Samsons meet the Von Trapps

It is indeed another sort of a "reunion" again for my Samson family for the nth time.

It is one October Thursday night after Celene's birthday, before Tito Wewe and Tito Edgar's birthday; that we rolled all this October occasions into one celebration... in style --  Marriot Buffet and Resorts World Stage Play – to sum it up.

We all met each other at the Marriott hotel already; we have almost half of the restaurant filled with just us (that is because we are almost 30+). A very sumptuous buffet can make us all smile. Knowing us -- we love to eat and we love to eat together.

I spent my first minutes walking around each parts of the buffet, from the appetizers, salads, desserts, Japanese and Chinese foods, the all Italian and Seafoods area and of course – the Chocolate fondue as tall as Nea!

Ohh… I love most specially the Peking duck and the Mongolian rice! The others opted for the seafoods – scallops, baked oysters, prawns and crabs. Wines on the table, cheesecakes and coffee afterwards… ooohhhh la-la!!!

I wasn't able to take some pictures—the pictures you will see below are from my ☺ dear friend – Google (search). I won’t take any credits for it, but I really don’t know who took them. I have also included a link to one blog which has good pictures and really explained the Marriott buffet, better than I could.

this blog below has good contents about the Marriott Buffet. Good thing we ate almost the same foods... 

http://www.jobonsol.com/2011/01/marriot-cafes-oceans-surf-seafood.html

Enjoy and hope to see you there!!!

from Google

from Google

from Google

from Google

NOW… after the dinner we all went straight to the Newport Theater.

We watched the almost 3 hours musical stage play – THE SOUND OF MUSIC.

And again, we are one happy family on a field trip…

Well, for me, there is no problem watching one of my all time favorites movie.

I have watched the DVD of this movie a number of times already.

But, because Nea is with me, I let her watched the DVD first a couple of days before we went to the play. And gladly, that idea was effective. I am surprised that she remembered names and characters. Every time one character would come out, she will tell me, “Ma, so that is Maria, and that is Liesl, and that is Brigitta”.

She was quite particular in looking for Brigitta, she was expecting Atasha Muhlach, too bad that on that night it wasn’t Atasha who played the part.

Maria that night was Cris Villongco who I must say did not disappoint me even if I was expecting Joanna Ampil. Cris was very good and she did good justice to Maria, There are times she would have almost the same voice intonations as that of Julie Andrews when she delivers her lines.

And of course, Broadway and Theater superstars - Audie Gemora, Pinky Marquez and Pinky Amador made the play much more special and really very beautiful. Indeed it is also one powerhouse cast!

Fortunately, we had the best seats that Nea was able to appreciate not only the great voices but the very lucrative set design. It almost matched everything that is in the movie. The widest LED widescreen (in Aisa, that is) captivates the audience’s eyes! - WELL IT WAS PAUL SORIANO WHO PRODUCED THE DIGITAL EFFECTS AND VIDEOS! maybe, that is why it was also charming!

from google

from Blog Philippines

The songs are all there in the play. Sometimes, not in the same order as how it was shown in the movie but nonetheless, the whole story was the same. The ideas are complete; sometimes even the dialogues are the same.

Before watching it, I suggest you get yourself a copy first of the DVD (if you are not familiar with the movie) for you to fully appreciate the story, the songs, the sets, the script and why it was that long. (the movie itself is over 2 hours, how much more or less could they do it in the play? Right?) funny, that even the interlude in the movie was used in the play, they gave a 15 minute break in the whole 3 hours play… they even stopped at the exact scene the movie was cut as well.

The best part of it too was that - the SOUND OF MUSIC WAS ALL PLAYED BY THE MANILA PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA - LIVE! (of course, Jacq!☺whew!☺) The Play was directed by Roxanne Lapus and the Costumes were by Francis Libiran - Good job to them!!!

Below is the Resorts World link for the play with the ticket prices, the performers and show schedules.

http://www.rwmanila.com/entertainment-at-resorts-world-manila/newport-performing-arts-theater/the-sound-of-music

Here is also a link to another Blog who showcased a lot of pictures that I am sharing to you... good thing that her site lets visitors share the pictures that they would like.. http://www.recyclebinofamiddlechild.com/2011/10/resorts-world-presents-sound-of-music.html

It was quite a long night. Sometimes, one night like this do not only fill the tummy, but also the heart. Our never ending chit-chats and usual passing of plates at the dinner table is just one true sign – that we are always not only connected by blood – but we are bound by love!!! ☺☺☺

I will be a Skyscraper

Demi Lovato - Skyscraper (Official lyric video)

you can take everything I have and everything I am, go ahead and tear me down!! but I will rise like a skyscraper!!! -- watch out!!! I'll just look down on you. 

