Pandemic-fueled summer blues

A beach in Barangay Bolod in Panglao town, Bohol, normally a site teeming with tourists, has instead been filled with a handful locals who enjoy the pristine and white sandy beach. Photo:  Leo Udtohan

Normally at this time of year, the beaches on Panglao Island, the crown jewel of Bohol tourism, would have been a site teeming with tourists.. 

Hotels and resorts would have been fully booked. Restaurants would have been fully open and its white beaches are populated by Chinese and some Europeans eager for some warmth after a winter.

Instead, the beach is almost empty.

In Bohol, a province heavily reliant on tourism, the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent lockdown has affected the tourism and hospitality industry.  

For businesswoman Anecita Nerves-Arcay, patience is a virtue — especially when facing in a crisis. 

Her only wish this year is that she will finally open her hotel on Panglao Island in Bohol province. She was set to inaugurate her five-story ARC Homes at Barangay Poblacion in Panglao town on March 26 last year, but the coronavirus pandemic hit the country, forcing provinces to close their borders and restrict the movement of people to prevent the spread of the highly contagious disease. 

"2020 was unpredictable. It was difficult and sudden," Arcay said.

Although Bohol fully reopened its doors to tourists in December, Arcay decided to wait because there were only a few visitors coming in, as people take a wait-and-see attitude with the health crisis still raging.

“We needed to make sure our business is sustainable in this new market with special protocols put in place to ensure the safety and well-being of guests. If we see numbers [of tourists] go up this year, we can start to operate,” she said.

She also reduced the rental fee for her tenants in a commercial building she owns to cope with the pandemic as unemployment numbers jumped along with the COVID-19 case numbers.

After a year, Arcay is hopeful that her hotel can cater to tourists soon.

Panglao has at least 4,753 rooms in different resorts, hotels and related establishments.

Tourism companies are desperately scrambling for ways to minimize their losses and survive the harsh pandemic.

On Alona Beach in Barangay Tawala, some resorts, cafes and restaurants are still closed. The busi­ness cen­ter in Alona is so quiet that cats slept on ta­bles of shut­tered cafés.

Some es­tab­lish­ments at­tempted to open but only to close down af­ter a few days due to low sales and high op­er­at­ing cost, es­pe­cially with the need to strictly com­ply with health pro­to­cols. 

“No one is com­ing. A few lo­cals come oc­ca­sion­ally,” said a café owner.

In Barangay Bolod which has at least six beach resorts only three are operating.  The beaches here are filled with few local residents only Saturdays and Sundays. 

Habal-habal (motorcycle taxi) driver Dave Rulona, 40, still finds himself without passengers because of the drop of tourist arrivals. He said most guests from Tagbilaran  come in their own cars.

Before COVID-19, he charges P120 from Panglao to Tagbilaran.  Now he charges P200, an increase of P50 from the pre-COVID rate because habal-habal drivers are allowed only one passenger per trip. Yet still, some still find themselves without passengers.

Bohol Governor Arthur Yap bared that Bohol province lost P15 billion on revenues during the last eight months of the community quarantine. Monthly, the industry loses some P308 million in room accommodation in Panglao.

When Bohol closed its borders last March 2020, most resorts followed suit, forcing many hospitality workers to return home with uncertain job prospects.

The pandemic has also affected some 200,000 tourism industry workers and 40 % of them lost their jobs.  Some establishments retrenched their workers. Others were given two or three days to work if the resort has long-term staying guests. 

Tourism workers who lost their jobs shifted to fishing. Some augment their income by planting vegetables. But most sur­vived on “ayuda,” or fi­nan­cial and food aid from gov­ern­ment agen­cies, although these were not enough to sus­tain their fam­i­lies.

The pandemic also paralysed those in Jagna and Anda towns which lured tourists alike by its pristine beaches, villa hideaways and marine life.

Marjun Precones, proprietor of Jagna Rock Resort in Barangay Larapan in Jagna town, opened his resort under the new normal even with a handful tourists. He said before the pandemic, tourists came to his resort to chill and relax since beaches in Panglao were crowded. 

