The heat kicked up the sand that was in the air, and I couldn't see far past the horizon. I could feel it pressing against me, leaving stains on my face even through the sunglasses I wore. And then I see it, the 1,776 endless mounds. I climbed up the high hill ecstatically along with people conversing as I walk past them. With nature so clean and green, I was blown by the wind at how beautiful my province is. And then it hit me– Bohol is where I truly belong.
Waking up at 7 AM, the thrill was all over me. With the thought of finally experiencing the feeling of air travel, I got ready immediately. Everything was ready and settled, we were good to go.
We traveled to the airport for almost an hour or two. It was peaceful, the road was clean and a little traffic occurred but we got to our destination on time. The airport was packed, and the food was expensive! And then our flight was called.
The tunnel to the plane was so cool, I almost didn’t want to move! A first-time feud, of course, had to happen. My parents bickered for a while but thankfully, it did not ruin the fun.
“Ladies and gentlemen, Philippine Airlines welcomes you to Tagbilaran, Bohol. The local time is 5:07 PM. For your safety and the safety of those around you, please remain seated with your seat belt fastened and keep the aisle(s) clear until we are parked at the gate.”
First stop: Bohol Tropics Hotel. It was such a dreamy hotel. The food was delicious, the view is just simply breathtaking, and we had a pool and playground nearby. Everything was chef’s kiss.
The next day was a pure dream. We explored the city starting with the Man-Made Forest. The locals planted trees after everything got destroyed, and almost all trees were the same height. I love how people helped to save our world and made history. Love truly does exist, and the proof is in how much the locals loved and cared for our surroundings.
At the second stop, I met the Philippines’ famous tiny gems, the tarsiers! They were the cutest and they were a little shy but I managed to spot a few. I heard that tarsiers are very territorial, so they never leave their spot, which made them look like they were hiding, but they just happen to camouflage with the trees.
Our last stop was the scenic landforms that we always used to see in our textbooks– the Chocolate Hills. The most beautiful, wondrous place I have ever been to. I was breathless climbing all the way to the top, but when I finally met the infinite sea of chocolate hills down below, my spirit was lighter.
Traveling is sure a lot of work and worry. But trust me, everything's worth it once you see Bohol. It's one of the most breathtaking places in the world and I am glad that I got to visit it for the first time. Live, laugh, and love Bohol.
