Lahoy, in English, means to slip through and being in Bohol Lahoy Dive Resort in Cabantian, Guindulman  means saying goodbye temporary to the stressful demands of our individual lives and slipping through a space of beautiful tranquility amidst chirping birds, lush trees, and the scenic sea.


The resort, owned by German national Michael Herder and managed by the Swiss couple Hanspeter and Daniela Ritter, takes you to enjoy the laid back life of the Bohol's east side.  Guests have all expressed their pledges to come back, saying that they feel in love with the peaceful silence of the place as they get to relax in their comfy villas.

This bungalow houses three rooms.

This is their family bungalow

An hour away from Tagbilaran City, the calming silence at Bohol Lahoy Dive Resort is waiting for you to experience.  One of it's main attraction is that miniature version of a cliff dive that you'll do at Batong Galain, a separated rock formation from the rocky cliffs along the Cabantian shore lines. (galain in Visayan means doing something distinct or in contrary to something. It can also mean opting to be separated from the group).

A view of the rocky but breathtakingly beautiful sea of Cabantian, Guindulman

My paternal grandmother leaves in Cabantian and during one visit (I was college already at that time), I had the chance to set foot at the iconic Batong Galain. And one thing I could describe it is treacherous. At the side nearer to the shoreline, it would seem that it won't be a scary jump on the other side but once you see the other edge, you'll realize how deep the water is already.  You'll be jumping on a deep space surrounded by corals.  If you ask me if I did jump, no because I was too scared.  But the brave souls will surely enjoy the jump and would surely repeat it.

That's Batong Galain!

You may simply stay in and forget about the world for a moment, or experience a miniature version of a cliff dive at Batong Galain, or go diving in their different dive spots.  Whatever your concept is of a peaceful serene vacation, Lahoy is ready to take charge.

You may spend some quiet moments here in their dining area

For reservations and more info, visit www.bohol-lahoy.com or contact 09294541635 or 09202798228

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.

Ninety two kilometers away from Tagbilaran City is the Municipality of Candijay, a rousing town abounded by nature’s enchanting treasures. A potential favorite to nature lovers and adventurers alike, Candijay is certainly worthy of high commendations for the richness of its lands and waters.

I’ve been to Candijay twice, both with the Divine Word Outdoors Club’s aceptance climb.  The first one was my batch’s acceptance climb while this one is for batch 16 and 17’s.

(Read: Walk with DWOC)

While we followed the same trail and had the same itinerary, our stopover destinations are still as breathtaking as it was the first time I saw these natural wonders.  Hidden or unheard of they might be to many but Candijay’s secrets are something all the world should see.

IT’S ADVENTURE TIME
Here is a list of the sites we passed by or took a stopover in our recent climb in Candijay!

1. Canawa Spring

Canawa Spring, Candijay

Kilometers away from the starting point of our journey is Canawa Spring, a cauldron (kawa)-shaped body of water, hence the name.  The azure waters are cold and the foliage surrounding Canawa gives it a more relaxing feel.  Beautiful as it is, Canawa Spring is also mystifying, with numerous attempts to measure its depth end unsuccessful.  As of this writing, no one has ever reached the bottom of Canawa so for those who can’t really swim or who gets cramps when the feet are soaked in water after a long walk (just like me), it’s better to say on the sides.  Ropes running across the spring have been installed recently so if ever you can’t swim but wants to enjoy the waters, please do hold on to those ropes.

DWOC batchmate Stella during our first visit to Canawa in 2013 Photo taken using myPhone A898 Duo

2. The river flowing from Can-umantad

The starting point of our river trek

From Canawa Spring, we take a short but quite challenging river trek to Can-umantad Falls.  The water is clear and cool.  However, the currents could be really strong and those who cannot really support themselves might be taken by the flowing water.  Certain parts could also be very deep which is ideal for swimming.  Aside from that, tributary falls may also be seen on the side.

DWOC Batch 16/17 trudging the river

DWOC seniors Tom Esquin, Anter Decasa of Curious Onion, and Rebecca Caliao photographed beside the deeper parts of the river

The river's current, for the two times I've trekked it, has always been strong.  It can be seen in this photo.

