Welcome To My World!

Calauit Game Preserve & Wildlife Sanctuary.
It is a unique game reserve and wildlife sanctuary of exotic African animals and endangered endemic animals of Palawan.
Established on August 31,1976 by virtue of Presidential Decree No.1578, this was initiated in response to the appeal of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature to help save African wildlife when former President Ferdinand Marcos attended the 3rd world Conference in Kenya. By virtue of RA 7611 (SEP), administrative jurisdiction of DENR was given to the local government of Palawan, effective December 31,1993. Management of the area is the responsibility of the PCSDO (Palawan Council of Sustainable Development Office). It is located in Calauit Island, Busuanga, Palawan.

Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center (formerly Crocodile Farming Institute).
It aims to preserve and conduct further research studies on endangered species of crocodiles. One of the structures is a ""hospital"" for sick and disabled crocodiles. It also intends to make good use of the raw materials derived from crocodile skin. The place also maintains a mini-zoo featuring some of Palawan's endemic animals, under the supervision and management of DENR-PAWB. Visiting hours are from 1 :30 to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday and 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 nn, and 1 :00 to 5:00 p.m. Saturdays. Feeding time is every Monday and Thursday afternoon.
It is located in National Road, Barangay Irawan, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, 30-40 minutes’ travel from the city proper. One can take a tricycle and get off at Barangay Irawan where the crocodile farm is located. A jeepney could be hired to get to the place.

Tubbattaha Reefs.
It is a marine sanctuary located in the Middle Central Sulu Sea, 98 nautical miles southeast of Puerto Princesa City. Declared a World Natural Heritage site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on December 1993, it is under protective management by the Department of National Defense (DND). It is under technical supervision by the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) & the Department of Environment & Natural Resources (DENR).

It is located in Cagayancillo town, Palawan. Trips to Tubbattaha from mid-March to mid-June are all vessel-based and require planning for a minimum of six weeks prior to departure. To reach the place, take a 70-minute flight from Manila to Puerto Princesa City. From the airport, a shuttle bus takes you to the dive boat. Boat ride from Puerto Princesa City takes approximately 12 hours.

Coron Reefs, Coron Bay, Busuanga.
Seven enchanting lakes surrounded by craggy limestone cliffs attract hundreds of nature lovers to Coron Reefs in Northern Palawan, near the town of Coron.
Busuanga Island, whose main town is Coron, is the jump-off point for numerous dive operators. The principal dive sites are 12 WWII Japanese shipwrecks sunk on September 24, 1944 by US Navy action. They range in depth from the surface to 40M. This large variety offers exciting wreck exploration for enthusiasts, from novice divers and snorkelers and recreational divers to experienced TEC divers. Dive operators offer PADI dive courses ranging from Discover Scuba to Assistant Instructor, Technical and Enriched Air Diving, as well as other specialty courses. Dive operators offer day diving, snorkeling trips, and overnight dive safaris. Live-aboard and charter boats also offer diving in the area.

El Nido Marine Reserve.
Occupying an area of 96,000 hectares, this popular nature spot boasts of diverse ecosystems such as rainforest, mangroves, white sand beaches, coral reefs, and limestone cliffs. It is now one of the country's premier tourist destinations. Blessed with extraordinary natural scenery, El Nido is, the sanctuary of various forms of wildlife. Countless varieties of fish are also found here. Manta rays are a common sight; when in season, divers may see one of the world's rarest marine mammal, the sea cow, known locally as ""dugong.""

Accommodations are available at El Nido Resorts, it has two properties being Miniloc Island Resort and Lagen Island Resort. Miniloc is set in a cove surrounded by sheer limestone cliffs. Lagen on the other hand, is the most luxurious resort in the area, set in a lush forest with a magnificent view of the bay and the El Nido sunset. While each resort has its own special charm, both offer the same distinct quality of service that is attuned and responsive to the unique needs of each guest and focuses on making sure that your holiday is worry-free and filled with enriching experiences.

