Bohol
Bouncing
back
By Earl
D.C. Bracamonte
This midweek, a year ago, the province of Bohol was hit by a 7.1-magnitude
earthquake that devastated a few of its centuries-old churches. Super-typhoon
Haiyan’s wrath that brought Tacloban to the ground also affected Bohol because
their power source came from Leyte’s capital city. With help from both public
and private sectors, and the Boholanos themselves, rehabilitation efforts progressed
rather swiftly.
“We want
to communicate the message to our potential market, to tour operators, and the
industry in general that Bohol remains a good destination as before. We want to
overcome the perception that Bohol is a disaster area. The province is currently
undergoing a total re-branding and repackaging;
“The
PhiVolcs has conducted sessions with the locals on awareness and on correcting
the wrong impressions through misinformation. The tourism infrastructure is
intact except for few bridges and new routes have been made. The rebound was
fast. Roads to the countryside tours were not damaged at all.
“Typhoon
Yolanda had a more serious impact on our tourism wheel as the power grid source
supplying the entire province is from Leyte. So the entire island of Bohol had
no power for 20 days. Thus, November 2013 was our worst month because it was a
peak month. Pumps needed electricity to extract water, so water was scare for
three weeks. There was a 50 per cent drop on arrivals. Luckily, the influx
started to pick up when December came. Our product development programs are
helped by international entities like the USAID-Compete and the World Trade Organization,“
revealed Atty. Doy Nunag, president of Bohol’s Provincial Tourism Council (PTC)
and proprietor of the highly-acclaimed Amarela Resort.
Surrounded
by 73 islets, the province’s 47 towns and lone city comprise a total land area
of 4,117 sq. km. and traversed through a 265-km circumferential road.
With a
gentle rising topography and a coastline of 261 kilometers, Bohol is the tenth
largest island of the Philippines. The island’s many caves and limestone hills
are home to some rare and endangered flora and fauna, chief of which is the
enduring tarsier, making the province a premier ecotourism destination.
The
tarsier (Tarsius syrichta) is one of the smallest primates in the world. Most
active at night, their diet consists of insects. The cuddly animal (though not
to be stroked or touched) is no larger than a grown man’s hand.
Vista
and verdure
Situated
in the most scenic of sites, at the heart of Bohol’s unique geological wonder,
the Chocolate Hills Adventure Park (CHAP) offers a refreshing panorama, a taste
of local culture, delectable delicacies, and fun-filled adventure.
Re-discover
the hidden beauty of the cone-shaped wonders as you trek through a delightful
trail past a myriad local flora and fauna towards the view deck that affords an
arresting vista of the hills, rising from rice paddies and lush vegetation.
Appreciate wild life, migratory and endemic birds, as well as the blooms all
around as a nearby brook murmurs softly.
Along
the way, a serpentarium house with various species of reptiles and mammals
affords an interaction area for young learners and guests alike. For thrill
seekers, marvel at the sight of the hills spread as far as the eyes can see
from a different angle; up above a zip line. Challenge yourself with the Burma
rope, canopy walk, hiking trail treks, camp site games, bike rides, and more
adrenaline-pumping activities inside the park set over century-old molave and
mahogany trees.
“Our
heritage sites need the help of NCCA and the National Historical Commission as
well as the embassies and other related foundations. To date, the PTC is still
open to suggestions on how to improve tourist arrivals; like inviting members
of the photography clubs and giving them local accommodation facilities and
special stay rates,” continued Atty. Nunag.
Luxe
resort
Opened
in 2011, Bluewater Panglao is a blueprint for the future of luxury in Bohol,
creating an escape that honors Dagohoy country’s natural beauty. Nestled in an
island with white sand beaches, pristine waters and marine sanctuaries, the
resort’s Filipino architecture and design complement the island’s culture,
inherent warm hospitality and eco-focused initiatives.
The
challenge was to introduce a unique design concept that will go well with the
environment. What the resort came up with is organic, yet elegant, innovative
and functional. According to designer Benji Reyes, “There is a feel of
luxurious sophistication that is not stuffy. The atmosphere is kept friendly,
comfortable and warm.”
Bohol is
one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the Philippines. The many
activities and places to visit are enough to make visitors see the island as a
haven of nature’s beauty. Embrace the charm of island living in picturesque
Bohol at Bluewater Panglao.
For more
information, simply log-on to the company web site, www.bluewater.com.ph. As to updates on what’s
happening in and around Dagohoy country, simply browse their Instagram page #visitbohol2014.
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