The kalesa is an old form of transportation that has survived up to the present and is a common tourist attraction in the old Manila area. I’ve ridden on them a few times and so have my son, so looking at this before and after picture makes me realize some of the changes in its design.

Just like houses may change while their address sign remain the same, I hope that the humble Kalesa will survive for more generations to enjoy the feeling of bio transportation. And I also hope that these Kalesa drivers and owners learn to take care of their horses.

When I was younger our house was built near a rice field which is also called “bukid”. And we normally see a Kalabaw or carabao helping out farmers as well as cows and goats. Two decades later having gone back to the same house that I grew up on, its sad to see our street and our area full of houses – to the point that there are very few trees. The once lush green rice field where kalabaws work are now stone houses and streets.

My son was even surprised when he saw a carabao in person while vacationing at Bohol. I felt sad because he did not experience the same old school childhood as I did.

We experience a different kind of service with Dao Diamond Hotel. Since they support deaf students, they also employ qualified deaf personnel making the hotel elegantly quiet. At first it will feel awkward when you are trying to make sign language to ask for things but soon you will understand a little bit of their sign language and you will appreciate the professionalism and hospitality that they offer.

The hotel also looks real nice, with its laminate flooring, wonderful displays and Polynesian theme. Highly recommended in case you need a place to stay in Tagbilaran Bohol.

One of the best part of our trip is the tour of the many historical and tourist destinations found within the Island of Bohol. Our hotel hired for us a car with a driver that will take us around Bohol for P2500. The car was good and the driver was nice and explains to us a lot of things about the landmarks and the people that live in Bohol. The roads were quiet and empty which is a far cry from what were used at in cities. I just hope that there is an emergency road service available that will help people that will experience car problems. We visited the Blood Compact Statue, Baclayon Church, Chocolate Hills, Butterfly Garden, Tarsier Conservation Area and Loboc River Cruise.

My wife has a crazy idea that we should just rent a car when we get to Bohol. She wants me to drive them around the island visiting all the important places. The thing is, I am not familiar with the roads and the important places that we want to visit are not clearly marked on maps. A gps tomtom might help, but being a province I doubt I’ll even get GPS response. So for now, I will have to say no, and just get a country side tour package.

The word “Traffic” is alive again in my social network. Most of my friends are probably stuck in the crazy December traffic. I’m not sure why but last year, I did feel the wrath of December traffic – it was crazy, main roads turn into slow moving car parks!

Malls are probably to blame because of the many great shopping deals and discounts they offer. They even offer deals that can match home depot coupons in terms of savings. However people do not save anything – its just an illusion. What happens is the customer will simply spend the “saved” money onto something else.

Thankfully I am now working at home and far from heavy traffic at the comfort of my own house.