Balik Sa Bohol!

LOOKING FOR  HOT SPOT? BOHOL’s the One!

BALIK SA BOHOL BALIK! Come Back and Visit Bohol !

Bohol: Reminisce.Rebuild.Reborn

This photo is under the courtesy of Roel Clenuar:

“Kung mauli ko sa yutang natawhan this amazing set of colors welcome me always at the Tagbilaran City Port.”

October 15, 2013 when all eyes were set focus towards Bohol. Newspapers, televisions, and social media engrossed different information, videos, photos, and prayers for the province. The said Pearl of the Orient Seas loss its gleam when the island of Bohol were shattered down to rubble. Witnessing the devastation of houses, broken bridges and cracked down roads, ruins of old historical churches and the faces of weary Boholanos captivated individuals’ uplifting hearts to help and lend their hand for the victims of the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that wrecked the province.

All of the sudden attention that was crammed unto the province was paused and set aside as the super typhoon Haiyan entered the Philippines’ area of responsibility particularly on November 8, 2014. It is said to be the  deadliest Philippine typhoon on record, killing at least 6,268 people in our country alone.

EME.OUT Photography

But what just happened after those swift days? It has been 5 months after the tremor awake our sleepless souls and there are still plenty of people who are actually curious of what just happened to Bohol after the calamities and after the recent 7.2 magnitude quake. But just like the resilient Filipinos who have gone far, fought for the liberty, overcome world wars, catastrophes, excessive corruption of the politicians, and extreme poverty, Bol-anons lives go on and stick to their belief that they could rise from the rubble and tourism would never go down. Bol-anons are said to be descendants of the last group of inhabitants of the country called “pintados”, meaning the tattooed ones who are said to be brave fighters. And so it is in our blood to fight on, never surrender and stand amid the ruins.

Bol-anons have survived the odds, because they are exposed to it, even before our forefather’s time. Up to this very date, it can merely be seen that Boholanos got back to its feet and were on for the rebuilding and healing processes.

Photo Taken by: Chael Santos, 

during their stay in Bohol after the quake.

 Balik sa Bohol

Bohol’s tourism is now mounting up again after a slowdown from the quake and couple weeks of total power out due to the super typhoon. Just this April 3, 2014 on our way to Talibon , Bohol we passed along the mostly isolated areas particular in Maribojoc and Loon. Of course, you can still see that the ruins are still there, but no, there’s nothing to worry about since the community and the people went back normal just as usual living. Broken bridges are already constructed and ready to be passed by vehicles from town to town and also cracked down roads are covered by cements and construction workers can be seen rebuilding the towns as well as the tents that were used by the quake victims were still there. Masses are done before the ruins of the devastated churches, besides the faithful Bol-anons believed that nonetheless, the people are the Church! It is us, being referred as the real Temple of Christ and the structural building is an alternative.

Bohol is back! Bohol is Reborn! Yes, there may be had a lot of changes but there would still one surely thing remained. The hospitality of the Boholanos which truly amazes anyone who has experienced it, Boholano Spirit is a sure thing and this would never ever change. It's in all the tragedy in our lives which makes us hold tighter together. Even after a calamity, "pintados" are still alive with the resonance of Boholano melody and not even the the strongest earthquake in the entire archipelago will be able to shatter the Boholano spirit.

Photography by:  Chael Santos

NO WHERE TO GO THIS SUMMER? BALIK SA BOHOL!

And witness How the province runs even after the quake.

Even after earthquake, we went off nearby towns from the city and sight see some places in the province. I failed to remember the exact date when we had dropped to Bohol Bee Farm in Panglao to take some bite of their luscious and organic ice cream after my sister had her drive practice in the island. But yes what I'm so pretty sure about is that, it was then after the earthquake and the super typhoon Yolanda leaved the province and that very day the electric power is still unstable. Guess, the farm uses generator set just like any other resorts that time and the surrounding is quite noisy. Still, the farm runs well and is back to business. We had also numerous lunch and dinner in Bohol Buzz Café located in Galleria Luisa even after the quake; I guess month/s after. Of course, they still served their mouth-watering cuisine and now another branch of their Buzz Café just recently open in Alona, Panglao. Isn’t it happy to see Bohol going back to Business? As in Business!

       

The wondrous Chocolate Hills even after the tremor. Chael Santos Photogaphy  Balik sa Bohol!  

Chocolate Hills Bohol Philippines-
(Left to right) Me, ate Dalareich, my papa and ate Jessa 

Chael Santos Photogaphy  Balik sa Bohol!      

From the city, we’ve driven out towards Carmen Bohol together with me is my father, sisters and the two individuals from SPARK Philippines. We've been taking them in a tour in our province, even after the earthquake. Before we reach Carmen, we stopped to see the Bohol National Museum near the Capitol in the city and in the Blood Compact Monument. We had also stopped and snap some photos in the peaceful scene of the Man Made Forest in Bilar. Until we reached Carmen, and climbed up the 200 or plus steps until we reach the top, one of the most scenic views in the Philippines, the wondrous Chocolate Hills standing firmly and beautifully even after the tremor. Aww, to tell you it was my first time to personally see the real chocolate hills, ever since, though I lived in Bohol yet back then we don’t used to take some tours. 

