Part of the itinerary mom arranged when we went home was to visit papa's (father-in-law) home town. Originally from Bohol, papa moved to Cebu (where he and mama met) to finish his studies and eventually teach. This trip was also extra special as it was our first family trip to Tagbilaran, Bohol's capital and main port. Additionally, mommy also have this tradition of kissing a particular Mother Mary in Loboc church which we learned was badly hit by last year's big quake. The month of May is also the best month to visit as not a single day within the 30-day calendar goes by without a town celebrating its fiesta.
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| Ferry passengers waiting conveniently inside this centralized air-conditioned and well-maintained pier 1 passenger terminal |
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| The 2nd Mactan Bridge or Marcelo Fernan Bridge is seen in the background of a large banca departing for one of the islands |
Personally, I was surprised and delighted upon entering Pier One's passenger ferry terminal. Growing up in Cebu, I had the notion of this area being crowded, mud-puddled, greasy, and smelly. Boy oh boy was I very wrong! It was well-organized, clean, and comfy. It had even wi-fi which unfortunately was out of order. The seats were in par with those seen in international airports and lounge areas-- sleek and shiny. While the kids were busy with their electronic gadgets, PJ and Nina decided to go for a quick 30-min massage. For a minimal charge, these blind manghihilots sure know how to pamper you. You can find a good number of them around which is a good way for them to earn some income as well.
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| Western foreigners alighting and waiting for their baggages-- ferry boat that had just arrived from Tagbilaran |
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| Another group of musically-inclined blind individuals are seen here entertaining the passengers with quality music-- don't forget to drop some donation ;) |
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| A crude oil tanker with its driver and crew is parked beside the ferry ready for refueling |
Everyone carried their individual backpacks and boarded the ferry just before noon time. Sun was bright. Sky was blue. It was a fine day. The lower level of the boat was air-conditioned which cost a lot more than the top level. We preferred the cool, fresh sea breeze and a non-tinted view of the surroundings. Everyone was all smiles and in high spirits before being rocked to sleep. Casey was pumped up to be riding on a ferry boat again. There were a good number of passengers, the boat was almost full. It was a pleasant sight to see Cebu skyline and terrain from eye level, off the shore and at a slow pace. Something I haven't done for a very long time.
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| Weesam Express ferry also berthed at Pier 1 |
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| A decades-old fixture of Cebu's skyline, Ludo and Luym factory |
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| Worn out and rusty ship docked at Tagbilaran port-- not sure if it's still operational |
Finally after a 3-hr relaxed and well-rested ferry ride, we reach Bohol! Home of TWO of the world-renowned sights.
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