Surviving the Chocolate Hills Adventure Park challenge

The last stop of our whole-day countryside tour was a visit to the Chocolate Hills Adventure Park (CHAP). Since the original view deck has been damaged by the earthquake in October, tourists are instead brought to this new establishment in Carmen, Bohol.

Welcome to Chocolate Hills Adventure Park (CHAP).

To get a breathtaking view of the famous chocolates hills of the province, you need to climb 248 steps to get to the CHAP’s view point. But it’s worth the sweat when you get to see the sweeping panorama of grass-covered hills.

248 steps. Let's do this!

Easy!

The hills are alive.

You can also see the original view deck from the CHAP view deck. It's not as high as the original but the view is breathtaking nonetheless.

The original view deck (top, extreme left) as seen from the CHAP view deck.

This writer at the CHAP view deck.

It’s also up there that you can experience the CHAP Bike Zip. It’s basically riding a bicycle in the sky—suspended 100 ft from the ground! The Bike Zip is 275 meters per way so just imagine the thrill and chills you get when you’re up there. You get to bike from one chocolate hill to another.

Unfortunately, it was raining at the time of our visit so we were not given the green light to try the Bike Zip.

Are you game?
Photo courtesy of the park's Facebook page

But the Bike Zip is only the appetizer. Down the view deck is the 9-course adventure trail that four of us from the Bohol media team (Inquirer's Walter Villa, DZRH's Ruth Abao and boyfriend Jon) tried to conquer. The course became even more challenging because the rain would not stop pouring down. Hence, the slippery steps in all nine courses.

Thanks to Walter Villa’s GoPro camera, we have proof that, yes, we completed all nine courses to join the elite circle of only a few people who finished this adventure. 

And oh, I am proud to say that the staff told me I AM THE FIRST FILIPINA TO COMPLETE THE CHALLENGING NINE COURSES AT THE CHOCOLATE HILLS ADVENTURE PARK (CHAP)!!!

These are the nine courses that tested our strength, endurance, strategy and most of all, patience:

1. Hanging Bridge (2 stages)

2. Islands in the Sky

3. Burma Loops

4. Burma Planks

5. Earthquake

6. Vine Walk

7. Jacob’s Walk

8. Tyrolean

9. Zipline

The last two courses are actually a combination of zipline and tyrolean. You only get to zipline on half of the course and then you do the tyrolean traverse for the rest of the course. Leaving the course is as adventurous as you rappel your way down.

The park also features a restaurant, souvenir shop, events place (there was a wedding reception going on when we were there), pockets gardens, and serpentarium.

Pathway to the restaurant and souvenir shop (to the left) and events place (to the right).

Souvenirs, anyone?

Viewing deck, straight ahead. Serpentarium, turn left.

The place was not yet fully operational when we were there. But it has already been visited by tourists, including America’s Next Top Model winner Sophie Sumners (who wasn't able to finish the course because she's afraid of heights). I believe CHAP is now open to the public. Check out details here.

Bluewater Panglao Resort: Giving Bohol tourism a boost

Bohol, the 10th largest island in the country, has been a slice of heaven on earth for local and foreign tourists alike. In recent years, the province has been one of the most-visited destinations in the Philippines. With plenty of things to do and places to see, Bohol has continued to beckon travelers to experience its natural and man-made wonders.

However, it is not a secret to many that Bohol has been experiencing challenges in the last two years. According to Walter Sultan, vice chairman of the Bohol Provincial Tourism Council, the province was brought down to its knees when it experienced a double whammy of an earthquake and a super typhoon late last year. Sultan adds that the one-aircraft policy in the Tagbilaran airport implemented in 2012 has also decreased number of flights from 14 a day to just seven, which significantly reduced tourist arrivals by 15 to 20 percent.

Bring this home and show your support for Bohol. 

 Here’s the good news: a tourism recovery plan has already been mapped out. “One of the important activities of our tourism recovery plan is improving our airline access. An international airport in Panglao is already underway and will be operational by 2016. In the meantime, we plan to expand the Tagbilaran airport to accommodate more tourists,” says Sultan. “We also have the Bangon Tours and we’re looking at coming up with a geological and scientific tour that will involve the areas affected by the earthquake.”

Heeding to the call of the local provincial tourism council, Bluewater Panglao Resort has been offering the Bangon Tours (“Bangon” is the Filipino word for “to rise”) since last year to encourage more tourists to come to Bohol.

Bluewater Panglao Resort resident manager Edison Navasa.

“The Panglao property of Bluewater Resorts is very active in helping boost tourism in Bohol,” says Edison Navasa, resident manager of Bluewater Panglao Resort. “The Bangon Tours package features discounted room rates, more or less 40 percent off of published rates. These are special rates to lure more people to choose Bohol for their next trip. And the response was overwhelming!”

Bluewater Panglao Resort features local materials in its design. 

Navasa says that guest profile at the resort is still dominated by Koreans, followed by Japanese, Filipinos and other nationalities. “It’s a good mix. About 30 to 35 percent of our guests are Koreans. Based on feedback, our guests love that there are a lot of activities that they can do in the resort,” says Navasa. “That’s our goal: to add more activities in our 5.5-hectare property so that our guests will truly enjoy their stay here and make the most of their vacation. We have two swimming pools and a beach front where our guests can enjoy water activities like snorkeling, glass bottom boat, kayaking, diving, hobbie cat sailing and stand up paddle boarding."

The signature ube dessert, featuring Panglao's proud product.

The resort also arranges for countryside and island hopping tours to allow guests to experience the sights and sceneries of Bohol. Although most of the churches are still under construction, one can still see past through the cracks the charm of these century-old churches. Most roads have already been repaired, proving that Bohol has slowly gotten back to its good shape.

