Julio’s Bed and Breakfast (Loay, Bohol)

Julio’s Bed and Breakfast

Our final stop in our Bohol culinary tour was at Julio’s Bed and Breakfast, a stone’s throw away from an exquisite shoreline, pristine waters and calming sunset view of Loay Bay.

Loay Bay

Upon arrival, we were welcomed by its eponymous proprietor, Mr. Pio Araneta and his wife Dra. Grace. The restaurant here is the highlight of our visit.

Mr. Pio Araneta explaining how a pasgong (traditional bamboo trap) works

At the restaurant’s kitchen, we first experienced how the popular siakoy (also spelled as syakoy, siyakoy and shakoy) snack, also known as lubid-lubid (“little rope”), was made.

Siakoy making demonstration

This long, braided, soft, puffy and airy pastry, with a similar taste to the sugary doughnuts sold on streetside bakeries, is traditionally made with flour, sugar, salt, and yeast and deep-fried and then sprinkled with white sugar.

Ready-to-eat, deep-fried siakoy

It was best paired with tableya sikwate, native hot chocolate made using the traditional batirol (wooden whisk), and latik (coconut caramel).

Siakoy is best paired with sikwate (hot native chocolate drink)

Pio then demonstrated how generations of locals in the area prepared nilubihang or ginataang kagang (land crab with niyog), an heirloom recipe which incorporated the fat of native land crabs (kagang) with fresh coconut meat and water plus herbs, vegetables and spices.

Nilubihang kagang ingredients

Pio cooking nilubihang kagang

While waiting for the kagang to cook, Ms. Lily Busano (president of the Albur Calamay Makers Association) showed us how kalamay, Bohol’s most popular  pasalubong, was prepared and cooked.

Ms. Lily Busano (president of the Albur Calamay Makers Association) with finishe kalamay products

This sticky, sweet delicacy is made with grated coconut, coconut milk, brown sugar, muscovado sugar, peanuts and pilit (ground glutinous rice).

The thick sugary mix being stirred continuously in a giant wok

To create the smooth, sticky consistency, the thick sugary mix was stirred continuously in a giant wok for up to 8 hours. Upon cooling, the kalamay is then transferred, preserved and sold in a type of packaging is known as kalamay-hati,  inside signature halved smooth mesocarp of coconuts, locally known as bagul or paya which are then sealed shut with a characteristic red papel de japon (crepe paper).

It can be eaten on its own or turned into a spread for bread or siakoy. The sikwate, siakoy and kalamay are perfect for breakfast, merienda and dessert.

Kagang (Land Crab)

Before we ate the nilubihang kagang, Pio checked out the pasgong, traditional handmade bamboo traps used for catching kagang.  The mouths of the traps were previously poised outside the crab holes and left overnight.

Pasgong, a traditional bamboo trap used to trap kagang

Sure enough, two of the traps we observed had crabs caught inside them. There’s no need for bait for this quick and efficient process but each trap could fit only one crab.

Media colleagues try their hand at weaving pouches for puso (hanging rice)

Nilubihang Kagang

While waiting, cocktails were also served. Others also tried their hand in weaving a pouch of palm leaves for puso or tamu (hanging rice).  Soon, the nilubihang kagang was done and this was eaten with puso and pork barbecue.  Dessert consisted of  turon (banana spring rolls).

Media group (L-R): the author, Mr. John Paul Dacuycuy, Mr. Nickie Wang (Entertainment and Lifestyle Editor, Manila Standard), Mr. Anton Delos Reyes (Writer, Malaya Business Insight). Ms. Raye Sanchez (Lifestyle and Entertainment Writer, Daily Tribune), Ms. Christine Alpad (Senior Reporter, Manila Times Lifestyle and Entertainment Desk), Mr. Alvin Alcantara (www.thediarist.ph), Ms. Lourdes Sultan (Travel Village Tours and Travel), Mr. Mario Alvaro Limos (Features Editor, Esquire Philippines), Ms. Roxanne M. Gochuico (Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, Cebu Pacific), Mr. Pete Dacuycuy (Publicist) and Mr. Pio Araneta 

Julio’s Bead and Breakfast: Del Carmen St., Villalimpia 303, Loay.  Mobile number: (0922) 515-7594.

Bohol Provincial Tourism Office: G/F, New Provincial Capitol Bldg., C. Marapao St, Tagbilaran City, 6300.  Tel: (038) 411 3666.  Email: inquire@boholtourismph.com.  Website: www.bohol.ph.

Department of Tourism Regional Office VII:  G/F, L.D.M Building, Legaspi St, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu.  Tel: (032) 254 6650 and(032) 254 2811. E-mail: dotregion7@gmail.com.  Website: dot7@tourism.gov.ph.

Bluewater Panglao Resort: Bluewater Rd, Sitio Daurong, Brgy. Danao, Panglao, 6340 Bohol.  Tel: (038) 416-0702 and (038) 416-0695 to 96. Fax: (038) 416-0697.  Mobile numbers: (0998) 843-0262, (0998) 964-1868 (Ms. Margie Munsayac – VP-Sales and Marketing), (0998) 962-8277 (Ms. Louee Garcia), (0919) 912-9663 (Mr. Manuel Sandagaon) and (0908) 890-9013 (Ms. Kate Biol).   Email: panglao@bluewater.com.ph, resrvations.panglao@bluwater.com.phmargie.munsayac@bluewater.com.phlouee.garcia@bluewater.com.ph, manuel.sandagon@bluewater.com.ph and kate.biol@bluwater.com.ph.  Website: www.bluewaterpanglao.com.ph.  Manila sales office: Rm. 704, Cityland Herrera Tower, Rufino cor. Valera Sts., Salcedo Village, 1227 Makati City, Metro Manila.  Tel: (632) 817-5751 and (632) 887-1348.  Fax: (632) 893-5391.

Cebu Pacific Air currently flies seven times daily from Manila and thrice weekly from Davao City (every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday) to Bohol’s Panglao International Airport.  Visist www.cebupacificair.com to learn about their latest offerings, safety protocols and travel reminders.

Asinan ni Tan Inong (Alburquerue, Bohol)

Asinan ni Tan Inong

From Loboc, we proceeded to Alburquerque (Albur for short) where we visited a remote village to see how the legendary asín tibuok (literally meaning “unbroken salt” or “whole salt” in the Cebuano language of the Boholano people), a rare Filipino artisanal sea salt from Bohol, is made at the Asinan ni Tan Inong.

