The captivating beauty of Panglao Island in Bohol makes it a favorite vacation spot for local and foreign tourists alike, and where better to stay at this beautiful island than at the top-notch five-star resort The Bellevue Resort, owned and managed by The Bellevue Hotels and Resorts (BH&R) under the leadership of chairman Johnny Chan, managing director Patrick Chan, marketing and communications corporate director Ryan Chan and The Bellevue Resort managing director Dustin Chan. A number of noted personalities from the diplomatic, business and social circles including Embassy of Argentina charge d’ affaires Monica Deregibus, Embassy of Venezuela charge d’ affaires Yelitza Ventura Polanco and husband Axel Herrera Baez, Villa Medica Philippines country director Suzette Lopez and husband Manny Lopez and your columnist had the pleasure of staying at the premier resort and got to experience the signature Bellevue brand of hospitality.
One of the many highlights of our trip was a special tour to one of the best man-made nature parks in the world, Tarsier Botanika, prepared by the owners and founders, husband and wife Nicolas Moussempes and Patricia Moussempes. The expansive property is a botanical garden that has an animal sanctuary, an equestrian center, an aviary, a museum and a restaurant among others. A tour of the equestrian center and museum was arranged for the group by the ever-gracious owner Patricia, who served as our guide and docent throughout the trip. Everyone was excited to see the thoroughbred horses in the equestrian center while the museum tour was one unforgettable experience as the group had a glimpse of the Moussempes couple’s vast art collection displayed in three galleries. The group was treated to a sumptuous dinner at their excellent restaurant Tarsier Paprika, which boasts a breathtaking view of the Bohol Sea. A mouthwatering array of signature dishes was specially-prepared by the Tarsier Paprika’s team of talented chefs and partnered with exquisite wines from the restaurant’s very own wine cellar.