Who doesn’t have dreams or plans to travel around the globe? To witness the Santorini sunset, to hear the chimes of Big Ben, to party in L.A., to fulfill the Great Wall hike, to tour in Australia, to shop in Hong Kong, and to be soothed by the waves lashing in and out the coasts of Mexico. These are just a few big travel dreams of mine which I hold on to, as I first try to experience loads of the warm sun, the beaches, the party scenes, and the countryside sounds of Bohol, my home province, and other characteristic Philippine islands I had the chance to visit.

     I haven’t been around the whole archipelago but with four to five island hops, one can certainly say that the clean natural waters of the province are true treasures. The beaches with fine white sands and green rivers cater to everyone’s rest and relaxation needs, as they are recently promoted for tourism. But facilities are controlled to maintain its tranquility and order, and to manage the crowds.

     Bohol is no stranger to adrenalin pumping action. It offers a forest-like adventure park in a town called Danao with bungee jumping, wall climbing, kayaking, hiking, cable rides, and cable slides. It is about 2 hours away from the city and totally worth your drive and money.

     Of course, the Chocolate Hills is never opted out of the list. It is a naturally wondrous artwork of nature that even in its lushness; it looks chocolate brown under the heavy heat of the sun, adding to its spectacle.  Even more natural and man-made spots are gaining popularity among the locales and foreign tourists.

     If you are a partygoer, clubbing and dancing to the hottest songs and mixes of guest international DJ’s make up the nightlife of the city. Lounging with booze and listening to live music is also no taboo. Or you could just karaoke, have your favorite coffee, after fine dining in hotels, which by the way, is a common scenario.

     True to our culture, hospitality is served with gratifying ethnic foods, delicacies and refreshments. Faith is upheld in almost every town’s church with structures dating to the Spanish colonial times, and masses of a regular schedule. I have also seen firsthand how this culture is communicated and how the Catholic faith is kept among fellow Filipinos and the Chinese in a Hong Kong neighborhood. I got an opportunity to travel to Hong Kong and I was able to appreciate those trips so much because I knew I wanted to make the most of something unfamiliar and to get a taste of something similar from home. That was one clear goal met, abroad travel tips learned, and indelible memories marked.  

     It is a wonderful feeling, perhaps with some sense of pride that wherever I may be, I would still see and feel bits and pieces of where I come from. Under the same sun as with Greece, London, and other places I dream of traveling to.