TRAVELLER’s LOG :

I
really don’t know much about Miag-ao but I often heard it from my
colleagues about its historical importance. So, when the opportunity
came, I took the time to make the most out of the place.

I
have been to Iloilo City when I was in college but I had never been to
Miag-ao. I just came here now to visit our branch office. I added as
part of my itinerary the Spanish-old church of Miag-ao. Though some of
my officemates decided to cancel our Miag-ao trip because of the
intense heat this summer, I pushed with my plan and went along with my
6 other officemates.

We travelled about 40 kms south-west of
Iloilo City by a hired jeepney and we reached this famous religious gem
of the south about 45 minutes. The Santo Tomas de Villanueva church which was listed in the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the oldest baroque churches in the country built more than 200 years ago.

Read more…

At last, a vacation was fulfilled after the hurdles in the office. But still has to work in baguio for a day meeting with our librarian/editor and to give the indexing of the book that is already scheduled for the press. The Xmas break is the only time that I should pursue since the coming year is expected to be tight with deadlines and activities.

Anyway, three days and two nights in a cozy old house of my "Ninong Lloyd" is something that I cherished and thankful about. At least, I have saved money for other expenses as we stroll all over this romantic place with my wife, my little prince and my younger siblings.

This is my second long trip with my family for a vacation. We have been to my hometown in Bicol few months ago and now here we are in the summer capital of the Philippines-Baguio City.

THE BURNHAM PARK

This lushious public park did not change at all since our my last visit here for the Panagbenga Fest last 2004 except for additional commercial establishments that sorrounds and within the area. The usual group of bikers and swan boating in the lagoon was a common scene. More pedlers are scattered in the park offering their merchandise they carry on their hands. I bought my kid a knitted cap since the temperature is getting cold during late afternoon.

We took first our lunch in a seafood restaurant inside the park as I waited for the text message of our editor. The food was truly amazing and we have eaten so much. Vegetables here were fresh and we enjoyed their tropical drinks.

To loosen our stomach, we decided to stroll the park and have decided to go swan boating as a request by my wife. Mind you, this is my first boating in the lagoon here in baguio. Me and my wife have never tried that when were still dating. My son really enjoyed the ride and keep on calling other children in other boats.

BAGUIO CATHEDRAL

Early in the morning of our second day, we started in this famous landmark of baguio. We stop in here to thank and ask for guidance as we stroll our list of itineraries. I also thank the Lord for giving us chance to visit here with my family. The Cathedral was still on its fame and more people flock to this place when they visited this city. There’s already vendors in the side walls of the church where you can buy souvenirs and delicacies.

Our visit was just in time ‘coz we have witness a wedding ceremony. The long aisle of the cathedral was a dreamed of every young couples. The red carpet, nice flower arrangement and glowing chandeliers added to the elegance and sacredness of the wedding.

BOTANICAL PARK

This park in noted for igorots on their costumes waiting for tourist souvenir photos for a fee. This is a good alternative income for these aborigines but it seems, they are being tolerated to depend on this type of income generation. Sometimes they already victimizing the tourist for their pictorial fee. This should be regulated and there must be a clear guidelines for these people on their business.

Anyway, I just can’t stop myself from giving feedback to what I observed so at least future visitors would be wary before transacting photo-op with these people. Good for me, I have shut my flash, so they have no idea that I was taking their pictures : )

The garden is not as lushfull as before. Flowers are seldom seen..well may be its not yet February…but I found the place lack of flowering plants and constant maintenance for the park is required.

We have photo op with the giant carvings of local legends being displayed in strategic parts of the park. My kid was so amazed with these giants and had enjoyed running around the area.

MINE’S VIEW and GOOD SHEPHERD

What I don’t like about this place is that, it is so crowded with tiange and mini-stores. If I am new to the place, I can’t able to identify the location of the Mine’s View park. These stalls that hide the natural view of the park should be relocated in place suited for them. The park should be cleared so as to have more space for tourist to room around and enjoy the place.

