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My 2025 travel adventures started in a totally different kind of adventure. Imagine having my office colleagues in one car, provided by JAR Car Rental in Tagbilaran City, and we were road tripping on an unfamiliar territory. Armed with the waze app and google map, we drove through the popular tourist road, and more, of the beautiful island of Bohol.  Re-visiting and exploring the countryside of Bohol is my 2025 travel starter. The province of Bohol is one of the major PH tourist destinations. The island fuses history, nature, and culture in one adventure that you can enjoy in a day, even better if you can have more days to explore. It is one of the destinations that has a well-executed tourism road network that covers the iconic attractions in Bohol. We started our Bohol #ShuTraRoadTrip by following their popular trail before exploring the road less travelled of the province. Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of the Assumption, Dauis Established in 1697, the Dauis Church is just one of the many Spanish-period churches in Bohol. The current stone church started construction between 1863 to 1879, under the Gothic and Neoclassic architecture, and was completed in 1923. It also served as a refuge for nuns during World War 2. It was declared a Diocesan Shrine in 2004, a national historical landmark in 2009, and a national cultural treasure in 2011. It also holds the pride of being the home of the first canonical coronation in the province, with the image of the Nuestra Senyora de la Asuncion.  The Simbahan ng Dauis is one of the Spanish-period churches in Bohol.
The church stands by the shores of Panglao Island. A coral stone watchtower stands adjacent to the church and it once served as a guardian against moro attacks. The century-old convent flanks the church on the right side. It once served as the main residence of the Jesuits in Bohol until they were expelled from the country in 1768. The church, watchtower, and convent collectively form this historical and cultural treasure in this side of Bohol.
The church interior is just magnificently amazing! The ceiling murals, that depicted biblical scenes and images of the Our Lady of the Assumption, still captured my attention for its intricate details. These murals were done and completed by Ray Francia in 1916. The altar is highlighted by a retablo with the main image of the canonically crowned Our Lady of the Assumption. The floor tiles seemed to mirror the ceiling murals on the church’s navel completing the grand beauty of its interior.  My purple roadtrippers started our journey with a quick visit at Dauis Church. I was able to explore all corners of this church - from its entrance doors to the back of its pulpit. I was really in awe with the history and beauty of the church. The simple facade contrasts with its grand interior holding visitors in awe of its beauty. A definite must-visit when you are in Bohol. Loboc River Cruise, Loboc This was not my first time to do the Bohol countryside tour but it was my first time to do it on a roadtrip DIY. When the idea of doing the Loboc River Cruise, I was not that interested as my previous experience was not that memorable. I was more inclined to checking out other possible dining places. But since I was with Bohol newbies, I would not want them to miss out on this famous river cruise. It was good that I did try it the second time around.  A Bohol Countryside Tour is not complete without having lunch at the Loboc River Cruise. The cruise starts off at a receiving area where guests make payment and assigned to cruise boats. The price of Php1,000 includes buffet lunch, a cultural presentation, and a cruise along Loboc River. The ticket is a Bohol postcard that could also serve as a souvenir of your trip. Too bad that we did not have a chance to pass by a postal office so I could have sent the postcard to me. I hope they could set up a postal office where guests can mail their postcards as a marked souvenir.