Tourism makes up 15% of Bohol economic output. Bo­hol hosted 1.5 mil­lion for­eign and do­mes­tic tourists in 2019, with Chi­nese visi­tors lead­ing the ar­rivals, fol­lowed by Kore­ans, records from the Bo­hol Tourism Of­fice showed.

These tourists dis­ap­peared when prov­inces started clos­ing their bor­ders as strict quar­an­tine guide­lines had to be fol­lowed in March 2020 in a bid to con­trol the spread of COVID-19.

Anthony Ceniza, resort supervisor of Marilou Resort and businesswoman Anecita Arcay. Contributed Photo

In 2020, there were 85,000 tourists from January to February 2020 before the lockdown.

Tourism leaders are trying everything they can to revive lagging business in the industry.

In September 2020, Bohol hosted the Philippine Travel Exchange (PHITEX), and it highlighted the preparedness of the island of Panglao to host group events, especially with its adherence to the health safety guidelines authorized by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF).

In November 2020, Bohol reopened to local visitors arriving by plane, ending the travel ban in hopes of reviving a lockdown-devastated tourism industry that has fed so many Boholanos who are working in the different tourism services.

Since the reopening, there were 1,275 tourists who came to Bohol from November 15, 2020 to January 31, 2021 in the travel bubble concept.

By tourist bubble concept, it means that a COVID-19 negative tourist has to stay together with his group, travel only on travels organized by a DOT-accredited tour operator on board a DOT-accredited transport provider, and go to tours only in designated stops, never veering away from their established itinerary.

BTO said from November 15 to December 14, there were 184 local tourists came to attend meetings, incentives, conventions and conferences, and exhibits (MICE) and events.

A few days later, following the same concept, Bohol again issued the same to free and independent travellers, there were 389 tourists who came from December 15 to December 31,2020.

This dry season, struggling resorts and hotels have offered discounted room rates and promos in hopes of persuading frazzled parents and stressed-out workers to come to Panglao for a mini getaway.

The Roman Empire Boutique and Wellness Hotel in Barangay Tawala offered 90% discount room rates which include free breakfast and use of their Olympic-size swimming pool to fill their 80 rooms.  

“It was just to inform everyone that we are alive,” said Roldan Cuevas, manager.  He hopes the promotion can be effective in boosting visitation.   

While room rates aren’t deeply discounted at Marilou Resort in Barangay Bolod, they are typically lower than those on the weekends.  

"It's not going to be a profitable year, but we're just trying to balance the losses," said Anthony Ceniza, the resort supervisor.

Ceniza is optimistic, but understands that international travellers would have fear having to socially distance.  As of this time, he focuses on domestic tourists.

"It's going to be an amazing experience this year for people that choose Panglao because it won't be so busy. They will experience better customer service,” said Ceniza.

The provincial government with Department of Tourism (DOT) launched the “Balik sa Bohol” program, backed by the campaign motto “Balik sa Bohol (Come Back to Bohol).”

The “Balik sa Bohol” online sale which gave 70% tour discount for at least two weeks participated in by 13 resorts, hotels and tourism accommodation establishments, one adventure park, and six local tour operators.  All have earned their DOT Certificates of Authority to Operate, or the local government permits and each holder of the Ultimate Bohol Experience (UBE) seal.

Bo­hol still strug­gles to re­main afloat even if it has re­opened to visi­tors late last year.

It eased its entry protocols as part of efforts to resuscitate the province’s slumping tourism industry.

Starting March 1, tourists and returning residents can now visit Bohol and may no longer need to undergo quarantine.

Boholanos, whether locally stranded individuals (LSI) returning Overseas Filipinos and Workers (OFW), authorized persons outside residence (APOR) and even non-APOR local.

For tourists, they can present to Bohol a negative COVID-19 test result via an RT PCR test and the test should be taken 72 hours before flying to Bohol, present a confirmed hotel booking, and a registered Bohol Tourist QR Code.

