We’ve visited Bohol numerous times before—with different partners, when LP and BG haven’t crossed paths yet; as a couple, when our paths finally did cross; and now as a family, with Kid A in tow. Each visit was definitely different. This time, we both decided to stay at Panglao’s Alona Beach—a first for us both—to see what this so-called Boracay-esque area of the island has to offer.

KID A AND BG ENJOYING BEST WESTERN PANGLAO’S POOL

After spending four days in the sleepy town of Anda, we thought of staying another five days in Bohol before going back home to Manila. Since we’ve previously toured the province’s tourist spots, we thought of doing nothing but frolic on the beach, eat out, and enjoy our hotel. Well, maybe check out the Chocolate Hills and see the tarsiers too, for Kid A’s sake. But what we really wanted was a staycation by the beach. And our staycation place of choice, Panglao’s Best Western Plus The Ivywall Resort.

I recently contributed another Insider’s Guide article for Inflight Traveller issue 30, this time for a Bohol listicle, Top 10 Things To Do in Bohol. Again, I can’t seem to get a hold of a physical copy, so I guess a PDF will do. Inflight Traveller is the official inflight magazine for AirSWIFT Airlines Philippines, so if ever you get the chance to fly via AirSWIFT, grab me a copy, please?

Here’s my article in its original form:

Ever since I started traveling to Cebu, I’ve always wondered where that flagstone-wall with hypnotic concentric circular portals are in Cebu. I knew the name, Tops Lookout Cebu or simply Tops Cebu, but I always seem to miss it whenever I land at the Queen City of the South.

I’ve been to Cebu and Mactan’s tourist spots, even going so far as Camotes Island and the Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary, but Tops Cebu seems to be eluding me. Just where the heck is it?! And on this last trip to Cebu with fellow drinkers from Team RH, I finally found out where.

When in Cebu, eat lechon. That’s our group motto when we headed over to the Queen City of the South on an impulse weekend trip. And eat lechon we did. If Premiere Citi Suites Cebu offered it for breakfast, we’d have roasted pig for breakfast. But alas, they do not, so we had to confine our pig out sessions during lunchtimes.

CEBU’S ORIGINAL LECHON BELLY ~ WHOLE, FROM PHP2,200.00

On our last day in the city, we visited Cebu’s Original Lechon Belly. I’ve tried one of Lechon Belly’s Manila branches before and found it to be supremely good; better than most commercial roasted pigs I’ve tried elsewhere. We were told then that they actually fly these pork bellies all the way from Cebu to Manila. And that made me curious if those they sell in Cebu actually tastes like those they hawk in Manila. Or more importantly, is it actually better?

I’ve been hearing a lot about a certain temple in Cebu which many dub as the Taj Mahal of the Philippines. While I’m not much for comparing places we have in the Philippines with those abroad, but for many, that’s usually the easiest and not to mention, the catchiest way to promote a place. And so it was that on our last day of our weekend in Cebu, we decided to add at least a single tourist spot on our itinerary, the famed Temple of Leah.

► CHECK OUT: CEBU TRAVEL GUIDE

THE MOUNTAINOUS AREA OF BARANGAY BUSAY

Located on the hills of Barangay Busay, where the equally popular Tops Cebu and Sirao Garden is located, the graceful temple rose from the ground in 2012. Fairly recent, but judging from the number of visitors we have to dodge that weekend, its popularity with both local and foreign tourists, seemed to suggest otherwise.

► TO HELP YOU GET STARTED, HERE’S A LIST OF TOP THINGS TO DO IN CEBU BY GUIDE TO THE PHILIPPINES

Visiting tourist spots in Cebu City wasn’t really on our itinerary. What’s in it though are the numerous lechon restaurants that the city is known for. I know, we only have to go to La Loma in Manila to enjoy this sinful porky treat, but since it’s been years since we last visited Cebu, we just have to try some of its newer pig-out places.

CEBU’S HOUSE OF LECHON

Coming straight from our breakfast at the Premiere Citi Suites Hotel, the first one we went to for lunch is Cebu’s House of Lechon, a restaurant specializing in Carcar’s version of roasted pigs. Carcar is a city about an hour away from Cebu City and it can compete, and even better, Cebu’s very best. I’ve tried CnT Lechon, Zubuchon (for purists, I know, I know), and Cebu’s Original Lechon Belly, but honestly, I’ve probably haven’t tried the best lechon in Cebu City yet. What I can do say is that I’ve tried Carcar’s version on its public market years back. And for me, it still is the best lechon I’ve ever had.

There really wasn’t any particular reason why we booked an immediate flight to Cebu City. There was no long weekend. There weren’t any festivals happening. No one was celebrating any birthday that we have to attend in. There wasn’t anything. Together with a few friends visiting from Singapore and Australia, we just felt like going there. No plans. No itineraries. No nothing. Just us, and a couple of days’ worth of clothes.

Everything happened fast. Too fast. After a drunken debauchery of a weekend in Boracay with the same gang. We felt we needed to bring our mess to the Queen City of the South. After hurried flight bookings and rebookings, and a quick scan for the cheapest, but still decent, hotel in Cebu. We’re all set.

Three of us touched down at the Mactan International Airport just before the clock struck twelve midnight, while another went earlier. Our last two companions came the morning after; the hastily drawn circle, completed.

”No, I will not ride that little surfboard thing.” I told my friends as we watched C and M balance above the artificial waves created by Crown Regency Resort’s Wave Rider. Hollering and laughing as they did, they looked like they were all having so much fun, that after a few more prodding, I myself was riding on the board, wobbly legs and all.

LOVE THE MODERN TROPICAL ARCHITECTURE OF CROWN REGENCY RESORT

It was the weekend, and after the much expected delays at Manila’s airport, we were soon heading through the lonely evening roads of Aklan and on to a speedboat en route to the Philippines’ party island, Boracay. Our lodging of choice this time, Crown Regency Resort and Convention Center.

SEE: BORACAY TRAVEL GUIDE