Story & photos by Celine Murillo
Additional photos courtesy of the Bohol Tourism Council and Sandugo Foundation
Bohol sets to take on the tourism mantle as one of the country’s most popular spots closes down for rehabilitation.
If you are to make a list of the most well-known destinations in the Philippines, Bohol would most likely make it to the top 5. Especially in the international community, the province is one that is often thrown into the mix of “where to go” and “must-visits.” Its Chocolate Hills has reached iconic level, being one of the few places that gets instant recognition even in photos—right up there with the Mayon and the Underground River.
Yet even with this secured status, Bohol refuses to rest easy.
For one thing, while it already plays host to a treasure trove of veritable tourist spots, Bohol continues to develop other destinations. Like the adventurers it draws in, it fearlessly scours its own folds for new wonders. Among its latest discoveries is Vita Isola.
Bucolic island life
In the town of Loon, northwest from the capital city of Tagbilaran, lies a quaint but picturesque corner with a name that literally translates to “island life.” You’d think it’s a resort at first glance. Honestly, who could blame you? With its pool and nice cottages, that’s what most people’s first impression would be. The stunning seascape it affords also doesn’t help. But Vista Isola offers more than just your regular kind of leisure.
Its main goal is to promote “backyard” farming to Boholanos. On a portion of it is a patch of farmland that both serves as a source of ingredients for their in-house restaurant, as well as a tour venue where guests can learn about the basics of organic farming and that anyone can do it even with limited space.
It is one of the emerging farm destinations in Bohol—a fairly new, but not unheard of, concept in the province. The local government has eyed this place as another potential tourism stronghold.
Then, there’s the island of Panglao. It and the establishments in the area are also being prepped for the expected increase in tourist arrivals. Amorita Resort, Donatela Hotel and the rest of the island’s resorts are being tapped, working to ensure that guests would have a similar, if not better, experience of island life.
Lowering the draw bridge
And it’s not just the destinations that are being braced. The transportation sectors are also doing significant efforts in anticipation of the tourism exodus. The Tagbilaran City Port, for instance, has been overhauled, upgraded with quality infrastructures and processes that will make entry and exit as convenient as possible. Considering the current situation, and the fact that it connects Bohol to other popular spots like Cebu and Dumaguete, the modernization couldn’t come at better time.
The new Bohol airport is also set to commence operations in August, expected to be on full capacity early-2019. Bigger and better, the airport can accommodate more flights that airlines are more than happy to respond. In fact, low-cost carrier Philippines AirAsia has signed on as the official airline partner for the Behold Bohol Tourism campaign. This means Bohol will become a hub, with the said airline increasing its flights to the province.
Come one, come all
Speaking of the festival, the Sandugo will be on its 27th year this coming July. Congruent to all the efforts from other sectors, the monthlong celebration, too, is being outfitted for the tourism boom. Activities lined up are made to be more inclusive, more palatable and relatable to nonlocals.
For example, the street parade, featuring the traditional dance of “Kuradang,” will transition into an afternoon-to-midnight street party. The International Fusion Nights, where top resorts purvey their world-class dishes for affordable prices, will go on longer to accommodate a larger crowd. There’s also the mainstay activities, such as the Ms. Bohol Pageant, Sandugo Songwriting Contest, Trade and Agri Fair, and the awarding of the Ten Outstanding Boholanos Across the World. All are marketed to both local and foreign visitors.
The opening of the Bohol branch of the National Museum is scheduled to coincide with the festivities to boot.
Challenge accepted
With these in the works, coupled with the province’s usual fanfare—Chocolate Hills, Loboc River, Tarsier Sanctuary—and its share of white-sand beaches, plus the array of fresh and new destinations, guests will surely not run out of things to do. Their visit would be deemed a value-for-money-and-time experience.
This just goes to show that Bohol is not one to slack. It’s constantly determined to prove why it deserves one of the top rails in the country’s tourism ladder. Other provinces should take heed. Learn from its impressive proactive plays. Better safe than sorry, it seems to say, for while there may be three more months before it holds its biggest and grandest event, Bohol is already standing proud, looking very much all set.
Image credits: Celine Murillo