There are places that feel like poetry. Not the loud kind, not the dramatic type but soft verses whispered through gentle winds, brewed coffee, and the laughter of loved ones.
That’s how Bohol felt to me.
This wasn’t just a getaway. It was a soulful pause, a beautiful detour in the journey of my life. I didn’t go there to escape—I went to experience. And I left with memories written in the quiet corners of coffee shops, wrapped in the smiles of my Mom, Dad, and Uncle, and stitched into the simple beauty that Bohol offers.
Let me take you with me, through my eyes, through my heart.
🌴 The Arrival: Landing Into Stillness
As the plane descended over Bohol, I gazed out the window palms swaying, seas shimmering, and something in my chest whispering, “Slow down. You’re home, even just for a while.”
We were here as a family, carrying both grief and gratitude. While part of our visit was for a painful reason—laying my beloved Lola to rest—we knew we also wanted to honor her by celebrating life, simplicity, and togetherness. And what better way than to explore the quiet beauty of the island... through its cafés?
☕ Becca Café x Bistro: Where Rustic Meets Soul
Our first stop? Becca Café x Bistro.
The moment I stepped in, I was enchanted. Earthy tones, warm wooden interiors, plants softly draping over shelves. It felt like a hug. The air smelled of fresh espresso and honey drizzled waffles. Yes, I thought, this is where thoughts breathe and hearts rest.
I sat near the window, my laptop in front of me, coffee beside me, and my soul completely present. It wasn’t just about the café. It was about the feeling. I looked over and saw Mom smiling, sipping her drink, taking in the peaceful energy. Dad and Uncle were relaxed, joking softly, soaking in the ambiance. It warmed my heart to see them embrace the slow life with me, even just for a few hours.
Lesson: Peace isn’t a destination; it’s a moment. And you get to choose it.
Watch short video here
🌸 Cocoberry Café: Sweet, Soft, and Soulful
On another sunny afternoon, we wandered into Cocoberry Café. A place that feels like springtime all year round.
Everything was pastel, light, and full of charm. The pink walls, the cozy chairs, the berry infused drinks. It was like a café pulled straight from a Pinterest board. I remember thinking, This place feels like self-love. It was playful yet calming, simple yet intentional.
I wrote a few journal entries there. Answered emails. Let my thoughts settle. My mom leaned toward me and said, “This place feels like you.” I smiled. Maybe it did.
We shared cake, passed phones around for selfies, and laughed without rush. My heart swelled with thankfulness for that ordinary, perfect moment.
Key Point: You don’t have to chase happiness. Sometimes, it’s sitting across from you with a cup of tea.
Watch short video here
🌊 Seattle’s Best Café Bohol: A Familiar Hug in a New Place
Then came Seattle’s Best Café Bohol. Familiar, yet different.
It was like running into an old friend in a new town. The branding was known, but the view outside was all Bohol. Lush, calm, and refreshingly quiet. I ordered my usual, found a cozy seat, and let my thoughts flow like the sea breeze outside.
There’s a strange kind of magic in working remotely in places like this. You’re productive, yes. But you’re also present. Grounded. Grateful. I watched as Papa sipped his drink with a satisfied grin, Mom browsing local crafts displayed near the counter, and Uncle taking a video of the view. And I thought, this is what work-life harmony really looks like.
Advice: Wherever you are, be there fully. Your heart knows when it’s being listened to.
🛍️ Before Flying Back: Pasalubong and Full Hearts
As our trip came to an end, we went around town, picking up pasalubong for friends and family in Davao. Peanut kisses, calamay, Bohol souvenirs, and little trinkets with big meaning. But the real treasure? The moments we shared. The silence that said “I’m glad we’re here.” The shared desserts. The quiet understanding that even in loss, we can still find pieces of joy.
I realized then: life is always offering us the chance to feel deeply. Whether it’s through grief or gratitude, café tables or familiar faces. If we’re open to it, every experience becomes meaningful.
💡 What I Learned from Bohol (and its Cafés)
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The best moments in life are the quiet ones. A smile across a café table. A shared laugh. A warm cup.
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Healing doesn’t need noise. Sometimes it happens when you least expect it through slow mornings and sweet pastries.
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You don’t need to go far to reconnect. Just be fully present with the people who matter.
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There is peace in simplicity. It doesn’t have to be grand to be beautiful.
If You’re Reading This…
If you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or searching for clarity. Go somewhere that lets your soul breathe. It doesn’t have to be a grand trip. It could be the café down the street, a solo date with your journal, or time with people you love, away from the noise.
Let the coffee warm your hands. Let your heart speak. Let life slow down for a moment. You deserve that.
“Sometimes, the most productive thing you can do is relax.”— Mark Black
🌺 From My Heart to Yours
Bohol gave me more than scenery. It gave me presence, peace, and priceless moments with my family. And for that, I’ll always be grateful.
As I pack my memories along with my luggage, I carry this truth with me:
Wherever you go, go with a full heart.
And never underestimate the healing power of a café, a sunset, and the people who love you.
Here’s to the quiet beauty of life.
Here’s to Bohol. ☕🌴
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