Philippines Guide

Bohol is located in the south-central part of the Philippines, right in the heart of the Visayas. Although Bohol is known primarily for the Chocolate Hills, the Tarsier, and as an ideal spot for diving and snorkeling, there’s one other attraction that Bohol can boast about, and that every vacationer on this island should try— and that is the floating restaurants along the Loboc River.

Each floating restaurant can hold about 20-25 people each. The boat ride starts at the Loay Bridge, just 20 kilometers from Tagbilaran City. A motorboat maneuvers a large bamboo raft upstream through the Loboc River, and the buffet begins.

This extensive selection of tasty, native dishes positioned in the center of the raft makes for an extremely pleasant dining experience, which one can enjoy buffet-style for approximately P250 per person. Dishes usually offered are soup, grilled seafood such as squid, prawns and fish, and barbecued chicken, pork, and vegetables. For dessert, a variety of fresh fruits are available, as well as overflowing coffee and tea. While dining, a small group of singers serenade you with everything from folk songs to local pop songs.

Another reason that makes dining along the Loboc River so enjoyable though, is the breathtaking scenery that surrounds the raft. The lush greens all around the raft are captivating against a perfectly blue sky which adds tranquility to the ride. As the boat goes further upstream, one cannot help but notice that the river is full of life.

Locals go about their business on small boats and canoes, carabaos are wading and drinking the river water, while children are everywhere, swinging from tall coconut trees and jumping into the river. Sometimes, the children swim up to the boats and try to catch the tourists’ attention, performing random stunts in the water. Other tourists and locals call out to you, wave and smile at you, as their restaurant and yours cross paths.

The boat takes about 45 minutes to reach a small waterfall called Busay, where it will stop for a while in order for those aboard to enjoy the view. Afterwards, the boat turns around and makes its way downstream the river.

During the summer, the river is clean and green, while during the rainy season, the water is rather brown. It doesn’t really matter what time of the year you decide to go here though, because either way, you’re still in for fresh air, scrumptious food, and a completely unique experience.

Tags: scuba diving, Philippine Islands, philippines-beaches, traveling, Tourist, philippine-beaches, Tourist Destinations

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“Fresh” is the operative word here. Fresh seafood. As in just plucked out of the sea a moment ago and cooked before your very eyes. Freshly slaughtered suckling pig roasting in a pit of hot coals. Fresh vegetables. Harvested just a few steps away. Some garnish the seafood; some are processed for salads and side dishes. Fresh fruit. A local picks them off the bushes, shrubs or trees and ably adds these to the growing menu.

We are going to have a fiesta. In these parts, fiesta is a vital component of celebrating life. What seems like a growing cacophony of food preparation activity is actually an orderly exercise in merrymaking. It is the lifeblood and the tradition of these islands.

These are the Philippine islands. Home to a warm and hospitable Filipino people. And if there is anything Filipinos love to do, it is to eat well. Compared to many other nationalities worldwide, Filipinos share the peculiar reputation of celebrating the small and big events of their lives with food. To them, food is indispensable as a means of merrymaking. It seems well entrenched in the national psyche that good food; processed and handled and served well, is every homemakers status symbol. It is a widely held belief that a self-respecting Filipino will go to great lengths to transform the humblest of food into something special at the dinner table.

Native cuisine is often an eclectic mix of Chinese, Spanish, American, and local food reflecting influences from their neighbors, colonizers, and trading partners. The staple food is rice, fish, and vegetables, but pork and chicken is also popular. Each region of the Philippines is justifiably proud of its local specialties which take advantage of the dazzling range of fruits, vegetables, fish, and meats available. But let us focus on Bohol’s restaurants and its unique seafood festival.

Scenic and historical Bohol Island is a popular tourist destination located among the cluster of Visayan Islands in south-central Philippines. It is home to some spectacular dive sites that attract international divers who very often take up long-term residence here. Add to this the seasonal tourist, the resident mix-blood whose ancestors traded with or colonized the islanders, the local migrants, and the islanders themselves, and you get a picture of a Bohol island which is peopled by a merry mix of nationalities, all of whom have their own food tastes and preferences. This gives rise to a clientele for a wide variety of restaurants in Bohol which cater to every need, want and budget.

Yet most Bohol restaurants are no different from that which is typical to the Philippines or from similarly situated tourist destinations throughout the world. Even the mildly unique restaurant structures that are set partly on land and partly on the shallows of the beach are typical in many coastal tourist destinations. Fresh catch may be the operative word here, but that is true in most all quality restaurants throughout the world.

