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  • Linda Leahy

Philippines

A 11-day adventure by Linda Read more
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  • Trip start
    September 17, 2025
    Linda LeahyPhilippinesTraveler
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    Travels day(s)

    September 19 on the Philippines ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C

    After 25 hours of travel, and a a wonderful night’s sleep, we have arrived in Manila at the crack of dawn. Gracious in-room checkin followed by wonderful second breakfast. We are off to explore Manila!Read more

  • Linda LeahyPhilippinesTraveler

    One Day in Manila

    Sep 19–20 on the Philippines ⋅ ☁️ 29 °C

    With only one day, at this end of the trip, in Manila, we had to hit the ground running. After checkin, we had breakfast in the Gallery, then a quick change into bathing suits to swim and hangout by pool, before heading out in a jeepney.

    “A jeepney is an iconic, brightly decorated public utility vehicle in the Philippines, famous for its affordability and cultural significance, originating from post-World War II American military jeeps. These are a primary mode of public transportation, known for accommodating many passengers in crowded conditions. While they offer cheap fares and embody Filipino ingenuity, they are also known for their high environmental impact due to older engines and often-poor maintenance” (wikipedia). Needless to say, we were in a very well maintained 1976 “jeepney” shared by just the two of us.

    We explored 4 interlinked malls. Despite almost two hours of wandering, we barely covered 1/10 of what was on offer.

    Walking back to hotel we enjoyed lovely city views. To pass time until high tea, we played rummy 500 in upper lobby.

    An afternoon of high tea and beer by the pool brought us to dinner time.    Read more

  • Linda LeahyPhilippinesTraveler

    Bohol here we come

    September 20 on the Philippines ⋅ ☁️ 31 °C

    We were up early to catch our flight at 8:55 to a beach destination for the next 5 days. Macky, our Gallery Club Service Manager, had arranged our car to airport and a to-go breakfast which included large americanos (bless his heart)!

    A quick drive to airport followed, then the most efficient checkin, security and walk through a immaculate domestic terminal to our comfort class lounge.

    Before we knew it, we were on our aircraft departing 10+ minutes early, being whisked away to Panglao. A short 8 minutes car ride to Hennan Resort Alona Beach later and our travels were done.

    Our room wasn’t ready as it was barely 10 am, so we were brought to the Hennan Lounge (available for refreshments 10am-7:30) to await our room.

    Restless as always, we decided to make a run to purchase wine and vodka - diet coke for the week. Linda found Cara Italian Market (see screenshot of webpage below) for wine purchases. Arriving after 1.5 km from resort we turned into the “mall” and couldn’t locate Cara? Upon inquiring with diners nearby, the establishment we were looking for was actually Werdenberg International Corp. (close enough!).

    The wine purchase became an adventure on its own. The establishment is a wholesale operation which requires a minimum of 4,000 php purchase. A quick check with Siri we determined that to be $100 cdn and an estimated 5 bottles. Even with the quite limited selection, 1/2 an hour later the necessary 6 bottles minimum purchase was accomplished. (invoicing for our 6 bottles = $106 was complicated - thought Lindsay was going to push her out of her chair and put purchase order into computer herself).

    Meanwhile, our tuktuk driver patiently waited with us in the ac cooled business, then carried the box of wine to our conveyance. We had a short stop at 7-eleven which also sells wine, beer and liquor (hence the detour to “proper” wine store) for Absolut and Coke Zero and we were in business!

    Shortly after arriving back at resort, our Villa was ready. We settled into our digs, enjoyed our pool and balcony while we played Rummy 500. We completed a brief reconnaissance of resort followed by a very quick foray into ocean and finally proceeded dinner.

    Seabeeze Cafe, our dinner venue of choicee, was bustling and popular. Boasting an eye popping selection of Asian and North Americans buffet offerings, we were almost overwhelmed with choices. Clearly, the place to be at the Resort. Tomorrow we will seek out a more intimate a la carte restaurant (bright green wrist bands clashed with our outfits).

