TAGBILARAN, Bohol — Fred and Babs Ong created a sybaritic paradise in Panglao Island. It was a best-kept secret as honeymoon getaway when it opened in 1999. An occasional serpent is optional to provide temptation.

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PGMA declared 10 days national mourning and cut short her USA visit. Her visit to Cory may also be cut short.

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Thanks, but no thanks. The Aquino family declined state honors, saying it is not Malacañang but the people who give Cory honors. They have patched up with Erap and accepted the prayers of Imelda, but is the divide so wide with Malacañang?

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There will be the longest train of grieving yellow flowers, but no state pomp or caisson to bear her. Cory chose to be laid to rest with Ninoy at Manila Memorial Park. Like Ninoy, she will be greater in death with the legacy and inspiration she leaves us.

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After garments are rent and ashes poured, we must keep the fires burning. The best memorial of Ninoy is the airport named after him (although his spot of martyrdom still awaits a marker). But please spell it in full,“Ninoy Aquino” airport, instead of a faceless anagram “NAIA” which the young and foreigners do not comprehend.

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In her memory, Kris said they would keep the house on Times Street the way Cory left it. “No changes,” brother Sen. Noynoy Aquino said. If the family will allow it, the people could gift a fund to convert Times Street into a Museum for Ninoy and Cory. This retiree will throw in today one month’s retirement pay.

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Boholanos are naturally self-effacing vis-a-vis the braggadocio of Ilongos. This is mirrored in brash Boracay vs understated Panglao. While Boracay jet-skis and beach parties, Panglao developers hew to the master plan of Architect Palafox to enhance its eco-friendly qualities and nearness to historic churches, Loboc cherub-like children’s choir, fireflies-lit river tour, Chocolate Hills and endearing Tarsius inhabitants.

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The Chocolate Hills are not for dessert but feast for the eyes. It is not true that they are oversized termite mounds. Local legend attributes their origin to mud fight between giants.

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There are 1,200 plus (and still counting) Chocolate Hills. But Bohol nearly lost two of them when the former governor allowed a relative to quarry them for limestone. Fortunately, a school teacher discovered the attempt and the populace rallied to stop the theft of patrimony.

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Tagbilaran celebrates “Sandugo” in July to commemorate the Blood Compact between Filipino Chieftain Sikatuna and the Conquistador Legaspi. A bronze statue in Tagbilaran is being challenged by real-life re-enactors in nearby town of Loay to draw tourists. R100 for photo-op with the costumed cast… or free if you agree to actual blood compact. More Bohol surprises at www.paglaoisland.com

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Palace asked VP Noli de Castro to signify if he will join the administration party. No longer “Magandang Gabi, Bayan” but, “Hoy, Gising!”

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Coach Yeng Guiao prescribes a modified offense, strict midnight curfew and a no-family in the hotel policy for the underpowered PowerAde Team Pilipinas. This is house arrest. Inmates have it better with conjugal visits!