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park.
A world heritage site, this natural wonder features an 8.2 kilometer navigable underground river, reputed to be the world's longest, that winds through a spectacular cave before emptying out in to the South China Sea. This river flows within a deep cavern under rugged limestone and marble cliffs, special features of the park. Known as one of the world's wonders, this river stretches eight kilometers deep into an underground lagoon with crystalline waters. Within the hallowed recesses, one winds through the tunnel aboard a paddle boat with outriggers to be enthralled at every turn which reveals stalactite pillars, rock formations, and domed amphitheaters.

The park is located in Bahile, Puerto Princesa, Palawan. Located 81 kilometers from the city proper, the place can be reached through Barangay Cabayugan to Sabang, from where one could take a pumpboat ride to the Underground River, or hike through a monkey trail. An alternative way to reach the river is through a hired pumpboat ride from Bahile wharf. Travel time through Barangay Cabayugan is 1 1/2 hours' jeepney ride and 10 to 15 minutes’ pumpboat ride or 1 1/2 hours’ hike.

Honda Bay.
The bay consists of several islets with shallow reefs bordering fabulous beaches which have become the favorite swimming, snorkelling, and diving destinations of local residents and tourists. These islets are the Cannon (Cowrie) Island, Bat Island, Lu-Ii Island (derived from the word ""lulubog-lilitaw"", meaning floating and sinking island, is visible only during low tide), Meara Marina, Starfish Island (known for its fine white sand and clear water that teems with starfish), Snake Island (an island with a long stretch of fine white sand shaped like a snake), Pandan Island, and Senorita Island (the breeding site of lapu-lapu fish). Lodging facilities are available for overnight stays in the islands of Meara Marina and Starfish (Sandbar Resort).
The bay is located in Sta. Lourdes Tagbanua, Puerto Princesa City. About 12 kilometers east of Puerto Princesa City is Sta. Lourdes wharf where pumpboats could be hired to take tourists to the island of their choice. Some islands require an entrance fee; others are privately owned, thus, permits from the owners are necessary. Sta. Lourdes wharf is 25 minutes away by hired tricycle or jeepney. A pumpboat ride from the wharf to the different islands is from 15 to 50 minutes.

Tabon Caves.
Known as the ""Cradle of Philippine Civilization,"" Tabon Caves consists of a series of chambers where anthropologists discovered the remains of crude man and his tools. Anthropological significance came to the fore with the discovery of the remains of the 22,000 year old Tabon Man in one of its interiors, along with other artifacts decades ago.
The caves are located in Lipuua Point, Quezon, Palawan. About 155 kilometers south of Puerto Princesa City, the place can be reached by taking a bus or jeepney ride from the provincial capital to Quezon. It is followed by a pumpboat ride from Quezon wharf to the caves. Travel time is 3-4 hours by bus or jeepney to Quezon and 20-30 minutes’ boat ride from Quezon pier to the caves.

Archeological Exploration.
The activity can be fun and endlessly appealing to both new and perennial visitors to Palawan. Visit the Tabon Caves and be enthralled by the chambers which yield knowledge about life 50,000 years ago.

Baragatan sa Palawan.
A grand celebration of the founding of the civil government of Palawan is celebrated every third week of June in Puerto Princesa City. Highlights of the Baragatan are the LGU Trade and Food Fair, and colorful parade with participation from the different municipalities and private sectors, featuring the ethnic groups and the coronation of Ms. Palawan.

Seacows
Palawan is home to the seacow, known locally as dugong, a unique animal, being the only herbivorous mammal in existence today. We probably owe our childhood fantasies of the mythical mermaid to the dugong, which, because of its fish-like tail, smooth brownish skin, mammary glands, and woman-like genitalia, was often mistaken by sailors, weary from long voyages, as a mermaid. The dugong can grow to more than three meters in length and can weigh more than 400 kg. Its body is torpedo-shaped with small short flippers and whale-like flukes. Its lip is shaped like a disk with thick hair.

