But of the many places I’ve been to, there is that something that draws me back to my roots. I was raised and grew up in this small yet beautiful island called Bohol in the Central Visayas region in the Philippines. Amidst the many natural wonders which our province is known for, it is also known for the long stretch of white sand beaches particularly in the municipality of Panglao, and somewhere here is nestled one of my favorite escapes, the Bohol Beach Club.

Panglao is the fourth class municipality that comprised Bohol, and is 18 km away from Tagbilaran City, the province’s capital. It has numerous beach resorts to its name, but being a self-confessed beach lover, Bohol Beach Club is on top of my list whenever I feel like basking in the warmth of the sun, or going snorkeling, or just want to take some time off to unwind.

Bohol Beach Club is a private resort with international standards. It’s one of the prominent beaches in the country sought after by tourists from around the globe. Its facilities include three (3) swimming pools, pool bars, restaurants, beach bar, outdoor jacuzzi, tennis court, game hall for darts, billiards, chess, backgammon and table tennis, offers scuba diving lessons, and a chance to take a glimpse of the underwater world on their glass bottom boat, or go scuba diving and swim with the colorful fishes as you take a magical tour under the sea filled with enthralling marine life.

Apart from the leisurely part, the resort also has wide range of business services being offered. Among these are secretarial services, Internet access, photocopying and facsimile machine services. In addition, they have able and efficient staff who do dry cleaning and laundry services, massage service, a doctor on call, room service from six in the morning to 12 midnight, airport transfers, and front desk officer who does airline ticket confirmation and provides tour information and tour bookings. The resort is also donned with gift shops wherein beach wear, sundry items, fashion accessories, and souvenir items can be bought along with many other vacation essentials.

Bohol Beach Club has somehow become a place of refuge each time I finished a project or at times when business is stressing me out. And other times, when I feel like I deserve a relaxing weekend getaway, the place pops up in mind right away. One of my favorite activities each time I am at the resort is exploring the nearby islands. Yes, it has neighboring pieces of land surrounded by white sand and crystal clear blue water. And beneath the waters are perfect diving spots which tourists are sure to love. Nearby islands are called Balicasag and the Virgin island. For those who have seen the depths of the sea on these areas, including myself, no wonder they or should I say, we, always come back yearning for more.

There’s just so much to see and do at Bohol Beach Club. Every time I’m there, I spend a lot of time outdoors. I love the serenity of the place. One thing great about it is it fits whatever mood I am at the moment. Like, if I am up for fun and adventure, I go diving or snorkeling. The diving spots? As I’ve mentioned, are just heavenly! Or better yet, I engage in sports. And at times when I just feel like curling my lap and reading a book, there is a vast quiet space for this too. Hence, Bohol Beach Club or BBC as the locals fondly call it, suits my mood, my taste, my style and most of all, my preference for a hot spot to be!

My first Plunge (210ft sudden drop with only faith and harness to hold…) at Eat Danao…. I felt like I died for a few seconds LOL… My friend, Rosemarie got lost in tracking me… LOL

THANK YOU EVERYONE for all your birthday surprises, greetings, wishes, flowers, presents and presence! You all made my birthday more special and happier! Many blessings to all of you too! ***hugs and kisses***

One of the surprises I got on my 30th Birthday: "Thanks to my bestfriend, Margo and her princes, Vem-vem and Lyzter for making my day more special! Love you all so much!"

I am not yet halfway through this exhilarating journey called Life.  I have been a lot already, too much even.  But THANKS to God, to my family, to my ever supportive godmothers (Gina and Mirriam) and their families esp to Ofelia — who’s like more than a parent to me and who’d been always my confidant, advisor and the one person I always look up to, to my beautiful bestfriend/sister, Margo who’s always there for me through my life’s ups and downs and her family, to my beautiful best girlfriends, to my best male friends, to my mentors (Mrs. Sally, Anthony and Mike), to my business consultant and great friend (Mark), to my former and new staff, to my clients and business partners, to my friends and all the people around the world who’d been a part of my life for the past 30 years — I am still up and standing strong.  I’ve shed a bucket of tears already, been frustrated, been hurt, been insulted, been depressed… but what matters most is that, at the end of the day I am still whole and unscratched.  And I am proud of who I am and definitely happier, thankful and feel more so blessed to know many people love, care, believe, trust and are proud of me… You all know who you are and again THANKS HEAPS! You keep on inspiring and motivating me to continue flipping the pages of my life, to go on with my journey and to fulfill my dreams…

Sometimes, the world is cruel, and sometimes it’s not.  I just have to be always prepared to face reality, and always be thankful for everything that comes my way, no matter what it brings me, either joy or sadness. Things happen for a reason and they are teaching me something valuable.  At times, I may not fully comprehend what things and circumstances are trying to present, but I believe that they exist for a purpose, just like ME.  I am not an accident, but is here for a remarkable reason.  And I will hold on to this: I am SPECIAL.

Now at 30, I consider it as a start of another chapter in my life… a more fruitful and exciting one. The future is looking good from here. I’ll continue to dream and hope.  I know one day, the heavens will hear me… and every wonderful dream will no longer be a dream but become reality. I will always be the person you’ve known me to be or even better.  I know my flaws and I know how to get rid of them.  And I promise to keep things right.  Though there will be times doing so is difficult, but sticking to what is right has always been rewarding. I’ll continue to be strong and be independent.  Continue to believe.  Continue to dream.  It’s blissful enough to know that everyone dear to my heart loves me, and it’s a joy to tell it to the world that I love them too so much.  I will continue to enjoy life, pursue my dreams and never give up!!!

GOD bless always and CHEERS to all of you!!!

~Joanne