Made by filtering seawater through ashes, it is usually consumed by being traditionally dusted lightly over plain hot rice, with a few drops of oil, and eaten as is, it is also used to season sinangag (traditional fried rice). Asín tibuok could be grounded and used like regular table salt or chunks can also be broken off and dipped into stews and dishes.  A variant of the salt, also known as túltul (meaning “lump”) in Guimaras or dúkdok (meaning “pounded” or “pulverized”) in Capiz, is made similarly to asín tibuok but is boiled with gatâ (coconut milk).

Coconut husks in special pits filled with sea water during the tides

Due to the time-consuming traditional methods of producing salt and the hard work that go with its manufacture, the passing of the salt iodization (ASIN) law (Republic Act No. 8172) in 1995, as well as competition with modern and cheap imported salts prevalent today in the Philippines, the tradition of making asín tibuok and túltul is nearly extinct as it placed further stress on local artisanal salt-makers, forcing many to give up the industry altogether. Today, only a few families make asín tibuok and túltul and, due to their rarity, are considerably more expensive than regular salt.

Coconut husks slowly being burned in a pile

Commonly sold for the tourist trade (for their novelty) as well as to gourmet restaurants that feature Filipino cuisine, the demand for asín tibuok and túltul is usually high but the supply simply cannot keep up. Offering an equally special flavor that undoubtedly makes it one of the rarest kinds of salt in the world, asín tibuok is now listed in the Ark of Taste international catalogue of endangered heritage foods by the Slow Food movement.

The funnel-shaped bamboo filtering device

At the Asinan ni Tan Inong, the 72 year old Nestor Manongas explained the unique and meticulous process in the manufacture of asin tibuok. The Manongas family is the only one family still upholding this tradition in Poblacion, preserving a part of their history that makes use of nature’s best without harming it.

Sea water storage tanks.  Sea water is poured into the gasang to leach out the salt from the ashes

Firstly, for several months, coconut husks are left to soak in special pits continually filled with seawater during the tides so that they can absorb the natural sea minerals along the coastline, giving us an idea of how long it takes just to acquire the natural minerals required for asin tibuok’s unique taste which gives off a unique smoky and salty flavor which is tastier and sharper than the kinds of salt you would find in grocery.

The non-iodized salt ready to be packed

Next, the coconut husks are then chopped into small pieces and sun-dried for at least 2 to 3 days. After that, for about a week, these husks are slowly burned in a pile, strictly using native hardwoods such as ipil-ipil, mahogany and duhat, until reduced completely to an activated charcoal (called gasang) which are gathered into a funnel-shaped bamboo filtering device. Seawater is poured into the gasang, allowing the water to leach out the salt from the ashes. The brine or filtered seawater (known as tasik) is then collected into a hollowed out coconut trunk beneath the funnels.  This coconut charcoal combination provides the unique aroma of asin tibuok.

Dinosaur-shaped clay pots

The tasik is poured into special dinosaur egg-shaped clay pots and hung in walls in a special furnace where it is boiled for a few hours.  Once some evaporate, the pots are continually replenished with more tasik. As both the heat and salt must not be left alone, this final process requires focus and dedication.  As more water evaporates, the sea salt gets harder and the process continues until the clay pot gets filled with hard rock salt.

Mr. Nestor Manongas with the finished product

Eventually, the pots will crack, revealing the solidified pinkish mass of salt which is initially very hot.  After following this heating process all day, it then requires a whole evening before it will be cool enough to be handled. The finished product is  a salt orb in various shades of white, grey and brown and weighing roughly a kilo. As they are sold along with the broken domed pots, they are given them the nickname, in international markets, “the dinosaur egg” due to their appearance. Only 120 pieces of asin tibuok’ are made per batch and these are usually sold out for weeks.

The packaged product

Asinan ni Tan Inong: Brgy. Eastern Poblacion, Alburquerque 6301, Bohol. Mobile number: (0907) 168-0961. Open Mondays-Saturdays, 8 AM to 5 PM.

Fox & Firefly Cottages (Loboc, Bohol)

Fox and Firefly Cottages

Lunch during our Bohol Food Trip was to be at Fox & Firefly Cottages, a bed and breakfast place located in the forest areas of Loboc. Upon arrival, we were welcomed with organic, homemade kombucha, an effervescent, sweetened black or green tea commonly consumed for its purported health benefits.

Also on hand to welcome us was owner Ms. Joan Christine Soupart, one-half of the husband-and-wife team (the other is avid Belgian paddle boarder Frederic “Fred” Soupart) behind this quaint inn and its SUP Tours Philippines Sports Center.  Joan is a registered Sivananda yoga teacher and ASI SUP yoga flow (Vinyasa) instructor.

Fred and Joan fell in love with the riverside town of Loboc, seeing it as an ideal place to exercise their passion for sports and adventure as well as to live with nature.  They built a three-bungalow inn (initially called Paddle’s Up Guesthouse) beside the ever flowing Loboc River in 2013.

Front Desk

Here, they could operate stand-up paddling (SUP) tours.  Now it is a favorite destination for adventure seekers, backpackers and nature lovers.  According to Joan, the place was renamed (in 2014) after their beloved Pomeranian-Japanese Spitz dog Fox as well as the occasional firefly that flutter around amid the trees along the Loboc River at night.

Fox and Fable Restaurant (second floor)

Lunch was served at their in-house Fox and Fables (also named after their dog Fables) Restaurant along the banks of the Loboc River.

Vegan fare at Fox and Fables Restaurant

Here, they serve traditional, Western, vegetarian and vegan meals anytime of the day. We feasted on healthy meals and vegan dishes such as monggo soup, avocado salad, somtom (Thai papaya salad), talong salad, G-chili shrimps, maranding manok (dry coconut chicken curry), chicken halang-halang soup (a Visayan version of tinola with coconut leaves and moringa leaves) and their vegan kare-kare which was paired with a bagoong alternative made from locally sourced mushrooms.

Author (foreground) at Fox and Fables Restaurant

They also offer specialty beverages such as organic drinks and shakes, cocktails, wines and authentic Belgian beer.

The place also suffered during the onslaught of Typhoon Odette (international name: Rai) and, after repairs and renovation, reopened again on May 1, 2022.

We checked out one of the simply furnished, clean and comfortable cottages, one of 11, of this riverside accommodation facing a rice field.