Upon leaving Carmen, we stopped to see tarsiers in their Tarsier Conservation Area – Loboc Bohol and yes the small primates are real, they are there and survived the tremor. We've seen only a few of them; I wondered where the others are.

Chael Santos Photogaphy  Balik sa Bohol!  

       

Chael Santos Photogaphy  Tarsiers Even After Quake Balik sa Bohol!  

   

Artista/s Spotted in Bohol Even After Earthquake 

Photo Courtesy: facebook photo by Loboc Bohol Tourism 

 Piolo Pascual spotted in Bohol for the new ABSCBN (Kapamilya) Summer Station Id “PINASmile” 

     

On the other side, Ms. Universe 2010 4^th runner up, Maria Venus Raj also spotted in Bohol even after the quake as their upcoming “Business Flight Show” will be featuring Bohol to be played in GMANEWSTV

.  They are just two of the many artista/s who had already went and ni Balik sa Bohol even after the quake. So Balik Na sa Bohol Balik!! 

Other Activities and places to Re/Visit in Bohol:

• Loboc River Cruise

• Loboc Ecotourism Adventure Park

• Chocolate Hills Adventure Park

• Hinagdanan Cave

• Whale and dolphin watching

• Balicasag Island

• Mag-aso Falls

• Tagbilaran City for shopping and night life

• Panglao White Sand Beaches

• Alona Beach

• Butterfly sanctuary 

                    Just Some of Bohol’s                       Native/Delicious/Demand Delicacies
                              
          LAMIAN SA BOHOL RA GYUD MAKITA! 

boholislandtravel.com

RELATED LINKS : BALIK SA BOHOL BALIK   #BalikSaBoholBalik

http://www.behance.net/gallery/Balik-sa-BOHOL-Balik/1337553

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQuckxN8cU4

http://boholchronicle.com.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1873:bohols-tourism-is-back-says-lourdes-sultan&catid=70:lifestyle&Itemid=229

http://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2013/10/20/1247200/balik-balik-sa-bohol

THE DCPNHS SPA RECITAL OF CULTIVATED TALENTS by Angelah Polot

 (Same copy of this article was also published in Lifestylebohol  (BoholChronicle) last March 16 this year and another will be published  in ."The Boholenian 2013-2014 issue)                  

Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School pioneers in the Special Program in the Arts (SPA) implemented starting from SY 2000-2002. This special program offerseight courses in varied arts intelligences in Dance, Theatre, Vocal and Instrumental Music, Creative Writing (English), Malikhaing Pagsusulat (Filipino) and Visual and Media Arts. The only one in Central Visayas (Region VII), the DCPNHS SPA just recently celebrated its 14^th solid year through a recital showcasing a repertoire of dances, stage acting, literacy, arts gallery and power point presentations of its Arts majors.

A Rich Harvest of the Arts

The Special Program in the Arts (SPA) of Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School (DCPNHS), now on its fourteenth years, presented a fruitful harvest of talents from the young artists through the determination and unconditional collaboration of the teacher –mentors. With the theme, Art on the Edge: Arts for Healing, Arts for All during the 2014 SPA Recital, the students showcased what they had developed and nurtured after a year of enhancement.

       Officials from DepEd Tagbilaran City Schools Division headed by the Superintendent, Dr. Evangel Luminaras, as well as DCPNHS Secondary School Principal III, Mrs. Concepcion H. Bagotchay, and SPA Coordiantor Mrs. NAtividad A. Bagaipo, were there during the ribbon-cutting ceremony and the Opening Program at the façade of the main building, with the presence of the DCPNHS SPA students and teaching staff: MRs. Flordeliza Ocio & Ms. Naneth Sevilla for Dance Arts; Mrs. Teresita Piquero and Mr. Clarito Alolo for Vocal music Arts; Mrs. Pricilla Farrah Anaviso and Marilou Bolotano for Theatre Arts; Mrs. Carmelita Dumagan and Sonia Araceli del Mar for Visual Arts; Mr. Rancy Jun Micabani for Instrumental Music; Mrs. Marlene Estorosas for Creative Writing English; Mrs. Maria Helen O. Chavez for Malikhaing Pagsusulat sa Filipino; and Mr. Benjamin Dumagan for Media Arts.

    It was also graced by Mrs. Enriqueta B. Butalid of the Bohol Provincial Government’s Center for Culture and Arts Development (CCAD); Mr Lutgardo Labad of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts; and Education Supervisor for Mathematics, Mr. John Ariel Lagura.

   Various performances were staged by the SPA student performers. The first offering was played by the Instrumental Major students under the baton of Mr. Rancy Jun Micabani, who inculcated in his students’ young minds that “it is in music where one can purely express one’s self identity”. The group played to the tune of Pearly Shell, Got to Believe in Magic and Just Give Me a Reason.