On the contrary, the cold breeze is something you cannot buy on this place plus the breath- taking scenery of lushful forest. Food in restaurants are also nice and an order of "chopsuey" is a good start.

The Good Shepherd Seminary is becoming more popular because of their cooperative that produces local delicacies such as strawberry and jam. It is just a walk away from the Mine’s view park and  you can experience a  long line of people waiting their turn to during peak season. Thou their goods are a bit pricey, you can assure of the quality product plus the assurance that it follows the rules of sanitation.

THE MANOR HOTEL and PMA

It was my first time to visit Fort del Pilar, where our famous military officers today have sculptured their bodies and mind with the gospel of love and service to our countrymen. PMA is really a stop that you should not missed. If you have visited Camp Fort Bonifacio, this one is an experience that is worth to tell. The place is cool with heavy fogs embracing the tall pine tress that surrounds this military facility.

Vintage planes and tanks are on display and I was happy that my little boy can already recognize this objects that he usually see in his story and picture books. We have just stayed here for an hour because we are running out of time.

Afterwards, we went to Camp John Hay, I have been here two years ago when I covered the Panagbenga Fest. I want to bring my family the Club House but it was closed because of the presence of our "Madame President" who was in baguio to rest and holds the Rizal day celebration. We’ll, we just went to Manor Hotel where we have refreshment and relax.

My son was so excited when he sees children of his age and play with them as we stroll the place while having a souvenir pix. The accommodation here is a bit expensive but you could have an experience to its fireplace and log-made hotel. The design structure is also one of a kind here in the Philippines. When you are there, its like you are in Paris or in United kingdom.

We’ll, that was 3 days and 2 nights in baguio. Tiring but rewarding but at least  I have comply with my promise. I have spent my time with my family and at the same time have a relaxing place like this to visit. My next stop would be…

May be i was just lucky enough to be attached on this distinct high-rise building at the center of Fort Bonifacio in Makati City not just because my boss lives here but having to work with a former actress for a pictorial on this same location is something.

Actually, we’ll be having a party at my boss unit later this afternoon and the pictorial was just a co-incidence. She is waiting for me at the Penthouse of Pacific Plaza where we conducted some part of the shoot. The unit was so cool and very spacious that is worth for a feature story in a glossy lifestyle magazine. It’s theme was a bit of Mediterranean and Avant garde matches with dramatic sun rays that perfectly embedded on its high glass windows.

The dramatic approach of Ms. Rachel Lobangco for her pictorial was really perfect for the setting. She wanted me to shoot by using the available lights coming from the window and this is much easier on my part rather using a strobe lighting .

She teased me with her skimpy clad body that is well maintained and sculptured in spite of her age. She has still the SSH-BOOM appeal that once so popular with her beer commercial. She is full of energy and very provocative with her poses that i really like. She made the pose of her own and I cannot ask for more :). My camera goes rapid fire as it click on its desire and we are happy for its output.

Rachel has a vast collection of two piece attires that are really perfect for her voluptuous body. When the sun starts to vanish through the building cloud formation, we decided to go out on this 300 m2 unit and we went strait to the high speed glass elevator down to its floral landscape pool.

From here, we start the shoot before it crowded us with guests on the building. It’s good, we have the security that are very cooperative and manage to stand with us until we are through with the shoot. Rachel is with her friend Honey and they have tandem during the pictorial. They have lots of swim wears for the pictorial and all well perfected on their ever sexy bodies. They changed attire after few shots while I am thinking for a possible back drop of the shoot.

My assistant was very clever that he manage to get few on-location shots. He do it in between while he holds the reflector and run for my batteries. The climate doesn’t cooperate with us during that day, that made us to pause for the sun to come in. So, when the rain starts to pour, we can’t do anything but to shoot rapidly as she pose on her desired angles.

Well, that’s how I experience my day at Pacific Plaza and I’m just so thankful that my client really appreciated the outcome of our takes. Now, i have to get rest and party time is next in line.

more stories at http://chardgrimaldo.blogspot.com/

ABOUT RACHEL LOBANGCO

Rachel is a former actress who turned stylist, fire dancer during her free time and was a popular SSh-Boom Girl for a beer commercial. She was featured in some local movies as "KOKAK" who was a a hit during the late 80’s. She also manages their family-owned Elvie’s Beauty Care chain of outlets in Metro Manila and in nearby provinces.