Palawan Sea Kayaking
The islands scattered north of Palawan offer one of the world’s most spectacular marine environments. Towering limestone cliffs rear straight up from seas teeming with marine life, and hidden bays offer deserted beaches for camping. The coral reefs here are amongst the most extensive in the country, so be sure to bring your snorkeling gear. Many islands are also covered in jungle, the habitat of rare bird species. If you are willing to carry your boat, you can explore some of the lakes on Coron Island, home of the reclusive Tagbanua Tribe. Internationally known tour operators run regular sea kayaking tours among the islands around northern Palawan.

Jose Rizal's Exile
Decrying Spanish authority over his beloved country, Dr. Jose P. Rizal, Philippine National Hero, lived in exile in faraway Dapitan City, then only a sleepy town in Mindanao. Here, he spent fruitfully his last four years in exile, from 1892 to 1896, to practice medicine, pursue scientific studies, keep with his artistic and literary endeavors, and widen his knowledge of languages. In Dapitan, Rizal found a school and a hospital, and became a farmer to prove to the people that farming is as good a profession as medicine.

Rizal Shrine
Philippine National Hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal spent his last four years in exile in Dapitan. His original estate here has been declared a national shrine and is being administered by the National Historical Institute. Hence, the city monicker, "Shrine City of the Philippines." By the year 2020, Dapitan is poised to become the Dr. Jose Rizal Heritage Center of the Philippines, owing to the wealth of Rizal memorabilia and memorable places associated with the hero.

The Rizaliana
It is a modern concrete building constructed in 1972, which houses all Rizaliana books, periodicals, and other historical exhibits. Part of it also serves as the office of the Rizal Shrine curator.

Dakak Beach
The very popular Dakak Beach is most known for its beautfiully shaped cove and powdery white sand, and as a diving mecca in Mindanao. Pristine blue waters, excellent dive sites with an abundance of coral reefs, and a magnificent sunset horizon characterize this tropical eden. Dakak Park and Beach Resort boasts 15 hectares of wooded land, a natural reservoir for native plants and animals, and a 750-meter private white-sand beach.

Sinulog and Kinabayo
It is a two-day celebration, held from July 24 to 25, of the annual patronal feast of St. James. The Sinulog is a dance procession while the Kinabayo is an exotic and colorful pageant re-enacting the Spanish-Moorish Wars, particularly, the Battle of Covadonga. During this battle, the Spanish forces under General Pelagio took their last stand against the Saracens. They were able to reverse the tide of the war with the miraculous apparition of St. James, the Apostle. The addition of local color and innovations make this annual revelry a popular attraction drawing crowds to the city.

Tulwanan Village
It was the original settlement of Dipolog's early inhabitants, the Subanons. It is located about six kilometers from the city proper and along Dipolog River, through which the Subanons transported their products to trading posts and markets in the early days.

3003 Steps to Linabo Peak
Found up high at the foot of the heavens, these concrete steps wind along a tunnel of verdant trees, leading the visitor to a panoramic vista of sky, plains and sea; horizons and a spectacular view of the twin cities of Dipolog and Dapitan. This is Dipolog's highest elevation point - 460 meters above sea level. Savor a rarefied experience, at the very least.

JULY 26
ST. JOACHIM AND ST. ANNE

St. Anne and St. Joachim are the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary. They spent their lives worshiping God and doing good. They had one great sorrow, however: God had not sent them any children. For years and years, Anne had begged the Lord to give her a child. She promised to consecrate the baby to him. When she was already old, God answered her prayer in a far better way than she could ever have dreamed. The child born to St. Joachim and St. Anne was the Immaculate Virgin Mary. This holiest of all women was to become the Mother of God. Anne took tender care of little Mary for a few years. Then she gave her to the service of God, as she had promised she would.