But what is unique to Bohol restaurants is the sheer variety of fresh catch and the price for which they can be had. A recent World Bank publication and the United Nations Development Program have cited a good number of marine resources scientists who claim that the Philippines is at the center of the world’s marine fish biodiversity. That study rings most true in Bohol which is situated at the center of the Philippine islands. The sheer variety of fresh catch at near bargain prices. This allows for a seafood festival unique to Bohol restaurants.

Tags: Beach, Philippine Islands, traveling, Philippines, Davao, Dive Sites, Tagalog

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The Bohol Province is considered as one of the most famous tourist destinations in the Philippines. It is an island in the Central Visayan Region of the Philippines. People in the province are called Boholanos. Many tourists from different countries go to Bohol because of its beautiful beaches and resorts. The province is known for the famous Chocolate Hills and the Philippine Tarsier, a small monkey with big eyes. Other attractive amenities that the island offers are diving shops, recreation centers and shopping malls.

Restaurants on the island province offer a variety of food. Tourists in the province can enjoy flavors from countries around the world. There are Japanese, Chinese and Singaporean as well as Filipino-American restaurants that tourists and locals can go to. Coffeehouses, bake shops, bars and music lounges are additional attractions that the province offers. Franchises of local and international fast food chains are also presents in the province. Fusion restaurants have also made their mark in the island province.

Tourists who prefer to eat the freshest food can go to restaurants located near or within wet and public markets called dampa. Seafood on sale at wet markets includes king crabs, lobsters, mussels, prawns and shrimp. It is guaranteed that seafood sold at the wet markets is the freshest catches of the day. When eating at a dampa, customers buy seafood from the market, go to the restaurant and tell the Boholano staff how they want the food to be cooked. Customers may also leave the decision on how the food will be cooked to the staff of the dampa that they will be eating at. Eating at a dampa has become famous not only with locals but also with tourists because it brings an enjoyable and one-of-a-kind experience.

Bohol also offers cruises along Cambuhat River that will surely delight tourists not only because of the sights that they will be able see but also because of the oyster feast that they can enjoy at the end of the river cruise. Slipper oysters can be bought from oyster farms in the province.

The island province of Bohol is very accessible to foreign and local tourists. Once in the Philippines, there are daily airplane flights offered by a number of airline carriers available for them to take. Estimated travel time from Manila to Bohol is one and a half hours. For those more adventurous, they can opt to take a ship that goes to different provinces within the region where the province is located.

Tags: Pinoy, philippines-beaches, Philippine Islands, Baguio, traveling, Dive Sites, expat

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Bohol is a province in the Philippines located to the south of Luzon, north-west of Cebu and northeast of Leyte. Considered as one of the most beautiful locations in the Philippines, it is also known for its historic attractions such as the Baclayon Church, the oldest church in the country, the Blood Compact Site, the wonder of Chocolate Hills, and the exotic tarsier, the World’s smallest primate. In addition to that, certain places in Bohol are now a diving spot wherein divers can see more of what Bohol has under the sea.

Panglao Island is located at the tip of Bohol, often called “Tourist Haven” for its beautiful scenery and crystal clear water. The world-renowned Alona beach is just 3 minutes away from the island by foot. Below are the lists of diving locations around this island:

Cervera Shoal - Known as the “Spaghetti Shoal” or “Snake Island“, Cervera Shoal is a definite diving spot for those who wants to get a glimpse of large pelagic fish and other sea snakes for a change (since there aren’t sea corals around here). Cervera got its name from the black-and-white sea snakes which can be found in numbers.

Kalipayan - Not far from the white-sand Alona Beach, Kalipayan (also known as “Happy Wall”) houses Alona Beach’s reefs. Divers will surely enjoy watching small gorgonian sea fans and other school of fish wandering around corals of the island.

Pungtud Wall - The famous coral garden of Pungtud Island, Pungtud Wall is also perfect for snorkeling. Soft and stony corals can be found at this diving spot along with groupers, sea urchins, clownfish, puffer fish and other sea creatures.

Arco Point - At the southeast of Panglao Island lays the famous vertical funnel of Arco Point (or the “Hole in the Wall”). Most divers for its calm condition, either little or no current at all. Divers can enjoy the scenic beauty of the underwater along with its inhabitants such as the moray eels, wrasse, butterfly fish and sea snakes.

Napaling - Perfect for underwater photographers and the likes, Napaling is known for its wonderful coral garden. White tip reef sharks can be spotted occasionally while the caves are patrolled by squirrelfish, scorpion fish and royal angelfish, among many others.