Lyrics to Skyscraper :
Skies are crying, I am watching
Catching teardrops in my hands
Only silence, as it's ending, like we never had a chance.
Do you have to make me feel like there's nothing left of me?

You can take everything I have
You can break everything I am
Like I'm made of glass
Like I'm made of paper
Go on and try to tear me down
I will be rising from the ground
Like a skyscraper, like a skyscraper

As the smoke clears
I awaken and untangle you from me
Would it make you feel better to watch me while I bleed
All my windows still are broken but I'm standing on my feet

You can take everything I have
You can break everything I am
Like I'm made of glass
Like I'm made of paper
Go on and try to tear me down
I will be rising from the ground
Like a skyscraper, like a skyscraper

Go run run run I'm gonna stay right here
Watch you disappear yeah
Go run run run yeah it's a long way down
But I'm closer to the clouds up here

You can take everything I have
You can break everything I am
Like I'm made of glass
Like I'm made of paper
Ohh
Go on and try to tear me down
I will be rising from the ground
Like a skyscraper, like a skyscraper
Like a skyscraper, like a skyscraper
Like a skyscraper

Thinking Of You - Katy Perry [with lyrics]

Lyrics to Thinking Of You :

Comparisons are easily done
Once you've had a taste of perfection
Like an apple hanging from a tree
I picked the ripest one
I still got the seed

You said move on
Where do I go
I guess second best
Is all I will know

Cause when I'm with him
I am thinking of you
Thinking of you
What you would do if
You were the one
Who was spending the night
Oh I wish that I
Was looking into your eyes

You're like an Indian summer
In the middle of winter
Like a hard candy
With a surprise center
How do I get better
Once I've had the best
You said there's
Tons of fish in the water
So the waters I will test

He kissed my lips
I taste your mouth
He pulled me in
I was disgusted with myself

Cause when I'm with him
I am thinking of you
Thinking of you
What you would do if
You were the one
Who was spending the night
Oh I wish that I
Was looking into...

You're the best
And yes I do regret
How I could let myself
Let you go
Now the lesson's learned
I touched it I was burned
Oh I think you should know

Cause when I'm with him
I am thinking of you
Thinking of you
What you would do if
You were the one
Who was spending the night
Oh I wish that I
Was looking into your eyes
Looking into your eyes
Looking into your eyes
Oh won't you walk through
And bust in the door
And take me away
Oh no more mistakes
Cause in your eyes I'd like to stay...
stay...

REGRETS AND WISHES ALWAYS COMES AT THE END... when all you can wish is to just turn back time... and push that undo button in your life!!!

wish you were here!!

I know its awkward, but after finding out the truth... sometimes those crazy signs we ask from the heaven are confusing and it makes me feel just more bad.

I thought, I finally got the sign I like, but then, it was like how everything was - nothing!!

so, the sentimental me, heard this on the radio while driving and googled it right away - and now, as usual blogging it!!!

Avril Lavigne - Wish You Were Here

"Wish You Were Here"

I can be tough
I can be strong
But with you, it's not like that at all

There's a girl
who gives a shit
behind this wall
You've just walked through it

And I remember all those crazy things you said
You left them running through my head
You're always there, you're everywhere
But right now I wish you were here.
All those crazy things we did
Didn't think about it, just went with it
You're always there, you're everywhere
But right now I wish you were here

Damn, Damn, Damn,
What I'd do to have you
here, here, here
I wish you were here.
Damn, Damn, Damn
What I'd do to have you
near, near, near
I wish you were here.

I love the way you are
It's who I am, don't have to try hard
We always say, say like it is
And the truth is that I really miss

All those crazy things you said
You left them running through my head
You're always there, you're everywhere
But right now I wish you were here.
All those crazy things we did
Didn't think about it, just went with it
You're always there, you're everywhere
But right now I wish you were here

[Chorus:]
Damn, Damn, Damn,
What I'd do to have you
here, here, here
I wish you were here.
Damn, Damn, Damn
What I'd do to have you
near, near, near
I wish you were here.