Mary went to live in the holy Temple of Jerusalem. St. Joachim and St. Anne continued their lives of prayer until God called them home to heaven. Christians have always been especially devoted to St. Anne. Many beautiful churches have been built in her honor. Perhaps one of the most famous is the Shrine of St. Anne de Beaupre in Canada. Great crowds go there all year around to ask St. Anne's help in their sufferings.

Daily Reading & Meditation

Wednesday (7/26): "Since they had no root they withered away"

Scripture: Matthew 13:1-9

1 That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. 2 And great crowds gathered about him, so that he got into a boat and sat there; and the whole crowd stood on the beach. 3 And he told them many things in parables, saying: "A sower went out to sow. 4 And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. 5 Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they had not much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, 6 but when the sun rose they were scorched; and since they had no root they withered away. 7 Other seeds fell upon thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. 8 Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. 9 He who has ears, let him hear."

Meditation: Are you hungry for God's word? Matthew tells us that Jesus taught many things to those who came to listen and learn. Jesus' teaching method was a very simple one. He used parables -- short stories and images taken from everyday life to convey hidden truths about the kingdom of God. Like a skillful artist, Jesus painted evocative pictures with short and simple words. A good image can speak more loudly and clearly than many words. Jesus used the ordinary everyday to point to another order of reality -- hidden, yet visible to those who had "eyes to see" and "ears to hear". Jesus communicated with pictures and stories, vivid illustrations which captured the imaginations of his audience more powerfully than an abstract presentation could. His parables are like buried treasure waiting to be discovered (Matt. 13:44).

What does the parable about seeds and roots say to us about the kingdom of God? Any farmer will attest to the importance of good soil for supplying nutrients for growth. And how does a plant get the necessary food and water it needs except by its roots? The scriptures frequently use the image of fruit-bearing plants or trees to convey the principle of spiritual life and death. Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit (Jeremiah 17:7-8; see also Psalm 1:3). Jesus' parable of the sower is aimed at the hearers of his word. There are different ways of accepting God's word and they produce different kinds of fruit accordingly. There is the prejudiced hearer who has a shut mind. Such a person is unteachable and blind to what he or she doesn't want to hear. Then there is the shallow hearer. He or she fails to think things out or think them through; they lack depth. They may initially respond with an emotional reaction; but when it wears off their mind wanders to something else. Another type of hearer is the person who has many interests or cares, but who lacks the ability to hear or comprehend what is truly important. Such a person is for ever too busy to pray or too preoccupied to study and meditate on God's word. He or she may work so hard that they are too tired to even think of anything else but their work. Then there is the one whose mind is open. Such a person is at all times willing to listen and to learn. He or she is never too proud or too busy to learn. They listen in order to understand. God gives grace to those who hunger for his word that they may understand his will and have the strength to live according to it.

Here's something that'll make you smile...

Dear Husband,

I'm writing you this letter to tell you that I'm leaving you for good. I've been a good woman to you for seven years and I have nothing to show for it.

These last two weeks have been hell. Your boss called to tell me that you had quit your job today and that was the last straw. Last week, you came home and didn't notice that I had gotten my hair and nails done, cooked your favorite meal and even wore a brand new negligee. You came home and ate in two minutes, and went straight to sleep after watching the game.

You don't tell me you love me anymore. You don't touch me or anything. Either you're cheating or you don't love me anymore. Whatever the case is, I'm gone.

P.S. If you're trying to find me, don't. Your BROTHER and I are moving away to West Virginia together. Have a great life!

Your Ex-Wife

Dear Ex-Wife

Nothing has made my day more than receiving your letter. It's true that you and I have been married for seven years, although a good woman is a far cry from what you've been. I watch sports so much to try to drown out your constant nagging. Too bad that doesn't work. I did
notice when you cut off all of your hair last week. The first thing that came to mind was "You look just like a man!" My mother raised me to not say anything if you can't say anything nice.

