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      Dubbed as “the 8th Wonder of the World”, it represents an enduring illustration of an ancient civilization which displays Filipino skills, surpassed various challenges, and witnessed Philippine history unfold. In recent decades, there’s been a sparked and steady curiosity towards the Banaue Rice Terraces as people flock to the place not only to see its beauty but also to have a firsthand experience of this man-made architectural wonder. Fun fact, Thanos from Avengers: Infinity War showcased the rice terraces in the final scenes of the film, now isn’t that awesome.

      The Banaue Rice Terraces as seen from the viewpoint are not included in the UNESCO inscription, due to the presence of numerous modern structures. However, it is a National Cultural Treasure under the Ifugao Rice Terraces. In 1995, UNESCO listed both the Batad and Bangaan Rice Terraces as World Heritage Sites.

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      If you plan on staying in Panglao Island, Bohol I highly recommend you stay on this part of the island, this is known as Dumaluan beach almost opposite of Alona beach the more commercialized and a bit crowded side of Panglao Island. 

     Unlike Alona beach where bars are open until dawn, you would barely see people roaming around here at night. Only downside is there are different resorts in this side but there is only limited entrances where you can pass by to get to your hotel, one of which is the Dumaluan public beach, you have to pay the entrance of 50 php per head to gain access to the beach or to the resort accommodating you. Aside from that the place is very breathtaking and you will definitely enjoy the sunset, so get your phones and cameras ready for some ig worthy photos.

      Oh and since there are limited stores available there, I also recommend the restaurant available in the public beach, food is cheap and the serving is a lot plus it tastes good as well if you’re under a tight budget.

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     This is the Loboc River, you can tour it by a boat, so what’s exciting about it? Well inside the boat you enjoy the buffet served along with a live band while crossing along this long river, now isn’t that fun? The charge to tour this place is 550 php per head and that includes the boat ride and the buffet.

     You can even go fishing, stand-up paddle boarding and go firefly watching, all those have different charges of course. Going to Loboc isn’t really that hard but I suggest you do this in package with a van, it’d be a waste if you rent a van and just go to Loboc when you can make a deal and tour the rest of the main attractions of Bohol, closest one here is actually the Bohol Python and wildlife park, it caters to one of the longest and largest python ever captured in the Phillippines and even across the world. A tour with a van could charge you around 1,500 to 2,000 php and that’s for the whole day, you can even pass by the famous chocolate hills and the Cathedral of San Jose.

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     If you ever stay in Panglao Island in Bohol, please go island and hopping and drop by this island called Isla de Franceso or commonly known as Padre Pio Island, for one it’s completely free of charge, no entrance fee needed, it showcases a very very long sand bar as you can see, they even have a mass once every month. And you can also see me there feeding the birds, that’s right there are hundreds of birds staying in that small small island, you can ask for bird feeds from the locals there, you’re just obliged to give them a donation of course, now don’t be stingy because you get to enjoy this awesome view it’s not everyday you get to experience this scenery and enjoy such a peaceful environment.

     To get here from Bohol either airport or port, well first you have to at least have lodging or a hotel to check-in in Panglao island of course, there you can ask the reception of you hotel if they have an in-house or contact who provides island hopping trips to tourists, oh and did I mention while going to Isla de Francesco there is a very high chance only in the morning that you would get to see a group of dolphins swimming with you and your boat.

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Serene Island

     Ever wonder what it feels to visit an island as peaceful as this? Well no need to worry, today we’re showcasing Bantayan Island off the coast of Northern Cebu. If you haven’t heard of it yet, it was showcased in the movie Camp Sawi featuring Sam Milby, Arci Muñoz and Andi Eigenmann. The island features a mangrove covered by the Eco Park of Bantayan island. The park has a bamboo walkway through the mangroves which makes for a refreshing stroll with good photo opportunities. You can also go kayaking or take a tour of the mangroves on a small boat.

     Aside from the mangroves you can enjoy the multiple sandbars scattered across the island and enjoy sunset views you’ve never seen before. You could also go cliff diving in some spots on the island some of which are open and free of charge. Lastly there is the Ogtong Cave preserved and under management by the Santa Fe beach club resort, it features an underground cave with crystal clear water combined with salt water streaming from the sea.

     To go to Bantayan Island, well first you’d have to go to Cebu then go to the North bus terminal of the city and take the Ceres bus going to Hagnaya port, from there you have to take a 45mins to 1hr boat ride going Bantayan Island.

