When I was a kid during the month of May my Dad, my Mom and myself we would always go to Bohol for vacation. You would probably wonder why the month of May? Well, May is the month where most Barangays in Bohol will celebrate their Fiesta. We would go there first week of May and stay there for 3 to 4 weeks and just go to all of our relative’s there and visit them. I can’t remember the patron saint there. We would usually get up early morning joining like a prayer. We would walk from one area to the other. I would go usually with my cousins, we will be bringing lighted candles. I remember going to my cousin’s house there and they are preparing lots of food for us. Its just unbelievable and fun.
My Dad he was born and raised in Bohol before joining the military. He was assigned in Mindanao. He met my Mom there in Lanao. They dated for awhile before they got married. My Mom was born in Cebu. She grew up there until her teenage years before her parents decided to transfer in Lanao. My parents met in that area when my Dad took some time off to see some of his family there. Anyway, since my parents got married and lived in Lanao area for awhile, my Dad decided to venture in the General Santos area. He really like the place so much that he transferred his family from Lanao to General Santos. He was kind of successful in the farming area. With that success he promised his parents that he will bring his family back to Bohol as much as he can for a visit. That was really our routine almost every year to go back to Bohol. Sometime my parents would bring almost all of us there to see Lola. My grandfather died during the early years of the marriage of my parents. Just my two siblings saw him.
Bob and I and the kids are thinking of going there to Bohol maybe next year. I want them to see the beauty of Bohol. I want to visit the Chocolate Hills again. I went there when I was a kid and I totally forgot what it looks like. Really I want the kids to see the place of their Lolo.
To my family in Bohol hope to see you sometime.
Hi Feyma, I can understand you very well. And by the way, Bohol and its surroundings is a very nice place. Our former Filipino chaplain Hermogenes E. Bacareza (Philippine-German Relations) was born there…
Dear Feyma,
You always write beautifuly. Your love of family, place and tradition sparkle in your words. I do so enjoy your essays and thank you for sharing them with all of us.
Karen
HI Klaus – Thank you very much. I vaguely remember the scenic views of Bohol now. Last time I was there about 20 something years ago though.Thats why I want to go there sometime soon.
Hi Karen – Thank you so much for your nice comments. I really appreciate very much. I think thats why you guys can see in my writing everything because thats really how I felt.
Thank you again and keep reading!
thanks for the encouragement!!!!! ALWAYS , AGAIN I SAY ALWAYS, YOU DONT FORGET WHERE YOU COME FROM……CHOA.
Hi TV – Thank you very much. Thats always the reminder of my father too to not forget where you come from. And I agree on that. I will always remember the way my life before and I'm so thankful for it.
Hi Feyma – I love Bohol. It’s one of my favourite places. When we visit the Phils, we always take the opportunity to visit there if we can. My late brother’s family lives in Tagbilaran and we also have relatives there. We’ve been to Chocolate Hills, Hinagdanan Cave and we’ve seen the Tarsier (smallest monkey in the world). We loved the Lubok River boat ride (the children thought it was like being in the Indiana Jones movie). If you love seafood, you'll love Bohol. Jim and I particularly like Joving's native restaurant on stilts by the pier. We’ve stayed in Bohol Beach Club a number of times and once at Bohol Plaza Hotel on top of the hill but I believe that there are growing numbers of new hotel/resorts now. You can also rent a resthouse with maid service if you want a home from home type of holiday. Most big hotels will meet and collect you from the port. When we went to Bohol before, we used to fly from CDO to Cebu and then catch a ferry to Tagbilaran (which I found a lot of hassle). Nowadays(instead of taking the overnight ferry), I prefer taking a direct ferry from CDO leaving at noon and arriving Tagbilaran at 7:00 that evening . My last visit to Bohol was January 2005 but Jim and I hope to visit again as soon as we’ve settled back in Bukidnon. My grown up children went to Bohol (on their own) last August 2006 and thoroughly enjoyed it. You and your family should visit soon.
There’s a famous song in the Phils which goes “Kung ikaw inday/undoy mangita ug pamanhunon – siguroha baya gayud ang Bol-anon” which translates to “When you’re looking for a good wife/husband material – make sure she/he is of Bohol origin”. Sorry too late for Jim (ha!ha!ha!). Tell Bob he is lucky!
Hi Feyma- One thing Marilou forgot to mention is I proposed to her on Bohol. The rest is history as they say.
Hi Marilou – I totally forgot those places that you've mention. I guess its about time for me to visit Bohol then, now with Bob and kids that would be fun.
Yeah I remember that song. I forgot the name of the singer though. Hmm, we didn't end up marrying a Boholano though. 😆 I'm glad on that. I'm lucky with Bob too.. 😉
Hi Jim – Oh my Marilou forgot the good part of your vacation in Bohol then! 😉 I'm happy for you guys. More power to you both…Wow you guys will be in the Philippines soon for good. Can't wait to see you guys again.
Bohol is a wonderful place. My family and I have been living here since December 05. I have been to most of the sites and know of a few that were not mentioned… The Board Walk near Candijay, Anda Beaches, large python in Albur and Canawa Springs. Oh, and my Asawa (Wife) is Boholana. Haha
You are all wlecome to give me a call/ email when if you will be visiting and we would be happy to show you around to some of the wonderful places a little more off the beaten path. 😀
🙄 TNX FEYMA 4 UR COMMENTS ON BOHOL COS I,V NEVER BEEN THERE. IT SOUNDS WONDERFUL . ONE DAY I MIGHT BE LUCKY ENOUGH TO GO.TOO LATE 4 ME TO B WITH ASAWA THO. I THINK I AM 2 OLD. NEVER MIND .I WAS VERY HAPPY TO B IN PADADA AND THATS A WONDERFUL MEMORY. I AM VERY NOSTALGIC 4 FILS. AND RELLY WISH TO B THERE AGAIN ONE DAY IF ONLY IN MY DREAMS. U TAKE CARE AND HAVE A NICE LIFE THERE. U SOUND LOVELY. LEA
Hi Lea – I hope someday you could visit Bohol. You'll never know. 😉
Since I saw you've been to Padada. Do you happen to remember being here in Davao?
Hey, I hope you will make time to visit us here someday. I will gladly show you around Davao and show you the land that Bob and I bought in Samal.
Take care and God bless!
TNX 4 UR REPLY FEYMA. I WOULD LOVE TO VISIT U IN BOHOL COS I HAVE NEVER BEEN THERE TO C THE CHOCOLATE MOUNTAINS. I'DE LOVE TO MEET U AND UR FAMILY BUT I DONT KNOW WHEN. I HAVE MANY FAMILY COMMITMENTS HERE RIGHT NOW.ONE DAY, GOD WILLING I SHALL RETURN. ANYHOW I WILL TRY TO CONTINUE TO TALK TO U ON UR BLOG SITE. I WILL NEVER 4GET BEING IN DAVAO AND PADADA. IT'S THE BEST EXPERIENCE OF MY LIFE EVER.MANY TIMES WE RODE A BUS TO DAVAO. I ALSO STAYED IN BACOOR ZAPOTE CAVITE BUT I PREFER THE PROVINCE. ITS SO NICE TO GO AROUND ON THE BACK OF A MOTOR BIKE THERE.