Destination: Bohol

Our travel is one of a kind. Having my mom with me is a great adventure. It is my mom's wish that she could see beautiful places and travel great distance. So, when the opportunity came to visit the chocolate hills in Bohol, I did not hesitate to inform my mother. She asked me if she could join the group that was organized by my officemates. I was told that there was an open slot so I gave my mom the surprise she ever wanted-a trip to Bohol.
From Gen. Santos City to Cebu, we flew via Cebu Pacific then, Cebu to Tagbilaran, Bohol via Ocean jet. Getting there in Cebu took us more than an hour. We were lucky because we were the first group to arrive in Cebu. Some of my officemates made re-booking of flight because the planned date was canceled. The holiday set by the President was recalled. We got enough time to roam in Cebu City thus we were able to watch 4D movie in Crown Regency Hotel and bought some goods from SM Mall and Ayala Center. We stayed in Sugbutel for a night before we crossed Cebu to Tagbilaran on the following day.
We visited Lapu-lapu Shrine in Mactan and Sto. Nino Chruch where Magellan's cross is found. These places played a great part of Philippine history. Lapu-lapu, a brave hero defended the place from European invaders headed by Ferdinand Magellan.
The second batch of our group arrived on the following day. We just met in the pier for our voyage from Cebu to Bohol. Amidst the crowd, we settled and soon arrived in the port of Tagbilaran safely. Before twilight, we were able to visit Hinagdanan Cave and Dimaluan Beach Resort in Panglao. We bought plenty of things, some for pasalubong and for personal souvenir. We slept in Kimling's Pension house.
On the next day, we visited another site, The Sanduguan. We moved to Dauis Church and Baclayon Church. At noontime we were at Loboc Riverside side waiting for the boat to cruise for us while we were taking a sumptuous lunch. We were entertained by some singers and dancers that made the atmosphere so jubilant. Afterwards we went to see the Tarsier and the hanging bridge. Then came the most awaited trip towards the Chocolate Hills. Before we could reach he place, we traversed a man made forest that was so airy. We climb the stairs to the highest spot where you could see the great scenery around. We were so amazed by the cool sight of the surrounding hills and its greenery. The hills looked like no other. contours of the hills were pretty enthralling in numbers. We didn't notice the passing of time in enjoyment. Before we knew, it was time to go and catch for a cruise back to Cebu. Though hurriedly, time had given us the a great moment of nature-pleasure. How we wish to stay in that beautiful place we can call a haven of natural beauty-BOHOL, only in the Philippines.

Travel Bugs

Travel is exciting. You get to see a lot of places, know a lot of people and hear a lot of stories. It is full of adventure but hey! There are also problems you may encounter. They also think that travel is expensive but if you use your brain and prepare for it, you can afford a memorable and worthy travel. Here are some useful tips for all travel enthusiasts out there.

1. Know your purpose. By clearly establishing your purpose, you can set your priorities. If possible be specific with your purpose so that you can prepare a checklist of things to bring. A checklist is important to avoid missing the things that you'll need when you reach your destination. For many times, I missed some important documents and stuff by not making a checklist. I depended on my memory so much that I end up buying those things that I missed. This can ruin your budget so you get to compromise your objective. It is useful if you write this in a small notebook you can call as your travel notebook.
   
2. Don't forget to bring a jacket. A jacket is very useful when you travel because you'll have something to warm you when it gets cold in the bus or in the night. You can wrap you jacket into your waist if it's warm and can't get to open your travelling bag.
   
3. Bring some useful light tools. As for me, I find it useful to bring a switch (Swiss) knife. It has scissors, knife, bottle opener, etc. But don't hand carry this because it will be confiscated when discovered by the security if you travel by plane. A nail-cutter is useful too.
   
4. Travel light. This has been an advice of many travelers and it will give you so much comfort. But don't travel that you forget the necessary things because you want to travel light. You might end up in trouble if you do this.
   
5. Bring a small book. You can read while you wait for the bus or for the plane to go. It is wise to read than to murmur and complain while waiting.
   
6. Make the most of what you have. This is something that gives me ease because I always focus on what I have and not on what I have. I discovered that my cell phone can play a video. What I did was I loaded it with an exercise video so I don't need to carry a player and a disc. There are a lot of things that we have that we take for granted. We don't maximize its potential because we focus on what we don't have rather than on what we have. Another instance happened to me. When I was travelling, I sat at the right side of the bus where the sun was shining. It was warm and it made me very uncomfortable. That time, I don't have a cap to protect me from the blinding light. I realized that I was wearing long-sleeve polo over a white T-shirt. I took it off and covered it on my head. It lessened the heat that I felt and the glaring light. I realized that if I focused on the cap that I missed to bring, I might end up blaming myself and complaining the heat and the light that was very uncomfortable.
   
7. Travel can be exhausting. But if you have a bottle of water, a drink can save. So don't forget to bring a bottle of water because it can give you a mile of comfort.
   
8. Decide early on what 'pasalubong' to bring home. We Filipinos can't make our travel complete without bringing 'pasalubong' for our loved one's. It's a good way to share the joy of travel when we give something for others. You can ask them what they want so that you can prepare for it. In the end it's the thought that counts.
   
9. Bring a camera but don't forget to check the battery. Taking pictures is the best way to preserve every travel in our memory. When we get back at home it's really nice to tell stories with pictures. I have experienced bringing along my camera only to find out that the battery was empty. I wasn't able to take pictures and it was a lesson that I want to share with all the travelers. It's good that you have an extra battery or a charger with you. I bought a fast charger for the battery of my cell phone and camera at the same time. It is more convenient than having separate chargers for your gadgets.
   
10. Seize the moment. Have fun and enjoy the moments of your travel. Thank and feel every opportunity you encounter because when you travel, it is a chance to widen your horizon, a time to unwind and a time to get away from the heavy pressures of our daily activities.
    

To all of you guys who will be travelling, Mabuhay! Have a safe and happy trip! Where's you destination? Bon voyage!