D.A.T.E. Park, Catigbian, Bohol

The Dagook Adventure Tour Experience Park or D.A.T.E. Park as locals often call is in Catigbian, Bohol.  It is situated in Poblacion Weste and Rizal in Catigbian- a municipality in the interior of Bohol Island.  35 kilometers Northeast of Tagbilaran City.

A 3-hectare natural forest reserve that conserves the swift-running Sampilangon River and lies towards the marvelous cascades of Dagook Falls.  I had the chance to visit the place unfortunately wasn’t able to experience the activities there.  It was a very quick stop so I just took advantage of taking pictures.  The park is owned by the local government unit of Catigbian so I believe they have a very minimal entrance fee or at least none.  The activities were also affordable and if I remember it right, I believe they offer a package of Php700 inclusive of guides, use of equipment, park amenities (50% discount for students, senior citizens and Catigbian locals) for a trail course where you can enjoy most of the activities.

The activities in DATE Park are with intent ready to test your courage and endurance but less extreme than E.A.T. Danao Park.  So if you’re not yet ready for intense ones, this is perfect for less daring adventure-seekers and for family bonding.

The park opens from 8am until 5pm.  Visitors are briefed first and armed with safety harness, slider roller, headgear and outsized hooks at the main center. Activities include Canopy Walk, Monkey Bridge, Mountain Slides and Trails.

(photo from google)

 Canopy Walk

60-meter canopy walk suspended in 20 meters of 7 high-tension steel cables in about 60 feet above the ground deep.

 (photo from google)

 Monkey Bridge

45-meter bridge hanging through 4 cables, one of which the harness will be fastened, walk along in 90-120 feet above the ground deep.  You will be wearing a double harness here attached to a safety cable.

 (photo from google)

Mountain Slide

2000-meter zipline negotiates through Sampilangon River and Dagook Falls. This will take you back near the area where you started the activities. So before you do the monkey bridge, be ready for a 25-second slide!

 Trekking

500-meter ascending trail to get to Dagook Falls.

Medicinal plants are abundantly found in the area and are labeled with local names and what they’re used for.  Amusingly, monkeys are everywhere which made me so anxious.  They’re creepy.  But the guide said they’re harmless.  Still, I’m reluctant because they love to tease you if they see you scared.

How to get to Catigbian DATE Park:

From Tagbilaran city, travel by bus bound for Danao or Sagbaan via Cortes Town at Dao Terminal. Ask the driver to drop you at First Consolidated Bank near the Barangay road leading to DATE Park. Across the street are motorcycles (habal-habal) that can take you to DATE Park.  If you’re in a group, getting a van is more convenient.

JMJ Transport is offers a car/van rental service going to this DATE Park.

Available vehicles such as: Toyota Hi Ace Commuter  ( Van) ,Toyota  Vios  (car ), Hyundai Accent (car)

Contact numbers. Mobile numbers 09173043818, 09183348481, Pldt.landline: 03841125271

Or you may visit their website: www.jmj-transport.com.

Address: Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Philippines

Source: DATE Park Facebook fanpage

Citrus Drink

Lemon

Oranges

Cucumber

Honey

Water

Basil (optional)

Lemon is known for its cleansing effect of the system for impurities.  By drinking lemon juice regularly, the bowels  eliminate waste more efficiently thus preventing constipation and indigestion.

Regular consumption of lemon water provides a number of health benefits.  Lemon is excellent for skin, hair, teeth and gums, treating throat infections, aiding in weight loss, preventing high blood pressure, curing respiratory disorders, rheumatism and reducing fever.

Cucumber, however, is almost water but is more nutritious than regular water.  It keeps the body hydrated and helps flushing the toxins in the body.  It is also very good for the skin, nails, joints, teeth and gums. Cucumber has minerals that effectively work for regulating blood pressure – good for treating low blood and high blood pressure.  It aids digestion, promotes joint health, relieves gout and arthritis pain, reduces cholesterol, and helps weight loss.

The Orange fruit is good for people who have asthma, arthritis, and high blood pressure.  It prevents kidney stones and lowers cholesterol.

Honey, as we all know, is a natural energy booster.  It is great for immunity system builder and a natural remedy for many ailments like cuts and burns, chapped lips, arthritis, sore throats.  When you get a hangover, fight the effects of alcohol by drinking honey with orange juice and yogurt blended together.

The J.CO Way

I never would’ve thought I’d wait in queue just to taste these donuts people are talking about.  J.CO Donuts and Coffee. Every time I go to Mall of Asia, I always see a long row of people going crazy over some donuts.  But today, I made a trip as early as 11 am with thoughts that there would be fewer people.  Yah, there were a number, I guess 20 before me.  But yehey! I waited for my turn inside the store and not wait for  a lot more ahead of me outside.  Which means it’s probably around 50 people already before you get to have your share of J.CO donuts.  A piece is 42pesos but if you get half a dozen will cost only 250pesos.  A dozen for 350pesos and two dozens for only 550pesos.

