- Published on
Beloved island has many names
Pungtod Island or now known as “Isola de Francesco” or Virgin Island, a seventeen thousand square meter privately owned island off the coast of Panglao. It's named after Francesco Forgione, widely known as Padre Pio. The island was conceived by the owners to serve the growing number of Padre Pio devotees in Bohol and promote devotion to the Italian Capuchin monk who is the first stigmatized priest in the history of the Church.
Isola de Francesco is a very small island
How to get there
Just take one of the free yellow shuttle boats near the St. Agustin Catholic Church in Panglao.
At the end of the pier we got the free shuttle boat
This is the moment when you feel you need to keep the balance
Other expectant passengers
60 s video clip
Make sure you go with the yellow boats
After 20 min we were near the island
The kids were first on land...
Nice views everywhere
Highlights of Isola de Francesco
One of the higlights is of course the long sand reef where you can take a swim or just enjoy the white sand and the beauty of nature. You should also challenge your taste buds with fresh sea urchins directly from the sea. Season with vinegar to taste. Then maybe it's time to visit the comfort room. Don't hesitate, it's clearly one of the nicest comfort rooms I ever been to here in the Philippines. So try it out!
The beautiful sand bar
Philippines nicest comfort room
There are kayaks to borrow
Everything is for free but small donations are welcomed
There are also kayaks you can borrow and explore the waters around the island. Or why not just grab a regular Filipino snack near the entrance and relax in the shadow, listen to the doves... there are for some reason many doves here. I guess they have found a quiet refuge here in this peaceful environment. And yes, everything is for free here... boat ride, sea urchins, kayaks and snacks but of course small donations are always welcomed.
Let your taste buds try the fresh sea urchins
The sand bar where you can sun bath and swim
Someone is enjoying the sun
There are no corals here, just white sand bottom
Related links:
The Hills
Where to eat in Tagbilaran?
Find a house for rent in Panglao
Review of the Food Court in Island City Mall (Tagbilaran, Bohol, Philippines)
Bohol and Panglao Islands, Philippines
Isola de Francesco or Virgin Island, Panglao, Philippines
Review of Swiss Zurigo Restaurant (Bohol, Philippines)
Review of Bojol Grill Restaurant (Bohol, Philippines)
Review of A's Chicken Nuggets & Grill Haus (Bohol, Philippines)
The giant Arogo and the smallest primate, what do they have in common?
Review of Panglao Island Nature Resort & Spa (Panglao, Philippines)
Review of Henann Resort Alona Beach (Panglao, Philippines)
Review of Shang Palace Seafood Restaurant (Bohol, Philippines)
Review of Bo's Coffee (Bohol, Philippines)
Review of The Buzzz Café (Bohol, Philippines)
Review of Golden Cowrie (Bohol, Philippines)
Review of Staylite Park Bed and Breakfast (Bohol, Philippines)
Review of Arabelle Suites (Bohol, Philippines)
The Hills
Where to eat in Tagbilaran?
Find a house for rent in Panglao
Review of the Food Court in Island City Mall (Tagbilaran, Bohol, Philippines)
Bohol and Panglao Islands, Philippines
Isola de Francesco or Virgin Island, Panglao, Philippines
Review of Swiss Zurigo Restaurant (Bohol, Philippines)
Review of Bojol Grill Restaurant (Bohol, Philippines)
Review of A's Chicken Nuggets & Grill Haus (Bohol, Philippines)
The giant Arogo and the smallest primate, what do they have in common?
Review of Panglao Island Nature Resort & Spa (Panglao, Philippines)
Review of Henann Resort Alona Beach (Panglao, Philippines)
Review of Shang Palace Seafood Restaurant (Bohol, Philippines)
Review of Bo's Coffee (Bohol, Philippines)
Review of The Buzzz Café (Bohol, Philippines)
Review of Golden Cowrie (Bohol, Philippines)
Review of Staylite Park Bed and Breakfast (Bohol, Philippines)
Review of Arabelle Suites (Bohol, Philippines)
- Published on
Day trip to Chocolate Hills in Carmen
The Pier in Baclayon
If you are in Bohol and never been to Chocolate Hills then you should go there. We went by hired motorcycle from Tagbilaran and our first stop was the pier in Baclayon. We admired the nice view and took some photos. We also asked around about the boats going to Pamilacan Island. It's funny coz we started ask one guy about this and that and soon there was a bunch of friendly people around us, all smiling and chatted with us. In Baclayon they have one of oldest churches in Bohol, well worth a visit if you are interested.
