Ram Felix Rengel, Jr.
Solitude at Dumaluan Beach
Dumaluan Beach is my favorite hangout beach on Panglao. Long, blindingly white powdery sand, too dazzling leaving me squinting against the blinding spark of the sand. Swimming in the waters of Dumaluan comes next to Boracay's White Beach. Water in Dumaluan Beach is crystal clear exposing the bottom world of fine white sand. Boholanos are blessed with such an amazing beach, I say so because Dumaluan Beach is a public beach, although the western end of the beach is off-limits to non-guests of Bohol Beach Club. However, one may enjoy BBC surroundings without checking-in. Pay 100 pesos for entrance which is also consumable. You may use the facilities except the swimming pool. BBC is popular among traveling Mormons. A group of these young preachers was playing beach volleyball next to us.
Cogon Shrine - Simbahan Lingin
When in Tagbilaran City, Bohol, ask anybody about a "Simbahan Lingin" and everybody would instantaneously point you to Cogon Shrine. Simabahan Lingin translates to a church that is round in shape. Cogon Shrine is indeed a round church, and is the only round church in Bohol, so without mistake, this will be the church that will be pointed by local folks if you are looking for a Simbahan Lingin.
Souvenir Shops and Pasalubongs
Filipinos are known for their pasalubongs—gifts that are normally brought by a traveler to friends and relatives back home. When I was still employed at AccountMate, and I was tasked to be at its worldwide headquarters to re-do the corporate website, before leaving the Philippines, some colleagues of mine now residing in America would ask me to bring pasalubongs. And when I come back from my stint in Novato, California, friends and relatives would request that I bring something for them from the USA.
The Basilica Minore del Santo Niño
The conquering troops of Legazpi, upon landing in Cebu, in April 1565, discovered an image of the Christ Child inside a burning house. The soldier Juan Camus, a Basque, found the image still inside a wooden box. The image was clearly the Santo Niño done in the style of Flanders. The Augustinians in Legazpi’s expedition regarded the finding as an omen of good things to come. Thereupon the Augustinians established their first house. It was 28 April 1565. On 8 May Legazpi and his men drew up plans for the urbanization of Cebu and a site was allotted for a church and convent dedicated to Saint Augustine. A chapel of wood and nipa was hastily built and with appropriate ceremonies the image was enthroned in the chapel. On 1 June, Fr. Diego de Herrera, OSA was appointed as the first prior of the convent.
Nightlife at Alona Beach, Panglao Island
Nightlife at Alona Beach in Panglao Island, Bohol is more subdued compared to those in Boracay. But some tourists actually like this kind of atmosphere. More and more foreigners are coming to the island to savor the beauty and comfort of the place.
Ayala Center Cebu: The "Tourist-Friendly" Mall
Shopping and leisure mall Ayala Center Cebu (ACC) is intensifying its position as a "tourist friendly" mall through crafting new offerings to draw in more tourists to shop.
Panaghoy sa Suba Along Loboc River in Bohol
Enjoy a fascinating boat ride in the serene waters of Loboc River, starting from Loay Bridge which is the outlet of the river, and along the palm-fringed banks inland. The ride via motorized pump boat ends near the Tontonan water falls, where several falls with cascading water provides a pleasant bathing session.
The Heart of a Boxing Champion: Manny Pacquiao
A bigger, stronger, smarter, and more focused Manny Pacquiao gradually and dramatically wore down and stopped Erik Morales in the 10th round of an electrifying rematch Saturday before 14,618 fans at the Thomas & Mack Arena.
The Miraculous Water of Dauis Church in Bohol
Located in the town of Dauis, three kilometers from Tagbilaran City, Dauis Church is one of Bohol's beautiful churches that has retained its Spanish architecture despite a semi-modern façade. The interior has life-like murals painted on the ceiling. Dauis Church is one of the oldest churches in the Philippines. It was built in the year 1697, its design largely influenced by Romanesque and Byzantine architecture. Beautiful frescoes painted in 1916 by a painter named Ray Francia decorate the entire ceiling of the church.
The Treaty of Friendship: Blood Compact of Legaspi and Sikatuna
One of the most important historical events etched in the annals in the Philippine history and immortalized in canvass by the famous Filipino painter Juan Luna as one of his masterpieces, is the famous Blood Compact between Datu Sikatuna, a local native chieftain, and Captain Miguel Lopez de Legaspi, the intrepid Spanish explorer and colonizer.
The Ever-Fragile Tarsier in Loboc, Bohol
The Philippines Tarsier Monkey's are probably the smallest primates in the world. Its Latin name is 'Tarsius Syrichta'. Its diet consists of insects in the main which they eat live. Its height is between 90 to 160 mm (3.5 to 6.25 inches) and its weight is between 70 to 165 grams (3-6 ozs). Its big eyes give them very acute night vision, which make them good night hunters. Their big ears can move in the direction of any noise and their heads can swivel through 180 degrees which all help them in hunting.
That Rotunda Called Fuente Osmeña
Cebu will never be Cebu without that circular rotunda called Fuente Osmeña. Before the boom of the malls in the North Reclamation Area for SM City Cebu and the Ayala Center Cebu in Lahug, the Fuente Osmeña Circle is the place to be. Standing gloriously around the circle are some of Cebu's legacy establishments like Robinsons and Midtown Hotel, Elegant Circle Inn, Rosita's, and Rajah Park Hotel.