Suite

Designed in the Filipino traditional architecture, with a modern but cozy feel, it featured a queen-size bed, a spacious patio with hammock, bamboo furnishings, fan (the cool, riverside breeze passes through naturally), mosquito nets and a private, nature-inspired outdoor bathroom.

Outdoor bathroom

Other facilities include a common lounge. They offer mountain biking tours and stand-up paddleboard activities. You may also practice yoga, join a class or meditate at their Santosha Yoga Shala.

Paddle boards for rent

Mountain bikes for rent

The inn also exhibit and sell artworks, inspired by nature and Boholano surroundings, by young Boholano artists.  Proceeds from the sale go to a village livelihood program called “Build a Boat, Build a Barangay.”

Artwork of Boholano artists for sale along the hallway

Fox and Firefly Cottages: Barangay Rd., Brgy. Valladolid, Loboc 6316.  Tel: (038) 537-9011.  Mobile number: (0917) 713-7577, (0947) 893-3022 and (0917) 703-9979. E-mail: info@suptoursphilippines.com. Website: www.foxandthefireflycottages.com and www.suptoursphilippines.com.

Bohol Provincial Tourism Office: G/F, New Provincial Capitol Bldg., C. Marapao St, Tagbilaran City, 6300.  Tel: (038) 411 3666.  Email: inquire@boholtourismph.com.  Website: www.bohol.ph.

Department of Tourism Regional Office VII:  G/F, L.D.M Building, Legaspi St, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu.  Tel: (032) 254 6650 and(032) 254 2811. E-mail: dotregion7@gmail.com.  Website: dot7@tourism.gov.ph.

Bluewater Panglao Resort: Bluewater Rd, Sitio Daurong, Brgy. Danao, Panglao, 6340 Bohol.  Tel: (038) 416-0702 and (038) 416-0695 to 96. Fax: (038) 416-0697.  Mobile numbers: (0998) 843-0262, (0998) 964-1868 (Ms. Margie Munsayac – VP-Sales and Marketing), (0998) 962-8277 (Ms. Louee Garcia), (0919) 912-9663 (Mr. Manuel Sandagaon) and (0908) 890-9013 (Ms. Kate Biol).   Email: panglao@bluewater.com.ph, resrvations.panglao@bluwater.com.phmargie.munsayac@bluewater.com.phlouee.garcia@bluewater.com.ph, manuel.sandagon@bluewater.com.ph and kate.biol@bluwater.com.ph.  Website: www.bluewaterpanglao.com.ph.  Manila sales office: Rm. 704, Cityland Herrera Tower, Rufino cor. Valera Sts., Salcedo Village, 1227 Makati City, Metro Manila.  Tel: (632) 817-5751 and (632) 887-1348.  Fax: (632) 893-5391.

Cebu Pacific Air currently flies seven times daily from Manila and thrice weekly from Davao City (every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday) to Bohol’s Panglao International Airport.  Visist www.cebupacificair.com to learn about their latest offerings, safety protocols and travel reminders.

Green Thumb Farm (Corella, Bohol)

Green Thumb Alfresco Resto (Ganoderma Hall)

Our Bohol Food trip began by taking a 30-minute drive towards Barangay Sambog of Corella, Bohol for the first stop of the day, the lovely, 2.5-hectare, Filipino-owned Green Thumb Farm, arriving there by 10 AM.

Accompanying us during our tour was Ms. Lourdes Sultan of Travel Village Tours and Travel.  Upon arrival, we were welcomed by farm owners Jares Denque and Rona Menchavez Denque (originally a native of Maco, Davao del Oro) with their daughter Sophia. 

Ms. Rona Denque  (standing) meeting with media guests

The first of its kind in Bohol, Green Thumb Farm was set up in 2017.  It is passionate about delivering healthy foods, supplying organically grown fresh, gray, yellow, black and pink  oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) and milky white mushrooms (Calocybe indica) which undergo a precise and detailed process, and fresh and unique, high quality processed mushroom products for the chefs of top hotels, resorts and restaurants in Bohol and Cebu as well as, in volume, to Landers Superstore and Rustan’s in Cebu.

Al fresco picnic area

Mushrooms have nutritional benefits, being a rich, low calorie source of fiber, protein and antioxidants.  Pink oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus djamor), with its meaty texture, is a good source of protein, fiber, potassium, vitamin B and folate.  It also has ergothioneine, known to reduce instances of cardiovascular disease.

Mushroom-based products such Milk Chocolate with Mushroom Bits (top shelf), Mushroom Chicharon (middle shelf) and Dried Ganoderma Mushrooms (lower shelf)

Growing and producing different types of mushrooms, however, is a tedious process.  Every day, the farm harvests 8-15 kgs. of mushrooms and, once, they harvested up to 100 kgs. a day or over 20, 000 fruiting baskets, proving its potential for massive harvest.

At the farm, not a single mushroom is put to waste. Spores that have already reached the end of their fruiting process are converted into fertilizers. Aside from white oyster mushrooms, Green Thumb Farm also cultures reishi mushrooms (Ganoderma lucidum) which is known to have healing properties, especially for cancer patients. It also has anti-aging effects and increases memory, helps immune and cardiac function and relieves chronic fatigue.

Mushroom greenhouse

The farm is a favorite stop-over for bikers traversing the inner roads towards Loboc as they also serve healthy organic meals sourced from their own produce. Depending on the availability of crops produced, they can also pick-and-pay organically grown vegetables. A member of the Association of Organic Farmers in Bohol, Green Thumb Farm partners with other farms with the aim of building a network of organic product exchange and strengthen their community of organic growers.

Milky White Mushrooms (Calocybe indica)

Rona, an Accounting graduate who has a natural flair for growing plants, is known as the “Mushroom Queen” of Bohol.  Her venture into mushroom production was actually a suggestion from a friend and co-zumba attendee.  With assistance from the Department of Agriculture Region VII’s Agricultural Promotion Center, she gained more knowledge. 

Pink Oyster Mushrooms (Pleurotus djamor)

A regional trainer and lecturer on mushrooms, she gave us a short tour of the greenhouses of the farm where they grow their mushrooms in fruiting bags on “vertical gardens” within tiny but compact “mushroom huts.”

The farm pasteurizer (mechanical chopper and a boiler with a pasteurizing chamber)

We also saw the pasteurizer (mechanical chopper and a boiler with a pasteurizing chamber) that reduces the amounts of microscopic competitors in a substrate.