ABOUT PACIFIC PLAZA

The Pacific Plaza Towers is situated on a 15,000 m2 site adjoining the
Manila Golf Club. This large and most premium site lays claim to having
the best views in Metro Manila. At elevation, the Towers will have
superb views of the Makati Skyline, Laguna Lake, Manila Bay and its
sunset, and the surrounding mountain ranges.

The Architecture of two elegant towers, executed as a wave (North
Tower) and the other as a curve (South Tower) by world-renowned
Arquitectonica and Recio + Casas, to serve as a distinct signature
landmark in Fort Bonifacio.

The Landscape of 102 hectare open area presents a luxurious garden
estate featuring lobby level reflecting pools, terraced waterfalls, an
Olympic size swimming pool, an island spa, children’s pool and
playground, meditation gardens, and a surrounding curtain of flora. 

Everest is just a dream for everyone of us but for Romi, its something that he can already cherished for a life time. He made a mark on our history and soon to amaze us in the future.

His return to his hometown in Bataan, is like another journey for him. He had never seen his family for quite sometime during his full time preparation and training for his big dream on Everest. So this time, his return is made possible with the full support of his fellow mountainers and his major sponsors.

Allow me to share my photo essay.  Although this is not my usual travel blog, Please consider it as a new experience for us as I once travel in a life of a very ordinary, simple person yet so determined and full of passion for his sport. The name who made headlines– Romi Garduce.

6:30 — Our convoy started from the backgate of GMA 7. We drove in a Revo with my writers while Romi rode in a van with his fellow UP mountainers and Northface group. His loyal friend, Henry who is the current UP Mountainers President drove his F150 with his wife. We had a stop-over at Shell station by the North Express way for breakfast.

8:30 - We arrived at the boundary of Pampanga and Bataan where the motorcade team and local supporters are waiting. He can’t believe what he sees, and even hesitant to jump off from the van. Waiting fans cheered when they saw Romi marching towards the float made for him. They all wanted to shake hands with this man who had conquered the Everest. As he went near the float, the band starts to play. He was meet again by Jemo, the GMA 7 cameraman who joined him at Everest basecamp with Jiggy.

9:00 - He is on his float fully decorated with a replica background of Mt. Everest. Posters and streamers of congratulations are on every vehicle who will join the motorcade. As we passed by the barangays, all cheered for him with such pride and chanting furiously his name. The motorcade created heavy traffic because of the narrow roads going to his hometown in Balanga. And as the sun heats up, the motorcade starting to go slow because of the crowded area in some municipalities. It’s good that somebody volunteered to get an umbrella for Romi or else he will be fried again with the scourging sun.

11:00 - We arrived at the Provincial Capitol where the Governor and ten of his officials are waiting to congratulates him. His aging mother and four of his siblings are also there. After a brief chat with the officials we all get inside the Provincial Meeting Room for the start of the Program.

Several awards and Merit on his honor was given to him. And as usual this politicians are all ready specially for the photo op. A 5-minute film showing was shown in a projector to showcase his successful feat. In return, Romi give the Governor his personal souvenir from Everest to the people of Bataan. It was a picture of him and colored flaglets which he used during his climbed. They said that it was blessed by the Lama to give him guidance on his journey.

12:30 - The governor treat us with buffet lunch. Its about time for all of us especially Romi  to relax after the 3-hour motorcade. The food are nice and really mouth-watering everyone are quite and so busy with the food. After that lunch and a stick of "yosi", another pictorial session for the group together with the local press. Then, the group decided to go to Romi’s place to rest.

1:30 - We are at Romi’s residence and a simple buffet of steamed crab was prepared by his family. He invited us to join them but we rather prefers to stay at the sala and sip a couple of beers he gave us earlier. GMA 7 camera starts to roll to document and conduct some interviews with his family, they have to do this for their news update deadline.

