Just a few more hours and we will be waking up by the sound of church bells with the start of the Misa de Gallo.  For Tagbilaranons, however, mornings will be much more jolly and festive with Pamahaw sa Plaza which will start also tomorrow morning at 5:30am.

Pamahaw sa Plaza is a spin-off of the International Fusion Nights, a nightly cultural exchange through the festive flavors of the food presented by different concessionaries.  The only difference is that the feast won’t start at sundown.

Not from Tagbilaran but would want to start your day with sumptuous food? Worry not as Pamahaw sa Plaza will wrap only until 10:00am, giving non-Tagbilaranons a chance to take a bite of the breakfast joys greeting Misa de Gallo attendees every day.

Pamahaw sa Plaza is the product of the Bohol Association of Hotels, Resorts, and Restaurants (BAHRR) in partnership with the Provincial Government of Bohol through the Bohol Investment Promotion Center (BIPC).  It will run from December 16 until December 24.

A few meters away from Anda’s Quinale Public Beach is this small newly-opened restaurant called Coco Loco.  From the get go, you’ll know what is the star is in the restaurant. Coconut, of course. If the name and the hanged paintings do not make it more obvious, I don’t know what will.

The quirky paintings have one thing in common

Coco Loco is the recent initiative spearheaded by TAFIAS, the same local livelihood group that brought to our taste buds homemade taro ice cream and the popular tilapia chips.  This time around, it is not taro or tilapia but coconut which will serve as staple ingredient in their menu offerings that is of foreign backgrounds but done with locally-grown Filipino ingredients.

Robin Gurney, one of the pivotal individuals behind the different entrepreneurial undertakings of TAFIAS, said that apart from the usage of local ingredients to recreate many of their menu’s foreign offerings, all local ingredients are organic while sauces and other food and drinks are homemade.  There’s always something special and scrumptious about a food with a touch of home.  Much more, rice meals also come with either the white rice variant we all know and love or the more fiber-enriched brown alternative.  That’s happy tummies and healthier options in one place.


When your feet brings you to Anda, don’t forget to make a stopover at Coco Loco and feast on their savory rich flavors.  There is their flavorful half-rack BBQ ribs (Php349) made of locally-produced beef slow cooked for maximum juiciness and covered in our secret homemade sauce.  Their BBQ ribs are available only during weekends unless you press your order in advance and is best paired with the refreshing Coco Loco Iced Tea (Php49).  For instant refreshments, you won’t regret trying their Banana Shake with Honey and Coco Water (Php99) with TAFIAS’ Homemade Taro Ice Cream (Php79).

Refreshments for a hot midday: Banana Shake with Honey and Coco Water and Homemade Taro Ice Cream in Ube Flavor. When in Anda, chill at the quaint #CocoLoco, just near Quinale Beach. This is another project of Tafias, the same group that brought to us Tilapia Chips. #BeholdBohol #foodporn #iblogforph #iblogforBohol

A photo posted by Dandreb James Arro (@deejaywrites) on Nov 3, 2015 at 7:34pm PST

Enjoy a single BBQ Beef Ribs (made of locally-produced meat and original homemade sauce) for Php99 or an entire half-rack at Php379 only at #CocoLoco, the dainty place ready to fill anyone's appetite. Comes with rice and iced tea #foodporn #BeholdBohol #iblogforph #iblogforBohol #AndaleAnda

A photo posted by Dandreb James Arro (@deejaywrites) on Nov 3, 2015 at 8:05pm PST

Healthier alternatives, great food, friendly staff, and supporting local communities, Coco Loco is simple a one-stop shop from the fine white sands of the Quinale Beach that will allow you to unwind, feast, and give back all in one shot.  Now who wouldn’t go Loco for Cocos for that if that’s the case.

Robin Gurney (far right) with his staff and another foreign national friend who was enjoying the sumptuousness of Coco Loco.

For reservations and advance orders, contact 0908 508 5847 or visit cocoloco.ph

안녕하세요!!!

Bohol is known to be a haven not just to its proud locals but to many foreign nationals who found a home in God’s little island paradise.  The welcoming Tagbilaran City, unsurprisingly, has always become the nestle of different complimenting and oftentimes fusing cultures, a cultural exchange that has been there since the epiphany of history and is more obvious in some aspects, particularly food.  From menu choices to restaurants, Tagbilaran offers a taste of foreign in its humble local soil.

Marina Bay Café comes as a new addition to the thriving Bohol food business industry. Located at Pook Pantalan, the exquisite café offers Boholanos a taste of Korea in a more accessible location.  Its navy-themed façade alone is inviting and its interior is a showcase of sophistication.  Despite its modern elegance, guests are still treated to an authentic Korean experience, with food orders served on low, lacquered tables while guests are seated on the floor.  Others may opt for the regular tables and chairs found on the second floor.

