As part of a memorable familiarization tour, I joined fellow Pampanga media representatives to experience Cebu Pacific’s (CEB) inaugural Clark-Bohol-Clark flight. The maiden flight, 5J 1185, left Clark International Airport (CRK) at 6:40 a.m. and arrived at Bohol-Panglao International Airport at 7:50 a.m. This new route makes travel more convenient between Northern and Central Luzon and Bohol, a destination rich in natural beauty and culture.
On our first day, we were welcomed with brunch at Oceanica Resort, which boasts Bohol’s longest white sand beach and offers breathtaking ocean views. The resort’s tropical villas provide luxury amenities, making it a perfect spot for family vacations, romantic getaways, and business retreats. I spoke with May Arceño, Oceanica’s Marketing Associate, who shared how the new CRK-Bohol connection is already drawing more visitors from Pampanga, especially Korean tourists. With over 10 years at Oceanica, May has a keen sense of what guests love about the resort.
Later, we visited Amarela Resort on Panglao Island, a peaceful boutique property that combines luxury with traditional Boholano culture. Amarela is renowned for its eco-friendly practices, having won the ASEAN Green Hotel Award three times. With beautiful hardwood furniture, local art, and an art gallery that showcases Bohol’s cultural heritage, Amarela is truly a hidden gem. Lailani Vicente, the reservations officer, told us about the resort’s organic Filipino cuisine and commitment to sustainability.
By evening, we checked into North Zen Villas, hoping to witness a breathtaking Bohol sunset.
Unfortunately, rain clouds had other plans, but we enjoyed a sumptuous dinner hosted by Fe Ginete, Oceanica Resort’s Director of Sales & Marketing. Conversations over dinner focused on ideas to strengthen tourism ties between Pampanga and Bohol, promoting Clark and Panglao Airports and planning exchanges in arts & culture, business, culinary, sports and tourism events.
North Zen Villas offered a serene retreat with a unique boardwalk that winds through lush mangrove forests, providing an intimate connection with nature. The resort’s Zenses Spa is a popular escape, offering massages and treatments that restore balance and harmony. After a busy day, it was the perfect way to unwind and relax.
During our stay, I had the pleasure of sharing a North Zen Villa room with Sir Caesar “Bong” Lacson, founding proponent of the Central Luzon Media Association (CLMA), our Pampanga chapter Chairman Emeritus, and Editor-in-Chief of Punto Central Luzon. Joining us were lifelong friends and “kumpadre”photojournalist Christopher Navarro and the ever-jovial Cha Cayabyab, both dedicated staff writers at Sunstar Pampanga, as well as the distinguished “Kapampangan Traveler” Jan Darren and among others. Their camaraderie added warmth and laughter to our trip, making this adventure in Bohol even more unforgettable.
The second day took us on a countryside tour organized by Wow Bohol Travel & Tours. Our first stops were at St. Augustine Parish Church and Hinagdanan Cave, followed by lunch at Bohol Farms (formerly Bohol Bee Farm). Here, I learned about the farm’s sustainable food production, featuring locally-sourced dishes and innovative treats like cassava ice cream cones and coconut milk ice cream. Bohol Farms blends sustainability with hospitality, showcasing Bohol’s rich agricultural heritage.
In the afternoon, we returned to Oceanica Resort for water activities, including kayaking, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding. We also visited South Farm, a 9-hectare property that supplies produce to Oceanica, North Zen Villas, and other resorts. South Farm’s eco-conscious design, using reclaimed wood and materials, emphasizes sustainable agri-tourism, blending Bohol’s rural lifestyle with unique attractions. Sunstar Pampanga’s Cha Cayabyab showcased her culinary skills in our cooking workshop, preparing coco candies, a sweet treat offered to guests as a warm welcome at resorts.
Arceño explained how the farm project flourished during the pandemic, supporting local agriculture and keeping staff employed.
As the day wound down, we enjoyed a relaxing spa session back at North Zen Villas, where the peaceful setting of Zenses Spa offered a tranquil break from our packed itinerary. With its indoor and outdoor treatment areas, the spa is designed to help guests escape everyday stress.
On our final morning, we enjoyed a delicious farm-to-table breakfast at North Zen Villas’ Seads (Seafood + Seeds) Restaurant, where fresh seafood and organic dishes brought out the flavors of Bohol. After breakfast, we packed up, ready to return to Clark, but not without the anticipation of another Cebu Pacific adventure soon. Despite Typhoon Kristine’s impending arrival, our return flight on CEB 5J 1186 was smooth and earlier arrival as scheduled, allowing us to bring back memories of Bohol’s natural beauty, warm hospitality, and unique cultural experiences.
Teri Flores, Head of Corporate Communication at Luzon International Premier Airport Development Corp. (LIPAD) and participant in the media fam tour, announced that Cebu Pacific has resumed direct flights from Clark to four domestic destinations: Davao, General Santos, Iloilo, and Puerto Princesa, alongside the Clark-Tagbilaran route. This enhances connectivity to the Visayas-Mindanao region. CEB also operates flights from Clark to other domestic locations like Caticlan and Cebu, as well as international destinations including Bangkok, Hong Kong, Narita, and Singapore.
Cebu Pacific’s new Clark-Bohol route is a bridge to this breathtaking island, making it more accessible for both local and international tourists. This expansion not only opens doors for cultural exchange and economic growth but invites Filipino Canadians and others to reconnect with their roots and rediscover the Philippines.
This successful launch affirms Cebu Pacific’s commitment to expanding travel options and supporting the sustainable development of destinations across the Philippines. It’s an invitation to experience the wonder of Bohol—one flight at a time.