The pier in Baclayon
Man-made forest
At Loay we left the busy Tagbilaran East Road and turned left towards Loboc. The traffic is less here and the landscape is beautiful. At Loboc you can do lot's of stuff. Everything from cruise the Loboc River to be adventurous at Loboc Eco-Tourism Adventure Park. We did nothing of that, we just took a short break for lunch since someone was hungry despite breakfast. Kinilaw, lumpia and ampalaya with rice and suddenly someone become happy again. On our way to Carmen we passed the cool and beautiful man-made forest. Cool in the sense not hot. So for me it was a blessing to cool down here for a while in the shadow.
The man-made forest
Carmen and Chocolate Hills
We went on straight for Carmen and the Chocolate Hills. We passed the Tarsier and the Butterfly sanctuary on our way. But we didn't stop there. Finally we arrived at the hills, the entrance fee is 50 PHP per head. You can go with the motorcycle almost all the way up to the observation deck. But the last bit you need to walk. Be prepared for roughly 250 steps in a steep staircase, so load up with water and be handy with your camera. There is an astonishing view waiting for you at the top.
The entrance up to the observation deck... 250 steps to go
The hills
An explanation how the hills were formed
This is heaven for all selfie photographers
Also heaven for me...
Urduja and Vinta
The typhon Urduja which had hit Philippines a bit more than a week ago and also just the other day, it was the Severe Tropical Storm Vinta which struck in the Northern Mindanao. We here in Bohol were lucky, we had just a couple of days with rain. Today, the day after the storm Vinta, it was sunny, clear and very hot weather here in Bohol. Our thoughts are with those who suffered so hard from these disasters.
The butterfly sanctuary
On our way back to Tagbilaran we passed the Butterfly sanctuary again. This time we stopped and paid a visit, the entrance fee was 45 PHP per head. It included a guide who will teach you about the butterflies and will help you with your selfies. It was nice and interesting to get to know the butterflies a little bit more. There are 10-15 species of butterflies and moths there in the sanctuary. They also have a restaurant where you can refresh your self so you can load your batteries before the next stop which would be the Tarsier Sanctuary.
When we arrived at the Tarsiers, it was too crowded with people so we just sat outside and had some fresh and delicious buko juice. Just 30 PHP each. After finishing our drinks we went straight back to Tagbilaran.
When we arrived at the Tarsiers, it was too crowded with people so we just sat outside and had some fresh and delicious buko juice. Just 30 PHP each. After finishing our drinks we went straight back to Tagbilaran.
The biggest butterfly of them all
Our conclusion
We did this tour in a relaxed pace but expect to allow a whole day for doing this depending on how many of the attractions you like to experience.
A 60 s video clip showing the Chocolate Hills
Related links:
Where to eat in Tagbilaran?
Find a house for rent in Panglao
Review of the Food Court in Island City Mall (Tagbilaran, Bohol, Philippines)
Bohol and Panglao Islands, Philippines
Isola de Francesco or Virgin Island, Panglao, Philippines
Review of Swiss Zurigo Restaurant (Bohol, Philippines)
Review of Bojol Grill Restaurant (Bohol, Philippines)
Review of A's Chicken Nuggets & Grill Haus (Bohol, Philippines)
The giant Arogo and the smallest primate, what do they have in common?
Review of Panglao Island Nature Resort & Spa (Panglao, Philippines)
Review of Henann Resort Alona Beach (Panglao, Philippines)
Review of Shang Palace Seafood Restaurant (Bohol, Philippines)
Review of Bo's Coffee (Bohol, Philippines)
Review of The Buzzz Café (Bohol, Philippines)
Review of Golden Cowrie (Bohol, Philippines)
Review of Staylite Park Bed and Breakfast (Bohol, Philippines)
Review of Arabelle Suites (Bohol, Philippines)
Where to eat in Tagbilaran?