When you cooked my favorite meal, you must have gotten me confused with MY BROTHER, because I stopped eating pork seven years ago.

I went to sleep on you when you had on that new negligee because the price tag was still on it. I prayed that it was a coincidence that my brother had just borrowed fifty dollars from me that morning and your negligee was $49.99.

After all of this, I still loved you and felt that we could work it out. So when I discovered that I had hit the lotto for ten million dollars, I quit my job and bought us two tickets to Jamaica . But when I got home you were gone. Everything happens for a reason I guess. I hope you have the
filling life you always wanted.

My lawyer said that with the letter you wrote, you won't get a dime from me. So take care.

P.S. I don't know if I ever told you this. Carl, my brother, was born Carla. I hope that's not a problem.

Signed,

Rich As Hell and Free!

Hi,

Imagine there is a bank that credits your account each morning with US$ 86,400.
It carries over no balance from day to day; allows you to keep no cash balance;
every night deletes whatever part of the balance you failed to use during the day.
What would you do with such an account? Draw out every Cent, of course!!!

Every one of us has such a 'bank'. Its name is TIME.
Every morning it credits you with 86,400 seconds.
Every night it writes off as lost whatever of this you have failed to invest to good purpose.
It carries over no balance. It allows no overdraft. Each day it opens a new account for you.
Each night it burns the records of the day. If you fail to use the day's deposits, the loss is yours.
There is no going back. There is no drawing against tomorrow. You must live in the present -on today's deposits.

Invest it so as to get from it the utmost in health, happiness and success!
The clock is running.

Live life as if its the last..

A Lifetime In Love

We let ourselves love but are afraid to say I love you.We constantly allow our emotions to run deep but why do we hold back on our sweet sensations and tingling feelings?

Sometimes although it hurts so bad we cry out for more.Is this what love is meant to be like?

There are times when special moments become favourite memories but we findsolace and comfort within, without saying a word, without expressing our true feelings, justliving life as it comes.

One day it will all begin to fade away and the question will be asked:

Where did I go wrong to make it like this?

Where is the love?

What can I do to turn back the hands of time?

The feelings were there but you grew apart. Now you have awakened from your dream with a broken heart.

Too late to say who is to be blamed. Oh what a dreadful shame.

Always share your dreams and grow together, making simple moments in life the biggest things ever.

Out of the blue say I love you, whether there is joy or sorrow. Love knows no boundaries and no distance so why not let love continue to be boundless.

Why continue to place obstacles in the way of love?

Once is a lifetime, forever in love. Make it truly a lifetime in love.

Wherever You Are...Be There!

One of the major reasons why we fail to find happiness or to create unique lifestyle is because we have not yet mastered the art of being.

While we are home our thoughts are still absorbed with solving the challenges we face at the office. And when we are at the office we find ourselves worrying about problems at home.

We go through the day without really listening to what others are saying to us. We may be hearing the words, but we aren't absorbing the message.

As we go through the day we find ourselves focusing on past experiences or future possibilities. We are so involved in yesterday and tomorrow that we never even notice that today is slipping by.

We go through the day rather than getting something from the day. We are everywhere at any given moment in time except living in that moment in time.

Lifestyle is learning to be wherever you are.

It is developing a unique focus on the current moment, and drawing from it all of the substance and wealth of experience and emotions that it has to offer.

Lifestyle is taking time to watch a sunset.

Lifestyle is listening to silence.

Lifestyle is capturing each moment so that it becomes a new part of what we are and of what we are in the process of becoming.

Lifestyle is not something we do; it is something we experience. And until we learn to be there, we will never master the art of living well.

Control Your Own Destiny

"You cannot control what happens to you, but you can control your attitude toward what happens to you, and in that, you will be mastering change rather than allowing it to master you."
-Brian Tracy

In order to make choices that may change your destiny, you must first know yourself and what you are creating moment by moment. What you do in the present moment brings you closer to being in command of your destiny. When you focus on past experience and the knowledge you've gained from school, work, society, economic, and spiritual training, you can begin to know yourself.