Once aboard your cruise boat, one can already start with the buffet. The cruise does not begin until everyone is seated and enjoying their first round of meal. The cruise takes about an hour where you get to try different Filipino viands while enjoying the serene views along the Loboc River. You will also be treated with Pinoy musicality with an onboard musicians to complete the onboard experience.  Enjoying the serene views of the Bohol countryside. The highlights of the cruise is a short stop along the route where locals treat you with a cultural song and dance presentations. Local songs and dance are highlighted to entertain guests. They also let guests join in dancing the tinikling, a dance where dancers try to not get their feet clapped by two bamboo poles. After this quick stop, you can enjoy the rest of the cruise and the music as you head back to the jump-off point. San Pedro Apostol Parish Church / Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Extremadura , Loboc I would say that our visit to the San Pedro Apostol Parish Church, also known as the Loboc Church, is my highlight for this leg of our roadtrip in Bohol. I was not able to visit church on my first try but, this time around, I was lucky that the church was open for visitors to explore. So I did not miss up on the opportunity to make my first visit to the Loboc Church, explore its beauty, and make a couple of wishes.  Our visit to Loboc Church was my highlight for this segment of our road trip. The church was established in 1602 and was the second Christian settlement after Baclayon. It later became the center of the Jesuit mission in Bohol because Baclayon were prone to pirate attacks. Standing along the Loboc River, the present coral church was completed in 1734. It was severely damaged by the Central Visayas Earthquake in 2013. Restoration works started in 2017 and was completed in 2021. The church’s inner facade was patterned after the San Ignacio Church in Intramuros with two octagonal towers on both sides. A portico was added to the facade in 1863 which houses the niche of St. Peter and St. Paul. The symbol of St. Peter, a papal tiara over crossed keys was installed atop the portico. Medallion bass reliefs of the Agustinians and St. Peter flanks the symbol on both sides.  You will be amazed by the beauty of the interior of Loboc Church. Similar to Dauis Church, you will be amazed by the interior of the church. The ceiling paintings depicting scenes from the bible was impressive. These paintings were done by Canuto Avila, Ricardo Francia, and Ray Francia and was completed in 1927. A mural of the Our Lady of Guadalupe by Max Aya-ay was installed in 1930 that depicted the Virgin saving the town from the floods. Interestingly, you can also find a marker inside the church that shows flood water levels at the height of Typhoon Odette in December 2021. The floors of the church were originally made from wood but, because of the constang flooding, it was changed to cement tiles in 1895.  Loboc Church has 5 altars. On the picture is the Retablo Mayor (center), the Epistle Retablo (right), and the Gospel Retablo (left). Loboc Church has 5 retablos. The retablo mayor at the altar features the patron saints of Loboc, Sts. Peter and Paul, its secondary saint, Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. Lucy (Patron Saint against Typhoon), and St. Francis Xavier (Patron Saint against Floods and Alligators). There are two altars that flank central retablo - the Epistle and Gospel retablos. The smaller three-tierred retablo features different images of saints. Adjacent to these retablos are smaller two-tier retablos that features images of the Child Jesus with Saint Joseph and the Crucified Christ. The church complex is complete with a convent, a bell tower, and an adoration chapel. The convent is located at the back of the church. The location of which is said to be where the first church. The convent is the only convent in the country that has 3 floors. The adoration chapel was formerly the mortuary chapel of Loboc. It was built between 1867 to 1868 and made from coral stone. A 4-story belltower stands a few meters from the church. Also made from coral stones, it has 7 bells with the oldest dating back to 1863.  Loboc Church has a separate belfry located a few meters from the church. The Loboc Church was declared a National Historical Landmark in 1998 and a National Cultural Treasure in 2001. It was also declared the Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady in Guadalupe in Extremadura in 2001. It was a candidate for the UNESCO Heritage Site in the Philippines however it was removed from the list after its destruction in 2013. It remains to be one of the historical and cultural site in the province that is worth a visit when you find yourself exploring the countryside of Bohol. Man-made Forest, Bilar This man-made attraction in Bohol has a very odd story. What started as a community reforestation project 60 years ago brought to life to this cool mahogany forest attraction along the highway. It was a response to the lost forest cover because of the kaingin practice by the locals. However, a recent report have indicated that the mahogany tree is not a native tree in the Philippines so endemic flora and fauna of the country find the specie alien to them and do not thrive in this forest cover. This is why this mahogany forest in Bohol is “quiet” and there are no birds in the area.  Enjoying the silence of the Man-made Forest in Bilar.
Nevertheless, the beauty of the place cannot be denied. The tall trees reaching out to the sky in unison was so captivating that we had to stop on the side of the highway to take our dramatic shots. That is when I noticed the eerie silence of the forest. Who would have thought that a project from decades would result to a dramatic and silent forest that visitors get to marvel and enjoy in Bohol. Bohol Tarsier Sanctuary, Bilar A visit to the Bohol Tarsier Sanctuary in Bilar provides a unique face-to-face encounter with the smallest primate in the world - the tarsier. These nocturnal creatures are protected in a 167.64-acre of forest covers in the town of Bilar where they thrive in their natural habitat. The sanctuary provides a non-invasive interaction with these primates in their own safe space.  The Tarsier is one of the two tourism icons of Bohol. The tarsier is the smallest primate in the world measuring only at 3 to 6 inches long. It is a nocturnal creature, with distinct large round eyes, that sleeps in the morning and hunts food at night. It is endemic to Southeast Asia but the Philippine Tarsier is the most popular among its subspecies. It has become one of the tourism icon of Bohol and the Philippines. It is enlisted under the “near threatened” classification and the sanctuary is crucial to the efforts of conserving it.
