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

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

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.

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.

Before my busy birthday month ends, I do want to share my heartwarming experience at the Trinity Angels Care Home during my birthday last August 8.

Since then, I already wanted to do an outreach of sort for my birthday. This year, I felt that now was the right time, considering how great the past year has been.  I've been very blessed to be where I am now doing what I do. So despite having only a short time to prepare, I pursued with my plan and held an outreach activity at Trinity Angels Care Home in my hometown, Alburquerque.

A group photo with the kids and the people running and managing Trinity Angels Care Home

Nothing was able to stop Electro Circuit from electrifying the entire Sandugo merriment last July 24. Not even the light rain and definitely not the other parties that coincided with the most sought-after EDM festival.

The venue. Crabhouse by the Bay was filled with  high party spirits.  Locals and foreign residents, balikbayans, tourists, and even key individuals in the local social circles flocked the party scene for a night of booze and beats.

"After six years, the crown is back to Tagbilaran City," exclaims pageant interview host Raul Philip Gatal as he announces the winner of Miss Bohol 2015 during the coronation night held last Saturday, July 18.

Eda reacts after being called as Miss Bohol 2015

Mary Eda Cimafranca, the unstoppable beauty from the City of Friendship, who I predicted to be the eventual winner of this year's beauty bout (read my prediction here), secures for Tagbilaran the crown that eluded it for six long years. Proving her front runner status is her proclamation as Best in Talent, Best in Swimsuit, and Best in Evening Gown, which are the three of the four components in determining the Top 10.

Remember Electro Circuit, Bohol's very own EDM music festival that braved the coming typhoon Ruby last year? We'll it is back in time for Sandugo and it is definitely rearing to raise the bar one notch higher as it electrifies the entire province.

Perhaps everyone will agree if I say that Queenie Melody Fullante, Miss Bohol 2014 from Dauis (her hometown's first crown ever) is one of the most dynamic and active Miss Bohol titleholders to date.  And it probably was just God's grace that she got hold of the much-coveted crown after it reinvented itself into an advocacy-oriented provincial beaucon.

Last July 12, the Miss Bohol 2015 candidates showcased their talents during their Talent Night.  And oh boy! It was one explosive night.

With the official glamshots of the Miss Bohol 2015 candidates uploaded, it can be safely said that the search is definitely on for the next face of the beautiful island paradise.

This year's competition will have 23 stunning Boholanas --- 21 towns, including the City of Tagbilaran, one private institution, and one HEI --- vying for the glistening crown on the head of Queenie Melody Fullante, last year's winner from the town of Dauis.  They were presented to the press last July 2 at the Bellevue Resort in Panglao.

It's July and it only means one thing: Bohol's most festive month has arrived.

July is the Sandugo month in Bohol and despite the gloomy weather, the entire province will be filled with high spirits of joy and merriment, parading its vibrant colors for the world to see.  What makes this year's edition of the Sandugo even more special is Tigum Bol-anon Tibuok Kalibutan  (TBTK) 2015 where global Boholanos come back to their "yutang minahal" (beloved land).

Bohol is definitely more than just sights but also a haven for cultural appreciation and musical celebration as it hosts the second edition of the annual Bohol International Chorale Festival and Competitions last week starting July 16 and was wrapped up last June 19.

School days are just around the corner and though we definitely wish snow could fall to compensate for the scorching heat of the summer sun tormenting our skins for the past couple of days, I know most school boys and school girls would really want to extend the summer vacation for just a couple more days.  But the beginning of classes is inevitable and the only way to make the most of it is to make our summer enders a blast. And I mean of Big Bang proportions.

Now there is this one summer ender gathering that every Boholano Kpop fanboy and fangirl (like me!) should catch as much as they can.  After a year of hiatus, a Kpop Fan Gathering is about to happen that I swear will send you into a Kpop madness overdose.

The new generation of We Love Kpop Bohol proudly presents Bohol Hallyu Gathering 2015, a summer ender party for all Boholano Kpoppers out there, bearing the theme Back to School.

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!

(This interview has been made last April 7, 2015. With excerpts from her LifestyleBohol cover story, A Woman of the Earth, published April 12, 2015)

Statuesque, alluring with her prominent oriental features, smart, confident, and self-assured — Gayle Suzette Yu is, without doubt, a picture of a beautiful Boholana.  Aside from those attributes, she also happens to be a writer, a blogger, a registered nurse, and now, a beauty queen.  Considering the aforementioned, Gayle is not just a comely lass but a representation of a modern-day Boholana who is capable of becoming anything she aspires to be.

More than a month after her landslide victory in Miss Philippines Earth Bohol 2015 search, Gayle is now set on a journey to shine brighter than forty other contenders from all over the country vying for the MPE crown.   While the national tilt will be a much tougher battle ground for Gayle. In fact, she is yet to win a medal or a special award.  Her strong Chinese looks is not everyone’s cup of tea and she is among the least hyped candidates among the batch.  But Gayle is determined, in fact very determined to make the province proud.

The entire province is continuously backing Gayle in her bid to become the next Miss Philippines Earth.  And the numbers do not lie.  Gayle currently leads the race to become MPE 2015’s Face of Colour Collection.  As of this writing, her official headshot has gained a decent 2,291 likes in Facebook and 566 votes on the MPE website while her Eco-tourism video has already been viewed 3,149 times, with 129 up votes, and 710 likes on the MPE website.  Moreover, her eco video has been consistently lauded. In her Facebook account, the MPE delegate shared that reigning Miss Philippines Earth, Miss Earth 2014 Jamie Herrell went to her just to sing praises on her video.