Tourists to Bohol can travel to sites and destinations that have been granted by DOT the Certificate Authority to Operate, or LGU permitted and UBE Seal grantee from the provincial government, as long as they do not veer away from the tour itinerary provided by their DOT-accredited tour agent and travel only in designated areas.

Bohol has one of the lowest coronavirus infection rates in the country, with 3,882 confirmed cases and 54 deaths, according to the May 28, 2021  data from Bohol Inter-Agency Task Force (BIATF). 

Cuevas said that Bohol wants the economy to get back to what it was before, but said some locals are worried that tourists might cause infections.  But he believes that Bohol is well-prepared for tourists.

"Just follow and respect the health protocols," he said.  “It remains to be seen how many tourists will want to come to Bohol.”

One who is excited to welcome tourists to Bohol is Helen Bagayas, 34, an on-call massage therapist. She goes occasionally to Panglao for home service. She has been offering Swedish massage and ventosa (cupping therapy) for tourists for the past years. She said it was good before Covid since she can earn enough. During the pandemic, she augments her income thru buy and sell of bags, perfume and dress.

Bagayas, a mother of five, said she is praying Bohol’s tourism will bounce back.    

“We are like bamboo. Although we can be knocked down by life, tough times and challenges, just like the bamboo, we bend and far more flexible. We can come back stronger than ever through patience, strength and determination,” said Bagayas.

Arcay, on the other hand, said that while the pandemic is affecting the community in unprecedented ways, it has brought out a trait that is one of the most important qualities  for Boholanos – resilience.

“This time of patience will teach us to plan better and bounce back stronger than ever,” Arcay said. 

The pandemic won’t last forever and travels are anxious to hit the road when it is deemed to be safe.

Meanwhile, the winds in the end of summer make people become restless.

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Panglao, still beautiful

 

In Panglao, without all the boats and people in the sea, the water is as clear as it's been in a long, long time. Photo by Leo Udtohan

I terribly missed the beach.  Swimming and snorkeling is one of the pleasures of pre-quarantine life.

When veteran journalist Ric Obedencio asked us if we could join him for an excursion in Panglao town, Helen Castano and I didn’t waste time.

We visited Alona first. The place is almost empty where it is used to be packed with tourists. Without all the boats and people in the sea, the water is as clear as it's been in a long, long time.

In an interview with Panglao Mayor Leonila Paredes-Montero she told us that Panglao tourism will be back to business this week if they will be allowed by the Inter-Agency Task Force, Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to re-open.

 

And if allowed to open, Maam Nila said the target would be domestic tourists.

Maam Nila said at least 5,000 tourism-related business establishments in Panglao were affected since February.

The tourism industry in Bohol has been tested by times. The 1990 typhoon Ruping (international name: Mike), the 2000 Y2K bug and the 2013 7.2 magnitude earthquake crippled the tourism industry particularly in Panglao. But slowly, the tourism was able to bounce back.

"The tourism stopped and it took us years to recover. Since this is pandemic it will take time to recover because the world economy is really affected," said Maam Nila.

But even if tourism is back, some resort owners chose to suspend operations for fear of the virus.

 

When I met Anthony Ceniza, supervisor of Marilou Resort in Barangay Bolod, he said they will remain close indefinitely.

"So far, we can't open until there is a vaccine. It will be difficult since there's no assurance of what will happen to us. Let's us leave it this way, we will wait and follow the government," he said.

Anthony said one seemingly positive impact of the majority of Bohol remaining inside during the coronavirus outbreak is being seen off of our shores.

He said the beaches become clearer with less garbage in the absence of human activity due to the government’s efforts to mitigate the spread of Covid-19.

 

Anthony said visitors can see a refreshing Panglao during their next trip in Bohol.

 

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DongYan & other Kapuso stars to join Sandugo Festival

Wake-uppers:

Scene: This info from PIA- Bohol: DOT partial report shows Bohol only ranked 3rd in the tourist arrivals in Central Visayas.