Like these two beautiful ladies, enjoy an afternoon of non-stop chika with your best buds with a Korean dining experience, which includes siting on the floor and having your food place on low tables.

But you do have an option to stay conventional. Tables and chair are available on the second floor. Enjoy your food while watching free Korean cable TV! 대박!!!

Marina Bay Café, though owned by the Korean nationals behind Wonderlagoon Resort and Charlotte Beach Resort in Panglao, offers a repertoire of scrumptious gastronomic treats.  The Korean menu offerings such as their Instant Korean Noodle with Egg (Php180), Gim Bap (Php180) and most recommended snow-soft Special Korean Halo-halo (Php300) are specialties that has drawn people in since they opened earlier this month.  But those who are not into Korean food may always fall back to more popular, conventional options — their generously loaded Club Sandwich (Php300), Aglio Olio Spaghetti (Php250), or their California Roll (Php200).

Their Korean Noodle (Php180) has always been a superstar and has made people to come back for more. Photo from Marina Bay Cafe's official Facebook page

Their Spicy Pork Belly BBQ (Php250) is one sizzling dish you can't afford to miss at Marina Bay Cafe. Photo from Marina Bay Cafe's official Facebook page

Aside from Korean food, Marina Bay Cafe served also Japanese cuisines such as this Shrimp Tempura Roll. Photo from their official Facebook page

The new entrant is moving full speed ahead, determined to make Boholano’s fall in love with the flavors of Korea, among others, caught in their selection of menu offerings.  No need to fly all the way to Seoul or drive to Panglao just to get a bite of The Land of the Morning Calm.  Pook Pantalan is the place to go and Marina Bay Café, the new entrant in an already flavorful cultural integration in Tagbilaran City.

For more information, do visit Marina Bay Cafe's official Facebook page. 감사합니다!

We are oftentimes told to take a chill pill after stressing out because of a strenuous eight-hour shift, a grueling exam, an important task at work or in school, or even when we’re simply having a bad day.  Now, taking a chill pill is more than just an expression; it has become an indulgence. Or at least, in Tagbilaran City.

Chill Pill Café is Tagbilaran’s newest chill out lounge.  Inspired by (you got right!) the expression “take a chill pill” referring to the owner’s oftentimes busy schedule, her love for food and hanging out in coffee shops, Virna Avergonzado decided to put up this cozy café along CPG East Avenue.

“Mahilig man gud ko mutambay ug coffee shop,” shares Ms. Virna.  “When I was in college, magtambay-tambay ko ug coffee shop morning pa hangtud 6pm.  And stressful sa work, mao nga nakahuhuna ko nga kung maggama ko ug coffee shop man akong i-name ug Chill Pill.”

The café’s posh interior — walls painted in pink with flower details, mirror windows filled with white handwritten notes, wooden tables and chairs made with love by Ms. Virna’s father, teapot candle lamps on the floor — reminds me of cute girls in their tutu dresses holding their fancy afternoon tea party and of a woman sipping a cup of coffee while writing a dedication on the shop’s glass windows on a raining afternoon.  Truth be told, the girls will really love to be inside the shop because it’s girly but still elegant and classy.



Aside from the interior and overall ambience, what draws people to Chill Pill are of course, their chill pills — a wide array of refreshing concoctions, sumptuous meals, and delectable cakes.   Their cakes from their Strawberry Shortcakes, Red Velvets, and Blueberry Cheesecakes are made personally by Miss Virna.  Their blends and drinks are a mixture of her favorite sips in different coffee shops.  Her ice creams as well are homemade.  All their menu offerings reflect parts of the entirety of the coffee-loving Virna Avergonzado.

Red Velvet Cake, Blueberry Cheesecakes, and Strawberry Shortcakes plus a whole lot of cakes all personally made by Miss Virna. Isn't it tempting?

Happiness is in a glass of Chill Pill's Choco Java! Oozing with the divine sweetness of chocolate, it will certainly make any bad day a bright dandy one.

Chill out at Chill Pill Café anytime from 10am until 12 midnight and take enjoy their irresistible gastronomic delights at very reasonable prices.  Miss Virna recommends their Death by Chocolate treat which is an overflowing layer of Choco Java, chocolate cake, and homemade chocolate ice cream.  An instant serotonin-booster and a heavenly indulgence I say.

