Video credits: Finding Paradise via YouTube
Four events within the family have to be celebrated and there's no other way that we could think of but to a pool and beach location. And when we think of beach plus pool, although there are so many options laid out, the entire family could only choose one and that's Henann Resort in Alona, Panglao, Bohol.
This blog will be a narrative to what had occurred as my family and I went to experience two days and one night in Panglao, Bohol. I will surely share the fun and the little drama within our family. Let's start!
Henann Resort and Alona Beach
This Alona Beach is very famous among locals and foreigners alike in Panglao because of its beautiful white sand beach that stretches wide when low tide and also provides an "Instagrammable" site with its beach chairs and huts displayed along the beach area.
Image credits: Jean Beltran-Figues via Cloudinary
Henann Resort, on the other hand, although had faced some temporary closure a few months ago which made headlines because of some tax issues is still one of the most sought out resorts in this part of Alona Beach because of its beauty and charm, plus all tourists that walk at the beach can immediately see this resort, anyone can dine in at their in house restaurant and also take a few drinks too at their side pool bar.
So, without a doubt when we thought of celebrating four events that's my father's retirement, Aiesha, my niece's 9th birthday, Seth, my nephew's 3rd birthday and James' 31st birthday. I should have added my own birthday to the event but that was way past behind.
Image credits: Jean Beltran-Figues via Cloudinary
Anyway, James and I were still coming from Cebu but at seven in the morning, we arrived in Tagbilaran port, went straight to Jollibee and had breakfast. Everyone’s excited of course not just for the pool or the beach but also for the lunch buffet.
Henann Resort the Second Time Around
Image credits: Jean Beltran-Figues via Cloudinary
If you had been following my blogs, you must have known that two years ago, I had also blogged about Henann Resort because James and I treated my parents to a day tour at the resort. It was like a double date. This time around, it's the entire family together with the kids.
Before I had checked in and paid for our tour package at the main front desk but this time around, the staffs referred me to Seabreeze Restaurant instead since I had inquired about their buffet lunch. I realized then that those who would like to get to Henann Resort and curious on what’s inside, perhaps have photos taken inside then you can just tell the front desk that you want to dine in then just pass by the main resort area to personally look and have an ocular inspection. You don’t really have to pay for any entrance fees.
Image credits: Jean Beltran-Figues via Cloudinary
But since we have kids who would like to swim in the pool, we have to pay for a day tour instead but I had to separate those who want to swim and pay another for those who’d like to just take just eat.
Henann Resort’s Beauty
Image credits: Jean Beltran-Figues via Cloudinary
I must say that Henann Resort is still as beautiful as how it was two years ago. It seems like nothing has changed except for this building next to Seabreeze Restaurant which looked like a Yoga Session Room.
Their Casas is still interesting, it got its own pools next to the nipa huts inspired houses, the buildings still look great and the pools are still inviting.
Image credits: Jean Beltran-Figues via Cloudinary
We only have access to the beachside pools next to Seabreeze Restaurant and so we paid for our package tours there, requested for towels and excitedly, the kids jumped into the pool without changing to their swimming outfits. It was hilarious to see my niece swimming with her dress on and my nephew swimming with his absorbent diapers! But who can blame them? They were very excited already!
Buffet Lunch at Seabreeze Restaurant
Image credits: Jean Beltran-Figues via Cloudinary
The entire morning was all sent for swimming, exploring the entire resort and looking forward to lunch. I was also dying to eat as I only had pancake burger at Jollibee. Anyway, one more thing which had changed was their buffet lunch timing. Whilst, before it was scheduled between 11, am to 2 pm, now its 12nn down to 2:30 pm.
But the surprising thing though was that before 12nn people were already getting inside but since the staff has to put on the required buffet wrist bands, it caused tourists to flock at the entrance area.
Nonetheless, we were able to get in just in time. My hungry cravings were satisfied with Mexican food, Japanese and other Asian cuisines. I was really looking for Japanese food but there was only Japanese soup available. There were however many desserts and vegetable or salad options to choose from.
Image credits: Jean Beltran-Figues via Cloudinary
My parents, of course, love the food as well as my niece who said her favorite was the breadsticks. My cousin too loved the buffet, he ate almost everything that was available and filled his stomach well.
Upon inquiring with the restaurant, they can provide a cake for anyone who is celebrating their birthday. So the crews came in with a cake in hand with a candle on top and a tambourine while singing the happy birthday song. My nephew was happy to see a candle and even tried blowing it himself. I am sure he had fun!
Overnight at Panglao
Image credits: Jean Beltran-Figues via Cloudinary
It wasn’t my first time as well to stay in Panglao. But surprisingly, I found that there’s like a huge number of foreigners here than in Tagbilaran City. Every corner, there were restaurants filled with foreigners of different citizenship, some Koreans some from the West and more Chinese around.
We stayed at a rest house which is owned by a neighbor in Cebu who had posted their space in Airbnb. The area has two houses which can cater 6 adults in the first and four on the other house. We had a good stay here, cooked our meals and even did a mini bible session together with my husband as the sharer.
Image credits: Jean Beltran-Figues via Cloudinary
Our family although we looked happy from all our photos, also got problems on our own. That overnight stay was a great opportunity to really reconcile and mend those aching hearts. It was a little dramatic with almost all of us crying and I don’t want to get into the details. But overall, we cried, we hugged and reconciled.
Lunch Buffet at Prawn Farm ICM
Our second day’s lunch was again spent on a buffet at Prawn Farm within ICM or Island City Mall. Surprisingly, for only Php 400, we have filled with good food most especially their Ceviche or the Kinilaw. The fish looked really fresh and James approved it.
Secretly, I asked the crews to surprise James with a song which they courteously agreed. So, with everyone unaware, the crews came with a Leche Flan on hand, a tambourine and a happy birthday board. Everyone got surprised including James, his face show it all.
Video credits: StillsandMotion via YouTube
That day ended with us going back to Cebu at six in the evening. It was a good time spent with the family. I always look forward to gatherings like this where we can also share our blessings with the family and most importantly, also get the family reminded of God’s love for us and everyone surrounding us.
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About the author:
Jean Beltran-Figues is a photography enthusiast.
A traveler who wants to promote her beloved country, the Philippines.