Check out “Restaurant Review: Green Thumb Alfresco Resto

Merienda fare: Mushroom Siomai, Mushroom pizzas (Greek, tocino and bacon) and Mushroom Burgers

She also gave us a short lecture on growing mushrooms and the many benefits of eating them.  At the Green Thumb Alfresco Resto, we watched a cooking demonstration of mushroom sisig, one of Green Thumb’s most popular dishes, seasoned with calamansi, onions and pepper.   What followed next was a merienda of mushroom-based dishes.

Ms. Rona M. Denque (left) leading the mushroom sisig cooking demonstration

Now a top tourist destination in the province, this new farming destination is accredited by the Department of Tourism, and the Agricultural Training Institute has also certified this integrated, diversified farm as a learning site. 

Back row (L-R): Mr. John Paul Dacuycuy, Ms. Christine Alpad (Senior Reporter, Manila Times Lifestyle and Entertainment Desk), Mr. Anton Delos Reyes (Writer, Malaya Business Insight), the author, Mr. Jares Denque.
Front row (L-R): Mr. Alvin Alcantara (www.thediarist.ph), Ms. Raye Sanchez (Lifestyle and Entertainment Writer, Daily Tribune), Mr. Mario Alvaro Limos (Features Editor, Esquire Philippines), Mr. Pete Dacuycuy (Publicist), Ms. Rona M. Denque (with daughter Sophia), Ms. Roxanne M. Gochuico (Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, Cebu Pacific) and Mr. Nickie Wang (Entertainment and Lifestyle Editor, Manila Standard).

Green Thumb Farm: Purok 4, Brgy. Sambog, Corella 6300, Bohol. Mobile number: (0917) 543-9700. E-mail: gthumbfarm@gmail.com. Website: www.greenthumbfarmbohol.com.  Open daily, 11 AM to 9 PM. Admission: Php50/pax (free for diners).

Bohol Provincial Tourism Office: G/F, New Provincial Capitol Bldg., C. Marapao St, Tagbilaran City, 6300.  Tel: (038) 411 3666.  Email: inquire@boholtourismph.com.  Website: www.bohol.ph.

Department of Tourism Regional Office VII:  G/F, L.D.M Building, Legaspi St, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu.  Tel: (032) 254 6650 and(032) 254 2811. E-mail: dotregion7@gmail.com.  Website: dot7@tourism.gov.ph.

Bluewater Panglao Resort: Bluewater Rd, Sitio Daurong, Brgy. Danao, Panglao, 6340 Bohol.  Tel: (038) 416-0702 and (038) 416-0695 to 96. Fax: (038) 416-0697.  Mobile numbers: (0998) 843-0262, (0998) 964-1868 (Ms. Margie Munsayac – VP-Sales and Marketing), (0998) 962-8277 (Ms. Louee Garcia), (0919) 912-9663 (Mr. Manuel Sandagaon) and (0908) 890-9013 (Ms. Kate Biol).   Email: panglao@bluewater.com.ph, resrvations.panglao@bluwater.com.phmargie.munsayac@bluewater.com.phlouee.garcia@bluewater.com.ph, manuel.sandagon@bluewater.com.ph and kate.biol@bluwater.com.ph.  Website: www.bluewaterpanglao.com.ph.  Manila sales office: Rm. 704, Cityland Herrera Tower, Rufino cor. Valera Sts., Salcedo Village, 1227 Makati City, Metro Manila.  Tel: (632) 817-5751 and (632) 887-1348.  Fax: (632) 893-5391.

 

Cebu Pacific Air currently flies seven times daily from Manila and thrice weekly from Davao City (every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday) to Bohol’s Panglao International Airport.  Visist www.cebupacificair.com to learn about their latest offerings, safety protocols and travel reminders.

Amarela Museum (Amarela Resort, Panglao, Bohol)

Amarela Museum

Our first stop was Amarela Resort (officially opened in May 2006), an advocate for local art and culture since its inception as a venue where Boholano heritage, art and culture could be preserved and showcased.  Amarela (from the Spanish word for “yellow”).  Perched on a cliff , this beautiful boutique hotel, with commanding views of the azure sea and the longest white sand beach in Panglao, is a two-time ASEAN Green Hotel Award recipient in Bohol.

Museum entrance

Upon arrival, we were welcomed by 73 year old resort owner Atty. Lucas “Doy” M. Nunag, former chairman of the Bohol Tourism Council. Since he was a practicing lawyer, the affable Doy has been collecting art pieces and antique décor (old wood accents such as latticework, balusters, windows and doors), old implements and furniture from Bohol.  Boholano historian Marianito Luspo accompanied us.

A pair of Baroque-style urnas (wooden shrines)

Started as a vacation house, Amarela Resort was the first resort project of Rosario “Chichi” Vasquez-Victorino (a former colleague of mine at Manosa-Zialcita Architects) who also designed two houses of Doy in Manila.  In its conceptualization, design and operation, the resort incorporated Bohol’s rich heritage and culture, making it a venue where people can truly experience local flavor through artistry and craftsmanship.

Farming and fishing implements and kitchen utensils

The main house, where we were first entertained, used repurposed and reclaimed old, beautiful and incredibly durable hardwood (the imposing, turn-of-the-century, solid wooden doors; handcrafted lattices; wooden shutters, balusters and flooring), taken from a house of a famed sculptor along the way to Antequera (Doy’s birthplace), using it as decorative elements and giving it the Boholano spirit.

Bohol historian Marianito Luspos

Doy also found old furniture, some of it needing repair.  A talented carpenter (who also doubled as a habal-habal driver during the day) from Antequera (a town known for its craftsmanship in woodworking and weaving) to refurbished these as well as craft new furniture using traditional designs.

A display of wooden latticework and sungka (Philippine mancala) game boards

Its museum, a strong commitment to the promotion and appreciation of local art as well as the preservation of Boholano culture and heritage, houses the majority of the local art and antique collection of Doy, allowing guests to appreciate Filipino and Boholano art and craftsmanship.  Most of the paintings and sculptures were created by Boholanos.

The lovely works of the late Hermogena “Nene” Borja-Lungay, who studied under Fernando Amorsolo and a a classmate of the late National Artists Napoleon Abueva and Jose T. Joya, showcase old Boholano traditions as well as renderings of local fruits and flowers.

Paintings of the Stations of the Cross

Works of prominent Bohol-based Guy Custodio, who usually paints religious themes on old recycled molave hardwood, has revived the traditional “Bohol School” painting style.  On the other hand, the subjects of Sherwin Tutor are historical events done in a highly detailed figurative style. They include a painting of the two kings of the fallen Dapitan Kingdom located at Tagbilaran Strait. Tere’s also a portrait of a mother and child.