Duljo Point - Take a drift-dive at the sandy slopes of Duljo Point located at the southwest part of Panglao Island. The wall is covered with sea fans, a variety of sponges and colorful corals. The current here is usually rough where trigger fish, batfish, surgeon fish and other pelagic fish can be found.

On Balicasag Island you’ll find some of the best diving spots the Philippines has to offer; located 6km southwest of Duljo Point. Below are the diving locations where you can find around Balicasag Island:

Black Forest - Take a fast drift-dive in the steep sandy slope of Balicasag Island’s Black Forest. A variety of coral can be found here and as you go deeper, large groupers, tuna, and others can be located. Advanced divers often pick this spot.

Rico’s Wall - Another beautiful coral garden lies southwest of Alona Beach, Rico’s Wall is famous for its bountiful sea stars, small reef fish, and a wide variety of leathery, stony and soft corals. Diving down would lead you to a number of small caves and overhangs where lionfish, moray eels and sometimes grey reef sharks, white tip reef sharks and barracuda can be found.

Rudy’s Rock - If you continued diving to the eastern part of Rico’s Wall, you’ll find Rudy’s Rock. Get a chance to see large green turtles. Also big eye trevally can be found here which will circle around you for awhile.

Tags: Pinay, Baguio, filipino food, Boracay, expat, Dive Sites, Asia

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Many renowned international divers hail Bohol dive sites as a dream of a lifetime. Located at the center of the most diverse marine ecosystems in the world, these dive sites are ideal for all types of divers. They feature gentle slopes, magnificent sheer cliff walls, extensive multi-colored coral cover, and a rich variety of marine creatures. Certainly an opportunity for great underwater photography. And all this at near bargain prices. But hype is hype so you be the judge.

That tall assertion notwithstanding; recent studies published by the World Bank as well as World Ocean Day Celebrations spearheaded by the United Nations Development Program in coordination with over 100 marine resources scientists have placed the Philippines at the center of the world’s marine fish biodiversity. Its 26,000 square kilometers of coral reef is reported to have the highest concentration of marine species per unit area. If the Philippines is at the center of all this, and central Philippines is made up of that cluster of islands collectively called the Visayan Islands or simply the Visayas; this is where Bohol island is located. Needless to say, it is surrounded by the aforesaid dive sites.

But let’s not get too scientific. Instead, let’s celebrate diversity. From the biodiversity of exotic flora and fauna to marine biodiversity, to the very diversity of inhabitants that people this place; Bohol dive sites are unique in the world. Bohol is home to a gentle and friendly people, to the exotic chocolate hills, to pristine sandy shell coralline beaches and hidden coves. Would it be immodest to say spectacular dive sites? You be the judge.

Your staging point will be the southwestern most town of Tagbilaran, the capital city of Bohol. Directly opposite Tagbilaran city is Panglao Island. Diving is done by boat entry; known locally as a “banka”, or boat with outriggers, or by shore entry from a number of international class resorts on the island. On the popular northern and western sections of the island, you will frolic in both narrow and shallow reef platforms at 4 to 6 meters width, the edges of which terminate in perpendicular submarine cliffs plunging down to depths of 30 to 48 meters. Immersed in crystal clear waters with all round visibility of about 30 meters, the sheer variety of multi-shaped and multi-colored corals is breathtaking.

Want to get serious? Go further southwest on a “banka” or outrigger canoe to Balicasag Island. In just 4 short kilometers from Panglao reef, you will break land on pristine white sand beaches surrounding the island. On your approach, your eyes are drawn to peer through the crystal clear waters which hint of the reef set against the white sand bottom. Striking? This is a narrow reef shelf some 49 meters in width. The tops of the submarine cliffs are an extensive forest of black coral cover and sponges and gorgonians populate the lower levels. This is home to sea turtles and sea snakes; and swirling schools of jacks, barracuda, and mackerel abound.

Want to get more serious still? For large marine life encounters, go directly southeast of Panglao island onto Pamilacan Island. This is an almost year round convergence point of hammerhead sharks, tuna, dolphin, grouper, and mackerel. However, the real reputation of Pamilacan Island is that of a prime site for whale and dolphin watching. Endemic species include several of dolphin, melon-headed whales, beaked whales, and the legendary sperm whale. Diving here is nothing short of spectacular. At near bargain prices, can anything be more serious? Of course though, hype is hype and so you have got to be the judge.