    Early to bed for these grey hairs. No clubbing for night!    Read more

  • Linda LeahyPhilippinesTraveler
    1
    1

    Life’s A Beach

    September 21 on the Philippines ⋅ ☁️ 30 °C

    The entries for our trip will probably become monotonous as the languid pace of life has already grabbed us.

    Almost back to our usual times, we were up at dawn to enjoy Wordle and an expresso by our pool. We dawdled around before heading to breakfast at 7:00 (another vast smorgasbord featuring international choices to break our fast). A heavy downpour came from nowhere, while we were scarfing down our eggs, but was over by the time we finished our short expedition around the main building to find the gym.

    We retreated to our villa to make plans for the day. Having decided to explore the offerings on the adjacent beach, we set off to stroll and evaluate the many bars, pubs and restaurants, while nimbly dodging locals flogging their wares.

    The sea was rough yet beautiful on this sunny morning. Although I tried mightily, Mrs Clarkson wouldn’t even consider boarding a catamaran with many other tourists for a brief sail(if the gang plank isn’t “12 inches wide or bigger it’s a death trap”).

    The smaller hotels along the beach offer accommodations for as little as $71 CAD per night. Food and drink are also at very affordable rates. We spent time later by our pool using travel reviews to prioritize our choices for the next few days.

    The heat and humidity were turned up today, so on our way back to our pool we stopped at the Hennan lounge for light appies and an iced cappuccino for lunch.

    The afternoon was passed in and by the pool, a brief workout for Linda in the gym and Rummy 500 on our veranda. We were the epitome of nosy neighbours. We watched with fascination as two sickly yet majestic palms were taken down. Tried (unsuccessfully) not to gawk as a brouhaha developed between an unhappy looking couple (no loud or sharp words were exchanged, but a drama was obviously unfolding). At one point there were 5 staff waiting, cleaning and wringing their hands. The husband was whisked away with 4 pieces of luggage and no partner in sight. The activity around their villa eventually settled, but we were left to speculate and make up all manner of soap opera like scenarios to explain what had transpired!

    We had a lovely dinner at Christina’s, the hotel’s a la carte restaurant, being showered with attention, as serving staff ratio to guests was virtually one-to-one! We did find out that the high level of gardening, pruning and tree removal was being done with an abundance of precaution, as Super Typhoon Nando would be skimming the northern Philippines. (The wind didn’t even pick up here through the night). It is currently headed to Hong Kong.

    We passed a very peasant evening on our porch playing Mahjong and sipping cool drinks, before retiring at a reasonable 9:30!    Read more

  • Linda LeahyPhilippinesTraveler
    Home sweet homeMeet Terry the TortoiseMeet WhalenExercises before dinner. Not us!Nightlife in square on a Monday

    Hanging out with locals

    September 22 on the Philippines ⋅ ☁️ 29 °C

    Beautiful sunrise after another good night’s sleep. We beat a path to breakfast so to avoid the heat of the day exploring the town nearby. ( Too late. At 8:00 am it was already 30 “feels like 35”).

    The locals were out in force to get ready for the day. Our quest was to find a place for dinner. We had 3 top choices from Yelp, Travel Advisor and general Google search. The choice was made easy as others were not open on Mondays! So, Gerry’s Grill it is. I sent my friend Evelyn the menu and she gave us suggestions.

    With a plan in place, it was time to meander back to the Resort to cool off in the pool then don our coverups to get our light appies and ice tea/ ice water for lunch.

    The adult pool and swim up bar was calling, so we detoured there for a pina colada for Lindsay and Cosmo for Linda. It was lovely to sip our drinks while keeping cool in the water. We sashayed back to our back deck for Pinot Blanc and Mahjong! The light breeze kept things comfortable for our leisurely afternoon.

    Before we knew it, it was time to head to the square for dinner and people watching. We wanted an authentic filipino meal. So as to Evelyn’s recommendations: We had Lumpia Shanghai, Sizzling Sigsig, Lechon Kawali and on Phil’s (our waiter’s) recommendation we had the Gerry Special Rice, all washed down with Heinekens! Great feast that we couldn’t finish. Phil arranged for it to be shared with locals.