Human nature is created so that you can choose your destiny, and then control it. The key is to be one of the few who know where you are going and exactly how to get there. To do this, you must realize that life is changeable. With each change along the way you develop experience. You enrich your learning.

Since your life is always in a constant state of creating and developing, you create your own story by choosing the direction you want it to take. With any one decision, you can change your destiny. You have the power to do this: it is called making choices. Without it you'd just be following the masses and letting others control your destination.

The repetition of certain thoughts also plays a huge part in determining your destiny. This is why it's most important to be aware of what and how you think. Some thoughts that may bear repeating include:

To always show positive feelings toward others. Negative thoughts and feeling are limiting.

To know you're smart even if it takes you a little longer to understand a point.

To know that failures can lead to success.

To welcome problems ? they are learning tools.

To know that there is untapped skill and creativity in everything you attempt.

To remember that God put you on earth to win.

To know that prosperity comes to those who believe it will happen.

That giving quality service to your customers may result in a quantity of customers.

To know that valuing your own self and making a commitment to excellence is worth striving for.

To treat others with respect and kindness is a measure of your spirituality.

And as you keep these thoughts uppermost in your mind, you have the power to be guided by them. Yet, just knowing without thinking how you respond to life is the art of self-awareness and living in the present moment. Being aware of each moment is a part of your true being

Other ways to measure the power of your thoughts is to limit any thoughts that are non-productive. Some of these non-productive thoughts may include:

Feeling guilty when you say, "No." Refusing to cater to the demands of others is not a selfish act. Saying, 'yes, when you mean 'no' may cause resentment.'

Feeling 'stupid' when you don't understand something - Rather then make a mistake when instructions are not clear, don't be afraid to ask for clarification. This is a sign of good judgment.

Thinking that everything you do is solely your own doing. Be confident and have enough faith to know that your life is guided by a higher power. This confirms your spirituality.

Ignoring opportunities to change - Growth comes with change. Life is a constant state of change. Be ready for any worthwhile challenge or opportunity to grow.

Worrying - Some of the best opportunities are missed when you worry and procrastinate until the opportunity has come and gone. Learn to be decisive. What's the worst possible scenario? How hurt would you feel if you missed a great opportunity?

Whatever you do, and wherever you are in life, pay attention to your thoughts. Any sign of negativity, anger, fear, or procrastination is harmful. Get rid of biased opinions. Be open to other ways of thinking. Make the best of your thoughts and your thoughts will make the best you.

Then, let your new founded self-awareness lead you to a life where you are free to choose and to control your own dreams and goals. That's your destiny.

Old Ancestral Homes
Camiguin Island is famous for its ancestral homes gracefully dotting the streets all over the island.

Sunken Cemetery
A large cross marks a cemetery swept to the sea by old Mt. Vulcan Daan’s eruption in 1871.

White Island
A white sandbar just across Paras Beach Resort in Barangay Yumbing, ideal for sunbathing and snorkeling. This uninhabited sandbar changes its shape according to tide.

Old Historical Churches
Century-old churches are found in various parts of the island and one of the famous churches is the old Sto. Rosario Church in Sagay municipality, built in 1882, and the church ruins of San Roque in Barangay Bonbon.

PANAAD
Held annually in observance of the Lenten Season. People flock to the island and walk around a 64 km. circumferential road as their “vow” to Christian faith.

Turrones de Mani (La Salud) / Pastel
One the island’s traditional delicacies, with the main establishment owned by the Bollozos family. The method of making the delectable delicacy has not changed despite of the advancement technology.

Waterfalls
The island has numerous waterfalls, one of the most famous and accessible being Katibawasan Falls, with 160 meters drop of a slender stream of water. A shallow basin with its icy cold water is surrounded by wild ferns, trees, and boulders.

Hot Spring
Located in Barangay Esperanza, this famous hot spring is very much favored by tourists especially during night time because of its therapeutic effects.

