eat on a fancy restaurant rather than staying on a class hotels with soft beds, great service and lots of amenities. The reason why is because my trips are always jam-packed with activities and I only need a hotel just to get through the night for a sleep. So why would I spend a lot if all I need is a bed? But as for a change, I broke that perception and tried to check-in at Panglao Regents Park during our Bohol trip. And I never regret even a single penny I spent because it was worth the stay.

How to get there?
From the name itself, the hotel is located in Panglao and merely near the Alona Beach. So, if you are coming from Tagbilaran airport you may ride a taxi to take you to Panglao Regents Park. Taxi ride may costs you 600-700 Pesos. Or if you are in a tight budget, you may rent a tricycle which you can haggle for about 300 Pesos. Panglao Regents Park is popular in the area so most of the drivers knows where it is located.

Panglao Regents Park
Panglao Regents Park is situated at Ester A. Lim Drive, Panglao, Bohol. And by its address, this hotel is no beach front. Yet, it is just 7-10 mins walk away from the long shore of Alona beach. Panglao Regents Park is divided into 2 buildings. One is the main building and the other one is what they called the "West Wing". These buildings are just facing each other and both has parking area in front. The evident difference I saw was that, in the main building, aside from the rooms, most of the amenities like bar and restaurant, spa, gym, etc are found there. While in the West Wing, it is mostly just rooms and the reception/lobby. Nevertheless, customers can come and go on both buildings anytime they want.

The main building

The West Wing

The Rooms
We stayed at Panglao Regents Park for 2 days and 2 nights. We were 5 in the group and mixed with men and women, so we decided to get two rooms - (1) Standard Superior Family which is for 3 persons and (1) Deluxe Double which is for 2 persons. Both rooms are located in  the West Wing and can accommodate one additional person with of course additional payment as well. There was a promo being hold when we booked our reservation so we got 40% discount on each room. So instead of 3,000 pesos per night per room (a total of 12000 for 2 rooms for 2 nights), we scored each room for only 1,800 pesos per night (a total of 7200 for 2 rooms for 2 nights).

Pool side room at the Main building

The lobby/reception area

Right after we settled and confirmed in their reception our reservations, we were then assisted directly to our rooms. As for the boys room (family room), my first impression was it is too spacious for 3 or even 4 persons. We estimate the room as it can hold up to 5-6 persons. The room smells pretty even and what's important is that the room is clean, cozy and we really felt and saw that it is well maintained.

Our room has the usual flat screen TV installed with cable channels, coffee maker, a personal refrigerator, inside the cabinet was a vault for safe keeping, personal bathroom with towels (which is being change everyday), liquid soap and shampoo, a phone which connects you to the reception and other rooms, has WI-FI connection (which is fast) and the room was of course air-conditioned. The family room has 1 queen size bed and 1 regular size bed and has a wide empty space. So if you have kids with you, they can actually run around the room while you got to stay in bed and just rest. Another good point of this room is that, it has a lot of power plugs. We had a total of 10 power plugs in the room so we don't have to take turns just to have our gadgets recharged. Nice!

(Photo from Panglao Regents Park site)

(Photo from Panglao Regents Park site)

(Photo from Panglao Regents Park site)

Amenities
Along with a restaurant, Panglao Regents Park has an outdoor pool on both buildings. West Wing pool is open until 6pm while the bigger pool of main building is open until 10pm. The pool in the main building reaches up to 9 feet in deep so fellas who loves to swim will surely enjoy it. You may also chill on their bar in case you want to grab some drinks after a nice swim.

A small pool at West Wing

A much larger pool at the main building

If you ever got tired on your tour at Panglao, you may also want to try their massage services as they have a spa. For health consious Panglao Regents Park also have a fitness center/gym. While, parking is free for all hotel guests. Other amenities include concierge services, dry cleaning and a function hall for conference.