3. Can-umantad Falls
At the end of the exhilarating river trek is what once was among Bohol’s hidden treasures — Can-umantad Falls.  The falls is the province’s highest in terms of elevation, meaning that the falls is located way above sea level.  Can-umantad measures sixty feet, which accordingly what its name mean, kan-uman (which sounds like kaunuman, six times).

The majestic Can-umantad Falls of Candijay

Can-umantad’s view is definitely divine and spectacular, with its cascading waters filling you with both awe and tranquility.

A peek of Can-umantad Falls from a higher ground, just before we went river trekking

The falls from a different angle

Can-umantad used to be inaccessible to many tourists.  In my recent trip, however, an area of the forest that surrounds the place has been cleared to create a rough road from the main barangay road.  Anyone who wants to see the falls simply has to drive and stop by the roadside.  Don’t hesitate to ask for directions.

Can-umantad is among the most picturesque falls I've ever seen. I'm tapping the frustrated model in me in this shot with fellow DWOC senior Mark Owen Limpo giving this shot a comical twist.  Taken using my snatched (LOL) myPhone A898 Duo phone.

4. Cadapdapan Rice Terraces

The gorgeous rice terraces of Brgy. Cadapdapan

What remains of the harvest season that has gone is this golden version of the terraces

If the Philippines takes pride for its Banaue Rice Terraces, Candijay also has its version of it, which is as beautiful as its Luzon counterpart.  The rice terraces could go from vibrant green to an enchanting gold, depending on the season.  It is picturesque and the surrounding view provides a respite from the challenging hike from Can-umantad.

This was back in 2013 and during my first visit, the fields were green. Taken using my snatched myPhone A898 Duo

No need to go to Banaue! All we need is to head to Cadapdapan to see this gorgeous site. Taken using my myPhone A898 Duo.

Professor Jonathan Neri, DWOC adviser, in this beautiful shot. Taken using my myPhone A898 Duo phone

TAKE ME THERE!
The fastest way to Candijay is to take the Tagbilaran East Road. Those who have their own rides will get there in around an hour and thirty minutes, rough estimates.  The journey starts at the barangay road of Brgy. Tubod.  A few kilometers up is Canawa Spring and then a few more kilometers will be Can-umantad Falls.

Commuters like me may take a bus or a van bound for Ubay via Alicia at the Integrated Bus Terminal (IBT).  Fare is at Php90.00 to Php120.00 for buses, depending on whether you are in an air conditioned or a non-air conditioned bus, and Php120.00 for V-Hire.  Make sure to stop at the public market of Brgy. Lungsoddaan and take a habal-habal to Canawa Spring and/or to Can-umantad Falls.  Fare for Canawa Spring is at Php40.00.  Travelling time will take around two hours.

Locals taking a bath in one of the deeper (if not the deepest) part of the river.  It looks like a basin from above that bridge.

Hayahay is a visayan word for comforting and relaxing.  And without denying or even second thinking, the magnificence of the natural wonders in Candijay is definitely relaxing.  It fills the eyes with brimming beauty and soothes the soul with the tranquility and solace that only unexploited territories could provide.  And this is the state we are to keep these places and we can only do such by exercising responsible tourism.

Ang kahayahay sa Candijay is unquestionably an additional reason, why I, and you (should, too) BEHOLD BOHOL!

Our first stop is probably the number one in the list of Anda cave pools, Cabagnow.  Located in Bgry. Bacong, Cabagnow is a cave pool estimated to be ten feet deep.  It's opening is on the ground.  The water is blue and very clean to the point that you can get  a glimpse of the bottom.  It might look small from above but according to the locals, Cabagnow is very spacious inside.  The problem is, if you get tired, you don't have anything to hold on to.  The cave's ceiling is too high to be reached.

Cabagnow Cave Pool

Tibao Cave Pool

Cebuano Heritage Interpreter Ka Bino Guererro (Instagram: @ka_bino) was the first one to bath at Tibao.

Ka Bino Guererro while posing for his GoPro, Kuya Miong Tampus of Cebu Events blog, your blogger and Anter Decasa of Curious Onion enjoying the Tibao Cave Pool

By the entrance of Combento

Martin Snidjer warmly welcomes me and my camera inside the Combento Cave Pool

Kuya Miong Tampus, Kuya Junix Villacorta, Martin Snidjer, and Ka Bino Guererro