As I was about to be served next, I got so excited that I forgot what to order.  (Or perhaps they already ran out because I can’t seem to find the precious ones I was eyeing for) So it was then my turn! I was unknowingly choosing what to get.  I had to get a dozen because who knows when I can visit the store after that.  The place is always packed!  So, I picked 11 donuts and got the green one last.  Then Jcoccino came and oh! How in the heavens did it come after I made my last pick! I tried to ask the guy to change my order  and get that instead of the green one but he said I can’t because they’ve already boxed it.  How sad!  But which I didn’t qualm about.  Well, I think it’s also sanitary and it won’t mess up with other flavors because it already touched other flavors inside the box.  I picked Alcapone and Tiramisu (their best sellers), Green Tease (not really my type because I’m not into teas), Blueberry More, Don Mochino, Coco Loco, Heaven Berry, Meisisipi, Crunchy Crunchy and the rest that I can’t remember.

The 12 flavors I picked

The verdict:  Definitely 5 out of 5 stars!  Their donuts are not that sweet and the donut itself is so fluffy.  Not to mention, most of the flavors have filling inside which I believe is sort of whipped cream but is surprisingly not that sweet.  It was a perfect donut (at that time), if not the best I’ve ever tasted!  If I would have a chance to go back, I’m definitely getting again Tiramisu & Alcapone and try Jcoccino and Avocado Dicaprio which I bet will tastes so good!  I’ll also be getting a frappe and yogurt next time.  I know it’s not a good combination but what the heck!

By the way, the feeling you get out of the store and have your donuts after a long queue… 🙂

There are new flavors now that are not in this photo yet

Huge selection of yogurts and coffees

Cream Cheese with Garlic and Herbs

Cream cheese with garlic and herbs spread in croutons..

Bicolana Pizza

Some people call it Laing Pizza but in the menu, it says Bicolana Pizza.  Topped with “laing”, a kind of green leafy vegetable.  The sauce used is like the sauce in canned sardines according to Mike.

Can’t get enough of this.  So YUMMY!!! I had to order one more box and ate it for midnight snacks. hehehe……

 

Misty day in Choco Hills

On our Bohol trip, these two first-timers enjoyed the misty view of the Chocolate Hills.

Fish Fillet in Vegetable Cream Sauce

Ingredients:

1 kilo Fish Fillet (Cream of Dory)

10 pcs. Calamansi

Flour

egg

1 small pack of Maggie magic sarap

Salt and pepper

 

Cream Sauce:

1 cup Mix vegetables (Green peas, corn and carrots)

1 tetra brick All Purpose cream

6 cloves minced garlic

1/2 cup butter

salt and pepper

 

 

Fish fillet:

Slice the fish (to desired size) while it is frozen so it won’t be crushed into pieces.  Marinate the fish with salt, pepper, calamansi and a pack of magic sarap for about 30 minutes.  Set aside.

In a food container, place the flour and each slice of fish one at a time.  Close the container and gently shake it to coat each side of the fish.  Repeat for the rest of the fish.

In a separate bowl, mix half a cup of flour to a cup of water and an egg.  Dip the fish into this batter and fry in cooking oil until it until it turns golden brown.

Place in a paper towel to remove excess oil.

 

For the sauce:

Boil a quarter cup of water.  Dissolve half a cube of beef cube.  Add mixed vegetables (carrots, peas and corn).   Allow the water to dry.  Sauté the vegetables in a butter and add 1 tetra brick of All-purpose cream.  Add pepper, salt and magic sarap according to your taste.  Allow to simmer for a few minutes.

 

Chocohills ATV Rides

Chocolate Hills is not the only feature you can stop by at Carmen, Bohol.  ATV (All-terrain vehicle) Rides are also available just at the foot of the main hill.  It can be easily spotted because it’s just along the road where a big sign is fixed on your way to the top.  For 400 pesos, you can enjoy ATV Rides for 30 minutes (often more).

And what’s so cute about it is you can have your photo taken with the huge hill as background. 🙂

Baclayon ATV Rides

Few kilometers from Tagbilaran City, ATV Rides are available for rent in Baclayon, Bohol, Philippines.  The famous Baluarte just across Baclayon Church has ATV’s for rent and kayak and some pedal boats.

kayaks

pedal boat

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These photos are actually more than a year ago and the ATV rental probably are much different now.

Krazy Garlik

Krazy Garlik at Greenbelt5, Makati

Seafood garlic fried rice (i totally forgot the actual name of this but this is very spicy)

Krazy Garlik Salad (this is their salad specialty, and again I forgot the actual name of the menu).  The plate is half empty coz I totally forgot to take a photo before I splurge my way on this very tempting salad.  I looooove this so much!