Indulge yourself :)

Overall experience
Yes, our itinerary in Bohol was pretty full and occupied with activities yet above that, I was still able to enjoy and appreciate Panglao Regents Park. We didn't have any issues with their service and all our needs were addressed properly. The hotel is also accessible to other restaurants nearby which gives us a lot of options during meal time and most importantly... Alona Beach is just less than 10 mins walk away. The rooms are clean and we felt safe the whole time we were there. Another thing I like is that, rooms are being serviced/cleaned everyday and same goes with the towels. As they replaced it with new ones. Though the room is pretty spacious, ventilation hasn't became an issue as it was well air-conditioned. The only issue we had is that our television cannot read our external hard drive which contains downloaded movies. Hahaha. Although it was just a minor issue, they still handled and resolved it.

The hallway

I strongly recommend Panglao Regents Park if you are looking for a comfortable and cozy place to stay in while in Panglao, Bohol. It really offers a combination of service, value for money and great location.

Panglao Regents Park

Ester A. Lim Drive, Panglao, Bohol
Land Line: 0063 (38) 5024080 & 0063 (38) 5024081
Globe: 0926-317-8333
Smart: 0939-429-0668
Sun Cellular: 0925-502-4080
Email: panglaoregentspark@gmail.com

The Province of Bohol: A Country Side Tour

The province of Bohol is considered as the tenth largest island of the Philippines and is located in the Central Visayas region. Having said that, it is no wonder that this province holds some of the majestic tourist spot of the country. As for this blog post, I will be featuring a land tour to Bohol, often called as a country-side tour which can be done in a day. Yes, that is right, we were able to accomplished all the spots below in just a matter of day. The tour actually lasted for 8-9 hours.

How did we get there?
Due to some circumstances, we barely have no plans for our day 1 in Bohol. What we only know that day is we have to visit the famous tourist spots of the province. That's why we were so lucky when we met Kuya Bernie. We met Kuya Bernie outside Tagbilaran Airport. He offers different tours in Bohol and one of the tour he has is the Tagbilaran tour. He has a van for hire which can accommodate 5-7 persons. He also told us that he has another service which can hold up to 12 persons. What's nice about his tour is you can collaborate with him in terms of the places you want to visit. You can eliminate sites which you want to skip and replace it with another. As for our Tagbilaran City Tour, he only asks for 2,500 Pesos which includes a trip to our hotel in Panglao at the end of our tour. Note: entrance fees of each places are not included. Having said that, it is still pretty convenient and cheap than the other tours I saw oevr the internet. You may contact Kuya Bernie at 0999-929-8445.

Now, let the Bohol Country Side Tour begin!

The Chocolate Hills Complex

Our tour started at around 11:30am and the first spot in our list to visit is non other than the iconic Chocolate Hills. We decided to visit first the furthest spot which is the Chocolate Hills located in Carmen then revisit everything else once we get back and straight to our hotel in Panglao. As for the full details of our visit to Chocolate Hills Complex, kindly refer to this link: [click here]

Entrace fee is P50 per head.

The view deck of Chocolate Hills Complex

Time for some groupfie!

Simply Butterflies Conservation Center

Butterflies conservation center might sounds like a spot for children but believe me, you have to see it yourself as you'll surely enjoy it and at the same time learn a lot of things. At first, I was also hesitant to go here coz it screams children's field trip to me but I was wrong. Simply because I enjoyed the conservation center and learned a lot from a span of not more than 30 minutes of my visitation. Some of the things I've learned about butterflies/moths are:

1. Female species are larger than their male counterparts
2. The bigger the species the shorter their life span compared to the little one. It is because they exert more effort flapping their wings
3. In love making, males are in the bottom and they do it whole day... hmmm. Haha
4. The less appealing the pupa is, the more chance that the butterfly inside it is beautiful (in terms of look)
5. Butterflies can also do the "play dead" trick. This is their defense mechanism for prey. 

There is an entrance fee of P40 per head if you wish to visit the center. Over 60 species of butterflies and moths are found here and you can interact with them. You may ask your guide to get you one so you can have a closer look. Just be careful on handling them, ok? The conservation center wasn't that big and can be explored in 30 minutes.