Scene: It's a son for Nonito Donaire Jr. and Rachel. Rachel gave birth via Caesarean section to a baby boy named Jarel, which is reportedly an acronym for "Jun[ior] and Rachel, Everlasting Love.” On his official Facebook fan page, Donaire expressed his thanks to all his supporters. "Bonding time. Thanks to all the prayers. Rachel had to go through emergency C section, but everything is great 6lbs 12oz,” he said. “I think it’s gonna motivate me to get that hunger back again,” Donaire said. “I am just very excited, so I think that’s gonna be something that’s gonna propel me into something bigger.”

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GMA Network once again will bring some of its biggest stars in Bohol to join paisanos in the celebration of the Sandugo Festival on July 28. 

Kapuso hot couple Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera will meet and greet their fans on July 28. Courtesy: DongYan Fan Page. Boholano fans can have the chance to see the Philippines Sexiest Woman of 2013. Courtesy: FHM

Kapuso stars Bianca King, Rafael Rosell, Dion Ignacio and JC Tiuseco will ride the Kapuso float during the street dancing parade.

The cast of afternoon series "Maghihintay Pa Rin" will be joined by festival participants.

A Kapuso  Night will be held at CPG Sports Complex at 6 p.m. with hot Kapuso couple Dingdong Dantes and GMA's Primetime Queen and FHM's Sexiest Woman of 2013 Marian Rivera. 

Last week, DongYan posed for a mug shot-like picture, holding cards that bear their name followed by the words "Wants Mali Freed," which was released by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Asia.

A number of fun and exciting surprises await all Kapuso supporters who will be present at the event.

The highlights of the 2013 Sandugo Festival will be featured in Kapuso weekly travelogue program "Let's Fiesta" which is being shown in regional TV in Bicol, Davao, Iloilo, Ilocos, Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, General Santos City, Dagupan and Cebu.

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Idy Cagas says goodbye to crown

"All in all my reign was superb," says Miss Bohol Sandugo 2012 Idy Caseñas Cagas.

 Idy Cagas' reign ends last night.  

Courtesy: Sideroom Studios

A Libra (Oct. 21), Idy stands 5’3”, weighs 101 lbs., measures 34-25-35, and wears small-size shirt and size-5 shoes. She also won Miss CVIRAA 2006, Miss Jagna 2008 and Miss USJR - Caritas 2011 first runner-up).

"I had a wonderful year.. after being crowned, I know that there was more in store," shares Idy. "But what happened during entire reign exceeded my expectations."

Idy was the fifth Jagnaanon to win the Miss Bohol Sandugo title. Other Jagna beauties who brought home the crown were Tiffany Yap (1990), Ma. Recelle Adlaon (1991), Celevel Ranoco (1992) and Fatima Liora Lloren Rana (2003). 

 Idy is revved up for being Miss Bohol Sandugo. She considers 2012 as her most memorable year. 

"I get to meet a lot of people including Senators Escudero and Angara, as well as our very own Governor Edgar Chatto and his beautiful wife Vice-Mayor Pureza Chatto. I was invited to many events. My reign made me felt that i am one of the most favored women in Bohol," says Idy.

After winning Miss Jagna in 2008, she represented her town in Miss Bohol International in 2009 but she didn't make it to the semi-final. Her grandma told her to join Miss Bohol Sandugo but it took years by her friend to convince her to join the pageant.

“I always dreamed to bea beauty queen eversince I was a child, a dream I share with my grandmother. Inever expected my dreams would come to reality,” she says.

As one of Bohol's finest ladies, she becomes an inspiration to those who like the limelight. 

"But the best parts would be being able to draw lessons that has enriched my personhood and the overwhelming feeling some of the young ladies I've met and little girls telling me that they want to be like me and asking for advices. It feels good that you are their inspiration," says Idy.

Idy, a true Boholano beauty queen, always tells it like it is because she’s been there and she’s here to stay.

On a lighter note, a lot of people are asking if Idy has a boyfriend now. In my interview with her last year, Idy admitted that she had no boyfriend. “I don't have a boyfriend.  It's not in my list of priorities as of this time.” As time goes by, her close friends revealed, Idy has found her man. 

"Her posts on Facebook are very clear she has the one. She can't deny it," says by the intrigued VRS.