    We finished by walking the beach to let our meal digest then headed to Hennan Lounge for evening cocktails before retiring to the back porch for more Mahjong!

    We need to hit the hay at a decent time tonight, as we have invested 6,000 php ($145 CND) for both of our 8 hours of thrills tomorrow. … Stay tuned to see what we get into for all that moola.    Read more

  • Linda LeahyPhilippinesTraveler

    Private Car Tour with Riverboat Lunch

    September 23 on the Philippines ⋅ ☁️ 28 °C

    Early start to our day today! Had to get going to meet our driver for our 8 hour tour of the islands (Bohol and Panglao). This blog entry will deviate from the usual style. I have copied and pasted the descriptions of the many sights we visited. The pictures and videos are OURS. But it would be an endless entry to add our commentary. Tomorrow (as we plan our last day to be spent laying around pools) there won’t be much new to report, therefore I will reflect on all we saw today and provide overall impressions of this part of the Philippines! Tune in if you care!

    Now for $75 Tour (literally! $75 CND each includes private driver, lunch and entrance fees to all attractions!)

    Chocolate Hills-The Chocolate Hills are a geological formation in the Bohol province of the Philippines. There are at least 1,260 hills but there may be as many as 1,776 hills spread over an area of more than 50 square kilometres. They are covered in green grass that turns brown during the dry season, hence the name. The Chocolate Hills is a famous tourist attraction of Bohol. They are featured in the provincial flag and seal to symbolize the abundance of natural attractions in the province. (Apple Maps)

    Python, Butterfly Sanctuary -Bohol Python and Wildlife Park is an intriguing attraction nestled in the heart of Bohol, Philippines. This park offers visitors a unique chance to get up close with the python, one of the most fascinating reptiles in the world. But it's not just about these slithering giants; the park is also a sanctuary for various species of wildlife, providing a glimpse into the diverse ecosystem of Bohol. Here, you can immerse yourself in the natural beauty and wildlife that this tropical gem has to offer. Visitors often find the park to be educational, as well as an opportunity to support conservation efforts. (Vacation Forever)

    Bilar Tarsier Conservation - The Bohol Tarsier Conservation Area, located in the town of Bilar, Bohol, is a dedicated sanctuary that protects and preserves the endangered Philippine tarsier. These tiny, wide-eyed primates are considered some of the world's smallest and oldest, making the conservation area a vital hub for their survival and a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts and eco-tourists. (Guide to the Philippines)

    Man-Made Forest - The Bilar Man-Made Forest is one of the most unique attractions on Bohol Island. Stretching for about two kilometers along the highway between Loboc and Bilar towns, the forest is made up of thousands of mahogany trees planted decades ago as part of a reforestation program. Today, it has become a striking green corridor where towering trees form a natural tunnel, providing both shade and a sense of calm for visitors passing through.

    Bamboo Hanging Bridge - During our adventure around Bohol, we stopped at the Sevilla Twin Hanging Bridge, a famous tourist site in Bohol. Here you can enjoy serene views of the Sipatan (Loboc) River from above. There are two bridges that are 40 meters long and almost completely made of Bamboo – which makes them some of the most thrilling bridges we’ve been on. Being suspended 20 meters above the river on a rickety bridge was a fun pitstop on our way to other areas of Bohol. (The Froggy Adventures)

    Loboc River Cruise -The Loboc River Cruise in Bohol, Philippines, is a popular floating restaurant experience that takes you down the lush, scenic Loboc River. The tour features an all-you-can-eat buffet lunch onboard a traditional Filipino boat with a tugboat for propulsion, live music, and traditional Filipino dancing, including the bamboo dance, while sailing past riverbanks. (AI - Overview)

    Baclayon Church - The Church of Our Lady of Immaculate
    Conception or commonly known as the Baclayon Church in Baclayon, Bohol is the second oldest stone church in the Philippines and it firmly stands as a proof to the boholanos devotion to their faith. It was exquisitely made from coral stones and was cemented using the white of over 1 million eggs. (Www.BackayonbCurch)