Find a house for rent in Panglao
Review of the Food Court in Island City Mall (Tagbilaran, Bohol, Philippines)
Bohol and Panglao Islands, Philippines
Isola de Francesco or Virgin Island, Panglao, Philippines
Review of Swiss Zurigo Restaurant (Bohol, Philippines)
Review of Bojol Grill Restaurant (Bohol, Philippines)
Review of A's Chicken Nuggets & Grill Haus (Bohol, Philippines)
The giant Arogo and the smallest primate, what do they have in common?
Review of Panglao Island Nature Resort & Spa (Panglao, Philippines)
Review of Henann Resort Alona Beach (Panglao, Philippines)
Review of Shang Palace Seafood Restaurant (Bohol, Philippines)
Review of Bo's Coffee (Bohol, Philippines)
Review of The Buzzz Café (Bohol, Philippines)
Review of Golden Cowrie (Bohol, Philippines)
Review of Staylite Park Bed and Breakfast (Bohol, Philippines)
Review of Arabelle Suites (Bohol, Philippines)
- Published on
Dr. Rico Absin, the master of Christmas decorations
We are all used to Christmas decorations before Christmas, right? But at this house in Dumaguete, they take the Christmas decorations to the extreme. I have never seen anything like it, except maybe on movies. This house is just 5-10 minutes walk from the Silliman University and the entrance fee is 25 PHP / person.
The house itself is outlined by many thousands of tiny bulbs giving it a fairytale-like quality.
The balcony was crowded with selfie photographers.
A passion for art and decoration
This is the Dr. Rico Absin’s house, a former anesthesiologist in his late 50s. He has created an institution out of a genuine passion for art and decoration. This is actually his private residence and it’s well known as the Christmas House in Dumaguete and Negros Oriental. In December his house will be the brightest and merriest, illuminating the quaint old house which he has dwelled in most of his life and in which he now occupies alone after inheriting it from his parents.
The fairy tale castle was popular for those who wanted to take pictures.
Dr. Rico Absin's Christmas house.
Even in the Philippines they have reindeers.
A little bit surreal
For me it’s a little bit surreal to see all this and it raises some questions. Who is Dr. Absin? And why is he doing this year after year. Inside the big house which of course was full of Christmas decorations in every room and corner, there were also many personal things which like proved that someone actually was living there. For example there were lot’s of old photos from different episodes of his life, from his younger days until now.
There were many personal photos from his past life.
Dr. Absin’s house was filled with things that he had collected over the years.
In every corner of the house there were Christmas decorations.
Even in the ceiling there were personal things as well as decorations.
For a good cause
It has become an annual custom for this Doctor to share his blessings during the season to some 300 less fortunate children in the city which he throws a party for their benefit. He never forgets to wrap up gifts to be given away and makes sure that not one child leaves without getting any. Also a member of the City Tourism Council, Dr. Absin holds benefits and fund raisers for this particular cause.
Bring joy to the children
Asked why he had pursued this hobby, Dr. Absin quickly answers that it “gives me great satisfaction to see all the happy people’s faces when they come and I also feel good knowing that I bring joy to the children and the people of Dumaguete”.
The garden outside the house was filled with visitors.
Related links:
Tarbush, a story of love
The boulevard in Dumaguete
Review of 2Story kitchen in Dumaguete, Negros
Review of Gabby's Bistro (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Fish 153 Korean Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Mooon Café Robinsons Place (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Café Mafioso (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Atong Kamalig Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of San Rival Bistro (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Sta Teresa Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Tierra Alta Residential Resort, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines
Tarbush, a story of love
The boulevard in Dumaguete
Review of 2Story kitchen in Dumaguete, Negros
Review of Gabby's Bistro (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Fish 153 Korean Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Mooon Café Robinsons Place (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Café Mafioso (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Atong Kamalig Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of San Rival Bistro (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Sta Teresa Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Tierra Alta Residential Resort, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines
- Published on
Review of Tarbush, a Lebanese restaurant
The Tarbush, located 10 min walking distance from the Silliman University
You could also sit outside if you like
Love for good food
The Tarbush story is a story of love: a love between man and wife, the love between a mother and her children, love for country and love for good food. All this according to their menu and that sounds promising so far. But the question remains, is that true?
This day it was quiet here
Since 1983? But according to the menu the story unfolded 2014...
The menu
The Tarbush is not a big place, it reminded me of a smaller fast-food place. It was only one other guest so it was quiet and relaxing. They offer a variety of Shawarma and sandwich in different combinations. There are also options with hummus with meat or chicken, salads and a veggies sandwich. Unfortunately they had run out of chicken so we ordered beef shawarma.