Sketches of Bohol churches

Displayed all over the resort, as well as in the museum, are Baroque-style urnas, some done in triptych (three-panelled paintings hinged together so that they could be closed).  These carved wooden shrines for religious icons, of varying sizes and styles, are evidence of the rich spiritual beliefs of Boholanos.  Also on display are home tools and antique kitchen utensils and equipment such as a duwang (wooden basin), palo-palo (laundry paddle), lusong (mortar), ganta (measuring implement for grain, sugar and salt), all made from molave wood.

A lantaka (native cannon)

Amarela Museum: Amarela Resort, Lourdes-Libaong Brgy. Rd., Panglao, 6340. Tel: (038) 502-9497 to 99.  Mobile numbers: (0917) 819-1007 (Atty. Lucas “Doy” M. Nunag), (0917) 623-0557 (Reservations) and (0917) 774-7200 (Front Office).  E-mail: reservation@amarelaresort.com and Imnunag@amarelaresort.com.  Website: www.amarelaresort.com.  Facebook: www.facebook.com/Amarela. Instagram: www.instagram.com/amarela. Admission: A consumable entrance fee is charged. 

Bohol Provincial Tourism Office: G/F, New Provincial Capitol Bldg., C. Marapao St, Tagbilaran City, 6300.  Tel: (038) 411 3666.  Email: inquire@boholtourismph.com.  Website: www.bohol.ph.

Department of Tourism Regional Office VII:  G/F, L.D.M Building, Legaspi St, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu.  Tel: (032) 254 6650 and (032) 254 2811. E-mail: dotregion7@gmail.com.  Website: dot7@tourism.gov.ph.

Bluewater Panglao Resort: Bluewater Rd, Sitio Daurong, Brgy. Danao, Panglao, 6340 Bohol.  Tel: (038) 416-0702 and (038) 416-0695 to 96. Fax: (038) 416-0697.  Mobile numbers: (0998) 843-0262, (0998) 964-1868 (Ms. Margie Munsayac – VP-Sales and Marketing), (0998) 962-8277 (Ms. Louee Garcia), (0919) 912-9663 (Mr. Manuel Sandagaon) and (0908) 890-9013 (Ms. Kate Biol).   Email: panglao@bluewater.com.ph, resrvations.panglao@bluwater.com.phmargie.munsayac@bluewater.com.phlouee.garcia@bluewater.com.ph, manuel.sandagon@bluewater.com.ph and kate.biol@bluwater.com.ph.  Website: www.bluewaterpanglao.com.ph.  Manila sales office: Rm. 704, Cityland Herrera Tower, Rufino cor. Valera Sts., Salcedo Village, 1227 Makati City, Metro Manila.  Tel: (632) 817-5751 and (632) 887-1348.  Fax: (632) 893-5391.

 

Cebu Pacific Air currently flies seven times daily from Manila and thrice weekly from Davao City (every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday) to Bohol’s Panglao International Airport.  Visit www.cebupacificair.com to learn about their latest offerings, safety protocols and travel reminders.

Isola di Francesco (Panglao, Bohol)

Isola de Francesco

Part of the Panglao Bluewater Resort-sponsored CountrysideTour

After our Dolphin Watching Tour, we proceeded to the nearby Isola di Francesco (“Island of St. Francis”) on Pungtud (or Pontod) Island.

In the past, I have seen this island only from afar, from the vantage point at nearby Virgin Island.

Check out “Virgin Island

The island is owned by the Philippine Centre of St. Pio of Pietrelcina and Mr. Ramon Rodriguez, a devotee of Italian Capuchin monk St. Pio (Francesco Forgione) of Pietrelcina, who was said to have been once blind. He was said to have prayed to St, Pio and his eyesight was restored.

A mere 10-min. boat ride from Panglao town proper, Isola di Francesco is a destination for meditation, silent prayer and reflection in harmony with the lapping of the waves and the chirping of the island’s resident birds.

Upon arrival on the island, we were greeted by the welcoming arms of a huge statue of St. Pio of Pietrelcina.

The author with the huge statue of St. Pio of Pietrelcina

This solemn and peaceful island has a chapel (opened in 2016), a visitor’s center, a mini museum, clean restrooms, water tanks, changing rooms and guest houses.

Tableau of the Crucifixion

There are also several religious sculptures (some in the middle of the sea) of Jesus Christ, the saints, angels, cherubs, and the Holy Family.

Life-size statues of Jesus and the Apostles on a fishing boat

Just off the waters of the beach are  quite unique, life-size statues of Jesus and the apostles. Most of the cost to develop this place was donated.

Cherubs hanging from trees

The interesting Isola di Francesco’s Nature’s Art Museum, filled with photos of the Franciscan friars as well as artwork that speak of the grandeur of God and His Creation, was opened last March 2017. A 10 AM holy mass is said every 23rd day of the month in the chapel.

Nature’s Art Museum

This serene island, maintained by the faithful as religious shrine, is not your usual tourist trap and is not often included in the island hopping packages, an exact opposite of the much crowded and touristy island and beach destinations of Panglao. You only need an hour or so to explore the island.

Young mangroves shoots found offshore

This beautiful sandbar is open to the public and there is free boat shuttle service, at Poblacion Panglao, near the church, going to and from the island for those who wish to offer prayers for healing, pay tribute or simply just want to visit the place.

The tourist trap called Virgin Island seen from Isola di Francesco

Visitors can stay as long as you want. Even the use of the kayaks, snacks (bottled water, soft drinks, etc.)  and birds’ food to feed pigeons are free (however, donations are welcome). There’s a souvenir shop selling religious items.

Visitors Center

The beautiful island has white sand all over, with plenty of seaweed, some mangroves and big and small starfish but no fish. The waters around the sandbar are pristine and clean and very good for swimming.

The doves and pigeons of Isola de Francesco

The island is a dove and pigeon sanctuary and you can see eggs and babies in nests in the central garden area.

The author hand feeding some of the doves and pigeons

You can feed the doves and pigeons by donating any amount in the store for a plastic of bird feed. Even when there’s a sign to not scare them, some people scare the doves away to get a beautiful picture of it with them.

Statue of St. Michael the Archangel

However, here are rules to be followed.  You cannot bring any food or drinks on the island.

The chapel

At the chapel, you cannot enter if you are wearing shorts, short skirts, sleeveless, etc. (however, they can lend you a sarong to cover yourself).

