Hi kids! Just a week after our Zambales trip, your mom’s off on another adventure
This time we’re flying to Bohol.
I was still physically tired from the Zambales trip, and I felt like my age was really catching up with me ever since I turned 30 (oops, that was supposed to be kept a secret!)
But here we are. Yes, kids, your mom is 30, and you all have yet to be born. Even now as I type this I'm staying at a cafe waiting for your aunt coz she dared to watch Kimetsu No Yaiba (it's an almost 3-hour-long movie!) and not include me. Long story short—my back fucking hurts as I type this, and I barely started anything. I could have done this at home, but I still chose to tag along. Now why did I do that???
Anyway, I'm getting far from the topic, so we'll go ahead and start with my Boho trip!
Just another context, my coworker and friend, Cherry, randomly thought of visiting our friend, Mina, who resides in Bohol. Aside from that, we planned to have our own girls' trip; being the single women in us, I don't see why not. Truth is, we just want to be surrounded by afams in Panglao lol
I'm bringing my laptop for this trip since my vacation leave is almost used up, and I have 2 more trips that I need to go to, and I am in need of it.
I still have some unfinished business left, thankfully, T2 has a laptop station.
Funny story! In the plane, I was seated in the middle seat, and as cliché as it sounds, I love a window seat so I can film the clouds and just watch how the plane takes off.
So midair I was REALLLLYYY itching to take a video of it, but the stranger seated next to me was also filming, taking over almost all the view. I was kinda hoping he would pause so I could make paalam and do the same, so when he finally did, I took my chance and pulled out my phone. I excused myself and let him know I was going to film the sky lol he was nice enough to tell me he could just AirDrop the ones he took. I WAS FLOORED! On top of that, he was such a cutie pie. my eyes were pleased. Yung amoy Johnson's baby powder lol I'm not even kidding! He even told me he would also film the landing, so he would also send it to me. Such a nice guy! My friend, Cherry was elbowing me on the side, forcing me to ask for his ig handle HAHAHAAHA! I did not. Maybe some things are just meant to happen and we don't need to force it.
These are just some of the ones he sent me.
Kids, that could be your dad for all I know, hahaha! Sorry, Mom was short on diskarte, but yeah, I was just grateful to have been seated next to a kind stranger. Well, that stranger has a name; it's Aeron, as his iPhone name showed. I asked him if he's flying alone, and he told me he's with friends on this trip. When we deplaned, my friend asked him to take our picture lol
That could've been our chance to exchange socials again, but nope. I got cold feet! But it's definitely something to look back on whenever I think about Bohol.
When we landed, the first thing I noticed was their airport; it's so much bigger compared to Caticlan, and it's not super crowded either. I contacted the hotel we'll be staying at, which is Alona Vida Beach Resort. We requested an airport pickup since, from the reviews I have read, you'll have to walk on the sandy shore to get to their place, since it's beachfront, and I have a huge luggage with me!
When we exited the airport, there was a huge sign with my name on it, literally just in front of us!! I was shocked lakas maka OFW nakakashala pala hahahaha but yeah, we got into the car and there was in fact quite a walk from the drop-off point - which was basically the end of the road before you're welcomed with the sand. They got this cartwheel where we put our luggage. Thankfully, they were very helpful and accommodating! We got into the reception, did the check-in, and were escorted to our room. The room has a balcony, but the pool was under construction, though.
Actually, everything there seems to be under construction, even the beach. I kid you not, there were trucks on the beach, and I was told that they were building a sea wall. Explains why the shore was dirty.
I was a bit upset, but it's something beyond our control. I'm sure it's for the betterment of everyone, though, and thankfully, we wouldn't just be staying in Panglao since we'll also be visiting Mina in her hometown. Otherwise, I would be a little sad.
First things first, I started doing my work setup and did a wifi check—hella fast!!
When we both felt rested, Cherry and I went out to eat lunch.
We found "Pyramid" and had our late lunch there.
They said Bohol is quite an expensive tourist spot. I'm starting to think it might be true.
