Ubi Festival 2017 and Visita Iglesia – AirAsia in Bohol (Photoblog)

Just a couple of weeks ago, I had the pleasure of visiting Bohol once again courtesy of my wonderful Philippines AirAsia family.

I’ve said it time and again… Bohol is like a second home to me. I’ve been to Bohol around over 6 times in 2016 alone — and I never grow tired of it. Bohol is just one of those amazing places that boasts of great tourist spots, wonderful food, exciting festivities and some of the warmest and most hospitable people around.

Our itinerary for this particular Bohol trip was the Ubi Festival 2017 which is celebrated annually, and a fun Visita Iglesia in January. I was actually also able to attend the Ubi Festival 2016 last year which was so much fun. Now, just to get the confusion out of the way… Boholanos spell Ube (Purple Yam) as “Ubi”. They also happen to be the largest growers of this root crop anywhere in the world, hence the festival in this province that was named after it.

The Visita Iglesia is also something that I’ve been eagerly anticipating on doing. Of course, Visita Iglesia season happens during Holy Week which falls between March and April every year, but it was great that we were given the opportunity to do it during our recent visit. Bohol has some of the most amazing and majestic churches in the country and has been a great destination for tourists and the faithful alike. Sadly, most of the churches in Bohol have been devastated or badly damaged due to the terrible earthquake back in 2013. During my frequent trips to the province last year, the local government together with their people, have been hard at work restoring and reconstructing these churches. This visit gave me an opportunity to see how their efforts are progressing.

Join me as we go on a Visita Iglesia as well as join the Ubi Festival 2017 through this photoblog. I also made a quick video of this trip which I embedded below as well. Let’s go! :)

Heading to Bohol via Philippines AirAsia

Visita Iglesia

After breakfast, we started our Visita Iglesia. On our agenda were the following churches: St. Joseph Cathedral (Tagbilaran), Church of the Immaculate Conception (Baclayon), Santa Monica Church (Alburquerque), San Nicolas de Tolentino Church (Dimiao), Holy Trinity Church (Loay), Shrine of Our Lady of the Assumption (Dauis) and St. Augustine Church (Panglao).

During our Visita Iglesia, it was really great seeing all the restoration work being done to these churches in Bohol. I encourage you all to come and see these wonderful and breathtaking shrines once they are brought back to its original glory. It’s one of the many tourist attractions that make this province a must-visit destination.

Lunch during the day was courtesy of the wonderful folks at Cresencia Cafe.

Snacks during the afternoon were served at Fanny’s Bakeshop where I got to meet Mommy Fanny herself, as well as her friendly staff.

Our hosts for dinner was Bellevue Resort Bohol. They showcased a good selection of delicious dishes which capped off a very fun day.

Amorita Resort, Panglao

It was finally time to head to our hotel to retire for the evening. For this trip, Amorita Resort in Panglao was our gracious host.

I was especially excited because I absolutely fell in love with this place the first time I stayed here. They’ve got a wonderful view, delicious food, and their rooms are damn impressive.

Our 1-Bedroom Garden View Suite at Amorita Resort

Amorita Resort’s Secret Beach

The next day, we prepared to go to the Ubi Festival 2017. But before heading out, Amorita Resort prepared a spectacular lunch inspired by the very rootcrop that was being celebrated in the province that day — Ubi (Purple Yam).

Lunch at Amorita

Ubi Festival 2017

We finally arrived at the Bohol Cultural Center for the kickoff ceremony of the Ubi Festival 2017. I had the opportunity to go up on stage to say hello to the countless Boholanos who were there to celebrate the festivities as well.

After the kickoff, we went straight to Plaza Rizal to check out the Ubi Exhibit where all the different varieties of Ube are showcased.

I’d like to thank all the wonderful people of Bohol for the very warm reception and always making me feel at home here. Well, this ends day 2 of our adventure. Time to head back to the hotel and relax.

A quick visit to Isola di Francesco

On our 3rd and last day in Bohol, we had the pleasure of visiting a nearby islet-paradise just off of Panglao Island. This small place is called Isola di Francesco.

It is worth mentioning that there are NO FEES that are being charged for you to enjoy any of the activities, facilities and attractions at Isola di Francesco. All they ask is that you make a donation of any amount during your visit. Yes. Any amount. Even entrance is free. Amazing, right? :)

Lunch at 10:31

Our last stop before Tagbilaran airport was at 10:31 restaurant for lunch.

Some of the delicious dishes that Chef M of 10:31 prepared for us were the following…

Check them out during your visit to Bohol and try out their other offerings as well. It’s a great place to enjoy delightful dishes and refreshing drinks. Thank you, 10:31!

Manila-bound

Well… as they say, all good things must come to an end. Our short but sweet Bohol trip for the Ubi Festival 2017 and Visita Iglesia has finally concluded — but not without great memories and wonderful experiences for us to take back home.

Recap Video!

I edited a recap video which shows you more of our fun and very memorable Bohol getaway which includes the Ubi Festival 2017 and our Visita Iglesia. Enjoy!

Bohol has always been one of those places that I never grow tired of visiting. Plan a trip to this breathtaking province and you’ll easily understand why many people, including myself, have easily fallen in love with Bohol.

Thank you, Bohol. I had so much fun during the Ubi Festival 2017 and our Visita Iglesia. Here’s to many more exciting visits in the near future.

I’d also like to thank Philippines AirAsia for making this trip possible. Philippines AirAsia offers 3 daily flights from Manila (NAIA Terminal 4) to Tagbilaran, Bohol. Keep updated with AirAsia’s latest promotion and activities via Twitter (@AirAsiaPH), Philippines AirAsia Facebook Page, Instagram (@AirAsiaPh), and on Viber public chat (@AirAsiaPh).

All photos taken using the Nikon 1 J5 Mirrorless Camera unless specified.

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