The Tarbush menu
The menu, where you can read about the love story
Mucho Gusto and Spicy Beef
We ordered a Mucho Gusto with beef shawarma, garlic sauce, grilled tomato, potato fries, Mexican pepper, fried onions, pickles and chili sauce. Then a Spicy Beef, with beef shawarma, garlic sauce, fresh tomatoes, potato fries, white onions, parsley, pickles and chili sauce. Fries and Coke were included.
The Mucho Gusto with less spicy sauce
The Spicy Beef with more spicy sauce
Conclusion
Honestly the appearance and the taste of the two dishes was almost identical. Basically the only difference we could make out was that the Mucho Gusto had a more red sauce with less spicy taste and the Spicy Beef had less red sauce but with more spicy taste. But the food was very fresh and the taste was good. The portions were enough for us and the service was good so we both felt satisfied when we walked from there.
Rating: 1-5 where 1 is terrible and 5 is excellent
4 Food
5 Service
5 Value
4 Atmosphere
4 Food
5 Service
5 Value
4 Atmosphere
The Tarbush
Corner E.J. Blanco Exit, Barangay Piapi, Dumaguete City, 6200 Negros Oriental
Philippines
Phone: +63 917 987 6524
Corner E.J. Blanco Exit, Barangay Piapi, Dumaguete City, 6200 Negros Oriental
Philippines
Phone: +63 917 987 6524
Related links:
The boulevard in Dumaguete
Review of 2Story kitchen in Dumaguete, Negros
Review of Gabby's Bistro (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Fish 153 Korean Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Mooon Café Robinsons Place (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Café Mafioso (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Atong Kamalig Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of San Rival Bistro (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Sta Teresa Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Tierra Alta Residential Resort, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines
The boulevard in Dumaguete
Review of 2Story kitchen in Dumaguete, Negros
Review of Gabby's Bistro (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Fish 153 Korean Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Mooon Café Robinsons Place (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Café Mafioso (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Atong Kamalig Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of San Rival Bistro (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Sta Teresa Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Tierra Alta Residential Resort, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines
- Published on
Look at those majestic trees...
Rizal Boulevard in Dumaguete City
Rizal Boulevard or more commonly known as just the Boulevard is the heart of Dumaguete. It's here everything happens. I love to stroll here specially in the evenings when the air is cooler and you can feel the ocean breeze. Many they are doing their exercises here as well, jogging and walking back and forth the boulevard. Some days of the week they arrange Zumba open for everybody brave enough to participate.
The port and in the distant you can see Cebu Island.
The boulevard a popular landmark
This is from where you enter to Dumaguete, the port.
The boulevard’s stretch is immediately visible when coming into the Dumaguete port via any sea vessel. From the white lamp posts lining up the stretch to the stately trees swaying with the sea breeze, Rizal Boulevard holds a big part in the city’s provincial charm and has become a very popular landmark.
My favorite coffee shop in Dumaguete, Bo's
The night market, where the brave can try balut
Plenty of restaurants
There are plenty of restaurants here to choose among and I usually end up here at the boulevard having my dinner. Included in the price is the ocean view and sea breeze. When I go budget I like to visit the little night market towards the port where I use enjoy tempura and balut. What is tempura and balut? >>>
Nice view from the veranda of Sans Rival
The sky, the sea and two men in a boat
Bethel Guest Hose
There are always nice sunsets over the boulevard
A lazy afternoon at the boulevard. (60 s video clip)
The majestic old trees steadily growing along the boulevard. So fantastic and beautiful.
Named after the great Philippine national hero
Rizal Boulevard in Dumaguete City was named after the great Philippine national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, marking it as one of the historical sites found in the city. It has been said that he had made a brief visit and took a stroll here before departing to the neighboring island of Dapitan, Dipolog City where he was exiled for four years.
The kids are enjoying themselves
A venue for leisure and recreation.
Rizal Boulevard is definitely one of the city’s best loved places. It has become a landmark as well as a venue for leisure and recreation.
