Throwback to Bohol

Here's for another "Throwback" entry and this time I'd like to take you to the Visayas, in Bohol! People who know me also know how much I love and how close this place is to my heart. I've been there countless times and spent most of my summers there! Aside it being a great tourist spot that boasts of clear white sand beaches, historical sites and nature's wonders; is that it's my mom's province and home to family. It's My Happy Place. My Home Away From Home. 

May 2013

Tarsier! The world's smalles primate is a bundle of cuteness ;)

Choco-latey Hills

Bikini Beach, open beach not far from my grandma's house

Danao Eco-Adventure Tour

Loboc River Cruise at night time knows what romantic is

Breathtaking Bellevue Hotel in Panglao, Bohol

Fell in love with these kids' talents and performance

July 2013

2013 had some of my best summer memories since I had two summers that year! (Yes.) So my first trip to Bohol last year was in May with my college friends and it was memorable! An addition to a lot of my firsts and we got the chance to explore more of Bohol on our toes!

The second time was in July which was extra special. Right after graduation, I went home and surprised my ever-so-dear cousins. I'd say we had the time of our lives! We were free, careless "young adults" that just went out together on a trip and enjoy the day, the company and the place as it is. That one day felt like a highlight in our entire lives. (We even named it "Super Laag", super lakwatsa in Filipino or super tripping in English) A night out with mah favourite gals was also sort of a solidarity night that tightened our bond even more. If only I can pour out more of my travel experiences beyond words and photos I would done it a long time ago! For now, enjoy these still life moments of mine.

Ilocandia

Since I'm a newbie on Blogger, I'd like to post some of my past. (NOT like a bitter who can't move on from the past!) But sharing with you some interesting moments and adventures which have turned out to be wonderful memories. And there's no better time to throw this but on a THROWBACK THURSDAY right? ;)

Back in February 2013, it was our first time to explore the great Northern region of the Philippines. Roadtrips excite me, so a long-haul drive of 12 hours Manila to Ilocos didn't bug me, at all! It's in times like these that my inner wanderlust awakens ;) We passed by several other provinces too like Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, La Union, Pangasinan and.... please refer to Philippine Map! I could imagine us driving along Luzon's coastal borders given the views of rocky shores and the infinite West Philippine Sea on your side.

Inset: My Mom and I, Walking down memory lane in Calle Crisologo

Our first pit stop was Vigan, Ilocos Norte at the old Hispanic Calle Crisologo at night. It was beautiful... takes you back in time. The place seemed to be a small community of warm-hearted people. Well-preserved Spanish houses and kalesas surround you and it feels you're taken from era to era. I wish I had a photo in a Filipiniana, that would be nice :)

 

Another climb up, and we landed at Laoag, Ilocos Norte. We visited the ginormous windmills of Bangui, Ilocos Norte which was very scenic. Didn't they look gorgeous against all the beautiful shades of blue?! The grandiose baroque Paoay Church, which façade looked like a painting against a blue backdrop sky (to me). Among other places we went to were Chavit Singson's Baluarte and Mini Malacañan where the Marcoses have once resided. Couldn't stop the camera from clicking! Ilocos also had me mouth-watering by their delicious Bagnet, Pinakbet, Okoy and Empanada among their cuisine! An instant fave to my Filipino Dishes ;) I'd definitely keep coming back. There's so much to discover!

This one's a first! Sometimes it's okay to be nostalgic and reminisce the experiences that have made you "woah!" and "wow!"  in your life. Taking pictures is one way of immortalizing that feeling you had at that particular time, place and moment while the shot is being taken, to help you remember :) I'm excited to share you more of my throwback moments and photos! 

My iconic jump! (Insert grinning emoticon here)

And I've witnessed the greatness of the oceans, right before my very eyes.

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we won't be afraid, though the earth changes, though the mountains are shaken into the heart of the seas; though its waters roar and the mountains tremble with their swelling. God lives within it, it cannot be moved. God rescues it at the break of dawn." Psalm 46:1-3, 5