2:30 - The sirens rang, the band played and the float came to pick us for another round of motorcade. This time, its only in the municipality of Balanga. Romi’s visitors came and his neighbors were alerted of his presence and immediately flock the area. By the way, he lives in a village and it has a narrow street to accomodate more vehicles. Earlier, our arrival at his house is just like an ordinary visitors who knock on door and it did not alerted his neighbors. May be they don’t realized that Romi was with us.

4:30 - The city government of Balanga had also prepared a program for Romi. Upon our arrival, people are running towards our direction. Most of them are youth and they scattered all over with their cellphones on to get his pictures. The funny thing is that on his way to the stage to meet the Mayor, the crowd were so excited that it even bumped the mayor to get a clear shot of Romi. I know for sure he’s quite irritated with the scenario:). Again, for the second time…awarding ceremony follows.

7:00 pm -  we decided to go back to Manila..the view of heavy rains is like a back massage for me after this event. I’m so tired  same with my two companion chick who find their own comfort at the back of our service vehicle.

SIDETRIP TO EVEREST
June 7, 2006

The hype over the climb to Mt. Everest continues and everyone were so excited to get the latest update that leads to some sort of network war on their coverage of the 1st Philippine Expedition to Mt. Everest.

Well, at first, I’m not interested to the news when it was first announced. But when the news broke up that Filipino made it to the summit. I have this deep admiration and sense of pride realizing that a Filipino can make it.

Actually, as the news broke out about the climb, we have conceptualized a book on  Mt. Everest quest by Filipinos. Our writers starts to gather the news and starts on their research while on the wait for the actual events of the said ascend. My only role is the conceptualization of the book design and help the writers for the possible title.

I started my research by downloading some images i found on the net for my visual  concept  presentation. During this course, i have seen and appreciated the beauty of Everest from countless stock photos available and feel the drama behind those who had earlier conquest of the Summit.

Then, here goes the chance to meet one of the conquestor—Mr. Romi Garduce, a veteran climber, member of the UP Mountaineers and the third Pinoy who had reach the Big E.

We had an interview with him at a Cafe’ in Greenbelt 3 last June 7 and were so lucky to hang with him in spite of his countless visitors at the adjacent table. His schedules are hectic and talking to him about his quest is like a Side trip to the Summit and much excitement awaits us when he showed to his personal photos of the great Everest. He’s very accommodating and very funny, just like any other mountaineers who always crack a joke to relieve their exhaustion during climb.

I don’t want to elaborate more on our conversation but one thing for sure, Mr. Garduce is in love with his passion more than anything else. His quest for the seven (7) peaks in the world is his ultimate dreams and you can stop this man with great determination and passion.

AGAIN, CONGRATULATIONS ROMI, Mabuhay ang Pinoy!

My visit to my hometown in Bicol Region this summer gives a glimpse to the old friends and playmates during my childhood years.Some of them have a family of their own,others made  achievements here and abroad.We reminisced the past,talked of the present and dreamed of the future along with a bunch of alcohol to be able to stay awake until the wee hours of the morning.

I may sound like i have not returned for years huh! but two years had passed since my last visit is quite a long time gone for me. Nothing is new nothing has change except the people that live here.Many have been migrated and worked to other countries. New life had emerge that adds to the growing population of the city. The thoroughfares made a lot of improvement, city scapes start to grow and extends to the nearby barangays and tourist spots have something to tell.

I have not waited so long. So, the following day, with my younger brother, we drove to my father’s motorbike and visited some barangay and nearby towns to stroll. He toured me to some of the places where they usually visited. We went to Baao, the hometown of my mother and visited my relatives. As we go downtown, the old church of St. Bartolome has a new finished and got a few shots for a souvenir.

We decided to go on the diversion road to Nabua afterwards. From there, I see the long stretch of bounty green rice fields with farmers as they lined side by side flowing their precious land. It was like a relief to my eyes with these new scenes that i see more than the usual traffic of EDSA i witness everyday. The vast land that surrounds the hills of the town of Nabua and Baao are their town’s precious jewel. Unlike the vast land of Makati and Quezon City that are just converted into malls and golf courses are only productive to a few. Needless to say that these young men and women who are hanging at the middle of the scourging heat of the sun are the food source of this town.