Related links:
Tarbush, a story of love
Review of 2Story kitchen in Dumaguete, Negros
Review of Gabby's Bistro (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Fish 153 Korean Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Mooon Café Robinsons Place (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Café Mafioso (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Atong Kamalig Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of San Rival Bistro (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Sta Teresa Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Tierra Alta Residential Resort, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines
Tarbush, a story of love
Review of 2Story kitchen in Dumaguete, Negros
Review of Gabby's Bistro (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Fish 153 Korean Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Mooon Café Robinsons Place (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Café Mafioso (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Atong Kamalig Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of San Rival Bistro (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Sta Teresa Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Tierra Alta Residential Resort, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines
- Published on
Review of Fiery Style Restaurant
The staff was eager to promote the place
A new Eat in MOA
When I was wandering around in Mall of Asia, hungry and starving searching for something to eat, I suddenly discovered they were renovating a part of the North wing where Starbucks and TGI Fridays used to be located. Instead they have opened a new area which they call the New Eats, where you can find new exciting restaurants. The one which stood out most was the Fiery Style Restaurant.
The bar
It was quiet here today
Mexican fusion dining
It's a Mexican fusion dining restaurant that serves fiery Mexican cuisine and quick bites. Ideal for Mexican food lovers and others too of course. They offer a wide selection of Mexican dishes comprised of burritos, steaks, fajitas, and everything in between. Among all of their special dishes, the visitors are raving about their BBQ Pulled Pork Quesadilla, Southwest Platter and their Bottomless Cocktails Promo.
They offer a wide selection of Mexican dishes
Many exciting dishes which I would like to try out
Bursting Burritos
Since I wanted something fiery I ordered the Bursting Burritos with grilled jalapeños and lime chicken. It was a freshly rolled floured tortilla loaded with rice, beans, peppers and sweetcorn in a Louisiana-style sauce, mixed leaves, cheese and sour cream. It may not look that much and maybe they could have added more chicken inside the burritos. Nevertheless the taste was good and the portion was enough for me so my conclusion was, that it was a good eat! By the way, nice with those colored nachos, I never seen that before.
Bursting Burritos with grilled jalapeños and lime chicken
Thumbs up!
I will definitely come back. There are many things on their menu I would like to try. The staff was very nice and service minded and the ambience also nice. A plus is that vegetarians also can find something to eat here all though the variety is limited though. Anyway keep the good work rolling and thumbs up for the Fiery Style!
Rating: 1-5 where 1 is terrible and 5 is excellent
4 Food
5 Service
4 Value
5 Atmosphere
4 Food
5 Service
4 Value
5 Atmosphere
The Fiery Style Restaurant
North wing, Mall of asia, Pasay city
Manila, Philippines
Phone: + 63 920 896 5555
North wing, Mall of asia, Pasay city
Manila, Philippines
Phone: + 63 920 896 5555
Related links:
UCC Good Coffee Smile in Manila
Where to eat the fiery style in Manila?
Visit Intramuros in Manila
Manila American Cemetery & Memorial
Visit the Manila Chinese Cemetery
Review of Jatujak Thai Restaurant, Manila
Review of hotel Isabelle Royale in Makati, Manila
Review of Kyochon restaurant in Mall of Asia
Review of Arya Persian Restaurant in Pasay
Hiking trip to Mt Pinatubo
Review of Casa Verde Boutique Hotel and Gardens, Imus, Manila
Review of Chili's Restaurant in Mall of Asia
Review of Burgoo, American Bar and Restaurant in Mall of Asia
Review of Pinoy Pamilya Hotel in Pasay
Review of 88 Courtyard Hotel in Pasay
Video clips Manila Ocean Park
UCC Good Coffee Smile in Manila
Where to eat the fiery style in Manila?
Visit Intramuros in Manila
Manila American Cemetery & Memorial
Visit the Manila Chinese Cemetery
Review of Jatujak Thai Restaurant, Manila
Review of hotel Isabelle Royale in Makati, Manila
Review of Kyochon restaurant in Mall of Asia
Review of Arya Persian Restaurant in Pasay
Hiking trip to Mt Pinatubo
Review of Casa Verde Boutique Hotel and Gardens, Imus, Manila
Review of Chili's Restaurant in Mall of Asia
Review of Burgoo, American Bar and Restaurant in Mall of Asia
Review of Pinoy Pamilya Hotel in Pasay
Review of 88 Courtyard Hotel in Pasay
Video clips Manila Ocean Park