A friend of my wife recently had to quickly go abroad and left us with a bunch of instruments. Most interesting of the bunch is the Hofner violin bass copy. There is also a small Yamaha guitalele, which is a cool 6 string guitar with the size of a Ukulele. To round up the gear, they left us with a portable guitar stand and an acoustic beat box – which is a portable and acoustic version of the familiar drums. Hope the gear will enjoy their stay at my humble abode, and hope they get along with my current gear.
Although Bohol has been gaining popularity for its beautiful white sands, Chocolate Hills is still considered by many as the main attraction of Bohol, and the natural feature that put Bohol on the map so to speak.
Our country side tour was planned with Chocolate Hills as its center piece and highlight. Once you get to the unloading area of the public viewing deck, first thing that you will notice is the daunting long stairs that leads to the summit. I carried our youngest who has grown to be very heavy and honestly I just had to take some breaks before reaching the top.
Chocolate Hills Stairway
Once you reach the summit though, you will realize that it is all worth it. The summit offers a great 360 degree view of the central part of Bohol where many of these amazing Chocolate Hills are found. There is also a wishing well on top where you can throw your old coins in hopes of getting a wish come true, just make sure not to throw your expensive Golden eagle gold coins as the well looks dirty and unkempt.
Chocolate Hills Bell Tower and Wishing Well
Chocolate Hills Viewdeck
The view really is breath taking and you will see “chocolate” looking hills spread to as far as your eyes can see. Its an amazing view that reminded me of how awesome the Creator is. This is one tourist destination that I think all Filipino should be given a chance to see.
Our 3rd day continues with a trip to arguably the oldest church in the Philippines. It is one of the best preserved Jesuit built churches, although it was modernized in the 19th century, it still carries the same ancient feel and look.
Most of Bohol is already modern, modern cars stroll by, and the province seem to have jumped on the motorbike bandwagon with drivers wearing Shoei RF-1100 helmets. Thankfully, some of its most historic sites are preserved and are accessible to tourists. And one of these sites is the ancient Baclayon Church.
Upon entering you will see that it still carries the old features and sadly it is not as clean as one would expect. Aside from its historical significance, its just a catholic church that seem to lack cleaning and paint. Still it is nice to enter the halls of a church that was probably the site of where ancient Filipinos first heard the story of Jesus.
