Um, what kind of butter is this?

My family and I decided to take a few days to discover the Visayas. The Visayas are a region of islands found in central Philippines. It was quite a treat, since my sisters, mother, and I always stayed on Luzon during our visits. All the islands in the Philippines have their own unique culture, history, even language, so we were truly tourists in the Visayas. We were joined a handful of other tourists from the NY area. Our first stop was Bohol.

Visayas

Our tour guide for the next few days greeted us at Tagbilaran Airport with handmade necklaces with a funny little animal as the pendant. It was of a tarsier, the smallest primate in the world, native to Bohol. I hoped to see one in the next two days!

We were accompanied by Mrs. Davide, the wife of a Philippine ambassador to the U.S. She really had the hook-up, because we were invited for a lunch at a new resort called The Peacock Garden, sponsored by a congressman of Bohol. Free food in a swanky new joint? Why, yes please, thank you.

Main building and restaurant

The shuttle ride to this place was a sobering guilt-trip. The poverty of the islands is nothing I haven’t seen before, but for some on the tour it was eye-awakening. I felt kind of bad that they had to experience guilt and discomfort. One shouldn’t feel guilty that you’re born into privilege. Somone before you either worked hard or was lucky enough to pass on a better lifestyle. What I do hope is that they were able to reflect on the experience and take on a more human, connected experience with the world. Humans would not survive without compassion and action.

But back to the lunch! We entered the European style restaurant which was adorned with Dr. Jose Rizal paraphernalia. Rizal is the national hero of the Philippines, and the decorator clearly had great respect for the man. His name is Mr. Hans Schoof, a big, mild-tempered German who fell in love with a Boholano. He greeted us during our meal and later gave us a tour of his establishment.

dining room

We were given the normal basket of bread and butter to snack on while we waited for our orders. Nothing special. There were a few small containers of butter on the table. Then, I noticed some other containers that had something darker than butter. I tasted it. It was oddly familiar, and quite delicious. One of the diners suggested it was “spiced butter.” I had to dismiss that theory, because it tasted nothing like butter, but was just as greasy. It was a bit smokey. The taste was oh so familiar. I asked the waitress what it was.

Pork Fat

HAH. hahahah. Hilarious. I loved it! Spread some pork fat on your dinner roll! Only in the Philippines. If whoever in this kitchen could make pork fat this fancy, I couldn’t wait for the rest of the meal.

delicious calamansi juice

"How come we can't ever have just like a salad?"

As if I needed more pork in my system, I ordered the delicious pork loin with carmelized onions, potatoes, and steamed veggies. I was starving.

yum

pecan tart, mango ice cream, papaya slices

Rizal's chairs. He spent some time in Germany

Infinity Pool. The resort is on a mountain.

to the wine cellar

disco!

spa

tub on a balcony

cigar room and bar

After the tour, we headed to Panglao Island in Bohol to settle into our resort. It was a quick ride across a river.

We stayed at Panglao Island Nature Resort. My sisters and I had our own bungalo! We were also in very close proximity to the beach. When I mean close, I mean, beachfront.