Watch here eco-video.

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.

One fact about me that surprise a lot of people is that I am an adventure seeker.  I love the outdoors and every now and then, I go trekking to unwind. Those who are not familiar with my hobby would turn out to be pleasantly surprised especially when I share details about my trips.

I owe my mountaineering training from Divine Word Outdoors Club (DWOC), Holy Name University’s (formerly Divine Word College of Tagbilaran, hence the name) only outdoor club.  Since the time it was founded, DWOC has grown into a breeding ground of many thrill seekers, with a roster of alumni currently engaged in different outdoor sports such as trekking, cycling, and paddling, all with a shared love for adventure and heart for responsible tourism and environmental conservation.

DWOC Batch 15 (L-R): Detch, Stella, Chandy, Becca, Faustine, Anter, and your blogger Photo by Stella Marie Dacera

It was a regal evening at the Bohol Wisdom Gymnasium last Friday, April 24 as fifteen of the most captiviating women from the different barangays of Tagbilaran City showcased their allure, elegance, and wit as they all vie for the most prestigious beauty title in Bohol’s capital city.

At the conclusion of the event, Mary Eda Cimafranca representing Barangay Poblacion Uno was hailed the fairest of them all.  Aside from the title Geraldine Topsnik enjoyed for one full year, Eda also bagged four of minor awards: Best in Production Number, Best in Swimsuit, Best in Casual Interview, and Best in Long Gown.

The top (from L-R: Dao, Dampas, Poblacion Uno, Poblacion Dos, and Mansasa) blowing kisses to their adoring crowd

A rare gathering of the brightest minds of Tagbilaran City high schools class of 2015

[Published at LifestyleBohol of The Bohol Chronicle, March 29, 2015 issue.
Written together with Mr. Raul Phillip Gatal]

This year's high school graduates will forever be in the books, being the last set of harvest before the full implementation of the K-12 program set this 2016.  But among them, there is this batch of young and promising adolescents who rose to the ranks of their school's graduating class and claimed the title batch Valedictorian.

They may be differentiated among their peers by the shining gold medal hanging on their necks.  However, at the end of the day, they are still like the rest, still growing into the individuals they aim to become and trying to make the big dreams they have turn into reality.  They are the ones who are enjoying the vibrancy of their youth while championing the demands of their academic life.

They are Tagbilaran City high school's golden harvest and let us get to know each one of them.

The inaugural winners of Miss Philippines Earth Bohol

Although Aileen Dango and Renee Sorraya Hassani represented the Municipalities of Loboc and Loay, respectively, back in 2011, this year will the first time that a woman will be wearing the Boholano sash in Miss Philippines Earth 2015.  And Gayle Suzette Yu, the 23-year-old licensed nurse from Calape will be fielded to the nationals after besting eight other candidates in the inaugural edition of Miss Philippines Bohol Search held at Island City Mall Activity Center last March 29.

Gayle in her swimsuit

Gayle in her evening gown

Aside from the top plum, Gayle was also the recipient of six of the eight special awards handed out during the pageant: Miss Javita Coffee, Miss Creamsilk Beautiful Hair, People’s Choice Award, Best in Swimsuit, Best in Interview, and Best in Ecotourism Video where she promoted her hometown of Calape as one of Bohol’s eco-agricultural destinations.

A date with Bob Ong is love. :)) #PhilippineLiterature #Philippines #literature #PopularLiterature #PopLitPh #PopLit #iblogforph

A photo posted by Dandreb James Arro (@deejaywrites) on Feb 5, 2015 at 6:43pm PST

I've taken interest in Bob Ong back in college.  He has always been famous but there was no means for me to read any of his works.  I was so fixated with collecting all of Paulo Coelho's books.  However, since reading his fifth published work, Stainless Longganisa, I was instantaneously drawn to the mysterious author, whose books are filled with humor, wit, and social commentary, written in conversational Filipino which the younger generation, and the old, could easily relate and understand.  No highfalutin Filipino or that elitist kind of literary style.

The soccer clinic.  Photo by Ashley Uy of www.ashlinspiration.com

I'm trying to be witty and candid with that title.

Seriously though, while Anda is slowly emerging as Bohol's next tourist destination, thanks to its pristine white sandy beaches, you should now that there could only be one beach that might suit your preference at that time.  Whether you are touring in a tight budget or is very willing to splurge for the sake of R&R, or you just want to lay on the sand under the heat of the sun or what to go for a dive, Anda has a wide array of choices.

On the second day of our Blogger's Activity (see story here), we visited some of Anda's well-known resorts and here is a sneak peak of what's up for grabs.

During the Blogger Activity held last December 20 and 21 in Anda was a stop over at the mystic island of Lamanoc Island.  While its name may sound really traditional and without any spooky connotation, the island, according to locals, is as mysterious and enchanting as it is breathtaking.

It is quite an amazement as to how such a small town in the east side of Bohol holds so much beauty.  From white sandy beaches, pristine waters, lush greenery, to its culture and history, it is no wonder that the little town of Anda is now becoming Bohol's newest tourism haven.

Last December 20 to 21, I had the chance to see, for the first time, the grandeur of this municipality, along with fellow bloggers from Bohol and Cebu.  What started as an idea by Boholana entrepreneur Dalareich Polot was heavily supported by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) after the agency, to Dal's surprise, offered to organize a blogging activity to aid Anda's tourism endeavours and spread the spirit of sharing.