[Bridge:]
No, I don't wanna let go
I just wanna let you know
That I never wanna let go

(let go let go let go let go)

No, I don't wanna let go
I just wanna let you know
That I never wanna let go

(let go let go let go let go let go let go let go)

Damn, Damn, Damn,
What I'd do to have you
here, here, here
I wish you were here (I wish you were)
Damn, Damn, Damn
What I'd do to have you
near, near, near
I wish you were here.

Damn, Damn, Damn,
What I'd do to have you
here, here, here
I wish you were here.
Damn, Damn, Damn
What I'd do to have you
near, near, near
I wish you were here.

Katy Perry Sings The One That Got Away on X Factor - The X Factor Live 2...

oh my gosh!!! This is one song that could define what a broken heart is.

It may be so sad to imagine that we have regrets, I thought I just like that song coz it is a broken hearted song... later I realized, I loved the song not because it is for a man - but it is for everything that just passed by my life...

oh regrets!! how can i live without you??

and maybe, I own this song!!! oh you, mr. could have been right!!!

Lyrics to The One That Got Away :

Summer after high school when we first met
We make out in you mustang to radio head
And on my 18th birthday we bought matching tattoos
Used to steal your parent's liquor and climb to the roof
Talk about our future like we had a clue
Never planned that one day i'd be losing you
In another life I would be your girl
We keep all our promises be us against the world
In another life I would make you stay
So I don't have to say you were the one that got away
The one that got away.

I was [?] you were my johnny cash
Never one without the other we made a pact
Sometimes when I miss you I put those records on...woe
Someone said you had your tattoo removed
Saw you down town singin the blues
It's time to face the music i'm no longer your muse
But in another life I would be your girl
We keep all our promises be us against the world
In another life I would make you stay
So I don't have to say you were the one that got away

The one that got away.

The one the one the one

The one that got away.

All his money can't buy me a time machine. no
Can't replace you with a million rings. no
I shoulda told you what you meant to me. woe
Cause now I pay the price.

In another life I would be your girl
We keep all our promises be us against the world
In another life I would make you stay
So I don't have to say you were the one that got away
The one that got away.

The one, the one, the one

In another life I would make you stay
So I don't have to say you were the one that got away
The one that got away

We are the Samson(s)

We are the Samson

Rejoice with your family in the beautiful land of life!

                                            ~Albert Einstein

One can be called lucky not because of how many times good fate and chances have landed their doorstep. One’s luck is always said to be by choice… but for me, one luck we did not choose but was God given was to be a member of my “FAMILY”.  - Jacq

You don't choose your family.  They are God's gift to you, as you are to them.  ~Desmond Tutu

We are the SAMSON(s).

Read on as we take you to our memory lanes of why we are lucky, why we are happy and how much we value each other…

Yes, the Samsons may sound like a bit of the “Simpsons” (hehehe). But yes, like them, we are united and we are connected by love. You may have heard some stories about us already, good or bad, (very common for – royalties) J

But one thing is a sure fire hit – no one can mess with one of us – or else, you will have all of us back at you? ( amen, kids????)

Blood's thicker than water, and when one's in trouble
Best to seek out a relative's open arms.
~Author Unknown

To us, family means putting your arms around each other and being there. 

~Barbara Bush

 Now, let us start with the King and Queen.

Jose Samson and Marcela Rivera had a “love story “. And as how every love story goes, they lived happily ever after. They started modestly with their living, tried hard, worked hard and yes, they did earned hard (real hard I guess).

Jose Samson, popularly known as “jope” and TATAY Peping to us was a silent spoiler. He looks strict, and yes, always holds the broomstick for dual purposes. One, for the flies, and 2, to scare us (the big kids now) if we were bad. He is very loving and would really cuddle you on his lap, asks for a kiss once in a while and in J.P.’s case, always bring you anywhere and lets you eat anything in the farm. He doesn’t like shouting and running. (Lucky for you now, younger kids).

