Joseph's Notes

 (The following comparison is my opinion only after having lived in both Dumaguete and Tagbilaran before and during the pandemic. I published a shorter comparison of the two cities on November 19, 2019 when we first moved to Bohol. This one is more complete.) Standing in the middle of "The Boulevard" in Dumaguete at sunrise Dumaguete and Tagbilaran, are two smaller but significant cities in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines. They are on distinct islands, Dumaguete on the island of Negros and Tagbilaran on the island of Bohol, separated only by the island of Cebu. Both are thriving cities, and are well known for being tourist hot spots and retirement destinations for expats from around the world. They are similar in size, Dumaguete with about 134,000 residents and Tagbilaran with about 105,000. Each is the provincial capital, Dumaguete of the province of Negros Oriental and Tagbilaran of the province of Bohol; and each is the largest city in the province (Tagbil

Bohol!   So many memories: Visiting all 47 towns in the province Exploring the Bohol countryside Eating at the original Bohol Bee Farm over the ocean on Panglao Enjoying Sagbayan Peak Viewing the Chocolate Hills Seeing the tarsiers up close Trips to Island City Mall (our favorite mall) Visiting Mirror of the World in Sikatuna All You Can Eat shrimp and chicken buffet Thrilling rides in Danao Adventure Park Swimming, snorkeling, and free diving lessons with Blue Freedom Apnea Staying at 10 different resorts in Panglao $7 professional massages at Masaje de Bohol Board games at home Flying the camera drone Excellent meals at Talimbaw Art Museum and Restaurant Eating street food whenever we wanted (especially barbecue) Visiting several nature centers and zoos But it is time to move on. In early March we left Bohol to spend a few weeks with Lyn’s family in Bukidnon. We loaded up a truck with our belongings bringing our car and motorcycle down to the dock in Tagb

We have eaten in many restaurants in the eighteen months we have lived in Bohol. Some common ones we have been to are Jollibee, McDonald's, Mang Inasal, Greenwich, and Chow King.  We also enjoyed some of the local restaurants like Sunburst, AA Barbecue, Mooon, and many local carendarias .  We have also eaten at restaurants that at one time or another were our very favorite .  Frankies Cafe  Our first very favorite restaurant was Frankies Cafe at Island Center Mall. Frankies is an international restaurant specializing in American, Filipino, Mexican, Italian, and Middle Eastern foods. Their prices are a little higher than most, but they have very good food, and you can usually chat with the owner Frankie or other Westerners there. This was taken in the morning when the  restaurant was closed Prawn Farm Our next favorite restaurant was the Prawn Farm Restaurant also at ICM. They offer semi-elegant dining specializing in seafood, and you can get a very simple meal for 99 php ($2). A co

Well, we’ve done it! We’ve travelled to every municipality in the Province of Bohol. One city—Tagbilaran, and 47 towns. As I have said before in a previous post , we have really appreciated the privilege of traveling throughout  the province enjoying the incredible natural scenery. Sunrise over the Bohol Sea From Panglao in the south to Talibon in the north. From the port of Jagna in the east toward Camiguin and Mindanao, to the port of Tubigon in the west toward Cebu. From the magnificent Chocolate Hills of  Carmen and Sagbayan to the amazing beaches of Panglao and Anda. From the mountain adventures of  Danao to the Mirror of the World in Sikatuna. From the caves of Baclaran and Dauis to the waterfalls of  Antequera and the river cruises of Loboc and Loay. White Beach at Alona -- deserted except for us Beautiful caves in Baclayan At Mirror of the World in Sikatuna Bung-Aw Eco-Farm in Sagbayan Getting ready to ride the zip line in Danao Adventure Park Wendie preparing to take "The