Exploring the sanctuary is done on an established and cemented trail. The trail snakes around a small area where guides can assist you with your interaction. Note that you can only watch the tarsier from a distance. You cannot touch it and, more importantly, you have to be quiet. The presence of a guide would mean that there is a tarsier under a leaf canopy. The guides are equipped to answer questions about the tarsier and their conservation efforts.  Tarsiers are territorial. They will always return to the branch after hunting. Here is an interesting information. You would usually get a view of the tarsier under a canopy of leaves. I initially thought that it was the tarsier who makes these canopies. I was educated by the guide that tarsiers are territorial and would always come back to their chosen spot. Once the guides have established the spot, the guides build these canopies to serve as the home of the tarsier. That is a cool way of taking care of these cute primates. Chocolate Hills View Deck, Carmen The highlight of a Bohol Countryside Tour is a visit to its famous and iconic Chocolate Hills. This natural wonder can be enjoyed atop one of the hills where one can see the rolling landscape. This geological wonder is spread out in an area of 50 square kilometer protected area with the hills shaped like chocolate kisses. It turns brown during the summer hence the name.  Bohol's Chocolate Hills is a major tourist attraction in the province. The view deck can be reached via a short shuttle ride from parking area and an ascent on a steep cemented stairs. The deck offers an amazing view of these grass-covered conical karst. The estimate number of mounds is between 1,268 to 1,776 that rises to a height of 30 to 50 meters. The highest on mound is at 120 meters. The area is under protected area which limits the tourism activities within the area. Apart from the viewing deck, there are other activities that you can try out in the area where you get to see the hills up close.  The grass on this geological wonder turn brown during the summer and look like chocolate kisses. Owing to its natural and scientific beauty, the Chocolate Hills of Bohol was declared a National Geological Monument in 1988. It was submitted to the UNESCO for inclusion in the World Heritage Site in 2006. In 2018, Former President Rodrigo Duterte declared the Chocolate Hills of Bohol as a National Park under RA11038. POST TRAVEL NOTES The province of Bohol is a charmer. It is one of those destination that fuses popular and offbeat in one island. It is one of the primary island destinations in the country and, no doubt, the tarsier and its Chocolate Hills has put the island on the Philippines tourism map. But wait there’s more to this island than its countryside charm. That is what we are aiming to discover as we continue our roadtrip in Bohol!  We are hitting the mountains in Bohol next! #PurpleTravelers It is nice to revisit and rediscover destinations that we have previously explored. It gives you the opportunity to see an old view under a different circumstance. It gives you a better insight and understanding from the old experience blended with the new. And as they always say, no two experience is the same. Watch out for the release of our Bohol Roadtrip adventure video on my Youtube Travel Video soon. #MahalinNatinAngPilipinas Getting there: There are direct flights to Panglao International Airport, the gateway to the island of Bohol, from major airports in the Philippines and some international airports. Alternatively, you can also take a Supercat Fastcraft from Cebu Pier 1. Travel time from Cebu to Bohol is 2 hours. Bohol Countryside Tours are available for both exclusive and joiner tours. You can inquire at your hotel or from “kuyas” who offer these tours at the arrival area. BUT if you want to enjoy Bohol at your own driving pace aboard a rented car. You can check out JAR Car and House Rental in Tagbilaran, Bohol. Shoutout to my travel buddies - HULL & STERN Dry Bags for keeping my stuff safe and dry during my travels and MAGWAI for their alternative and eco-friendly products for my local travels.
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It was around 5am when we started our hike to one of the popular hiking destinations in Ilocos Sur. Although my dad is from the province, this was the first time that I set foot on the mountainous area of Ilocos Sur. This was going to be my 2024 yearend travel and I was sharing the experience with my little lady. We were out to conquer two falls - Aw-Asen Falls in Sigay and Sangbay ni Ragsak in Suyo.  Exploring the hinterlands of Ilocos Sur was our travel year-ender for 2024! When we mention Ilocos Sur, the city of Vigan will always be the first to come to mind. The well-preserved cobble stone street and Spanish-period houses along Calle Crisologo is THE main tourism draw of the province. Little is known about the wonders the mountains that protect the province from the east. But the rugged terrains of Ilocos Sur hold natural wonders that have started to get traction in local tourism. Thanks to social media… what was previously hidden is now being introduced to the world. Aw-Asen Falls, Sigay The dawn was breaking when we started our hike from the jump-off point. It was going to be roughly a 45-minute trek through rice fields, across rivers, and mountain trails to get to the highest waterfalls in the province of Ilocos Sur. The fresh and cold December air greeted us as our eyes were treated with rustic views of Ilocos Sur’s hinterlands. This is the first time that I am seeing this side of the province.  Asher and I enjoying the view of Aw-Asen Falls from the famous view point along the trail. Located along the Cordillera mountain range, Sigay is popular among adventure seekers and mountaineers for its rustic attractions. Locals believe that the town is as old as any pre-Spanish settlement in the region, a claim that still needs to be verified by historians. There are two stories as to how it got its name but, in both stories, there is reference to the local word “sigay” which is a type of fish net used by locals. Now, Sigay is starting to gain traction in local tourism with its prime icon - the Aw-Asen Falls.
