Bohol Day Tour Part 2: Heritage Churches & Prony, the python

Itinerary

8:20 am- ETD in Momo Beach Escape

1.       Dauis Church

2.       Chocolate Hills Adventure Park

3.       Butterfly Conservation Center

4.       Manmade Forest of Bilar

5.       Tarsier Conservation Area

6.       Loboc Church

7.       Bohol Python & Wildlife Park

8.       Baclayon Church

9.       Pasalubong Center

1.       Bohol Bee Farm

7:00 pm- ETA in Momo Beach Escape

Loboc Church

Loboc Church was built by the Jesuits in 1632, but was damaged by fire. Then in 1734, the Jesuits built a newer but larger structure. A 3-storey convent was also made at the back of the church.

The magnitude of the quake had undeniably shuddered this front part of the church 

Some parts of the church withstood the intensity of the quake

This belfry, a bit distant to the church had shaken into pieces.

Bohol Python & Wildlife Park

Bohol Phyton & Wildlife Park is the home of the late Prony, one of the largest phytons in captivity and being taken care of by the owner, Eugenio Salibay. It was captured last October 21, 1996 in Albuquerque town with the length of 5 feet and weight of 5 kilograms. The female python had unbelievably grown to 27 feet and 34 inches with 280 kilograms in weight in 2012. It is believed that python can only survive for 15 years in captivity, but 40 years if they are in the wild. Sadly, Prony died last August 14, 2013 due to unknown cause. However, her caretaker for several years stated that it was due to liver cancer for she had absorbed that illness from its owner. 

The family decided to preserve her remains and put it on display inside her den. Today, the wildlife park houses not only snakes but other animals such as turtles, a monkey, and an eagle.

It was drizzling when we had a stop-over in this site.  

George, the monkey is one of the playful animals in the center

Prony Junior is the current snake that the wildlife is taking care of. According to the caretaker, this 2-year old python is fed 5 chickens every week.
We were welcomed by John (who has a resemblance to Michael V), our tour guide that day with his exceptional energy and jolly character despite the presence of gloomy weather. It was such a right timing that no other tourists with us and we were so much entertained by his wit.  At the end of our tour, he rendered us a very delightful performance, showcasing his talents of impersonating and choreography.

John's various faces of remarkable dedication to work and unique character

John Leonard Abao (aka Marimar) has been working full-time tour guide in the park for 9 years. According to him, he just finished grade 6, and decided to work at a very young age. Also, he used to work as a lady boy in one of the comedy bars in Tagbilaran City after his work in the center. John was so devastated when Prony died, yet never left the center for he became attached to the animals, especially the python. In the contrary, after the earthquake destructed their house, the comedy bar that he used to work shattered as well. The only thing that he could earn a living now is being a tour guide in the center. 

Before leaving the place, I told him how delighted we were from his enthusiasm despite the destructions they had been through after the calamity. I decided to give the clothes that I was about to donate to other victims and included a small amount of money as an appreciation for his service to us.

Contact Information

Location: Laya, Baclayon Bohol

Baclayon Church

Baclayon Church also known as the Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception is one of the oldest churches in the country. It is actually the second oldest church next to San Agustin Church in Intramuros, Manila which was built in 1571. It took the Jesuit missionaries 10 years before it was completed in 1727. In fact, locals were forced to build the church using coral stones from the sea and bamboo materials to lift those coral stones, and egg white to bind them together. It is believed that the church has a dungeon inside where slaves were killed and buried.

The devastation that the earthquake had brought to this historical site is disheartening

Aproniana Pasalubong Shop
Aproniana is just a typical store that sells the usual pasalubong in Bohol. They often sell local products such as handcrafted souvenirs, shirts, bags, keychains, ref magnets, and many more. Upon entering the store, the staff will give you a small card which entitles you a 10% discount on all major products of the store. In the contrary, the customers don't have the chance to ask for any further discount.

Paintings are also for sale

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Blogger's Note

Please be informed that details are subject to change at any time, particularly the price, location, and contact numbers. I, therefore advise that you visit their website or email ahead for confirmation when making your itinerary. The blogger cannot be held responsible for the experiences of the readers while travelling.