Grilled Squid

Krazy Garlik is open everyday from 10:00am-11:00pm

 

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~ Menu ~

APPETIZERS

Creamy Garlic Fondue

255.00

Garlic and Anchovy Affection

190.00

Gambas Al Ajillo

310.00

Gambas Las Palmas

365.00

Chorizos

295.00

Salmon Tartar

390.00

Beef Salpicao

395.00

Baba Ghanoush

255.00

Calamari Aioli

315.00

Duck Chinois

595.00

Basket of Garlic Bread

110.00

Parma Ham Roulade

545.00

MAIN COURSES

Krazy Garlik Crab

185.00

Fried alimango crab smothered with garlic and olive oil, per 100g

Oriental Sweet Chili Crab

195.00

Fried alimango crab smothered with ginger, garlic and sweet chili sauce, per 100g

Milk Fish Ajo-Ajo

390.00

Pan-fried bangus with plenty of fried garlic in olive oil and French beans on the side

Fillet of Dory Fish with Creamy Seafood

545.00

Pan-fried and topped with a creamy shrimps and scallop sauce

Lobster Tails Au Saffron Risotto

795.00

Sauteed cream lobster tails with shiitake mushrooms and Italian risotto

Sweet Sour Calamari

295.00

Deep fried squid with vegetables in their special sauce

Rouge Seafood Coconut Curry

415.00

Thai style sauteed seafood with red coconut curry sauce

Honey Fried Chicken

315.00 – 575.00

Serving choices: Half 315.00, Whole 575.00

Garlicky Crispy Pata

595.00

Pork Rib Adobo

415.00

Roast Duck Leg with Black Currant Sauce

750.00

Oxtail and Chorizo Stew

595.00

Simmered tomatoes, Spanish chorizo and garlic

Mushroom Matsuri

345.00

A festival of mushrooms sauteed Japanese style

Shepherd’s Vegetable Pie

275.00

Choice of vegetable and mashed potato pie baked with Parmesan cheese

STEAKS

Black Angus Rib Eye

1,450.00

230g

Black Angus Striploin

1,350.00

230g

Black Angus Tenderloin

995.00

200g

Australian Lamb Chops

880.00

200g

SOUPS

Zuppa Frutti di Mari

245.00

Sopa de Ajo

195.00

Spanish style baked garlic soup with bread

Soup of the Day

155.00

Freshly made daily

REALLY

Their specialty rice is good for 2-3 persons

Their House Special Spicy Fried Rice

365.00

With Chillies, Octopus, Shrimps and Bacon

Spicy Fried Rice

305.00

With Bacon, Squid and Jalapeño Peppers

Spanish Chorizo and Garlic Fried Rice

365.00

ONLY KIDS GET IT

Fun Nuggets

220.00

Spaghetti

175.00

Bolognese

Burger Steak Teriyaki

235.00

Brownies with Ice Cream

195.00

SALADS

Caesar

355.00

Anchovy dressing, croutons, bacon, romaine and Parmesan.

Light N’ Healthy

255.00

Arugula, romaine, cherry tomatoes, onions and their garlic vinaigrette

Nautilus

415.00

Octopus, shrimps, mussels, squid, rucola, romaine, pimientos, olives, roasted garlic with balsamic vinaigrette

Lafayette

545.00

Parma ham, Parmesan cheese, artichokes, dried tomatoes, cucumber, corn kernels, mushrooms and spinach

PIZZA

Garlic Snowflakes

385.00

Margherita

495.00

Frutti di Mari

575.00

Forest

495.00

Four Cheeses

525.00

Garlic Lovers

365.00

Pepperoni

525.00

PASTAS

Fettuccine Oriente

465.00

Spaghetti Vongole

325.00

Seafood Fettuccine a la Diablo

425.00

Spaghetti Bolognese

275.00

Spaghetti Parmesan

495.00

Spaghetti Aglio Olio

225.00

Penne Arrabbiata

310.00

DESSERTS

Apple Tart ala Mode

225.00

Made form fresh green apples and fillo pastry. Served with vanilla ice cream

Strawberry Panna Cotta

195.00

Light and creamy with fresh strawberry

Blueberry Cheesecake

395.00

Rich cheesecake with blueberry with vanilla ice cream

Crepes Suzette

225.00

Thin pancakes filled with a buttery rich and Grand Marnier sauce

Crema Catalana

195.00

Spanish style creme brulee with a twist of garlic

Chocolate Cake

245.00

Rich and creamy chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream

Three Scoops

225.00

Your choice of three flavors of ice cream or sorbet

Fresh Fruits of the Season

245.00

A refreshing platter of fresh fruits

Last modified 9/16/2011. Prices are subject to change without prior notice.

the menu list and positioning look awkward..i actually just copied this from this site.