He doesn’t like fighting – now, that is one of his best legacy… have you ever heard our parents, the brothers and the two sisters fight real hard? I mean, as in hate each other like they were strangers? Yes, occasional “ tensions” occur, but who cares? that is the spice of life. One thing that is proven – they love each other, and even if there are times that as much as they like to hate each other – they simply can’t. –BIG NO! Because, as SAMSONs, we got and we will get each other’s back and it is that immeasurable amount of love that we carry with each other even if we are miles apart. We are like cell phones connected with one network. Are trained to love each other, accept each other and help each other.

Now, Marcela Samson, “nana Cela to all, but NANAY Cela to us”. She is the epitome of love, care and simply put – THE NATATANGING INA”, the mother that gave all of her life just to look after each one of us. The original “padrino”. Nanay is the true “glue” that binds us all. Observe this, if not for Nanay (who, whether she admits or not, wants every family complete on our Sunday bondings) our get togethers and family occasions will not be as merrier and as messier as it is! She never gets tired of cooking her famous “sinampalukan manok, fried chicken, spaghetti, Hito and buro and menudo” and serve it… and to quote Tito Edgar, “For 30 years, since I went here in Makinabang, it is the same food over and over again – and it hasn't changed” . I think those ginataang bilo-bilo and palitaw has “gayuma” that hooks us all, that makes us request for it again and again.

We all grew up, listening to Nanay’s “speeches” and “orations” ( in tagalog – sermon and litanya ala Marcela style J J J) – that is who she is… she can’t sleep without knowing if every family is ok. She can’t stop asking what is going on with all of us – simply because she cares!! And like Tatay, Nanay’s legacy ( I think) is to make us complete – to make us a “whole unit functioning as one”.  And why the original padrino?? – think of things how we made lambing to nanay? Did Nanay made all the best efforts just as so we can have it??? She did!!!! Now, that is one “silent” fairy godmother that we have too. (let us not talk about the “de latas” ok) moving on…….

Come to think of it, they really did complemented each other, right???

It is not only the mother of Villar who can claim her victory. Our dear Tatay and Nanay,  also deserves the honor – “they raised the roof” and “pulled every strings” to make ends meet -  and give the world the best daughters and sons every family could have.

And as they say always, the rest is history.

To us, family means putting your arms around each other and being there.  ~Barbara Bush

Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family.  Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one.  ~Jane Howard

Here comes the Next in line to the thrones:

Ding, Dick, Dolly, Delia, Coco, Dan, Dante and Wewe.

They are 8 and we need 8 thrones!!!


Wow, they are like an octopus… eight tentacles that joined hands together and made the best futures for all of us “Samsonites – generation”. And possibly even for our “Samsonites – 3^rd gens)

It would be hard and it may take another story for the eight kids… 


let us simply put it this way – they are who they wanted to be, who others wanted to be, they have what they have and what others want to have – one thing the rest can’t just take away from them is their parents “ LEGACY” - the fact that they are the sons and daughters of Jope and Cela.


As being said always, - They are the SAMSON BROTHERS, and they are the SAMSON SISTERS! Beat that!!!

The Princes and the Princesses

Let us feel the name people!!! Let us own it. Claim it! Live it!! J

As I write this, I tried to count… but we are many, and since we know who we are, forget it... moving on….

Now I understand how hard it was for Nanay to prepare plates and utensils every time we “invade” the “Palace”.

We all grew up in sleepovers, out of town trips, birthday celebrations or even just any dinner together…

We are all used to have a headcount… we grew up as if we were like an “entourage” always.

They made us that way… haven’t you observed it, we like going to birthdays, all together? We like going to malls all together? We like travelling all together – and we travel in style, men!!! We just want to be together even just sitting at one living room! At one point, we all have the same facialist, right? We liked the same foods. We talk about the same things – sensible or not.  

There is this certain bond that links us… not everyone may be as close to each other, maybe just because of age. But nothing can come ever between us.

(I - promise nyo yan!!!)

I am just proud to know that as cousins, as sons and daughters of this “FAMILY”.

            WE ARE UNITED BY LOVE AND CONNECTED BY BLOOD TO FOREVERMORE BE TOGETHER, TO LOVE, CARE, HELP AND PROTECT ONE ANOTHER; and TO PASS THIS LEGACY TO OUR FUTURE KINS.

Amen??? AMEN!!!

Now raise your hands and  bow those heads to the Royalties… (tayo yun ha!)

