One FiNE DaY in tHE IsLAnD oF PAnDaNoN

I was trying to think of a nice place to go this summer. I took out the idea of going out of the country this year considering the crisis and the uncertain economy which could very well affect legal practice. There's also work to consider and the boyfriend's Bar examinations.
I think it was two weeks ago that i was able to browse through the very nice photos of Angel Selma Llaban in Facebook and i couldn't help but ask her where the photos were taken.. it were pictures of an island with fine white sand, clear beach water with less people. And so she told me they went to Pandanon Island which is an hour's ride from Hilton.
Determined to enjoy summer this year in a least costly manner, i rounded up my lawyer friends who all agreed to see the island with me. Being the organizer, i had to browse through the web and check out feedbacks and write-ups about Pandanon. Unfortunately, days before the scheduled trip, my friends had to cancel due to work. Not allowing anything to dampen my summer mood, i texted the boyfriend's cousin who needed to get away from her brokenhearted shell and bounce back from an ended relationship. With her friends and family in tow, the boyfriend and his family in tow and my bestfriend, i just had a great summer, sunny day in the Island Of Pandanon.
For those of you who have heard about it and would like to go, here are some tips and info for a hassle free and fun time in Pandanon..for those you who havent, here are reasons why you should be intrigued.

-Pandanon Island is part of Getafe, Bohol but it is nearer Cebu and is often mistaken to be part of Olanggo Island
-It is about an hour to 1 1/2 hour boat ride from Hilton
- Browsing through the internet, i learned that boat fares range between P3,000 to P3,500 for 12-20pax capacity BUT luckily, we were able to get a 20 seater boat for only P2,000.. look for Don2x who sails the boat named "LUCI 20"
- There are also packages and island tours that comes with free towels, food etc... you can avail of it as well but i actually do not recommend it
-If you get easily get seasick, then take bonamine before the boat ride, waves can be big even on a clear day considering that its an open sea ride already
- You can bring cooked food or you may opt to do the grilling there
- Bring your own drinking water.. Pandanon Island does not have clean drinking water
-Entrance fee is P150.00 (effective April 1, 2009) and cottage is P200.00 per hut
- Bring sunblock, the island is so open and its very hot..but it is windy
-Pandanon Island is a sand bar and is inhabited by only a few people. It is clean and unexploited by man and so be sure to clean up before leaving and do not leave your trash anywhere

Pandanon Island is one of Philippines' pride and im so happy to have spent my summer there this year.. who needs to go abroad when you can relax here in our very own. Have a great summer everyone!