Entrance of the conservation center

Butterflies here are free to fly everywhere they want

We found this one just resting on the stem

And you can actually interact with them!

Kuya Tikboy, our guide at the center

Group photo with Kuya Tikboy

Bilar Man Made Forest

Bilar Man-Made Forest was actually just a part of a bigger reforestation project which conceptualize decades ago which was initiated due to the alarming deforestation or kaingin in Bohol. Today, aside from its main purpose as a nature preservation, Bilar Man-Made Forest became a well-known tourist spot in Bohol because of its unexpected beauty. Who ever thought that this forest is not naturally created by nature hence it was by man? Honestly, I can't stop myself from admiring its beauty when I saw it in person despite already seeing it so many times in photos of my friends whose been here. It's 100x more beautiful seeing it personally than in photos. 

For the full story of my visit at Bilar Man-Made Forest, just [click here].

Photo op at Bilar Man Made Forest

Philippine Tarsier and Wildlife Sanctuary

Another popular tourist spot of the province is the Philippine Tarsier and Wildlife Sanctuary which is located in Corella. Here, you'll have the chance to see up close the Philippine Tarsier in its natural habitat. Tarsier is one of the smallest primates in the world which only stands 3 to 6 inches. These little charmers have small bodies with big eyes. They are also nocturnal so tarsiers are more likely stationed to one branch during day time and are active during night time. 

Silence is maintained in the sanctuary as tarsiers are easily get stressed. Stress are not good to them as they tend to commit suicide. So reminders on keeping the place at peace are posted everywhere around the site. By the way, entrance fee is P60 per head.

Registration area

Please observe silence once you're in

The Philippine Tarsier, sleeping...

Sipatan Twin Hanging Bridge

The hanging bridge was built sometime after WWII. It's main purpose is to link Sitio Sipatan and Sitio Ilawad to transport goods across the Sevilla River. The bridge is 40 meters long and made of indigenous bamboo slats. The bridge has faced so many calamities and been destroyed too many times yet the local government here keeps on rebuilding the same bridge to preserve what's been there after so many years. As per the locals who maintains the bridge, this bamboo hanging bridge is stable and safe. The original rope suspension has been replaced with steel cables.

Aside from the bridge, there are also stalls at the end of the bridge which sells handicraft merchandise, refreshments booths and other souvenir items. There is also an entrance fee for those who wants to cross the bridge which costs P20 per head.

The twin bamboo hanging bridge

Thinking where should I go next?

Loboc Church (Saint Peter the Apostle Parish Church)

It was getting late when we finished our tour at Sipatan Twin Hanging Bridge, so instead of going to other spots in our list, we decided to head on Panglao where we arranged our accommodation (will have a separate blog for it). Along the way we passed along Loboc Church so I scream my heart out (yes this is just an exaggeration) and had a stop over.

Loboc Church was built centuries ago and was heavily devastated by a 7.2 magnitude earthquake in 2013. Today, the church is being reconstructed and for the meantime, the locals built an alternative church right behind the original Loboc church.

The on-going reconstruction of Loboc Church

Side portion of the church

The alternative church built behind Loboc Church

After that, we then proceed to Panglao. Yet, before we proceed to our hotel, Kuya Bernie (our service driver that day) let us grab our dinner at Bohol Bee Farm (again, another blog post will be provided for this). Overall, we had a hassle free tour for Day 1. The weather was fair. All the people we met were nice and accommodating at the same time. It was indeed a perfect day! Come and visit bohol.

Breakdown of Expenses:
Van for Hire - 2,500 Pesos / 5 persons = 500 PhP per pax
Entrance fee at Chocolate Hills Complex - 50 PhP per pax
ATV at Chocolate Hills (for 30 mins) - 450 PhP per pax
Entrance fee at Butterfly Conservation Center - 40 PhP per pax
Entrance fee at Tarsier Sanctuary - 60 PhP per pax
Entrance fee at Twin Hanging Bridge - 20 PhP per pax
Food - **.**

Next posts will be about our tour in Panglao :)