Boholanos has always been lauded for being friendly, caring, and hospitable aside from our rich history, effervescent culture, and our breathtaking natural wonders.  In fact, Bohol is famous for the Sandugo or the Treaty of Friendship between Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and Boholano chieftain Sikatuna which involved drinking wine mixed with their bloods.  This alone is evidence of our welcoming and friendly demeanor.
In Tagbilaran City, at Pook Pantalan specifically, the warmth and care of Boholanos can be felt through a soothing touch.  That is only in Masaje de Bohol Sauna and Spa, the newest destination to those who want to relax and rejuvenate.

Masaje de Bohol is not just a spa in Bohol but also a spa about Bohol.  The place in itself takes pride of Bohol’s wealthy cultural and history treasures.  The left wall of the receiving area has the balak Dalagang Pilipinhon by President Carlos P. Garcia written on it. Yes, not a framed version or printed on a tarpaulin but written on it.  The right wall, on the other hand, has the map of Bohol painted on it. Each wooden tile leading to their different massage rooms and spa areas has one famous Boholano tourist attraction written on it. The massage rooms and other spa areas, on the other hand, are named after different Boholano political figures like governors (Relampagos, Aumentado, Chatto), senator (Clarin), and the first and only Boholano president for now, Pres. Carlos P. Garcia.



While the place has Bohol pride written all over it (figuratively, of course), the ultimate experience is indeed with the service they offer.




Masaje de Bohol takes pride for two things: its sauna (Php200) and its signature massage, the Bol-anong Amuma (Php300) which is a combination of Swedish massage and Shiatsu.  My first sauna experience was revitalizing and definitely priceless.  It felt like toxics were coming out of my body.  Meanwhile, the Bol-anong Amuma was definitely heavenly relaxing (no exaggerations here).  And in case you wonder, it’s not just their signature massage that was given a Boholano name or equivalent. There is Alimyon for Aromatheraphy (Php300), Painit sa Likod for Ventosa (Php300), Himas Masaje for Swedish Massage (Php250) and Hitad Masaje for Thai Massage (Php199).



On top of that, the people behind Masaje de Bohol — owner Ana Loinda Saluan and her staff — are just a bunch of accommodating welcoming individuals.

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.