Tags: traveling, Boracay, Dive Sites, Mindanao, Makati, philippines-beaches, Tourist

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One of the most exciting adventures is to explore the bottom of the sea. Scuba diving; it may seem dangerous, however it offers a once in a lifetime experience. An example of Asia’s finest diving destinations is the island of Bohol, Philippines. This island is located in Central Visayas region. Bohol dive sites are numerous across the island. Under its deep blue lies a vast paradise unfolding before every diver’s sight.

Most diving sites in Bohol could be found in Panglao Island. A smaller island connected to mainland Bohol through a bridge. It is composed of two neighboring towns namely Dauis and Panglao. Divers usually select an appropriate beach resort as a starting point towards their desired diving spot. These beach resorts cater to every diver’s need, from equipment to tourist guides.

Bohol dive sites in Panglao vary in its area of difficulty. Dive sites suitable for beginners are Kalipayan and Arco Point. The Kalipayan dive site is located in the Southeastern part of the island. It is also known as the “Happy Wall”. Arco Point appears to be at the center of southeast portion of Panglao. It’s other name is “Hole in the Wall” because of the presence of a vertical funnel passage.

There are also a number of Bohol dive sites which require more proficient diving skills. The Pungtud Wall dive site is located in Pungtud Island, Panglao. Normally, its currents can be strong; however one can still go there during a calm weather condition.

Duljo Point could be found at the southwest portion of Panglao. Napaling on the other hand, is situated at the center of northwester side of the island. Rico’s wall and Rudy’s Rock are both sited on Balicasag Island. Another island of Panglao situated on its southwest point.
 
A popular dive site, on Balicasag Island requiring a more advanced scuba diving skills is very often sought after. This scuba diving site in Bohol is known as the Black Forest. Novice divers are advised to stay close to their dive master while exploring this site.

These scuba diving sites in Bohol could compete with any dive site in the world. They are blessed with remarkable marine life which adds color to the deep blue. A diver can expect to see exquisite corals, various nudibranches, snappers, barracudas, stonefishes, highly-prized seashells, and a many more awe-inspiring sea creatures.

Scuba diving in Bohol is a one-of-a-kind experience. The island is equipped with a whole bunch of dive sites that could match world-class diving spots. The total vacation package spent on the isle of Bohol specifically in its scuba diving sites would make it not only an enjoyable one, but at the same time memorable, plus it’s all worth the money spent.

Tags: Cebu, philippines-beaches, philippines travel tips, vacation, asia travel, Manila, Snorkeling

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Bohol is the tenth largest island of the Philippine archipelago. It is situated in Central Visayas with its capital Tagbilaran City. This little paradise island is world-renowned for its beautiful and eye-captivating tourist attractions.

One of the major attractions in Bohol is its fabulous beach resorts. These beach resorts are enumerable and countless across Bohol Island. Each of them paints typical scenery of a tropical resort. Accented with palm trees, long stretches of fine white sand and crystal blue waters complete their paradise-like panorama.

A number of these splendid beach resorts on Bohol Island are Alona Kew White Beach Resort, Ananyana Beach Resort, Dumaluan Beach Resort, Lost Horizon Beach Resort, Eskaya Beach Resort and Spa, Bohol Beach Club, and Panglao Island Nature Resort. These mentioned resorts are located on Dauis-Panglao Island, a smaller island of Bohol.

Meanwhile, there are still plenty of equally fantastic beach resorts in Dauis-Panglao, as well as in other coastal towns of Bohol. The Coco White Beach Resort is located along the bay of Guindulman, while the Bituon Beach Resort is strategically situated on top of wonderful cliffs of the same town. A certain beautiful beach resort is situated in another island of Bohol. Isla Hayahay is to be found in Pangangan Island, Calape. The Flower Beach Resort is located in tranquil surroundings in the town of Anda, Bohol.

Those mentioned are just a small number of beach resorts found in Bohol. Each of them has their own strategies and amenities to accommodate guests, from the cozy well-maintained bungalows complete with modern facilities, mouth-watering dishes, and breathtaking scenic views. A dream vacation on these terrific spots would be well worth while.

Holidays and vacations spent on these spectacular white sand beaches would perfectly turn out to be enjoyable at the same time memorable. It is great for a family vacation, for honeymooners, lovers, and friends who want to get away from their stressful work and city life. Bohol beaches are definitely the place to be with their serenity and tropical ambiance that is soothing for vacation-goers.

Beach activities such as snorkeling, diving, outdoor and water sports, or just simply sitting back and relaxing under the shade of palm trees put in excitement and fun. In addition to that, recreational facilities are also available at some of these beach resorts such as jacuzzis, spas, island hopping, and scuba diving.