It was also a bit rainy in the afternoon, so we decided to head back to the hotel and get more sleep because I have to work at night. I woke up just in time to clock in; coincidentally, the workload was getting too much as well. I was talking to different people that night, so I was super stressed. But I wouldn't allow my stress to ruin this trip! During my lunch, I went out to see if there were some restaurants open at 1am, but most of them were closed aside from the McDonald's, so that's where we ate.
When my shift wrapped up at 6 am, I decided to go for a run. Cherry decided to join me too.
Found a coworking space I was meaning to try that night but workload wasn't super chill so I decided not to :(
That was a gloomy morning run by the beach, so we went out on the highway, where I saw some fellow runners out on the road (wow fellow runners>???) It was an easy and chill 3k run.
We showered when we got back to the hotel and prepared for breakfast.
I still have some unfinished workload, so I brought my laptop with me. It wasn't for aesthetics, ya gurlie was legit doing some work, and it's not even paid lol!
I had their American Breakfast♥
But here's me while juggling work and making pacute to the korean dude across our table hehe
THANK GOD FOR GOOD LOOKING GUYS, THEY MAKE EVERYTHING BETTER.
We are finally meeting our Boholana friend, Mina!
We decided to meet at the Island City Mall in Tagbilaran, which was 16 km away from Alona. We paid PHp600 for the tuk-tuk one way. Grabe kamahal but the location was also far, so it's fine. It's my first time seeing her since July last year. I missed her so much! I mean I do work with her, but it's different when you see her in person, ofc!
Look at her eating siomai, she said it's been almost half a year since she had a taste of it!
After some time spent in the mall, we returned to the hotel and went out again to have dinner at Mosa. The interior of this restaurant is so pretty.
The food is good too and not too expensive. We ordered a lot!
Since we were all full, we decided to walk our way back to the hotel. I was sooo tired!! and I still have one more shift left for the week!
We passed by a souvenir shop on the way, so we bought a couple of souvenirs and whatnot;
I badly wanna buy this ukulele! but I have to mind my luggage!
we also got our photo taken in a photobooth.
I took, like, a 2-hour nap before my shift began. Still sleepy af.
To entertain ourselves, we dressed ourselves up in the blanket and made TikTok videos. It was sooo fun! Indeed, a great way to keep myself awake.
When we clocked out, we dolled up and got ready for breakfast.
Laughing as if I have 8 hours of sleep!!!
Cherry and I went to visit the Bee Farm while Mina stayed back at the hotel to catch up on sleep.
Honestly, we didn't have that much itinerary for this trip. We just go wherever; we didn't even bother including other famous tourist spots there. Maybe next time, when I'm not working and have more time to go around. The focus is just Panglao and Mina's hometown, Guindulman.
Bee Farm was situated in a much secluded area.
I remember seeing just tree after tree on the way. It was like a different dimension inside. Like where fairies and elves would live.
gimme 15 of thaaaaat!!!
They have cute shops that sell goods and unique spreads like honey, malunggay, and pesto. That's where I got most of my pasalubong. I bought danggit, peanut butter kisses and barquillos.
"Whene-" ay lapit na kase!
The infamous dick souvenirs ofc!
They have green tea leaves here omg!
We also got some ice cream, mine was salted honey flavored. Even the cone was homemade. We also checked out the restaurant where the view of the ocean welcomed us. It's so pretty!
After roaming some more, we decided to head back to the hotel in time for checkout. We packed our bags and went to the terminal near ICM.
The pool was now fixed. Just. GREAT.
We hopped on a van, and off we went. It was a 3-hour travel from ICM to Guindulman. I swear it was far; there was no traffic either.
It was my mom's birthday on August 15th, and while I was in the van, one of her favorite songs played on the radio (We're All Alone) It felt like I was with her on that trip. :( Lowkey got emotional but happy at the same time coz I felt her presence. I just know she's proud of me now that I can afford to do these stuff♥ you are mom, right?
It was around 6pm when we got there. Mina's family welcomed us and took us in like stray cats.
