#Hugotpamore at Hugot Road, Loon, Bohol

What with the present pandemic, many people felt bored. It took me a long time to feel bored since I'm actually a homebody. I sleep a lot, any chance I got. So not having the chance to go anywhere is not really a problem with me. 

However, 166 days have passed since we mostly isolate ourselves from the rest of the crowd and I feel like I miss something. It's not that I just feel like I miss something but the reality hits me:

'What if we cannot see other places for the whole 2020?'

'Are we really deprived of seeing even just a bridge?'

'Can't we really do nothing at all? At all?'

After five months of just City-Work-Home routine, I decided to claim my life back. I asked my cousin to join me in visiting Hugot Road in Loon, Bohol. And she invited her friend Renzo to go with us  as well. It was indeed good for our mental health.

For the information of a Non-Filipino person, hugot is a Tagalog word, which became widely used recently via hashtags and shared for fun. It literally means 'to pull out' or 'drawing emotions from somewhere deep'.

People used 'hugot' lines or create a quote or phrase that can be attributed to a 'hugot' out of pain from broken friendships, relationships, failure and some do it for fun. 

One example of 'hugot' is "UNTA LAMOK NA LANG KO PARA MAKAPAAK KO NIMO", which means "HOW I WISH I AM JUST A MOSQUITO SO I CAN BITE YOU". :D

This indeed made me smile :)

So it was not just the road, or plainly those 'hugot' phrases, but the mangroves area are exhilarating too. Just look around. Feel it. Breathe in. When you do that, you'll know what I meant. 

And the 'hugot' quotes begin :)

Cousin MJ. 

Bikers whom we met there. They requested us to take a photo of them all. I told them, that it should just be my cousin because she can capture great photos than me. 

This part is kind of tricky. Only those who know how to capture pictures well can manage to have this too. I'm glad I was with these talented two :)

                                           Rinso, MJ's friend was all smile here too. 

In the end, it was a trip made in spite of covid, while traveling responsibly. That is, keeping our distance and wearing our face mask and face shield while inside the jeepney and during times when we were with strangers.

This present time may be different and challenging, BUT we still have a choice to move again, responsibly, following government protocols and safety measures. Embrace the NEW normal.

It doesn't mean, it is the end of the things that makes us happy.

So, GO!

How to get there?

From Tagbilaran City, take a tricycle to Cogon Bus Terminal for P15.

Take a jeepney or bus going to Sandingan, Loon  for P70 and tell the driver that you'll stop at Hugot Road.

Carpe Diem! :)

Anislag Boardwalk - Another Havenly Place for an Afternoon Stroll

Living in this island and I am not even aware that we have an abundant mangroves area to stop by and explore. 
The carataker of Anislag Boardwalk in Maribojoc, Bohol shared that this has been existing since before the earthquake. The tragedy mentioned happened in October 2013. 

She shared that they have the place repaired after. 

We arrived when it was still low tide and so the roots of the mangrove trees were visible :)

 What's convenient in this place is the availability of cottages that has a space to grill something like fish or meat to barbecue at an affordable price of P50 or P100.

Off we walk and walk. 

And one of my models doing her meditation. 

Until at the edge we check until we see more.

Exhilarating indeed!

These bamboo walkway adds to the thrill. Be careful some parts are slippery. 

Almost on the way back to the entrance.

Life is made of memories :)

This part was made sturdier after the earthquake. Cemented. 

Entrance Fees and Cottage Rental rates. 

I hope you will come and visit.

How to get there?

From Tagbilaran City downtown, take a tricycle to Cogon Terminal for  P10.00

Then a jeepney to Maribojoc. P15.00

Stop at Anislag, in front of Central school and walk a little to the left until you reach the place.

If you want you can also ask the locals near the school for the direction of the boardwalk and they will point you to it. 

Happy Travels :)

Carpe Diem :)

SAVIMA Boardwalk in Maribojoc

The first time I saw a friend’s post about a certain mangrove area, I felt this sudden itch to see the place. It looks so relaxing and  well, just what I need.