Then, we reach the old church of Nabua. It is considered as one of the oldest churches in Bicol because of its old baroque structure that remains until this very day. Stories from old folks say that this is one of the Japanese headquarters when they occupied this town. Many Filipino guerillas happened to be hanged and bayoneted in this area.

As we proceed going to Iriga City, the long road of National highway gives a dramatic backdrop of Mt. Sumagang (Mt. Iriga). You can easily see the volcanic landscape of it from afar plus its clear blue sky which is very visible during summer.

We immediately detour for a highway exit when a one bystander told us that there is a "parak" or police ahead of us. The Iriga Police are on patrol at that very hour and they were apprehended for their colorum vehicles including those who have no license. I have lost mine for over 5 years already and never secured one since I am not driving in Manila.

It was a blessing in disguise because if not with this police on patrol I would not have the opportunity to take a look of the majestic view of Mt. Iriga. It is considered as one of the highlights when you visit this city. The clear blue sky with great contrast of green lush fields is worth for a postcards.

Of course, my lens never missed that. I even take shots while aboard the motorbike. We drove to a barangay shortcuts to miss the city proper. On this streets, you can see the usual barangay setting, kids playing, oldfolks on their "nganga" (betelnut), pandesal vendor on his bike and young men playing volleyball on rough roads.

We reached Barangay San Jose and at the middle of the fields we saw a newly reclaimed driveway. We try to find out where it is going until we saw a group of teens on a tricycle going to that way and soon we follow. As we reach the entrance of the field and as swayed by the banana leaves a beautiful view of Mt. Iriga captured my inner soul. For more than two decades, i have never seen her beauty and prestige… really, its so majestic.

And there the much awaited end of the road…is a cold spring resort at the middle of the rice fields. According to the caretaker, it was built by one of the influential political families of the city. I must congratulate him for this wonderful project. It is still on its development and the entrance is still affordable to the public. I just hope that when I returned to this place and bring my family, I can still enjoy the precious water as much as others have enjoyed it.

23rd SEAGAMES OPENING
Nov. 27, 2005
Manila, Philippines

It was a Sunday — considered a family day for every dad like me : ). This has become a memorable day to me because I was able to convinced my wife to join me for a spin in my world of travel. Our destination was the Luneta Park in Manila.

It may sound like a promenade but it was quite different from the usual stroll. This a moment where every Filipino will be proud of their country. With this simple effort, we know, we become part of it. The 23rd South East Asian Games was opening on this day —right here in Manila, Philippines. This is why my wife agreed to join me, with excitement she could barely hide. She wanted to have a glimpse of her favorite athletes participating in the games.

The security was so tight. Every corner was secured. Police officers were scattered everywhere thoroughly checking all belongings of everyone, even members of the press. I wasn’t on official business, I was there as an ordinary spectator because I wasn’t able to secure a media pass for the event. But carrying a professional camera can give you an official pass — provided you know whom to talk to.

Although I had the opportunity to get into the thick of the action, I remained on the sideline upon my wife’s request—to be by her side during the entire event We just went to the different areas of the park and met wth some photog friends of mine. They asked me if I will not be covering the event. They got their answer from a sharp look from my wife so I didn’t have to elaborate any further.

We saw a group of students from different schools in Metro Manila preparing for the parade. There’s no doubt the government of Manila required those students to participate in the occasion. Their faces painted with Philippine flag-inspired which added to the attraction. There were also ‘giants’ from Angono, which the youth foreign delegates delightedly took pictures of. Many of them posed beside the giants for a photo.