Clap clap clap!!! ( for us)

I WAS CONFINED AT THE HOSPITAL - MY CALL OF DUTY AND LOVE!!!

I was confined at the hospital for three days.

 - Well not me, it was Joart!

 He has been sick for months already come to think of it, because of a recurrent back pain until to his right pelvis and that whole hip area. Last Wednesday he had high fever and was chilling. I was convincing him to take medicines such as a paracetamol for the fever (he is not used to taking meds - as in!) which he "patiently" rejected. The following morning, I know he still has fever. That time, the "convincing" was not so hard anymore because he was already in so much pain.

As usual, being hot tempered that he is... I have to understand.

I have to deal with the sluggishness and laziness to get up - which by the way, I think was just a delaying tactic because he knew he'd be facing those needles again!!! (",)

When we were at the hospital, constant yelling and disagreement was expected - not necessarily directed to me but because he was really in pain.

Still, I have to understand.  

HE IS SICK.

After the series of tests (which he all failed, urinalysis has high RBC count and among others) and injections…he felt a little better and was a bit relieved of the pains. We finally got the results and decided that we should be admitted already, since it was not a typical UTI. Aside from the kidney stones problem that was diagnosed, the doctors advised a general check up to know his complete blood chemistry / results. They are suspecting more problems like his blood sugar, cholesterol, uric acid. Lung examinations / chest x-rays were also done since he is a very bad chain smoker!!! The doctors requested for an IVPS (It was sooo expensive so I decided to forget the whole meaning). It was like an x-ray test but more complicated since he needs to be injected with some kind of medical dye and have to be x-rayed several times and needs to stay on bed for the whole one hour process!!! This is to really know the exact size and location of the suspected kidney stones.

What is happening??

When you are about to sleep… your patient would call you because he needs help for his IV… next, when you can’t sleep, he sleeps peacefully. When confined in a hospital, you will miss your bed so much because you will just sleep on a sofa bed beside the patient’s “reclining bed”. Thankfully we got a nice room that has a clean and beautiful comfort room, so bathroom concerns (which are the biggest for me) is not a problem. Being a “bantay” is also as if you are also sick. Plus, when your patient is Joart, from time to time, you’ll get loud voices of commands, sometimes soft tones of pleases. I guess when you are with a certain person for almost half of your life; you will learn to just let everything pass right through both ears… seamlessly!!! And sarcastically smile and say – “ok ka lang ba?” (L)

So after almost 3 days of being stuck in that room… it is not the sickness and the lab results that I was anxious of… it is how much more can I bear the pain of getting hurt, getting mad, annoyed, bullied. I was also trying to count  How much more will this being happy, laughing, not sleeping and having good talks will last?

The good news:

He was well. Kidney stones were small, although proven to be recurrent because of his high uric acid. All blood chem results were above the normal range, so we have another schedule for our internist. His urologist cleared his kidneys but gave medicines and we have a scheduled of series of check ups to maintain the state of his kidneys. ( after having both our dads died for kidney failure – kidney issues are like “life threats” for us already). Fortunately and unbelievably that his lungs / chest x-rays are clear.. so he went on smoking again. J - inside the room by the window!!! L  

CALL OF DUTY AND LOVE.

It is the rough times like these that you can test how much you value each other and how much you love each other… Simple gestures/phrase like, “sige, matulog ka na”, or “kuha ka ng magandang kwarto na kumportable kang magbantay” (I was about to get a suite… hehehe! – of course I did not – just the junior one!) or “ mauna ka ng kumain”, “ asking for your hand while he was sleeping – as if he never held your hand before”. “ leaning his head on your shoulders when he was really dizzy”, “saying, how beautiful the nurses were, but I was the most beautiful of them - shallow as it seems… (walang basagan ng trip. J) – But  in times that you are waiting for your medical records and doctor’s final prognosis whether you are good or ill – this is the best time you can just show feelings that you’ve probably been hiding for years… perhaps my perfect timing to be loved again.

Bottomline: at the end of the day, no matter what happens, the call of duty and love will prove not only true love – but also endurance -  patience – acceptance – forgiveness – sacrifices we are willing to give, lastly – commitment.

No name titles, papers, agreements, or words or pictures or videos are needed just to prove how to be that “one special person to someone else – just a call of duty and love.

