Diving Spot in BOHOL: Underwater Grotto of Blessed Virgin Mary and Sto. Niño

Bohol is a place where one of the wonders of nature is located, the famous Chocolate Hills. Another tourism attraction in the Province of Bohol, is located at the Bien Unido, 2 and a half hours from Tagbilaran City, the capital of Bohol.

The blessing of the underwater grotto was on 28th day of October 2010, at Danajon Reef which is also known as the [1]Danajon Bank Double Barrier Reef. Inside this reef ecosystem is the Philippine's largest municipal-declared Marine Protected Area (MPA) which is known as the Bien Unido Double Barrier Reef Marine Park, in Bien Unido, Bohol. The Statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Sto. Niño both with the height of 14 feet. The Sto. Niño 30 Feet This idea is to prevent the fishermen from doing dynamite fishing that can cause to damage the coral reef and other underwater creatures, from then on the fishermen were no longer practicing dynamite fishing because of the presence of the two statue.

The first underwater pilgrim was on September 8, 2012, two years after the blessing. Participated by many diving groups and individual. The event was headed by the Local Government Unit of Bien Unido, in partnership with the Coastal Conservation and Education Foundation,  Knight-Stewards of the Sea, Inc., Bohol Yacht Club, and the Lapu-Lapu Marine Sports and Dive Operators Association (MSBOAT)

Photo Credit: CCEF

Photo Credit: CCEF

Watch the Blessing of the Statue of Blessed Virgin Mary




References:
[1] http://coast.ph/events/1st-underwater-pilgrimage-bien-unido-double-barrier-reef-marine-park 

5 Top Tourist Destination in the Philippines

As early as now planning your summer vacation, is a good choice, where you can have time to budget and save more money for your trip, and booked tickets earlier to avail more fare promos from airlines and shipping companies, you may also consider availing tour packages that fits your budget. So here are few TOP TOURIST DESTINATION in the PHILIPPINES to include on your list. 

BOHOL

[1]Chocolate Hills is a series of 1,268 perfectly symmetrical, haycock-shaped hills that rise some 30 meters above the ground. A National Geologic Monument, these unique, rock formations were cast after million years of evolution.

Spread out in the towns of Carmen, Batuan and Sagbayan, the hills are so-called because they resemble chocolate bonbons when their grass cover turns to brown at the onset of summer. Two of the hills have been developed and provided with facilities, including a viewdeck, a youth hostel and a restaurant.

Other hills with a commanding view of the surrounding islands include Banat-I and Elly in the capital city of Tagbilaran, Himontagon in the town of Loay, Sampoangan in Calape and Ilihan in Jagna.

Bohol now has a added a new tourism attraction sites and adventure parks,  one is the famous CHAP or Chocolate Hills Adventure Park,  Inside the park, is a mini Hanging Bridge, Obstacle Course and the most famous 275 meter long Bike ZIP.

Photo Credit: MAV's Adventure

Aside from CHAP, Bohol also now has the ZOOCOLATE Thrills, and don't forget to visit the Hinagdanan Cave, Panglao Island and a lot more.

MORE: Luxurious Rest Room at Shell station in Bohol

BORACAY

Who could ever forget about this small but great and awesome Island. White sand beaches, and seafoods awaits you. The sea rides that you would enjoy and give you more fun  like snorkeling, cliff diving, parasailing, motorbiking, kite surfing and scuba diving, they also offers some boats for rent to tour you over the Island for a day. Staying at night is one of best, there are lots of bars serving unique beverages, and local bands performance for jamming and some disco.

The Island is filled with lots of surprise and fun. Hotels and Restaurants are in great numbers so you will have more to choose from.

PALAWAN: Puerto Princesa Underground River

Photo Credit: Travel Time Philippines

The award winning underground river, listed as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.

[2]The river is also called Puerto Princesa Underground River. The national park is located in the Saint Paul Mountain Range on the western coast of the island. It is bordered by St. Paul Bay to the north and the Babuyan River to the east. The City Government of Puerto Princesa has managed the National Park since 1992. The entrance to the subterranean river is a short hike or boat ride from the town Sabang.


IFUGAO: Banaue Rice Terraces

Photo Credit: Travelling There

Thanks to the Indigenous People way back 2000 years ago, who designed this wonder of nature, curved into the mountains of Ifugao, this also known as the "Eight Wonder of the World".

The [3]Banaue Viewpoint Terraces is where you should go if you want to capture the best perspective of the rice terraces. You can also found some shops selling souvenir items like wood carving and hand crafted stuffs. It lies at 4 kilometers along the road from Banaue town center going to Bontoc.

SURIGAO: Siargao Island 

Photo Credit: Mav's Adventure 

The premier surfing destination in the Philippines, Siargao Island. Located at the west part of Surigao Del Norte and the largest Island that belongs to the province. The International Surfing Cup is held in Cloud 9, General Luna, annually every last week of September and first week of October. The Island is not just the home for surfing events, there is also a Game-fishing Tournament from April to May (depending on weather condition) at Pilar. Island hopping at Siargao offers lots of fun and adventure, visiting the islets, like the Guyam Island, right in front of General Luna, 5-10 minutes by a boat, Daku Island, Ideal for snorkeling and other water sports activities, and The Naked Island. Discover Siargao by yourself.

References:
1 http://www.tourism.gov.ph/sitepages/topphildestinations.aspx
2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puerto_Princesa_Subterranean_River_National_Park
3. http://www.e-philippines.com.ph/philippine-tourist-destinations/banaue-travel-and-tour-packages/where-to-go-banaue-tourist-spots/