When I found my new love - traveling

I was a homebody when I was young. But, when I entered my adulthood stage, I became fascinated in traveling especially in my own country, the Philippines.

There are so much to see in the Pearl of the Orient Seas. I haven't been to other famous sites of our country but I am really proud to say that I have been to some of the Philippines' pride. :)

The places I've visited in my own native land, the Philippines

I started falling in love with our country in 2007 when I first visited the famed Hundred Islands in Pangasinan. That was unplanned getaway with my former editor, Sheila Jambalos and former FAME's graphic artist, Arno Salvador. After attending the christening of our dear godchild, Lian Erika, we decided to check the place since we were already in the said province. No hesitation or whatsoever in mind, I grabbed that opportunity to see the place. It was my very first island hopping experience. 

Hundred Islands in Alaminos, Pangasinan

After that Hundred Island adventure, I've been enthusiastic about tours.  I told myself that once a year, I have to visit at least one known province or landmarks in the country. This was when my TouRIZta adventure began. 

Also in 2007, I was very privileged to visit Cagayan De Oro city in Misamis Oriental which was also known as City of Friendship in Mindanao. I was there for a business trip covering the 29th annual convention of Philippine Neurological Association. After the coverage, I tried my best to see what's in store in the place. I checked out Macahambus Cave, Cagayan River and their famous night market, Divisoria.

At the entrance of Macahambus Cave

Cagayan de Oro River

In 2008, I went to other parts of Luzon - Zoobic Safari in Zambales, Puerto Galera in Mindoro and Summer Capital of the Philippines, Baguio City.

Wearing the Ifugao's costume at Mines View Park

Horseback ride at Mines View Park, Baguio City

Snorkeling over the clear waters of Puerto Galera

I found happiness whenever I go to new places. And so, in 2009, I went to Bataan's Dambana ng Kagitingan with former officemates and discovered the Death March's history.

The majestic cross of history- Dambana ng Kagitingan in Bataan

It's fun to explore the country with friends.

Months after my Bataan trip, I was assigned to cover an event in Iloilo and another sidetrip opportunity it is for me. In December 2009, Iloilo was my next destination.

Jaro Belfry in Jaro, Iloilo

My work as Corporate Communications and Marketing professional gave me the chance to explore the country more. Here are the other places I have visited from 2010 up to present. 

A glimpse of Corregidor Island 

Interestingly magnificent Ilocos Norte

Keeping the faith at Ilocos Sur

Astounding Lighthouse Marina in Subic, Zambales

Historic Cebu City

Be delighted in Davao

Lovely sunset at White beach resort in Puerto Galera

My first Flower Festival Experience at the City of Pines, Baguio

Sunset Run at Club Punta Fuego in Nasugbu, Batangas

Slide and swim at Splash Island in Binan, Laguna

My precious journey to Puerto Princesa in Palawan

Isdaan in Calauan, Laguna

Beautiful Bohol

I haven't included other important landmarks I have visited. Sharing these photos of these beautiful destinations makes me feel oh so proud of our country and want to express my love for it through this blog. I want to help promote tourism in our country. 

Ito po ang Pilipinas kong Mahal at ako ay nangangakong ipagpapatuloy  ang paglilibot at pagtuklas sa mga magagandang yaman ng bansa. 

TouRIZta

Bohol's Best

If there's one magnificent place in the Philippines that I really love to visit in, it is the quaint province of Bohol.

Yes, and that dream of mine to visit Bohol came true last May 4, 2013. Actually, we went to Bohol for a business trip. We conducted trade check and ocular inspection of lamp post banner in the city of Tagbilaran.  I was just fortunate that after work, I was privileged to have at least a quick tour of Bohol.

According to my father, the Alo's were originally from Bohol. If given a chance again to visit the province, I will trace where our roots are.

I was with Sir Jojo and Sir Bert of Richmedia during the whole trip. After our business work in Cebu, we rode a ferry  and went straight to Bohol.

Arrived at the Port of Tagbilaran. Yours truly with JLC Miller's Haircare Brand Manager, Sir Jojo Cayao.

We arrived past 10 in the morning. After doing our business in Tagbilaran, we headed to Loboc for a great lunch. Also to experience the famous Loboc River Cruise.

Cruising along the clean rivers of Loboc.

Just arrived. The author with Sir Bert of Richmedia, who also served as our tour guide for the day.

The Boholanos welcomed us with a song and dance number. What a way to welcome their guests.

Loboc River as my background

Lovely sight of Loboc River

During the cruise, I met Ms.Julie, a travel blogger from Europe. We have exchanged conversation about our love for travel and she advised me to start blogging. And now, I am doing it. :) Thanks Julie! Check her blog: A Lady in London.

Sir Jojo, the author and Julie during our luncheon river cruise

After eating sumptuous buffet and enjoying the river cruise in Loboc, we went straight to Man-Made Mahogany forest. I was in awe when I first saw the green tall Mahogany trees.The cool breeze is very relaxing.

Tall Mahogany trees at Man-made Forest

After seeing those tall trees along the stretch of Loboc and Bilar towns, we were off to our next stop, which was the famous Chocolate Hills located in the town of Carmen. Since we went there during the summer season, the hills, were really brown in color and looked like big chocolate kisses. :)

This is it! Chocolate Hills!

I only see this popular hill in most of my Sibika at Kultura books. Now, I am very fortunate to see it with my very eye. Wow. Nothing beats this view. Good thing,  I went here just in season. :)

I couldn't contain my happiness viewing such a wonderful site. A sight really to behold. Despite the scorching temperature rise, I together with Sir Jojo enjoyed what we were seeing. By the way, both of us were first time guests of Bohol.

After this breathtaking view of the hills, I appreciated our country very much. How lovely it is to live here. But more than the hills, Bohol is also famous because of this small primate, the TARSIER. We also visited Tarsier Conservation Area, the second to the last area we visited in our quick Bohol Tour.

The wide-eyed, TARSIER!

A quick tour in Bohol is a pleasant experience. I was very privileged to see one of the most visited provinces in Central Visayas. Thank you God for letting me enjoy, experience and see the wonders of your heavenly creation.

So far, this is one of the most memorable travels I had in 2013. I will definitely come back in this province to visit Panglao Island.

More to come. :)

TouRIZta