And this is the test of time we can humbly say – we passed!!! Get well soon Joart!

 I love you mahal!

I don't get mad, I get even.

Anger is one letter away from danger.

Eleanor Roosevelt

Im an angel! Honest! The horns are just there to keep the halo up straight! Fact: If you ever hurt me...you get it back 10 times worse Be careful whose toes you step on today because they might be connected to the foot that kicks your ass tomorrow" "I can either be your best friend or your worst enemy".  You can't argue with a sick mind ... get well soon then.

"Always forgive your enemies-nothing annoys them so much."



When the tounge strikes, my brain works like a machine..

and im not running of ways to ruin her...

SHE WAS A BITCH... BUT I AM A BETTER BITCH

You showed your true colors too early my dear...

you still don't know what hit you and will hit you.

you think this is you? ohh that's too sad sissy!!

to think it wasn't even me who did you wrong...

you've messed with me and the people I care - a hundred of times.

if you think you won this time.. think hard..

oooooppsss.. that will be hard for you... thinking???

it doesn't mean that when you're binded by a piece of paper to someone means you're one of us!!!

go back to your shanty little box where you can do what you do best - 

there, your shallow and rude attitude will shine..

 if it was true that you said you were cheated upon... well i know now why!!

and i just can't wait for my dear one to get his mind straight and knew what we all knew way before

gold digging, social climbing, trying hard bitch - 

thanks dear one for dressing her up and buying all the things she has now!!!! 

enjoy them while you still have them...

and you should thank your lucky stars...
all the things yo have and even shares with others are actually from our family
from my dear one's own!!! not yours...
don't act as if we owe you something...
what are you when we knew you?

i was wrong when we met..

it was wrong when we became friends..

i dont care about the past coz now its all over...

ill be ending this, with a new beginning - that you would regret meeting me...

you don't know how to play this game but i do..

i dont trust you as much as you dont trust me..

to forgive is to forget...

i wont forget so i won't forgive...

you are in my past...

move over... bitch!!!!!!!!!!

ingat!!!

Brighter Days ahead. I. Hope.

I have never been truly happy in the past six years of my life. Unfortunately, I am denying myself the harsh truth of doing the right thing that I am supposed to do. Well, I guess it always starts there - denial! Sometimes I ask myself, why am I really still here.

Last night, I got the call that I was trying to hide my self from. Finally, I got the perfect message (sarcastically), that all that I was hoping, expecting and praying for will never happen. It finally came out in the open. It was so hard to accept the truth, but at least, I heard it already and it was so clear enough that it passed through my ears easily and it traveled fast to my heart and brain.

I don't know what to do. It was all like in the movies that everything is flashing back in my memories - in my passive brain that is! I can see scenarios that happened before, I can hear in my thoughts past conversations. It is as if I'm watching my own movie.

And it finally dawned on me - I am hopeless. I need to do something. I must do something to end my own misery. Even if it starts in creating another misery.

You see, first, I lost one good business. Second, I might be losing one thing that was lost already - I just didn't know.

I want to start anew. First priority: Love God above all. (sorry for the delay, my dear Lord) Second: Love thy self! Third: Use mind not heart! Fourth: Conquer my own world. Fifth: Make them live in regrets! (lol)

BOHOL ADVENTURE

BOHOL - THE HILLS ARE ALIVE!!! 
TAGBILARAN - PANGLAO - CHOCOLATE HILLS- LOBOC - BACLAYON

After my long road trip to Cagayan and other parts of Mindanao, I went straight to BOHOL. After 24 hours on seas, at 6:00 am I finally reached the ports of Bohol. It was surprising to see the little native Boholanos as they welcome our ferry… Bohol style. They were floating at the sides of the ferry – literally swimming side by side the ferry. They are asking the tourists to throw out some coins and they would dive wherever the coin falls regardless how deep it would reach. And yes, they can get it they were like fishes waiting for bread. Surprising, but a bit disturbing.