Rosaries hanging from trees

As this is a shrine, peace and soft talk is very much appreciated and public displays of affection and ogling is frowned upon here. 

Statue of St. Augustine of Hippo, the patron saint of Panglao

Bohol Tourism Office: Governor’s Mansion Compound, C.P.G. Ave. North, Tagbilaran City, 6300 Bohol.  Tel: +63 38 501-9186.  E-mail: inquire@boholtourismph.com. 

Panglao Bluewater Resort: Bluewater Rd., Sitio Daurong, Brgy. Danao, Panglao, 6340 Bohol.  Tel: (038) 416-0702 and (038) 416-0695 to 96. Fax: (038) 416-0697.  Email: panglao@bluewater.com.ph. Website: www.bluewaterpanglao.com.ph.  Manila sales office: Rm. 704, Cityland Herrera Tower, Rufino cor. Valera Sts., Salcedo Village, 1227 Makati City, Metro Manila.  Tel: (632) 817-5751 and (632) 887-1348.  Fax: (632) 893-5391.

Loboc Night River Cruise (Bohol)

Loboc Night River Cruise

Part of the Panglao Bluewater Resort-sponsored CountrysideTour

From the Bohol Biodiversity Center in Bilar, we again boarded our coaster for the 19.3-km. (30-min.) drive to the Loboc River Port where we were to try out the Loboc Night River Cruise of Village Floating Resto and Cruises as guests of Loboc Mayor Leon A. Calipusan and cruise owner Ms. Maria Lourdes Tuyor-Sultan, both of whom were joining us on the cruise. This would be my first nighttime cruise of the river (the others were during the day).

Check out “Bohol Biodiversity Complex,” “Loboc River Cruise (2014)” and “Loboc River Cruise (2003)

Boarding the Village Floating Resto

The first of its kind in the Philippines, this nighttime cruise is a welcome diversion to the day cruise which, for quite a time now, has caught the fancy of local and foreign tourists. The four floating restaurant operators (the others are Mary Jo Varquez of Busay Monarch, Sonia Balbido of Long River Cruise Floating Resto and Tessie Labunog-Sumampong of Loboc Riverwatch Floating Resto) have been servicing an average of 800 guests daily for the upstream daytime cruising.

The table setup…..

All 19 floating restaurants are served by a commissary which employed a chef to oversee food preparations for the hundreds of tourists who board and eat at the restaurants each month.

The buffet spread…..

The night cruise, introduced by the Provincial Tourism Council as an option to help ease congestion at the river, actually had its beginnings in 2006.

Appetizers…..

Dessert…..

That year, Gov. Erico Aumentado embarked on the lighting of the Loboc River, with Chinese businessman (the chairman of Filipino multinational Liwayway Group whose flagship enterprise is the manufacture and distribution of Oishi snacks) and Philippine Special Ambassador to China Carlos Chan funding the riverbank lighting project and commissioning lighting experts from China to determine the requirements of Loboc River.

Grilled prawns ….

Thus, the P13.5 million project of lighting the whole 2.85 km. stretch of the Loboc River was born, with some 450 lampposts and floodlights being installed from the modern, PhP10-million (also partly funded again by Mr. Chan), 120-m. long docking port (which houses the eco-tourism center and includes the tourism office, a visitor’s lounge and air-conditioned comfort rooms) all the way up to the Busay Falls, including the two bailey bridges crossing the river.

The very Christmas-like light show along the riverbank

Our cruise was sort of an inaugural run as the original night cruise was discontinued after the October 15, 2013 earthquake damaged the lighting system.  Cruising the Loboc River at night, soothing to the spirit, was a different experience altogether, relaxing both body and mind and infusing peace and harmony to weary souls.

The on-board live entertainment…..

The cool night air, the eerie lights on the riverbanks (lighting up the palm trees and putting to shadow other vegetation) and their colorful reflections shimmering on the waters coupled with the soft serenading music of the performing band while we dined on a delicious buffet spread lent a romantic air to the night cruise.

The author enjoying the cruise…..

The night scene, with myriads of shimmering lights reflected on the waters, casted a shimmering splendor on the river.

L-R: Ms. Corazon Cagahastian, Mr. Diego Cagahastian, the author, Ms. Teresa Chanco, Loboc Mayor Leon A.Calipusan, Mr. Pete Dacuycuy and Mr. Pedro “Boo” Chanco.

Village Floating Resto & Cruises: Brgy. Valladolid, Loboc, Bohol. Tel: (038) 537-9223  and (038) 501-8078. Mobile number: (0928) 507-7627. E-mail: villagefloatingresto@yahoo.com.

Bohol Tourism Office: Governor’s Mansion Compound, C.P.G. Ave. North, Tagbilaran City, 6300 Bohol.  Tel: +63 38 501-9186.  E-mail: inquire@boholtourismph.com.  

Panglao Bluewater Resort: Bluewater Rd., Sitio Daurong, Brgy. Danao, Panglao, 6340 Bohol.  Tel: (038) 416-0702 and (038) 416-0695 to 96. Fax: (038) 416-0697.  Email: panglao@bluewater.com.ph. Website: www.bluewaterpanglao.com.ph.  Manila sales office: Rm. 704, Cityland Herrera Tower, Rufino cor. Valera Sts., Salcedo Village, 1227 Makati City, Metro Manila.  Tel: (632) 817-5751 and (632) 887-1348.  Fax: (632) 893-5391.

Bohol Biodiversity Complex (Bilar, Bohol)

Bohol Biodiversity Complex

Part of the Panglao Bluewater Resort-sponsored CountrysideTour

After our visit to Loay, we boarded our coaster for 24-km. (40-min.) drive, via the Loay Interior Road, to the 25-hectare (6.5 hectares occupied as ecotourism site) Bohol Biodiversity Complex (BBC) in Bilar. Along the way, we passed its man-made forest of mahogany trees.

Check out “Church of the Holy Trinity” and “Museo ng Pamana at Kasaysayang Boholano

Our lecturer….

We were slated to do the Tree Planting for Legacy eco-tour (individual tree planting), undoubtedly the highlight of a visit here but, due to our tight schedule, just attended a lecture (with fresh buko juice) on sustainable development and toured its facilities.

The BBC, surrounded by 1.2 hectares of rainforest, is perfect for the nature lover and the environmentally-conscious. It showcases various endemic tree seedlings and continues to raise awareness and conservation concerns among both locals and tourists.