Lanzones Fruit and Festival
A two-day grand display of agri-industry products, culminating with a grand parade of these golden fruits, usually with a tableau presentation depicting the local culture.

Walkway / Station of the Cross
A must-see destination for religious tours because this is where the station of the cross is located. One of the best areas from which to have the full view of the island.

Camiguin Beaches / Agohay Beach
Camiguin owes its monicker, “Garden of Eden,” to the presence of beautiful beaches and majestic waterfalls in this island-paradise. One of the favorite sandy beaches in the island is Agohay Beach, located 7 kilometers from Brgy. Agoho in Mambajao. Native cottages, a multipurpose building, and motorized pumpboats are available accomodations for visitors. Likewise, Agohay has a good camping area for Mt. Hibok Hibok mountaineers.

Mt. Hibok Hibok / 7 Volcanoes
Entry is through the base of Barangay Esperanza in Mambajao. It is the only active volcano among the SEVEN others in island; the 1,250 meters slope is a challenge even to the season climbers as the trek entails skillful maneuvers in loose rocks and boulders. A crater lake and stream serve as outlets in many places at the peak and a clear view of the entire island and Bohol beyond can be seen on clear days.

Chocolate Hills.
Located in the town of Carmen, 55 kilometers from Tagbilaran City, the Chocolate Hills are undoubtedly the most famous tourist attraction in Bohol. Among the 1,268 perfectly cone-shaped hills, which abound in Central Bohol, two have been developed into a resort. On top of these hills is a complex that offers accommodation, conference rooms, restaurants, and a view deck.

Dauis Church
Located in the town of Dauis, three kilometers from Tagbilaran City, Dauis Church is one of Bohol’s beautiful churches that has retained its Spanish architecture despite a semi-modern façade. The interior has life-like murals painted on the ceiling.
The patron saint, the Virgin of the Assumption, is believed to possess miraculous powers. It is the object of the faithful, who attend its annual festivities. Legend has it that when the town was invaded by pirates, the townfolk locked themselves inside the church until they ran out of water and provisions. Then suddenly a well appeared at the foot of the altar where people started drawing water. It is still the main source of water for the people living in the church vicinity. Surprisingly, the water is absolutely fresh even as the well is located only a few meters from the sea.

Baclayon Church
One of the oldest stone churches in the Philippines is Baclayon Church, located in the town of Baclayon, six kilometers from Tagbilaran City. This ancient massive edifice still retains its century-old architectural design. Both in the external and internal portions of the church are various interesting relics and artifacts dating back to the early 16th century, which have now been placed at the Baclayon Museum.
Baclayon is the oldest town in Bohol and the mother town of Alburquerque, Balilihan, and Sikatuna.

Blood Compact / Sandugo
Datu Sikatuna, a native Boholano chieftain, forged a Blood Compact with Don Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, representing the King of Spain, for the purpose of fostering friendly relations between the two countries. The Blood Compact that took place on March 16, 1565 is considered as the first “Treaty of Friendship” between the brown and white races. A marker of this historic event can be found in Barangay Bool at Tagbilaran City.

Dagohoy Revolt
Francisco Dagohoy led the longest revolt in the country against the Spaniards, which lasted for 84 years. There now stands a marker in Magtangtang at the town of Danao, installed by the Philippine Historical Commission to honor the heroic deeds of Dagohoy. Magtangtang was his headquarters or hideout during the revolt. Hundreds of Dagohoy’s followers preferred death inside the cave than surrender. Their skeletons still remain in the site located in Danao, 92 kilometers from Tagbilaran City.

Sandugo Festival
The festival celebrated from July 1 to 31 has been inspired by the blood compact, or Sandugo, a friendship treaty between the Philippines and Spain that took place in 1565. The annual spectacle of the province features an agro-industrial fair, cultural and historical showcase, sports events, a beauty pageant, balls and dances, entertainment shows, and streetdancing which culminates with the re-enactment of the blood compact between Datu Sikatuna and Don Miguel Lopez de Legazpi.