My camera zoomed into action freely when the foreign athletes arrived at the Manila Hotel area on board their respective shuttle services. It was such a good photo-op that even my wife enjoyed taking shots of the athletes using her cybershot digicam. Moments later, she signalled to me that she needed soda to quench her thirst and a bit of rest. : ) I thought then that she now knows the feeling of a photographer on the street, literally running after the action. She is not the type to enjoy this kind of what I fondly call a ’trip’. However, I think she enjoyed it so much — even if I had to bring her to the nearest shade from time to time so she could rest.

The day was quite rewarding for me, seeing my wife shooting photos with me on the street. She even led me to where she spotted some TV personalities to take more pictures of them. I taught her some basic operation on her digital camera. She has often asked me to teach her some of the basics in photography but I always tell her that I’ll only do that if she is with me on the actual photoshoot. Now that she’s with me, she learned most of it in less than a day.

The parade and program finally started as cheers from the crowd rang all over the place. We walked away from the grandstand and enjoyed the view of promenading couples and families relaxing on the green lush of Luneta Park. While we were strolling, we saw a one-year-old baby walking towards his parents. My wife and I suddenly felt a longing for our own one-year-old Chad and we headed home.

June 2005

There are plenty of stories we can tell about Boracay not just because it is one of the finest tropical beaches in the world but also because it has lots of untold stories longing to be told. This place is not just a simple barkada getaway for some, but this paradise island is also considered as a favorite venue for weddings.

The month is June and the monsoon season is starting. Winds are strong in the afternoons and evenings so resort owners cover the beachfront to protect visitors from howling blasts. Usually, high tide starts at 10 am and ends at 3 pm. At this point,Willy’s Rock is very prominent and worthy of a souvenir shot.

On this island, my good friend Joan got married. We shared the same passion in the arts and photography, and have been through several travel engagements. This is why  she got no objection from me when she personally told me that I will be the photographer on her special day.

At 3 p.m. , the church bell rang and signaled the start of the ceremony. The church wedding was simple and it was just adjacent to our hotel. It  was a solemn affair where only  immediate family members were invited. It also turned into a sort of reunion and bonding session  for them. I saw the happiness in the couple’s eyes as they exchanged their vows.  The reception followed by the beach along the stretch of Willy’s Rock, and it was a lovely scene. The beautiful sunset  gave a romantic backdrop for the occasion matched by the beach setting and color motif of sunset orange. The seafood menu and other island delicacies was really a sensual delight.

The entourage and the couple enjoyed the pictorials and perfectly executed what I wanted them to do. It was nice that all of them were game to my approach to wedding pictorials and had no qualms or hangups whatsoever.

Tourists around the area flocked to the reception and enjoyed watching us. Then, the lovely couple danced to tunes sung by volunteer resort visitors.  Some of them got souvenir shots with the duo and were quite thrilled at the opportunity to take part in the affair .

The hours slipped by  so fast and the Boracay  sun soon bade the day goodbye. It was a lovely and romantic sunset and I made the couple quite happy after the out takes. (Click here to view the Gallery)

Pictures, as we are told, are worth more than a thousand words. But
there are photographs, such as these, that can leave us speechless. My Congratulations to the new couple…

MAY 2005

QUEST FOR HALF-MOON ISLAND

An invitation from a friend to visit this unexplored island in Bataan turned to be a wonderful find for adventure-seeking individuals such as myself.

Together with my friend Bendel, we packed for an early ferry ride at CCP complex enroute to Bataan. Unfortunately we missed the 8 am ride and had to wait for 10 am trip.

After a couple of hours, we arrived at the port of Orion and rode an hour more to Mariveles proper. We were fetched by Elmer, son of the owner of the resort for another tricycle ride going Sitio Porto where a motorized banca was waiting for us.

Elmer told us that for a group outing, it’s better to hire a van from  Port Orion to Sitio Porto. Ferry is much faster and convenient than the 4-hour bus ride from Manila if you’re on limited time.

After a while, we were greeted by the shining white sand; unspoiled and very tranquil. A visit here would remind one of Boracay’s powder-like sand. Actually, the island is privately-owned by several residents of the Sitio, but they eventually opened it up to the public. Its development is on a per stage basis since funds are not sufficient for the full development of the resort. That’s why Elmer told us that they are open for possible investors .