This facility, and the eco-tour it offers, is the fruit of the Bohol Environment Code of 1998, which had the Bohol provincial government and the DENR sharing the responsibility of protecting and conserving Bohol’s amazing plant and animal species, particularly its endemic tree species.

Glamping Area

The complex, a unique and memorable alternative to a typical Bohol tour, houses a training center, organic vegetable gardens, a greenhouse, vermin-composting facility, farm animal sheds, reforestation area, Karst trail, gene bank, a dipterocarp mini laboratory and lodging quarters for anyone keen on lending a hand to sustainability and tackling all the BCC has to offer.

Setup inside tent

The sprawling grounds of the complex also make it ideal as a camping ground or a picnic site. Our guide showed us the glamping site with tents set up.  Each tent, which can accommodate 5 pax, is rented out for PhP2,000/per night (breakfast not included).  Near the site is a cottage housing communal shower and toilet facilities and a dining facility.  We culminated our visit with a merienda of corn coffee, steamed kamote, puto and fried saging na saba.

A honeymooner’s setup

The Tree Planting for Legacy eco-tour is a great way, whether going solo or traveling in a group, to proactively support conservation while having fun. It takes travelers beyond sightseeing and into environmentally-friendly and fun activities, letting everyone join and pitch in the efforts of restoring the breathtaking forests of Bohol by giving them the chance to leave a “tree for legacy,” their very own green thumb mark on the island of Bohol.   The endemic tree saplings they planted are taken care of by the center until they reach maturity.

Cottage housing shower and toilet facilities and dining area

Currently, with the help of the Provincial Government Offices of Provincial Economic Enterprises Management Office, Bohol Environmental Management Office, Office of the Provincial Veterinarian, Bohol Island State University and NGO Soil and Water Conservation Foundation Inc., the complex is undergoing development to help improve its services, Aspiring to become a model eco- agritourism site in Bohol, it promotes conservation of Bohol’s unique flora and fauna and appreciation of Boholano culture, especially in its agricultural industry.

Bohol Biodiversity Complex (BBC): Bilar, Bohol. Mobile number: (0950) 124-6588. E-mail: boholbiodiversity@gmail.com. Admission: PhP100/pax. Tour Group Price: PhP1,850/15 pax maximum. Admission includes seedling, name plate, laminated label and corn coffee/bottle of water (included only for group tours).  Open Mondays to Fridays, 8 AM – 5 PM, on request basis for holidays and weekends (Saturdays and Sundays).

Bohol Tourism Office: Governor’s Mansion Compound, C.P.G. Ave. North, Tagbilaran City, 6300 Bohol.  Tel: +63 38 501-9186.  E-mail: inquire@boholtourismph.com. 

Panglao Bluewater Resort: Bluewater Rd., Sitio Daurong, Brgy. Danao, Panglao, 6340 Bohol.  Tel: (038) 416-0702 and (038) 416-0695 to 96. Fax: (038) 416-0697.  Email: panglao@bluewater.com.ph. Website: www.bluewaterpanglao.com.ph.  Manila sales office: Rm. 704, Cityland Herrera Tower, Rufino cor. Valera Sts., Salcedo Village, 1227 Makati City, Metro Manila.  Tel: (632) 817-5751 and (632) 887-1348.  Fax: (632) 893-5391.

Museo ng Pamana at Kasaysayang Boholano (Loay, Bohol)

Museo ng Pamana at Kasaysayang Boholano.  The escuela de los Ninos is on the left and the Casa Tribunal on the right

Part of the Panglao Bluewater Resort-sponsored CountrysideTour

After lunch at Panglao Bluewater Resort, we met up with Mr. Christopher “Boyet” Boncales, our guidefor our resort-sponsored Countryside Tour, at the reception area.  Boyet, 43, a tour guide of 25 years, has been guiding VIPs, ambassadors and other high ranking officials to Bohol. We all boarded our Travel Village coaster for the 33-km. (1-hour drive) to Loay’s Holy Trinity Church Compound.

Check out “Resort Review: Panglao Bluewater Resort

Check out “Church of the Holy Trinity

Upon arrival, we were welcomed by Ms. Perlina Alo, curator of the Museo ng Pamana at Kasaysayang Boholano (Museum of Boholano Heritage and History).

The 2-storey Casa Tribunal. Notice the non-centering of openings. Above the main entrance is an anagram of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Anagram of the Blessed Virgin Mary above the entrance door of Casa Tribunal

Under the jurisdiction of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), the museum is housed within two buildings at the compound– the 2-storey Casa Tribunal (the old tribunal or municipal building) and the single-storey Escuela de los Ninos (school for boys).

The one-storey Escuela de los Ninos

The former’s solid stone architecture and non-centering of openings probably makes it one of the earliest structures in the compound and the 18th century anagram of Blessed Virgin Mary over main door belies its construction under the supervision of Recollect parish priests.

Ms. Perlita Alo (center) briefing our media group

The latter, one of two schoolhouses (the other one, for girls, faces it from across the plaza), was also built by the Recollects and dates from the last quarter of the 19th century.

Religious paraphernalia and statuary

Paintings of Four Evangelists by Ray Francia

Ms. Alo first toured us inside the Casa Tribunal. The exhibit on the ground floor centers on the materials used in the construction of the church complex – coralstone, limestone, batikuling (Litsea leytensis, wood used for religious images), apitong (Dipterocarpus grandiflorus, a local hardwood), narra (Pterocarpus indicus); bakan (Melia azedarach); etc.

Scaled model of the church compound

Face Value: The Faces of Philippine Numismatics

Also on exhibit are religious statuary and paraphernalia; a scaled model of the church complex and currently being restored paintings (from the spandrels at the church dome ceiling) of the Four Evangelists (Luke, John, Matthew and Mark) done by Ray Francia.

Gallery 1

Gallery II

At the second floor are exhibits on the methods of construction; the evolution of churches in the 1600s; the restoration methodology of the NHCP plus 3 scaled models of Loay’s church.  Also at the second floor is the exhibit entitled:” FACE VALUE: THE FACES OF PHILIPPINE NUMISMATICS” ongoing from October 30 to November 10, 2019.

Scaled Models of Ancestral Houses

Scaled model of Loay Church

Moving on to the Escuela de los Ninos, we watched an audio-visual presentation of the history of Bohol at the foyer.  Exhibits at the two galleries centers on episodes in Bohol’s history – Early Boholano History; Arrival of the Spaniards; Changes Under the Spanish; Tamblot’s Revolt; Dagohoy’s Revolt; The Cantonal Government; Resistance Against the Americans; Change Under the Americans; Resistance Against the Japanese during World War II; and Rehabilitation and Growth.