This is 💖.... 👍 Only at #chillpillcafe ... #loveylove2015 #loveylovediary #dotd

A photo posted by Lovey Louise Solon (@lovelylouise18) on Aug 18, 2015 at 10:27am PDT

Taking a chill pill? We take it literally in T-City and when you need to ward the stress off, all you need is to simply get your daily dose of Chill Pill.

Tambahayan Café, the cozy hideout that captured many locals and foreign residents alike, is now transferred to a better, bigger location at Dr. Cecilio Putong Street (formerly Maria Clara Street), now beside STK Food House. From the small but dainty location where the original Tambahayan used to be, it is now in a house that was transformed to provide a cozy place for their patrons, or tambays, as they are fondly called.

Last Friday, Tambahayan opened the doors of its new location for everyone who wants to experience the warmth of home and the comfort of a tambayan.  Coming in the new place, you'll see how the new Tambahayan retains the atmosphere that it has been known and loved by their tambays and is proven by the many that flocked the new Tambahayan in an evening of food and entertainment.  No less than Madam Enriqueta "Equit" Butalid graced the event and was even generous enough to open the night’s showcase of talents by doing one thing she does best ---- playing piano.  The Bohol Master Singers, with Master Conductor Butch de Juan, on the piano also rendered songs to the guests.

Madam Enriqueta Butalid floored the crowd with her unmatched talent in piano. What a way to start the night that night!

Certainly one of the best moments of the night is when Sir Butch played the piano while his wife, and Tambahayan owner, Miss Vida, sang to the tambays.

What I like best about Tambahayan is that it is as homey as it is artsy.  The name itself, a portmanteau of the words bahay (home) and tambayan (a hangout place), perfectly sum up what the café is all about — a welcoming and homey hangout place for anyone with the penchant for arts, music, beauty, and of course, great food.  A haven for the artsy, indeed!

Wooden walls adorned with paintings. White ceilings with hanging dream catchers.  This place is just so pretty and hippy.

Posted photos of wonderful moments shared in the cafe keeps the beautiful painting company on that wall.

Aside from that, Tambahayan is simple reflective of the heart of soul of its owner (or should I call her chief tambay instead), Ms. Vida Tirol de Juan.  An advocate of culture, literature, and arts, it is not surprising that the shop is a haven for everyone who shares the same love and passion that she does.  The walls are adored with hanged paintings of local artists, including one that is made by Miss Vida and her daughter, Bea.

The colorful painting is a collaborative work by the mother-and-daughter tandem of Miss Vida and Bea

Aside from the paintings, there is the soon-to-be-revived concept nights like Balak Nights and Painting Nights that allows everyone to impart their gifts and cultivate the appreciation to local arts and local talents.

You are not allowed to miss a photo opt with this bookshelf.  Makes a good background for an OOTD post.

The menu offerings, according to Miss Vida, are personal choices that echo her advocacy on local food and healthy diet.  Among them is her recommended Chicken Halang-halang pasta, a mixture of her famed creamy chicken haling-halang and her parmesan-loaded pasta.  Other food options are her personal picks from local producers, exhibiting Tambahayan’s thrust in supporting local growers and manufacturers.

A recommended dish, the sumptuous Halang-halang Pasta is an unexpected but totally delectable combination of their creamy signature Native Chicken Halang-halang and Parmesan-loaded pasta.  Best paired with their Cucumber-Lemonsito-Honey Drink.

I love Caphe Sua Nong, a Vietnamese style coffee drink, that I've been dying to taste again.  Would be a perfect team with Rose Butalid's yummy Coco Macaroons and Casava Cake.

Not my plate though but can't resist to take a photo of their other signature dish, the Kamunggay Pasta. A wonderful treat for the pasta lovers and health conscious tambays alike.

On the other hand, the De Juan SMART is also in the same location.  It is on the second floor with a bigger space to cater to those who want to learn music, dance, and creative writing.

Tambahayan is the perfect place to spend some time with family while sharing their scrumptious Bisayang Manok, either fried or cooked as Chicken Halang-halang or hang out with your best buds while lounge in sofas or do some quality me time reading a book from their Instagram-worthy bookshelf while sipping their Cucumber-Lemonsito-Honey drink.  Whatever you have in mind, Tambahayan definitely is the place for you.

Bohol is best known for its Chocolate Hills, famed for how it’s brown in the summer, green in the rainy season, and now showing up a white chocolate filling after the earthquake.  Recently though, it seems Bohol is gunning to be known even with the word hills dropped, all thanks to one dreamer who made what seems to be an impossible dream possible.