The Hills are Alive at the Chocolate Hills in Carmen, Bohol
The world-renowned cone-shaped Chocolate Hills is Nature's expression of beauty, mystery and romance. Spread over the municipalities of Carmen, Sagbayan and Batuan, the Chocolate Hills is the province's signature attraction. It consists of approximately 1,268 hay cock hills with heights ranging from 40 to 120 meters. Formed centuries ago by tidal movements, the hills are considered as a National Geologic Movement. During the summers, the dome-shaped grass covered limestone hills dry up and turn brown, transforming the area into seemingly endless rows of chocolate "kisses"
Señor Sto. Niño de Cebu
Cebu is starting to warm up to its annual Sinulog celebration. I just came from Cebu today and I have to admit that the place is as festive as ever! The streets at night are jammed with traffic with people going to places within the city that offer entertainment. During daytime, the streets are also crowded with people witnessing various street activities like Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan and Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Sugbu.
Developments Along Archbishop Reyes: Banilad Town Center
The stretch from Ayala Center Cebu going to the University of San Carlos (USC)-Talamban in Cebu City is becoming a hub for an assortment of businesses sprouting like mushrooms. It seemed like yesterday when this stretch was only accentuated by the Grand Convention Center near the Ayala Center Cebu end, and the Gaisano Country Mall on the other end near the USC-Talamban.
The Amazing Bohol Bee Farm
I just had the most out-of-this world but awesome experience two days ago at Bohol Bee Farm. Imagine yourself eating flowers like gumamela, bougainvilla and others; how about eating a squash muffin or a camote-made slice bread. These are some of the tasteful delicacies that I tried during our day tour at Bohol's only ultra-organic community.
Alona Beach, Panglao Island, Bohol
If you are looking for an alternative to Boracay, then Panglao Island is it! The beaches, the sand and the sun in it are as good as Boracay; but it is half as crowded and the food, the accommodation and everything half as costly. More people know about Boracay because it is heavily publicized but Panglao Island is slowly getting there with good word of mouth reviews from travelers far and wide that have been to this exotic paradise. To some, it is a beach haven par excellence, bar none!
The DWCT-HS Batch '96 Grand Reunion EXECOM
For the DWCT-HS Batch 1996, this year—2006, will be its 10th anniversary. To commemorate this milestone, back then in 1996 before our graduation, everyone has agreed to celebrate the reunion in 2006.
A Visit to a Butterfly Farm: Sagbayan, Bohol
On New Year's Eve, my family, together with my staff had a tour of Bohol. I have to admit that despite living in Bohol for most of my childhood, and now since last 2003, I have not been to all nooks and corners of the island.
Punta Cruz Watchtower, Maribojoc, Bohol
In Maribojoc, some 14 km west of Tagbilaran City, a curious triangular watch tower oversees the seas South of Bohol. From its windows at the top, you can see Cebu, Siquijor, and Mindanao. The Spanish had it built in 1796 as a look-out post against pirates and Muslim marauders, who at that time where a plague to the religious people of Bohol. Legend has it that the tower's wooden cross has supposedly exerted miraculous powers in repelling raiders from the sea.
Christmas Party Bonanza
Christmas time is synonymous to parties. These parties are for thanksgiving for a year that was, and as a celebration for the coming new year. At Le Spa Massage and Le Spa Gym, this year’s Christmas Party was done last December 23, 2005. It was a party to remember for the years to come!
Holidays at the Malls
The holiday is that time of the year when mall operators bet their sales to soar. It is also that time of the year when everyone wants to see a piece of Christmas-paradise. And with increasing competition, changing tastes of Filipino consumers and the ever lure of other alternative venues, malls in the Philippines rely on creativity and sheer talent to out-design and outlast one another. It is all about surviving, and cashing in more!
Holy Gals Batch '93 Reunion
Reunions help us re-connect to old friends, reminisce memories of happiness and sadness brought about by adolescence, and rekindle the spirit of being classmates and high school students. As I was scouring my husband’s photo files stored in his computer, I came across a folder containing pictures of our reunion held last year. My husband suggested to me to write a photoblog about the said event. I hesitated at first, but realized later the importance of sharing the story and pictures of the reunion to those who attended and those who did not. With the Internet, my classmates in high school, wherever they may be, can easily access the files anytime. So I told my hubby, "Why Not?"
The Angels at Shepherds Arms Orpahage
December 23, 2005 was a very eventful day for my family, my employees at my business organization, Le Spa Massage, Le Spa Gym and The Courtyard, and also for myself. In the morning we had our first ever outreach program, and in the evening, we had our annual Christmas Party. But for this blog posting, let me focus on our outreach program. I will be sharing with you my experiences with our Christmas Party later.
This is My Son, Tonzy
I was 21 years old when I had my first (and hopefully not the last) child. When I heard the news from my wife that she is three-month pregnant, I was so excited and ecstatic.
Jesus, The Superstar
I was cleaning my hard drive because it is now cluttered with various files, when I came across a folder that I already forgot. The folder contains six hand-drawn charcoal pictures of Jesus.
Gothic-Inspired Church of Calape
Today is Sunday, and in the Christian world, today is the day when God rested after creating all the things in heaven, on earth and anything in between. Sundays remind me of my weekly obligations to go to church and attend the services.
The Mystery of the Virgin Mary on a Tree
There are things on earth that are truly out-of-this world, truly mysterious and unexplainable. I witnessed one of these things two weeks ago, while visiting the rural areas of Totolan, Dauis, Bohol, Philippines.
Serene Place at Songculan, Dauis Bohol
Two days after I bought my new Canon A610 digital camera, I took a trip to the Island of Panglao where I brought with me my new "toy". Actually, the intention of the trip was to take pictures of real estates that I will be posting to my E-Realtor site. Although I have been passing this part of the island, it was during this time that I had the chance to scrutinize fully the place. I passed by another route taking a barangay road, and I was lucky having done just that. The pictures below are some of the breath-taking sceneries I captured. Aren't they gorgeous? Enjoy!