Standing at a height of 120 meters, Aw-asen Falls is the highest waterfalls in the province of Ilocos Sur. Cold water flows from a spring at the top of the falls down into a steep rock face into a deep pool at its base. Watching the majestic steep cascade of the water will keep you in awe as you enjoy the droplets on your skin. The cold water on your feet is a refreshing reward after the hike. If you are the type that loves the cold water, you can opt to take a quick dip in its ice cold water.
There are three view points of Aw-Asen Falls. The first is along the trail where you get a side view of the lake as you come out into the opening from the trail. The most popular view point is from a rock formation facing the waterfall. This is often the viewpoint that you would see on social media. The last is from the base of the waterfall where you get a full view of the falls and its surrounding ravines. I highly recommend that you get there early, like we did, to avoid the crowd and lining up for that IG-worthy shot. Sangbay ni Ragsak, Suyo Suyo is another town that lies along the mountain range on the east side of Ilocos Sur. Its name was derived from the Ilocano word “naisuyo” which means thrown because the town was built from the accumulation of soil after the river floods the riverbanks. The rugged terrains of the municipality have kept its natural beauty hidden from plain sight. With the rising popularity of Aw-Asen in Sigay, it is not surprising that the attractions of Suyo is also gaining traction among travelers.  Feeling the happiness of watching the cascade of Sangbay ni Ragsak with my little lady, Asher. Sangbay ni Ragsak is one of the many attractions in Suyo. Originally called Burayok, it was renamed Sangbay ni Ragsak in 2007 which is an Ilocano phrase for “Waterfalls of Happiness” and it does give you that smile when you see it up-close. With water cascading from a height of 30 meters, a shallow basin at the base of the falls collects it where tourist can wade in its cold waters. It is relaxing while you enjoy the view of the falls and its surrounding forest covers.  Asher and me at the base of the cascade of Sangbay ni Ragsak. One thing that really amazed me was how one can get close to its waters as it cascades down the rock face wall. You can enjoy a massage or a quick shower right at the base of the falls. Just be extra cautious when heading up to the base because the rocks are slippery in the area. Sangbay ni Ragsak gives a totally different experience to its visitors. POST TRAVEL NOTES Social media has been instrumental in bringing to the front destinations that were once hidden from the spotlight. This was the case for Aw-asen Falls where it was once enjoyed by only a few who dared explore the mountains of Ilocos Sur. Now, we have more people getting interested with seeing it up close and getting that social media savvy picture or video to share with others. It continues to gain interest that has now expanded to include Sangbay ni Ragsak in Suyo. That is the power of today’s technology.  We started 2025 with the beat and the beach! There seems to be more interest in exploring off-beat destinations nowadays with local travelers. Social media posts have been fundamental towards this direction. This is good for local tourism as we start exploring and discovering more which would mean more opportunities for local communities. The challenge for local governments is how fast they can adapt to changes and help promote sustainable tourism in their localities. Watch out for the release of our #JournalsOfTheTravelingDaDA Aw-Asen adventure video on my Youtube Travel Video soon. #MahalinNatinAngPilipinas Getting there: Our travel to Aw-Asen Falls and Sangbay ni Ragsak was organized by Baguio-based FB Travel Organizer - Highland Mountain Movers. Exploring both falls can be quite a challenge if done DIY hence I recommend that you go with joiner groups for the trip to be convenient and economical. Shoutout to my travel buddies - HULL & STERN Dry Bags for keeping my stuff safe and dry during my travels and MAGWAI for their alternative and eco-friendly products for my local travels.
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Marc del Rosario
I believe in education, entrepreneurship, and caring for the environment. 
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