Bolibong Kingking Festival
Celebrated from May 23 to 24, it is a music and dance festivity depicting the history, folklore, and traditions of the Lobocanons. Bolibong Kingking is a term applied to the drums and gongs, and their rhythm, used to accompany the supplication dance ritual performed before the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the second patron of Loboc.

JULY 25
ST. JAMES THE GREATER

James was a fisherman like his father Zebedee and his brother John. He was on his father's boat mending his nets when the Lord passed by. Jesus called each of them, James and John, to become fishers of men, to join him in spreading the Good News. Zebedee watched as his two sons left the boat to follow Jesus.

With St. Peter and St. John, James was a special companion of Jesus. With them James was permitted to see what the other apostles did not see. With them he watched as Jesus raised the daughter of Jairus to life. With them he was taken up the mountain to see Jesus shining like the sun, with his robes white as snow. This event is called Jesus' Transfiguration. On Holy Thursday, the night before he died, Jesus led the apostles into the garden of Gethsemane. Matthew's Gospel tells us he invited Peter, James and John to accompany him to a secluded area to pray. They watched as the Master's face became saddened with grief. Then drops of blood began to form on his brow. It was a very sad moment, but the apostles were exhausted. They fell asleep. Then St. James ran in fear when the enemies of Jesus took him away. And James was not near the foot of the cross on Good Friday. But the Lord met up with him on Easter Sunday evening in the upper room. The resurrected Jesus came through the locked door and said, "Peace be to you." St. James and the other apostles would find that peace after the Holy Spirit's coming on Pentecost.

St. James began his ministry as an impulsive, outspoken man. He asked Jesus bluntly for a seat of honor in his kingdom. He demanded that Jesus send fire down on the villages that did not receive the Lord. But he had great faith in Jesus. Eventually, James learned to become humble and gentle. And he did become "first" in a way he could never have imagined. He was given the honor of being the first apostle to die for Jesus. Chapter 12 of the Acts of the Apostles tells us that King Herod Agrippa had St. James put to death by the sword. As a martyr James gave the greatest witness of all.

Daily Reading & Meditation

Tuesday (7/25): "Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?"

Scripture: Matthew 20:20-28

20 Then the mother of the sons of Zeb'edee came up to him, with her sons, and kneeling before him she asked him for something. 21 And he said to her, "What do you want?" She said to him, "Command that these two sons of mine may sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom." 22 But Jesus answered, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?" They said to him, "We are able." 23 He said to them, "You will drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father." 24 And when the ten heard it, they were indignant at the two brothers. 25 But Jesus called them to him and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. 26 It shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever would be first among you must be your slave; 28 even as the Son of man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Meditation: How do you approach authority and positions of leadership?Jesus did the unthinkable! He wedded authority with love and service and with sacrifice — the sacrifice of one's life for the sake of another. Authority without sacrificial love is brutish and self-serving. Jesus also used stark language to explain what kind of sacrifice he had in mind. His disciples must drink his cup if they expect to reign with him in his kingdom. The cup he had in mind was a bitter one involving crucifixion. What kind of cup does the Lord have in mind for us? For some disciples such a cup entails physical suffering and the painful struggle of martyrdom. But for many, it entails the long routine of the Christian life, with all its daily sacrifices, disappointments, set-backs, struggles, and temptations. A disciple must be ready to lay down his or her life in martyrdom and be ready to lay it down each and every day in the little and big sacrifices required. What makes such sacrifice a joy rather than a burden? It is love - the kind of "love which God has poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us" (Romans 5:5). An early church father summed up Jesus' teaching with the expression: "to serve is to reign with Christ." We share in God's reign by laying down our lives in humble loving service of one another as Jesus did for our sake. Are you ready to lay down your life and to serve others as Jesus did?