There are times when I like to go at some place because it is so beautiful for being quiet. Together with my sister and my nephew and my couchsurfer friend Monya from China, we visited the place. It is called SAVIMA and located in San Vicente, Maribojoc, Bohol.

We left Tagbilaran City at almost 2pm. Unfortunately when we arrive, the woman who look after the place inform us not to take so long staying at the boardwalk because she is going to leave at 3pm.

Oh well, we decided to make the most of our time there J

Walking along the boardwalk has this calming effect.

My couchsurfer Monya, from China. 

My sister, my couchsurfer and my nephew. 

 I learned about the different type of mangrove trees too.

Mangrove Specie: Pagatpat

Now I know a certain variety of mangrove. 

Mangrove Specie: Bacauan Babae

Unlike before, I thought all mangroves were the same :)

Reaching the last part of the boardwalk was the best treat of all. The breeze is the best I have experienced. 

Perfect for an afternoon delight ;)

How I wish I have a mat and a book and I can sleep there to my heart’s content. 

Peaceful place is heavenly to me.

Carpe Diem ;)

Paradise Called Cabilao Island!

Two years ago I decided to explore places that  I have never been to knowing that the experience will be worth it, out of curiosity and  out of fun.

Indeed, my first travel experince gave me so much freedom and made me realize that different places are worth seeing and exploring if we have the chance to do it, meaning if we have a little savings through our work, and if we can afford the time. There are many ways to save on expenses too, I realized. One way to do it is by staying in hostels, dormitory-type accommodations and homestays.

More than that, I realized how I really love beaches! The fact that I am from a country of 7,107 islands was enough to make me feel excited. Seashore, sea breeze, the waves, the calmness and peace that comes with it is always a luxury for me.

Cabilao is one of the islands in Bohol under the town of Loon.  Together with two friends, off we visited the island recently.

Approximately 10 minutes  trip by boat from Sandingan and you will reach Cabilao Island.

One of the highlights on the recent trip that we have was a stay at the couple’s house named Cesaria and Cerilo through www.philippineshomestay.com

A few minutes ride from our host's home (via his convertible - PH version), we almost have the Punta Baluarte Beach to ourselves!

Thinking of the white powdery sand, crystal-clear-blue-green-waters always make me dream for my next adventure. I even thought that those can only be found in the famous Boracay.

Little did I know that I can experience it again, never having to venture far because it is within my province of Bohol – the paradise called Cabilao! 

We frolicked at the beach until late afternoon, even waited until sunset. 

Enjoying once again like children who can't get enough of the place :)

We thought it will add fun if we explore other place while looking for seashells.

We bravely checked on some private resort :)

A few minutes then, our generous host called us for an early evening dinner! Where? At the top of the sand bar! While waiting for the sunset! :) :)

On our second day, we even had more fun. The calmness and beauty welcome us.

Even before visiting the place, I've heard that Cabilao offers an unforgettable diving and snorkeling experience. I didn't  dive but we knew it because of the presence of this ship for two days. The two men whom we have befriended told us that the ship was rented by tourist for a 12-day-diving in different islands of PH.

At Cabilao, I found the abundance of corals and colorful fish which made my snorkeling experience more exciting, and due to the place not  being so touristy yet (I hope it will remain that way!). I hope I can go and see more of Cabilao again soon :)

Like an added bonus, the two men allowed us to make the most in their speed boats (without the speed)? :D

With the diving guide.

We also found little companions along the way :)

I hate to say goodbye to the place but our host called us again to a sumptuous lunch, on our second day (happy sigh!) because we have to leave this paradise soon to go back to the City. The food was very good. I have to admit this – I think we were given more that what we were paying for! :D :D

What made the trip more exciting and unforgettable  was the memories with the homestay experience. 

I can still remember Ate Cesaria's happy surprise when she said "This is our first time to host locals." Yes, local tourists (FILIPINOS), why not? :D The sweet hospitality of our fellow Kababayans was worth it. 

Thank you Kuya Cerilo, Ate Cesearia and www.philippineshomestay.com for the wonderful experience. We had great memories from our stay.