Bohol takes pride in its great number of world-class white sandy beaches. Beach resorts offer quality service to ensure tourists pleasure and contentment. The white sand beaches never fail to impress even the meticulous critic.Bohol beaches are guaranteed for a one-of-a-kind dream vacation realized.

Tags: filipino food, White Beach, Boracay, Diving, expat, Manila, asia travel

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Looking for a great beach destination? Have we got the place for you! When we say vacation we usually see white sand beaches, warm, tropical nights, beautiful sunsets, exotic food, AND exotic people. It is also an advantage if your destination is affordable (not cheap!) and can AND will cater to your every vacation desire. The beaches in Bohol are all that and more.

Bohol is a little island lying southeast of Cebu and a mere 1 hour and fifty minutes from Manila. Known for its Chocolate Hills and the lovable tarsier, Bohol boasts of equally stunning and famous beaches that are favorites of locals and tourists alike. What makes the beach destinations here unique, however, are the pristine waters and protected diving areas where world famous seashells like the Golden Cowrie and “Gloria maris” thrive and abound.

The more exclusive beach resorts are often found in Panglao Island, that little piece of land jutting next to the bigger island of Bohol. The more known beaches include Dumaluan Beach, where some of the best resorts, like the Bohol Beach Club are located. It lies on the south of the Panglao Island, and is a great place to view killer sunsets, go barefoot in powdery white sand or simply, relax.

Alona Beach also boasts its own string of known resorts, and is probably the most developed beach on Panglao Island. It has a number of diving establishments, not to mention some of the best restaurants in Bohol. There is absolutely no better way to cap off a great day of diving than eating delicious seafood at the best beach front restaurants this island has to offer! Snorkeling and scuba diving enthusiasts have the time of their lives here, although they have to be wary of the occasional sea urchin that may be lurking beneath the waters. A good, sturdy pair of water shoes will take care of that though.

Other beaches include the Doljo, Bikini, Anda,and Momo beaches, perfect for those who prefer quiet, leisurely strolls to the activity and hustle of the more popular beaches and resorts.

True, there are a lot of beaches out there, too many, in fact, that at times it may seem hard to choose. However, there is no doubt that you will have a memorable vacation experience spent exploring in Bohol’s beautiful and world-renowned beaches. Aside from the good food, excellent swimming and diving amenities and romantic sunsets you get the genuine tropical experience that only Bohol can offer.

Tags: Cebu, Pinoy, Asia, philippine-beaches, traveling, Filipino, Wordpress

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Supplying bottled safe drinking water is a booming business nowadays. If you have enough capital, you can either get a franchise of a known water refilling station or go independent and start your own brand from ground up. Either which, you really need some serious thinking but the profits from this kind of business is very promising.

However, franchising or going independent has both their share of advantages and disadvantages.

Franchising a water refilling station can mean capital infusion than being independent. Franchising fees can range from around P800 thousand to more than P1 million depending on the franchise, the space, and the location. On the other hand, being an independent seller can cost an initial investment of around P400 thousand to P1 million, based on the capacity of the tanks and filtering system.

Most franchisees, however, enjoy a head start in terms of starting their operations rather than the independents since franchise programs include management assistance/support in their package. This way, new franchisees are guided on how to start their operations while independents have to commence on their own and rely mostly on their entrepreneurial instinct.

Franchise packages likewise include marketing programs for the franchisees which will definitely help in selling their products. Independent sellers, on the other hand, have to come up with their own promotional scheme to attract their buyers. With a marketing plan clearly laid down, franchise holders enjoy name recall and brand attachment to entice the customers while independent sellers have to be more creative in this aspect to gain a share in the market.

On the other hand, independent sellers have the luxury of setting their own prices. Some independent sellers can lower their prices to P35 per gallon while franchisees could only offer around P40 on the same volume because of the royalties they have to pay, which is based on the quantity they sell. Most franchisees revealed that they could not afford to reduce their prices because, aside from the royalties they have to pay, they are also bound by uniformity in their prices included in the franchise agreement. Independent sellers revealed that lowering their prices is their main marketing strategy, considering that franchisees already enjoy the name recognition from clients.

In the end, whether you decide to franchise or become an independent seller, the water refilling station business is definitely a good investment to venture into. No matter how these stations have grown in the vicinity, water remains to be a basic need and you will definitely have a household or company to supply their water needs. But you must be aware of how stiff the competition has become. Thus, you need to provide quality service to be able to come up with loyal clients.

Tags: Divers, Visayas, Tourist Destinations, scuba diving, Mindanao, Snorkeling, philippines travel tips

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