Bohol, Philippines Experience

It was my very first time seeing a sea of clouds. (January 23, 2015)

This article may not be as fresh as it could have been but it's better late than never, as they say. It was the first time that I am going out of town. Yes, finally, a dream to be riding on an airplane came to a reality! 

I was so very ecstatic when my friend Melody told me about a trip to Bohol. She was very assumptive to let me join them on a 4 days and 3 nights trip to this beautiful place! I only get to see the Chocolate Hills and Tarsiers on TV and books back in grade school years. 

It is not only that I am seeing these famous attractions, I am also taking an airplane for the first time! I was like a child wanting to be sitting on the window side of the plane and see how we cross over the sea of clouds. It was a 45 minute ride and I didn't even bother to take a nap since I have been watching the blue sky the entire time. 

Then we arrived to Tagbilaran. It was also a life changing event for me hearing the people around us speaking on their dialect. I got so much more excited as I felt like I went to a different side of the world. I know it's kind of exaggerated but I really thought it was an amazing feeling! 

Tagbilaran Airport, Bohol, Philippines

We had to rest for a bit nearby Melody's residence in Barangay Sagbayan. We went sight-seeing in Sagbayan Peak. We grabbed some drinks and something to eat while appreciating the fresh air of the province. What a relief away from stressful Manila!

At Sagbayan Peak

Day 2

My excitement goes a little higher as we are scheduled to be seeing the famous Chocolate Hills. However, due to an unfortunate timing, we were not able to enjoy the view. There was heavy rain and fog surrounds this tourist attraction. Oh well, that only means that I am coming back to Bohol to see this again. 

We don't want to spoil the day and so even though it is raining, we went to seeing the Tarsiers. It has been an amazing feeling staring at these cute little creatures. We cannot get closer to them since they are considered as an endangered species. The conservation area is not allowing the tourists to use their camera flash and making loud noises as these tarsiers may be disturbed.

Then we went straight ahead to another attraction - The Loboc River. This is where we took our buffet lunch. They have a singing band to entertain the passengers while enjoying the food.

I really enjoyed the ride. We finished our lunch but still on the cruise. There was also a stop over where a group of dancers would present something to the tourists.

We also didn't miss the chance to visit the second oldest stone church in the Philippines. I recalled how this place was devastated by an earthquake in 2013.

The Baclayon Church in 2015

Day 3

It's leisure time! From Sagbayan we travelled to Dumaluan Resort in the island of Panglao. Another first to be seeing a pure white sand!

Dumaluan Beach in Panglao.

It was an over all fun experience! Thanks to my friend Melody for helping me experience Bohol. I hope to be visiting the place again very soon.

To sum up this amazing trip, here's a video I created as a remembrance. Hope you would also enjoy it as I did:

So, what do you guys think? If you want to visit Bohol, you will never regret it. Definitely one of the best places in the Philippines!

NOTE: Everything may have changed over time so, apologies if I can't share the costs and rates on the vacation I featured on this blog since it was back in January of 2015. 

Bailey the Beagle

Bailey is our 9 month old beagle. As he grows bigger, there are many things that we have been discovering about their breed.

CHERRY EYE

First, Bailey had a cherry eye back in May and we honestly did not know what to do back then. I did some research and tried the basic home remedies until we decided to take him to the vet instead. It costed PHP 2,500.00 to take it out from his left eye. The operation went successful.

Bailey's left eye before the operation

Bailey after the operation. He's still so cute!

However, after a week of recovery, a new cherry eye popped out on his right eye. We felt very hopeless as we cannot afford to take him to the vet anymore. We observed his behavior towards the known condition. So far, and luckily it does not show any bothering effect related to his eye condition. He still a normal beagle.

I'd say that even though we are not really sure if he is a pure beagle breed, he has the characteristics of a true beagle. He is very energetic. He is curious and really likes to play. We are only worried if his biting would change over time. His behavior would sometimes be so uncontrollable. He runs so fast and would tend to bite each one of the family members. Fortunately, nothing serious happens every time he tantrums. He completed his vaccines though.

REVERSE SNEEZING

Lately, we've been noticing a new beagle condition that Bailey has been showing us for couple of weeks now. He makes strange noises as if he is choking. We got so worried and bothered if it is something serious. I googled what possibly his condition would be. I confirmed through Youtube videos that it is called - Reverse Sneezing.

Here is an example of a beagle having a reverse sneezing:

Video not mine. Credits to the uploader: GabbyPrettyBiscuit

I took a little research on this and learned that it is a common but not a harmful condition of a beagle. If you have a beagle and having this kind of condition. Here's what you can do: (1) Calm your dog by rubbing his throat (2) Talk to him (3) Using your palm, cover his entire nose every quick split seconds until he stops sneezing.

To learn more about this topic, you may refer to this articles:

• Reverse Sneezing: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention
• How to Recognize Reverse Sneezing in Your Pet
• Sneezing, Reverse Sneezing and Gagging in Dogs

Thanks to the authors!

He is my favorite subject for my IG photos:

Some of Bailey's IG photos from @itsenzorenzo

Jensie's Kitchen

Let me start off with an overview of how Jensie's Kitchen has started. Jensie is a certified bikolana and just simply loves to cook. I first met her when I was starting my career in the BPO industry. Just like in any typical office, the pantry is not enough to cater the employees of a company.  People would really crave for something else. That's how I finally got to meet Jensie. Our friendship would have a "Maalaala Mo Kaya" title as "Cheese burger". She was selling snacks and pastas for the team. I'd say that she is not just good in making outbound sales. She is indeed a certified and expert seller in anything that any person may need in every day.

Photos grabbed from Jensie's Kitchen Facebook page.

Image above is one of her created drip cake. She was asked by a colleague to bake her a birthday cake for a relative. Looks so very delicious and tempting, yes? That's for sure!

Years after years, she never stopped. She consistently cooks food to sell. People would give her so much compliment because she really cooks so well. I even told her to join Pinoy Master Chef back then.

She invested on herself in exploring more to her advantage.  She practiced baking. She now creates cream puffs, brownies and cakes. 

Photos grabbed from Jensie's Kitchen Facebook page.

Photos grabbed from Jensie's Kitchen Facebook page.

Those two photos above were ordered for kids' birthday party. She's very hands on to decorating these fondant cakes.

She also sell other goods like garments, kid's toys and even cosmetics. I consider her a super woman because of her dedication in using her passion in cooking to support her family and at the same time satisfy the cravings of the people around her.

Below is a snapshot of her creations that you can also check out on her Facebook page. Just click on this Jensie's Kitchen Facebook Link.

Photos grabbed from Jensie's Kitchen Facebook page.

Birthdays? Anniversaries? Team Buildings? You may send in your inquiries and orders by adding her on Facebook. By the way, she also have a Videoke Rental business. She is indeed someone you can contact during special occasions! Want to get to know Jensie? You can add her personal Facebook profile here.