We dropped by the public beach called Bon-Bon beach. It was dark but we could defo see the charm of it. the waves are a bit calm. If it's this pretty at night I could only imagine the beauty of it in the daylight.
And that's what we did the next day; my friends joined me for another run. First stop, of course, was that beach. I was not wrong!
Look how serene the beach and the Pantone sky colors are. It was like cotton candies. I could hardly believe that this was a public beach yet we pay so much to see Boracay, this was such a hidden gem and I remember Mina telling us how she wasn't in awe the first time she set foot in Boracay and now I believe her because THEY FREAKING HAVE THIS BEACH SITTING IN THEIR BACKYARD lol the locals are so blessed and lucky to have this kind of beach near them.
We took some photos ofc and this is probably my favorite "run" photo of me so far!
We also dropped by the "Talisay Beach" but didn't stay for long. I continued on my run while the two ladies walked their way.
Jumping out of joy seeing this sign lol
I reached the public market and realized I was like 30m short for a 5k run so I added some more steps then headed back to the meeting location. The two arrived not long after, and so we got to the market where I got tuyo to bring home!
It was so nice exploring the province and enjoying the view while getting your cardio in. Ofc I had to stop and admire it.
When we got back to Mina's house, we prepped our things since we had another resort to visit called "Bugnaw Si-E Beach Resort", First agenda was lunch.
While waiting, we roamed around and took some photos.
We headed back to the restaurant and ate sumptuous food! Changed into our swimsuits and made tambay by the sea. Ofc we danced like nobody's watching, and the never-ending photo-ops.
They have both swimming pool and a private beach. Which I think was the highlight of this trip. White sand, clear blue water - doesn't even need a filter!
After dipping in the bluest water I have ever dipped in, we transferred to the swimming pool since the location has more shade.
One of the staff was kind enough to take our photos, he even taught me some poses!!
After all the awra, we finally headed home.
Dude by this time, we were so tired! Ang hirap na umawra kapag trenta ka na! lol
In the afternoon, we met up with Mina's friends to go sightseeing in the hills.
It's my first time riding a motorcycle in 3s with no helmet on! another culture shock, but it's normal daw especially in the province. It was a bit struggle going up since there was a recent landslide, hence the road being so muddy, we had to climb the rest on our feet. Literal na "reconnecting with nature almost turns into reconnection with Papa Jisas"! I do run, yes, but it's different when it's uphill I don't even run in hilly areas, I walk on them! It was like 20m lang ahhh but I was catching my breath so hard hahahah ang tyahin nyo!
But anyway we reached the top of Cabantian Hills, it was like the Chocolate Hills version of their province, but with fewer people.
I had to stop for a while to just admire the view. It's so lovely being up there and just breathing in the cleanest air!
We stayed there for a while, ate some food, and danced together for Tiktok!
It was so fun meeting new friends! Despite the tiny language barrier coz we don't speak Bisaya. Well, I can understand some, but not a full-blown conversation. They were really fun, and I think people who live in the province are just a different kind of breed; they have the warmest and kindest souls to ever exist. At least from what I have experienced so far.
It was getting dark so we decided to go down the hills and go home. We got an early day tomorrow for our flight back to Manila :( I kinda want to extend so bad but I just can't rebok my tix.
I packed my stuff (with a heavy heart) and by 4 am, we were on our way back to Panglao. :(
If you're going to ask me, I enjoyed my time in the province of Guindulman compared to Panglao. It was like a reset that I badly needed. Bohol reminded me that it's okay to take things slow and just enjoy the present. I cannot wait to go back next year! I'm definitely going back! Even if I have to do it alone.
We stayed there for a total of 5 days and 4 nights. Memories I will hold dearly to my heart. It's only the 3rd time I traveled by plane, and I have more trips coming! To say I'm excited is gonna be such an understatement. I'll be leaving this blog for now. It's been 2 hours and 40 minutes waiting for your aunt now, my back has gotten so worse, tried different sitting positions naaa! Why is my ate so tagaaaal?
bye kids!
Grasya
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