Way back in 1998, I visited the island with friends and we only camped on the island. Today, they have 3 open type "kubos" for rent at very affordable prices. The place have already small kitchen and comfort rooms. Though they are not as comfy as we expected in a resort, the place is suited for campers and barkada outing because of the island’s reclusion.

We hiked the cliff to have a good view of the island. There I named the place  "Half Moon Island" because of its half-moon shape. Old folks called the place "Lusong" but I renamed it to make it more applealing to the visiting public. There are still places worth visiting there like the mini-falls which is a 45-minute hike. However, the time was not sufficient for us to catch the ferry back to Manila. I promise to be back in this place with in the summer of 2006 with some friends and probably with models for a bikini fashion shoot:)

GENERAL INFO

Half-Moon Island is an exclusive island destination situated along the southeast China Sea in the town of Mariviles, Bataan. Its sparkling crystal-clear turquiose waters and powdery-fine white sand defines this island; reason why some tourists call it "Little Boracay".  The island is best for snorkeling and relaxation for those who love tropical privacy. The green lush and cascading falls on the island can be reached in minutes through hiking. The serenity of the island is appropriate for nature lovers and honeymooners.

HOW TO GET THERE:

By Land

From Manila- It is a 4-hour travel via air conditioned bus to Mariviles . From there, one can hire a tricycle to Sitio Porto. From this point, the island can be reached  within 15 minutes thru motored bangkas for hire.

By Sea

From Manila- Mt. Samat ferry is the sole transportation that has a regular route to Orion, Mariveles. There is no direct route to Mariveles that’s why from Orion you need to take a bus ride or hire a van going to downtown Mariveles. Once there, a hired tricycle can take you to Sitio Porto. Then motorized bangkas await for a 15-minute ride to the island.

ACCOMODATION

The island is not yet fully-developed and guests will be thrilled to experience an open-air nipa hut accommodation where guests can relax with the breeze of the open sea. Guests can cook their own food and little "tindahans" are available for immediate needs. Some guests prefer to bring tents to camp and revel at the sight of fine white sands— truly best for adventure seekers. Guests are required to bring their own sleeping bags if they want a comfortable resting place. The island is at its best from April to May due to unstable wave conditions especially during rainy seasons.

Travel Tips

Travel light

The Half-Moon island has no dress code. Mostly you will walk and stand on sand. Slippers and casual, comfortable summer shoes are advisable. And your most worn outfit, at least at day time, will be shorts and T-shirts.

APRIL 2005

We were a group of four and decided to jump to the island of Bohol from Cebu. Our officemates were, meanwhile, flying back to Manila.  Our group stayed for a day to visit this small island which has so much to offer.

So, here we are in BOHOL! and welcome for another day of adventure. My office mate (Joel) who hails from Bohol will be our tour guide. With me were Bendel, Joan and Juaning and were so excited like me — indeed, a rare opportunity for photo escapades.We visited key destinations and discovered new places that we had never seen before even in glossy travel magazines. We were truly glad our tour guide had brought us to such places that we will never forget and whose memories we will cherish through the years.

We stayed a night at Joel’s place. At day break, we started to trek the island. We have been to Loboc River who became famous when it was featured in silver screen via the Cesar Montano’s directorial job " Panaghoy sa Suba". We cruised the river and experience its serene beauty. One can enjoy the native bohol’s cuisine while on a 45-minute cruise. This is definitely a place that should not missed when visiting Bohol. We have enjoyed the little creatures called  "tarsiers", amazed with the scenic view of Chocolate Hills, Sagbayan Peak , Morning Hills .I will never forget the experience of crossing a real-life hanging bridge. During our sojourn, we have visited the century old Baklayon church, the Sanduguan Shrine, watch tower and of course, we also went malling in Tagbilaran. Whew, what a photo adventure in one day!

At sunset, we immediately rushed to the dock for the last ferry to Cebu to catch the 9 pm flight to Manila. While on the plane, I couldn’t keep myself from looking back and hoping someday I will be back here and stay for a week!