A myriad of activities at the resort. 

Bluewater Panglao Resort invites tourists to rediscover the province because “Bohol is still beautiful” despite the disasters last year. For one, the resort offers a luxurious escape that honors the island’s natural beauty. Its Filipino architecture and design complement Bohol’s culture, inherent warm hospitality, and eco-focused initiatives. The Panglao resort, the youngest of the Bluewater Resorts siblings (that include Bluewater Maribago and Bluewater Sumilon, both in Cebu) aims to showcase local beauty through its structure, rooms, food, and services.

Despite the disasters last year, the resort never lost its charm. Its elegant, innovative and functional designs remain to be one of Panglao’s best.

Baclayon Church post-earthquake.

Loboc River Cruise. 

The media fam tour group poses for a photo before saying goodbye to the resort.

“Although there were some cancellations and rebooking, we are positive that the growth we have experienced since December will continue, especially that it’s already the peak season,” says Navasa. “It’s not difficult to sell Bohol because the place has already established itself as one of the Philippines’ most beautiful. And when you’re in Bohol, stay at Bluewater Panglao and we promise to show you the beauty of the province.”

(Published March 24, 2014, The Philippine Star)

Sheridan Beach Resort & Spa in Palawan: A paradise within a paradise

Of all the dozen destinations that offer an experience of paradise, Palawan truly stands out. That Palawan is paradisiacal is an understatement. Having seen and divulged what I’ve seen in this part of the Philippines is already enjoying a little piece of heaven on earth. For many a tourist who had marveled at the country’s last frontier, a lot of firsts had been experienced in this nirvana of an island.

Welcome to Sheridan Beach Resort & Spa in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

If you are someone who takes delight in the splendor of the sea and the outdoors, you are in for an amazing treat when you find yourself at the Sheridan Beach Resort & Spa in Sabang, Puerto Princesa City. (Situated a good two hours drive from the Puerto Princesa airport, Sabang is the place to be when one wants to experience nature in all its magnificence. It is the entry point to the world-famous Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a finalist for the “New 7 Wonders of Nature.”) From Sheridan, it takes only a 20-minute boat ride to the reputed longest navigational underground river in the world.

Sheridan Beach Resort & Spa is two hours away from the Puerto Princesa Airport. It is 5 minutes away from the jump off point to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River.

Sheridan's signature 340-ft.-long swimming pool.

The view from the balcony of our room.

Nestled in between the lush mountain ranges of Palawan and the sparkling West Philippine Sea, Sheridan boasts of 94 elegant rooms and suites that feature Asian-inspired contemporary interiors with a touch of local culture. The resort’s first-class accommodations spell unparalleled comfort and luxury. Triple-A room amenities include LCD cable TV with built-in DVD player, mini bar, WiFi access, individually-controlled air-conditioning and full bath amenities. The rooms offer a veranda, the views varying from a view of the sea, the surrounding mountains or the beautifully landscaped gardens.

Pathway to the rooms.

Room with a balcony.
Photo courtesy of the resort

Room by the poolside.
Photo courtesy of the resort

The balcony.
Photo courtesy of the resort

Our room during our stay. 

Clean and clear T&B area.

Sheridan also offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience through its several F&B outlets. The stunning view of the inviting waters and sunset over the same horizon complement the gourmet cuisine at the South Sea Restaurant. It serves delicious grills, seafood and other healthy options. Located within the South Sea is the Blue Bar that serves cocktails prepared by the hotel’s dedicated bartenders. When doing some laps or just lounging by the pool area, the sunken bar Sip n’ Dip Poolbar is your perfect option. You can relax by the picturesque Sheridan’s signature 340-ft.-long swimming pool while you enjoy your personalized concoctions.

Blue Bar.

Here's to good times!

Your view while you sip cocktails. 

'Action Station' at the South Sea Restaurant. 

...And the action begins!

Hearty meals at the South Sea Restaurant. 

Sip n' Dip Poolbar, the resort's sunken bar.

Since it is away from the pressures of work and the hustle and bustle of the metropolis, weary travelers should find their way to the Sheridan Nature Spa. The caring hands and intuitive touch of the spa therapists could perform delicate pampering guaranteed to soothe your senses and do wonders for your entire being. Sheridan is also proud of its business and events facilities that are perfect for your banquet needs. Its convention center can seat up to 500 persons and offers state-of-the-art equipment.

The resort offers a view of the mountain...

...and the sea!

Serenity.

Sheridan is undoubtedly a paradise within a paradise that is Palawan. Aside from the Subterranean River, guests at this world-class resort can also enjoy a myriad of activities. One can take on a hiking adventure through the Monkey Trail or hop on a paddleboat to tour the Mangrove Forest (you may opt for an exhilarating ATV ride on the way there). Guests can also visit the tiny virgin islands nearby to snorkel and dive. But you don’t have to go too far as you can bask in the long stretch of fine cream sand and pristine waters at the Sheridan beach while listening to the sound of eternal tranquility.

Sheridan Beach Resort & Spa inspires life filled with comfort and convenience as our facilities and services are expressed through a fine balance between simplicity and luxury,” proudly claims corporate GM Edgardo Tongco.

The lobby.

Gym time. 

Interesting design at the resort's welcome area.

Here at Sheridan, excitement becomes the ultimate experience.

Managing director Jacqueline Tan reveals some future plans for the resort. An organic farm is in the works, as they would like to market Sheridan as a “green” hotel, what with all its conservation and preservation efforts.

Offering so much to do and see, Sheridan Beach Resort & Spa invites everyone to indulge endlessly where nature is at its best and where excitement becomes the ultimate experience.

(For more information, call 376-6968 or 0917-6318937.)

(Published Nov. 1, 2011, The Philippine Star)