     The Vocal Music major students came next, under the well-cultivated voice mentoring of Mrs. Teresita Piquero. She keeps on pointing out to her students the line which goes “Constant correct practice makes perfect”and focusing on the word“correct for, to her, it is that word which leads to perfection. The crowd was pleased to hear them deliver the songs: Tilibum, Leron Leron Sinta and “Umulan at Kapiling Ka”.

     The third part was given by the Theatre Arts students in their flash mob drama & comedy performance that were worthy of the standing ovation and cheers from the audience. It was followed by a medley of dance performances, Manang Biday, Paru-parung Bukid, Maglalatik, Kapiil Munsalam, We Found Love,  Wait for You & Timber performed by the Dance Arts majors under the guidance of Mrs. Flordeliza Ocio & Miss Naneth Sevilla.

    Placards with signs, “No to Pork Barrel, Ipatupad ang Totoong Reporma ng Lupa, Stop Oil Price Hike, Stop Women & Children Traffickikng”, were raised by the Creative Writing English class and Malikhaing Pagsusulat sa Filipino students pleading for justice and better governance in the country as they performed Michael Jackson’s “They Don’t Care About Us, as popularized by the Cebu inmates.  Lastly and final offering was from the Visual artist group as they bring the crowd in their “Magical World”. The visual artists colorful and creative canvases were also seen by the audience as displayed in the exhibit.

    Without a doubt, the SPA students remained strong even after the recent tragedy that happened in our land. They stand hand in hand as they sung together the finale song; Heal the World in the belief that it is through the arts that broken hears may be healed. Indeed, DCPNHS SPA just proved their undeniable skills and talents in the arts, inspiring other people through their creativity.

   The Special Program for the Arts students have proven their worth of producing great performances not only in the local scene, but throughout the Central Visayas Region as they grabbed the top spots during the recently – held, Regional Festival of Talents, specifically in Pinatahusay and Shadow Puppetry. They were also the silver winner for the OPM music, bringing with pride the voice of the Region 7 as they compete at the National Level this coming April 7 to 9, 2014 at Subic, Olangapo. SPA Coordinator Mrs. Bagaipo compared the students to “birds and eagles that fly free and soar high”. 

PHOTOS: (Photo Courtesy by Kiselle Campecino) 

DAILY READS. BE YOURSELF.

"This is me. This is what I stand for, and this is what you get when you read me. I'm doing the best I can - Like me or Not- Love Me or Not- But this is who I am as a Writer & as myself" ~Gelah~
http://thejourneywriter.blogspot.com/

ANGELAH POLOT~

       Hello, I'm the kiddo behind this journey. I'm Angie, a simply ordinary girl living in this simple world. Where whenever I got bored, I WRITE, SIT, EXPRESS. I'm fifteen years old yet I've got an extra ordinary goals in life.

MY COLUMN

• Third year high school major in Creative Writing in English(SPA-DCPNHS) 
• Writer
• Contributes Articles (in THE BOHOLENIAN and in LIFESTYLE BOHOL (BOHOL CHRONICLE)
• BOHOLunteer
• BOHOL BLOGGER
• BES' Valedictorian & SSG President
• Tagbilaran City Division (SPG) Ass. Sec., 2010-2011
• Ass. EIC, "The NEO STAR", 2010-2011 
• RSPC qualifier, (2013) DSPC 2nd place (Feature Writing English) 

"Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than you. if you feel lost , disappointed, hesitant or weak, return to yourself, to who you are, here and now and when you get there, you will doscover yourself, like a lotus flower in full bloom, even in a muddy pond, beautiful and strong".

Of course, you can also visit my other blog and wattpad stories:
http://www.wattpad.com/22805998-THOUGH-MY-EARS-CANNOT-HEAR#.UGSXMDKTRII
or http://littlegelahgirl.blogspot.com
And please you're welcome to drop by your comments/suggestions/words..  THANK YOU.

My HighSchool Poem

Concealed in the deepest part of me

My everlasting beauty and simplicity

Industrious, approachable, and jolly I could always be

But being selfish and greedy is beyond my capacity

In me you can also see,

Nice, adorable and friendly personality

That no one could ever be

And can surely pass to everyone’s standards of quality.

I can be too obedient, respectful and helpful lady,

But don’t you dare to abuse me

Or else I will take it seriously

Where in you can see how terrible I will be.

So better  respect me for I’m not gonna change into who you want me to be,.

OPEN YOUR EYES. LOOK WITHIN.

"Life is Real! Life is Earnest!
And the grave is not its goal:
Dust thou art, to dust return nest"

Photo w/out the text taken from:
 http://pensandlens.wordpress.com/2010/08/24/am-i-still-proud-to-be-a-filipino/

"You Have a VOICE don't be Afraid to SPEAK, Live through your PEN and CREATE a LEGACY."