During the PIA-sponsored Blogger’s Activity December of last year, Dalareich Polot of Dalareich Tableya and Chocoreich Café, tagged as the "Chocolate Princess", launched the Ginto Luxury Chocolate Line.  This came a little over a year after she won the Young Women Entrepreneur Bootcamp (YWEB) back in September of 2013 where she promised to a panel of esteemed female businesswomen and an ambassadress to create world-class chocolates from locally produced cacao for Bohol.

The opulent Ginto Chocolates. From Ginto Luxury Chocolates's Facebook page.

Ginto Chocolates is a luxurious line of pralines — filled chocolates — from locally-produced cocoa liquor (tableya) with authentic Filipino flavors.  More specifically, the Ginto Chocolates are artisan dark chocolates, which according to Dalareich, are what real chocolates really are.  These 75% dark chocolates are filled with local flavors — Calamansi, Ginger, Coffee — making the Ginto Chocolates a feast of Filipino flavors.

The Pilak collection is the less bitter alternative being 55-70% chocolate.  It is an assortment of dark and white chocolates and boosts a wide variety of fillings.  Pilak Collection comes in two lines.  There is the Praline Passion line with fillings ranging from the sweet Dulce de Leche (yema) of Rio chocolate and the explosive Chili and Cinnamon flavors of the Vulcan chocolate. Then there is the Luxurious Liquors line where the chocolates are filled with the flavors of local liquors like the strong flavor of authentic Filipino rum inside the Roja Chocolate and the familiar aftertaste of Filipino coconut wine once you take a bite of the Turquesa chocolate.

The Pilak Collection's Praline Passion line. From Ginto Luxury Chocolates Facebook page.

The stuffed flavors in the Ginto and Pilak collections provide a distinct but subtle aftertaste.  You mouth feasts on the flavors of both the dark chocolate and the filling.  The tastes do not overwhelm and do not linger, making you crave for another bite!

Then there is also the Tanso collection, the sweetest of them all. A line of compound chocolates, with cocoa powder instead cacao liquor as its mainzxcdcdffrgtgtgtrhtrghtghggfgh ingredient, Tanso is not praline but solid chocolates from all shapes and sizes and are usually made as giveaways.

Since it became available in the market, the Boholano-made luxury chocolates packaged in glossy gold boxes (ala gold bars) are consistently getting rave responses from both locals and foreigners.  Anyone — from local government officials, foreign dignitaries, tourists, and native Boholanos — who got the opportunity to take a bite of these opulent treat have been captured by the distinct yet familiar taste of Ginto.  The local luxury is slowly becoming available in many resorts and restaurants as well like Gelateria Milano, Bellevue Resort, and Amorita Resort.

The Ginto, Pilak, and Tanso lines displayed at Gelateria Milano. From Ginto Luxury Chocolates Facebook page.

Luxurious taste? YES! Luxurious price? Not really! The local treat that is Ginto can be enjoyed at only Php499.00 while the Pilak collection can be bought at Php349.00 per box.  The prices are very much reasonable and very much affordable compared to other luxury chocolate brands.  And the price remains the same even you buy it at Chocoreich Cafe at H. Grupo Street or in Gelateria Milano.

So whenever you need a chocolate fill to boost your day, stash the usual brands and try to take a bite of our proudly local artisan chocolates.  End the chocolate craving with Ginto Chocolates, a locally-produced product out from locally-grown ingredients but with such international standard and taste, Another sweet offering from the Island of the Chocolate Hills and definitely another reason why I, and you (should, too) behold the dream and creativity of the people of Bohol!

SPOTTED: Yours truly with Ms. Inday Dominise (far left),Head of Bohol Investment Promotion Center (BIPC), and Mr. Rommel Gonzales (far right), General Manager of The Bellevue Resort and President of Bohol Association of Hotels, Resorts, and Restaurants (BAHRR).

The different booths offer a delectable assortment of food, fitting for anyone’s taste preference.  First time entrant Bollywood tries to introduce to the public the taste of India with their signature specialty dishes: Indian Chicken Curry and Chicken Pakora.  Rich in spices, Bollywood is sure to spice up your cold evenings.

A taste of Mexico at Hola! booth

Bellevue with Chef Val

The treats found in Panda Tea Garden's booth

For the flavorful or for the savoury? It's your pick at Gavroche.

Authentic French Macarons only at Gavroche. Sold at Php 60.00 for a set of three.

Egay's Farm

Cuisina ni Tisay

Here's what to expect at Just Sizzlin'!

The dessert section of Tarsier Paprika's booth.

SPOTTED: Ted Javellana (far left), father of Miss Silka Bohol 2014 3rd runner up Erin Kate, with Chief Roderich G. Naseo, head chef of Tarsier Paprika, and some Tarsier Botanika employees.