Cool Bohol

Upon our arrival in Tagbilaran airport we were greeted by a huge map of Bohol and a wall of hotel brochures and tourist information. I was so thankful because we hadn't arranged any accommodations prior to our trip. We settled on staying at the MetroCentre Hotel & Convention Center in Tagbilaran City as opposed to staying in the pricier resorts in the Panglao Island area. We mainly wanted to see the major attractions in Bohol and it was just better to stay in the city because of its close proximity. The hotel is also affiliated with Panglao Island Nature Resort & Spa so we were also able to avail of the facilities there.

The staff was really helpful and even arranged a tour for us so the next day after our complementary breakfast we were on our way to see Bohol. First stop was the Blood Compact Site sculpture depicting the treaty made between Miguel Lopez de Legazpi of Spain and Datu Sikatuna. Imagine drinking a cup of yours and a stranger's blood to symbolize peace and friendship! Eh. Good thing nowadays a simple handshake will do :)

Next stop was Baclayon Church which is one of the oldest churches in the Philippines. The facade really shows how old it is, I mean, has no one ever thought about giving this church a facelift since 1727?
Note the holes in the capiz windows and the general deterioration of the place.

And finally, behold the majestic Chocolate Hills. It wasn't summer when we visited so the hills were a lush green, but a cool sight nonetheless. Folklore stories tell of two giants who hurled massive rocks and boulders that eventually formed the hills as we see it today. Our ancestors really had a good imagination :)

We only went to one of the groups of hills since more of them are scattered throughout the Bohol area. It's always amazing to see natural wonders like these.Interesting why they chose this passage...
We made a pit-stop at the Hanging Bridge - also one of the tourist attractions. It's nothing fancy, just a bridge made of bamboo, rope and some metal rods suspended over water. It's quite long though and sways back and forth as you pass through. On the other side is a souvenir shop selling native hats, fans, etc. and a magbubuko was there also. So we had a refreshing drink of fresh buko juice before making our way back to the car again.
As it was noon already what's more appropriate than going on a lunch cruise on a floating restaurant more popularly reffered to as the Loboc River Cruise? They have so many variations of these floating dining rooms supported/propelled by motorized boats and it's pretty much the same story - have lunch with entertainment along the Loboc River and see Bohol pass by. It's quite charming actually - same concept as a sightseeing gondola in Venice. 
My lunch from the buffet was this.
The river was a murky brown due to the rainy season but it was really clean [no floating garbage despite all the eating happening in this river]. 
Here's an interesting picture - this huge bridge is actually constructed to run through the old Loboc Church. Legend [here we go again] has it that there was supposed to be gold under this church so some high-profile person attempted to build this monstrosity to try to demolish the church. For some reason, it never happened and this unfinished eyesore is now [surprise!] another tourist attraction. Weird. 
And finally, the requisite picture of me and some tarsiers. They are such cute little buggers!
I love Bohol! I even got a shirt that says that :)