Bohol baggage

On my first ride in Tagbilaran City from the port to McDo for breakfast, the cab driver quickly noted that November was not the perfect time to roam the island. It was raining, but it was not the sole threat. The foreboding worries in my head contributed, rooted in my delayed connecting flight to Cebu via Manila a few hours prior.

But despite the un-warming weather and my lack of sleep, Bohol turned out more welcoming. Perhaps the energy from foreign and local people sailing from Cebu to Tagbilaran rekindled my expectations. But, mainly, I know it was because I was there after everything.

I consumed a cup of brewed coffee and noted some things in my journal before the plane I anticipated landed. Many people entered the establishment and exited unnoticed. But someone around 10 AM arrived, someone I have adored. And, suddenly, the months of agitation faded. It was clear it was everything I wanted.

Tagbilaran hosts the busy city trade. We stayed there for two nights to explore the closest famous sites we first heard from books in grade school. Panglao, which hosts the white beach and more artsy shops, food, and water activities, was reserved on the last day.

We visited the Chocolate Hills Viewpoint in Carmen first. It took more than an hour of motor ride because we routed the longer road, my honest mistake. Our worry was not arriving when the famous hills are camera-friendly, but we arrived just before sundown. The view was not the most vibrant, but we liked it more.

Day 2 involved a Loboc River Cruise lunch. I had no idea what it reserved for us. But I was captivated by the exclusivity of the ride, even if shared with some people. A group of Taiwanese people dominated the raft. They were as fun and joyous as the serenade. Midway to the one-hour trip, just before we detoured, we stopped at a spot with locals showcasing folk dances, smiles, and more warmth. It solidified my appreciation of the place.

We drove at least 30 minutes from Loboc to the Bilar Man-made Forest. I had never seen one before, so my expectations were high and were met exceptionally. The canopy symbolized a successful measure of conservation. Right there, I wish I had more access to such in Butuan.

Our last famous stop was the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella. You are only allowed to display the most behaved version of yourself there. Even your voice should be low to give daytime sleepers what they deserve. Orientation about the sanctuary and tour precautions ensued upon entrance fee payment. The tour is in batches with two guides leading. They said they usually show five tarsiers, but we visited only three due to the slippery pathway to the others. Also, tarsiers relocate depending on where they find their prey at night. They blend well in the trees, so spotting them, even by the locals, is challenging.

The sanctuary’s mission is to protect the delicate tarsiers from extinction by providing them with a safe habitat with hunting and breeding grounds. And for tourists like us, the up-close viewing is the bonus.

I learned some years ago that tarsiers are smaller compared to monkeys. But I needed to see them to confirm with my eyes that they can be as small as one’s fist, especially the young ones. I also used to believe what they say about tarsiers sleeping with their eyes open. No, they were closed, I confirmed.

We extended our motor rental to cover our last trip to Panglao on the Day 3 and 4. We arrived in the morning on a loosely populated Tourism Road leading to Alona Beach. We soon learned that tourists only start showing up in the afternoon to hit the beach and some tanning for foreigners. Food options are countless, but most start serving for lunch. Island hopping is the perfect activity in the morning, but we skipped it.

If the first two days in Tagbilaran was perfect in almost all aspect, Panglao saw our extremely anxious and defensive versions as two people trying to fit into each other’s bubble, all the while experiencing the beauty of the beach and people in harmony for tourism.

The challenge in romance that has started and is maintained online is handling triggers only unearthed when sharing a common space in the flesh.

No one understands the reasons behind the display of disappointment, and the sharpest words let out. That is why one should be frank about one's needs and communicate them. You may have packed your baggage alone, but you could use another hand unpacking them. And by experience, it was easier.

I understand now that staying is by choice, a conscious decision amidst the hazy play of emotions and tendencies.

It’s the call after you split for an hour following an argument to meet at a coffee shop to talk. It is the follow-up ice cream date while swooning over each other’s presence. Right then, you know no better place but the bench outside 7-Eleven next to your favorite person.