Copy of Fr. Pedro Murillo Velarde’s Carta Hydrographica y Chorographica de las Yslas Filipinas (1734, A Hydrographical and Chorographical Chart of the Philippine Islands)

Also on display here are scaled models of Bohol’s bahay na bato or stone houses (Zarraga Ancestral House and Clarin Ancestral House in Loay; Rocha Ancestral House and Balili Heritage House in Tagbilaran City; etc.); a copy of Fr. Pedro Murillo Velarde’s (1696-1753) Carta Hydrographica y Chorographica de las Yslas Filipinas (1734, A Hydrographical and Chorographical Chart of the Philippine Islands); a painting of the Blood Compact; a church confessional; seals of the Cantonal Government; and a bust of Pres. Carlos P. Garcia.

Bust of Pres. Carlos P. Garcia, Bohol’s first and, so far, only native-born Philippine president

Painting of the Blood Compact

Check out “Balili Heritage House” and “The Ancestral Houses of Sitio Ubos

Museo ng Pamana at Kasaysayang Boholano: Holy Trinity Church Compound, Loay, Bohol. Open Tuesdays to Sundays, 8 AM to 4 PM. Admission is free.  Mobile number: (0915) 178-0325.

Bohol Tourism Office: Governor’s Mansion Compound, C.P.G. Ave. North, Tagbilaran City, 6300 Bohol.  Tel: +63 38 501-9186.  E-mail: inquire@boholtourismph.com. 

Panglao Bluewater Resort: Bluewater Rd., Sitio Daurong, Brgy. Danao, Panglao, 6340 Bohol.  Tel: (038) 416-0702 and (038) 416-0695 to 96. Fax: (038) 416-0697.  Email: panglao@bluewater.com.ph. Website: www.bluewaterpanglao.com.ph.  Manila sales office: Rm. 704, Cityland Herrera Tower, Rufino cor. Valera Sts., Salcedo Village, 1227 Makati City, Metro Manila.  Tel: (632) 817-5751 and (632) 887-1348.  Fax: (632) 893-5391.

Bohol–Panglao International Airport

Panglao International Airport

The PHP8.9 billion (US$169 million) Bohol–Panglao International Airport (also known as New Bohol International Airport), on a 216-hectare area in Panglao Island, serves as the gateway to Tagbilaran and the rest of mainland Bohol for domestic air travelers, replacing Tagbilaran Airport (which is 10 times smaller), to support Bohol’s increased passenger traffic due to tourism.

This airport is officially classified as the international airport by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines and though Philippine Airlines ended its Tagbilaran-Seoul flights on February 9, 2019, it welcomed the twice weekly (Mondays and Fridays) Royal Air Philippines’ Hong Kong-Bohol-Hong Kong flights which started last September 30.

Covered area in front of the terminal building

Bohol’s new international airport was partially funded with PHP5.862 billion (US$123.5 million, about 79% of its total project cost) by an official development assistance (ODA) loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) with the remaining amount coming from the general appropriations fund of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DoTr). JICA also  provided JPY4.37 billion ($38.96 million) for the second phase of the airport project.

The airport apron

A Japanese consortium of Chiyoda Corporation and Mitsubishi Corporation was the prime contractor for the project. EEI Corporation, the sub-contracting partner, handled the civil works while the design and consultancy work on the projectwas awarded to Japan Airport Consultants (JAC) in association with Phil JAC.

The airport was inaugurated on November 27, 2018. After the DoTr upgraded the airport’s navigational equipment to allow it to handle planes landing at night, the Bohol gateway began operating flights up to 10 p.m. on September 1, 2019.

Passenger boarding bridge

The BPIA (IATA code: TAG) has a 2.8 km. (9,184 ft.) long asphalt runway with a width of 45 m. (147.6 ft.) and running in a 03/21 direction. It has a 55,585 sq. m. concrete apron that features four parking bays for aircraft as large as the Airbus A330 or a maximum of seven parking bays for narrow bodied aircraft and is flanked by two taxiways which allows 10 takeoffs and landings per hour.

Bridge

Currently, the airport’s parking tarmac can hold, at a time, up to seven Airbus A321 aircraft or four Airbus A330 or Boeing 777 aircraft, enough to handle the deluge of foreign and local travelers even during peak seasons. The airport also has enough space to build another terminal in case expansion is needed in the future plus the runway could also still be extended up to 3.2 kms., making it possible to accommodate as many as 3.4 million passengers annually.

Baggage handling conveyor belt

The airport, dubbed as the first eco-airport in the Philippines and the country’s green gateway, boasts of environment-friendly features with advanced Japanese technology such as:

  • A photo voltaic power generation system set-up that aims to eventually power all of the airport’s energy requirements
  • A rainwater catchment mechanism that would utilize the abundant rainwater that the province gets for various uses
  • A sewerage disposal system that is at par with those often found in eco-conscious Scandinavian nations
  • An energy-efficient air-conditioning system, powered by solar energy, is available only in the pre-departure area.  The airport’s primarily uses  natural ventilation.
  • Geotextile sheets are used in the soaking yard to avoid the drainage water from seeping into the surroundings.
  • Energy-saving features integrated in the airport’s design include installation of LED lights, natural lights and ventilation for most public areas.

The single-level passenger terminal, spread over 8,500 sq. m., has a multi-curved roof that appears to be floating over the building and takes inspiration from the rolling Chocolate Hills, one of the province’s famous landmarks. The external 1,958 sq. m. covered area in front of the terminal building is dedicated for sending off and welcoming passengers’ relatives.

This new international airport can annually accommodate 2,000,000 passengers, more than double the 800,000 capacity of the decommissioned Tagbilaran Airport (the provincial government is eyeing to manage the 26-hectare property and convert it into an information technology hub or a commercial park).

BPIA’s location also makes it ideal to divert aircraft bound for Cebu (it is only 90 kms. away, way nearer than Manila or Clark, which are 600 and 700 kms. away, respectively) in case the Mactan-Cebu International Airport, a gateway to the Central Philippines for international tourists, in Mactan is closed due to unfortunate circumstances. Panglao is also accessible by fast craft from Cebu City.

Bohol–Panglao International Airport: Panglao; 6340 Bohol. Mobile number: (0936) 277-9019.