    Bohol Bee Farm - At Bohol Bee Farm, we are more than just honey. Nestled on Panglao Island, our farm is dedicated to organic farming, sustainable living, and supporting local communities. From our fresh produce and handcrafted products to our unique farm-to-table dining and eco-friendly experiences, we celebrate nature, wellness, and the rich culture of Bohol (boholbeefarm.com)    Read more

  • Linda LeahyPhilippinesTraveler

    Ruminations on our stay Panglao and Boho

    September 23 on the Philippines ⋅ ☁️ 28 °C

    Before delving into thoughts on our adventures here, an explanation for first few pictures and first video is in order. Our day yesterday did not end when we got back to the Resort. As we had our list of nearby dining establishments and had been able to observe the square, we settled on Paddy’s Irish Pub for fish and chips and a ringside table to the fire dance show. Both the food and show were outstanding!

    When reflecting upon all we have seen on our driving tour, TukTuk ride to town and walking around nearby shops and restaurants, I think that Paddy, the restaurant owner last night, hit the nail on the head when he said he moved here 27 years ago after he visited, because this place reminded him of his life growing up in Ireland, where you could leave your door open, your car keys on the front seat and children walked to school unaccompanied at a very young age . It’s a safe, friendly, and healthy environment.    Read more

  • Linda LeahyPhilippinesTraveler

    Back to Manila

    September 25 on the Philippines ⋅ 🌧 26 °C

    Today we left our island paradise to return to Manila. It was heartwarming that many of the staff knew we were leaving and went out of their way wish us well on our journey.

    Despite the airport having no lounge, we were there the requisite two hours early. Once again we were through security in less than two minutes, so we settled in a gate to doom scrolling! Then a pleasant surprise occurred. A wonderfully talented trio of singer musicians entertained us for the rest of the wait.

    Driving the back to our hotel under overcast skies Lindsay was hoping we’d get to actually experience a typhoon (tomorrow evening and Saturday morning she may get her wish). In the meantime, after we enjoyed high tea in The Gallery Club, we retired to our room for a brief relax and then primping fir dinner, when the heavens opened up.

    We had arranged a car to and from the Grand Hyatt where we had our dinner booked for the Petit Chef. This 3D two hour dining experience takes place in a corner of the Peak restaurant on the 61st floor, with spectacular panoramic views of Manila.

    There were two seatings and we took the earlier one at 5:30 (the blue hair special), with required checkin an half before the reservation and allowing for traffic, we set off at 4:00! Once checked in, we were invited to wait in the Sunset bar surrounded by a Scotch Lounge and a speakeasy (that intrigued us with occasional blast of raucous music emanating from its hidden door).

    We were seated with a lovely young couple celebrating their second anniversary (Jen and Charlie). We proceeded to enjoy the culinary lesson, whimsically presented by a live performance and a 3d virtual feast for the eyes. Actually one could say it four D presentation, with our taste buds being tantalized too! The two hours flew by and we returned to hotel for early bedtime.    Read more

  • Linda LeahyPhilippinesTraveler

    Lazy Day in Manila

    September 26 on the Philippines ⋅ 🌧 27 °C

    After an early bedtime, we were awake at dawn, but lay in bed reading our books, doing our daily puzzles, while it rained outside.

    We meandered down to breakfast at The Gallery Club. We were able to stretch that out for an hour and then we ventured down under poolside bar awning to chat with family in Calgary and Scotland. Then back to room until housekeeping needed in to clean.

    We returned to The Gallery Club to read, as we not allowed to be play cards or Mahjong. As we headed back to room the driving rain let up, so we decided on an hour in pool followed by sauna, steam room and shower before High Tea back at The Gallery Club.

    Then back to room to pack, figure out way to watch Ryder Cup at 7:00 and ended up watching Coach Carter before a
    light dinner of appetizers back at The Gallery Club, while listening to orchestra playing musical classics!

    We managed to stream Breakfast at Bethpage while we listened to music. We went to room to stream off Ryder Cup website until we faded.    Read more

    Trip end
    September 27, 2025
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