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    Before the viral hit 10,000 Roses Cafe in Cordova and Buwakan ni Alejandra in Balamban, there was the smash hit Sirao Flower Garden. It broke the social media in 2015 and became the most popular attraction in Cebu Transcentral Highway, until it became uncontrollable. The garden was “destroyed” by human recklessness.

    I must say, it happened for a reason. First, it proved the strong influence and effect social media could do. Second, it was a (hard) lesson learned by the Sirao Flower Garden management and the officials as well. It also became a good reference from the new attractions, and it was the start of serious promotion on responsible tourism.

    But now, Sirao Flower Garden is ready to attract more guests as it continuously improves and renovates the whole place. In fact, it now features more “Instagrammable” spots and an infinity pool. They surely know how to please both local and foreign tourists.

    Being able to see a garden on top of hill is mesmerizing. It is a must to see if you are doing a tour of Cebu City.

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     Here we have the gem of Bohol, its pride and one of the many wonders of the Phillippines.

    The Chocolate Hills are an unusual geological formation found in Bohol, in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines. It is found that there are 1,776 hills spread on an approximate 50 square kilometer area. Depending on the season, the Chocolate Hills change in color, varying from green to chocolate brown.

      Of the 1,247 hills, two have been developed into resorts for tourism.The original resort is located in Carmen, Bohol located in Barangay Buenos Aires, only a few minutes drive from downtown Carmen. The resort in Carmen is called Chocolate Hills Complex. The more recent one in Sagbayan is called Sagbayan Peak

       The Chocolate Hills is indeed one of the Philippines’ most amazing destinations. The Chocolate Hills Complex has: a hostel, swimming pool, restaurant, and an observation deck to view the amazing hills. You can also view the hills at Sagbayan Peak in the town of Sagbayan.

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     So after my post about Isla de Francesco, this is actually along the way if you go the whole day of island hopping. This is known as Balicasag Island in Bohol, and it features one of the largest and most preserved marine sanctuaries in the Phillippines. The main attraction of this island is snorkeling and diving, well see for yourself, sorry for some of the blurry photos and my underwater selfie, this island caters to hundreds of different marine species as well as millions of corals. Take note this is a PRESERVED sanctuary, there are marines patrolling this area and that’s 24/7 so you get the idea that it is very well managed and taken care of, so try not to do something you’ll regret or else we’ll see you in prison. 

     There is only one hotel available if you want to stay there overnight and that is the Balicasag Island Dive Resort, so why is there only one? Well because most of the island is already inhabited by the locals who make a living catering to tourists who want to go snorkeling or touring the island. They also provide buffets there for 400 php per head, it’s not actually a buffet because it’s a preset of food already served for you.

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     So now let’s talk about Baguio City, got to visit this cold and peaceful place after more than 10 years. So what’s it like? Well a lot has changed, but one thing for sure is the same, it’s still freaking cold, I mean its one of the highest peak in the Philippines and well what do you expect? Some are still the same like the Mansion which is now a tourist attraction, unfortunately the photo I have is the closest you’re ever allowed to be and you can’t go near it. Next we have the grotto climbing around 150-200 steps of stairs til you reach the top actually the end of those stairs is this very long pond and at the end of it is The Mansion so it’s combined attraction really.

     So we stayed in teacher’s camp, and well its very peaceful and quiet, aside from the drills the police or military (I’m not sure) conduct every morning, but just watching them is really tiresome. It’s not hard to travel in the city. Taxis are very convenient there unlike in Metro Manila and other major cities where they coerce you in package deals, here they don’t choose, you ride then pay. And lastly we have the famous night market of Baguio city, all sorts of products ranging from shirts, jackets or shorts to jewelry and bags, I even bought a Harry Potter wand for my son. Yey!

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      True love does have no endings and the Temple of Leah is a testament to this fact. The Temple of Leah was built to symbolize the undying love of a husband who wants to show his ceaseless devotion to his wife. Similar to Shah Jahan who built the Taj Mahal in India in memory of his wife, the Temple of Leah was built by Teodorico Adarna in memory of his beloved wife, Leah Villa Albino-Adarna

      The structure is gradually becoming one of the tourist attractions in the Queen City of the South. The temple features a museum, library and art gallery. The library has all of the favorite possessions owned by the wife of Teodorico, who is also the father of Filipina celebrity Ellen Adarna. Two large golden statues of lions guard the steps leading into the temple. Inside the temple, visitors will be greeted by a grand staircase featuring brass angels leading to a ten-foot statue of the Queen of the Temple.  The courtyard in front of the temple offers an amazing view of Cebu City and has an intricately-designed fountain standing in front of the structure.

     This is definitely a site to visit, access however is a bit difficult as you have to hail a cab and specially request a package for them to take you there.