As we reach the port, we met our tour guide. There he was with a companion, waiting plus the white van (again) that we will be using in the whole of our trip. He brought us straight to Panglao Island. It was a one hour drive from Tagbilaran City. When we reached the Bohol Dive Club Resort, we got to our cottage and WOW!!! It was like a whole Nipa hut house. And another WOW!!! for the very beautiful beach!!!. Before we really “inspected” the whole cottage, I can’t help myself but really jump and roll and play with the VERY soft, white and powdery sands of PANGLAO BEACH. I must say, going to Boracay first and then Panglao? It was a good comparison, but I’m loving Panglao more. The sands are better in all aspects. The whole place is  not as commercialized or even as developed, but that is where the true beauty is. The simplicity of the whole place is what that really compliments the swimming pool like, crystal clear water. It literally glitters as the sun’s rays kiss the bluish-greenish water.

Well, we rested for a while and hit the beach right away. Our tour guide offered a dolphin watching tour for the next day. We took it, paid 5,000 for a boat ride for like 2 hours, float around, - dolphin – no show!!! Sad!!! We were told that we are already almost near Cebu, a boat ride for another 1 ½ hour, we will be in Cebu. Had I known right away, I would have packed some things other than my shorts and snorkeling attire so I can walk around Cebu!!!

Starting the day with the no show dolphins won’t make me so disappointed. The long day has just began!

Next stop is the Blood compact shrine. As usual, it was all statues of the historical figures.

Then we went to Baclayon and Loboc Church. And that took my breath away. The antique altars, floorings, the whole architecture – wow!! A must see!
i love these pics...
Baclayon church:

Loboc churches:

We visited the HINAGDANAN CAVE, literally, cave with stairs in its natural rock formation. what is special about this, is the Hot spring inside the cave. Nice cave. but we did not bother swimming in the hot spring because it was soo full of people!!! hehehe.

After that we went straight to the very famous CHOCOLATE HILLS. But on our way there, we stopped for a while to their famous MAN MADE FOREST. It was quite a long stretch of trees, mahogany, narra, etc. that lined the road. They told us that it was a protected area, literally a forest. Created by the Bohol provincial gov’t as part of their eco-tourism. It was very beautiful.

Now here we are at the Chocolate Hills. It took me almost a 100 steps or more… before reaching the top. The view deck was like the Mines View Park of Baguio, only a little bigger. From here, you can a 360 degrees view of the whole CHOCOLATE HILLS area. Breathtaking view. They were really like giant Kisses chocolates. Going down was a long stretch of ramp for people in wheel chairs. I think that was thoughtful and very considerate. I used that. It’s easier to just glide going down. At the park, I saw some ATVs. I inquired for what is that for. Where would you use an ATV in the Hills?? And the manong said: Yes mam, si Aga Muhlach nag ATV dyan sa baba ng mga chocolate. And I smiled – big smile, yep, really big smile and wide eyes – “talaga po? Magkano? And he said, 2,000 mam, isang oras. At first I was like, WTF!!! But then, I thought, I’m in Bohol, I’m at the foot of my CHOCOLATE HILLS from the books. So go!!!! Go!!!! Go!!!

The experience was really unforgettable!! It was so great. It was like a movie scene! I wish Aga was there! Hehehe.

After the hills, on our way back, we then decided to take now the LOBOC boat ride. We did not take the floating restaurant. We were told by an insider (Boholano) that it is better to take the boats only because it could reach farther places than in the floating restaurant. Of course I met there the famous TARSIER!!! He looks so fragile, tiny, and cute. He seems sweet, because he would just sit still in your hand. No signs of temper in him.

While in the boat ride, we reached the falls, the long stretch of the already green river. They said it is about 10 bamboos deep. We reached the part where the fireflies would show up by 6pm. So we waited a little. It was scary to be floating in that deep river, thickly covered with trees and shrubs. But upon seeing the fireflies… another WOW!!! I must be dreaming. It must be another movie scene. Sadly I was with some old peeps and not with my love team at that time. Lol!!!

And when we were on the stop to go down from the boat, I fell in the river.. all were screaming and the tour guides literally jumped on me, grabbed my hand, and it was only my arms that are on the steps, to keep me from sinking. I don’t even know how to swim!!! Oh good Lord!!! What a way to not make me forget Loboc River.

The whole Bohol trip is unforgettable. I will definitely come back. It may not look like the Caribbean or the beaches of Hawaii, but the exotic beauty is what is really captivating. It is so beautiful, makes you feel proud to be a tourist, much more, that we own it. That is one beautiful tourist place that is “Proudly Pinoy”.