"Her reign has ended. Idy has no hard time choosing between a boyfriend and Miss Bohol Sandugo crown. She deserves a colorful lovelife," says the socialite VRS, who is likewise excited over the news. 

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bohol chronicle july 21, 2013 issue

It’s more fun in Bohol because…

Days before the Department of Tourism launched its latest “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” campaign, our family had the fun this New Year as we visited the town of Loboc for fun and adventure.  Indeed, it’s more, more, more fun in Bohol! (Many thanks to my cousin Shiela Olorvida-Glaring and her husband Martin for the treat!)

Forget about the six-decade-old Swiss tourism advertisement because whatever it is, we can always claim the slogan, "It's more fun in the Philippines," because it is true.

I got the idea from Tessie Labunog-Sumampong when she tagged me on Facebook the promotional video of the Philippines, “It’s more fun in the Philippines” where the famous Loboc River was included.

Trivia, also from Tessie: Filipinos have been posting photos of the country at its most beautiful—festivals, scenic spots, cuisine, people, you name it. And some are really "crazy" but still funny memes, er, celebrating Pinoy creativity.

So with the DOT in mind, I asked some personalities and friends to give their answers: It’s more fun in Bohol because…

More than half of those asked simply didn’t answer. Here are those who did:

Pureza Chatto, Bohol’s First Lady- She is blessed with the beauty of nature and she entrusted to a group of people who have the heart to take care of her beauty, the mind to enhance her beauty and the will to keep her beauty as magnificent as ever for generation after generation to make a life, to enjoy, and to be grateful.

Jessica Soho, TV Personality/GMA News- There is nothing more pristine and pure than the Loboc River and the voices of the Loboc Children’s Choir.

Rovilson Fernandez, TV Personality/Model- The air is fresher, the sand is softer, the smiles are brighter and the hills are more chocolateeey. Who can argue with that?

Alex Santos, TV Personality/ABS-CBN News- You can grab hills of chocolate there.

Melchor Daniel, Teacher- Everything is here.

Larry Marshall, Singer/Businessman- Panglao is there.

Loida Lagonoy, Beauty Queen-It’s the safest place in the country. No NPAs, typhoons or earthquakes.

Dr. Rhenz Acedo, Orthodontist- You can enjoy and live a life full of adventure. From hills to the sea shore, rivers  till the ocean life. Every thing is still so virgin. Its life a little paradise where you never want to escape from.

EJ Relampagos, Fashion Icon- Most of the people I love are here.

Joven Menorias, Travel and Tours Specialist- Where you find peace and serenity.

John Maraguinot, Government Consultant/Youth Achiever- Fiestas are like no other.

Tessie Labunog-Sumampong, Proprietor of Loboc Riverwatch- Of Riverwatching!

Morres Sarabia, Music Genius/Band Leader- Of the Bilwaboys and the Rabadab Connection, calamay-dub style.

JunJun Karaan, Nurse- There’s no place like Bohol which has a tricycle for house to house and door to door rides.

Atty. Gregory Delgado, Lawyer/Runner- You can survive the whole month of May without money because there are town and barrio fiestas.

Doris Dinorog-Obena, Community Leader- You can see and visit more exciting sights with less travel time because traffic is not a problem and you can go around the 10^th largest island of the Philippines in five hours.

Councilor Kit Oppus, Councilor/Women’s Advocate- Fun means, to me, friends you need. It’s the people that make Bohol fun.

Joseph Lemuel Camacho, Government Employee- Of the amazing beauty of nature and culture and traditions of the Boholanos.

Reigh Monreal, Pres. Of Bohol Society of Tourism Officers/2011 CPG Awardee for Cultural Advocacy-  Nature’s beauty, rich culture, and creative and warm-hearted people beautifully combine to keep tourists coming!

Sam Penaso, Visual/Performance Artist- Kilalang may tarsier, Chocolate Hills, masarap daw makapangasawa ng Bol-anon sabi sa kanta, at namiss ko ang bayle sa tibuok kalibutan pero mukhang wala na ata ngayon, at maligo sa dagat kaya malapit lang kami nakatira diyan.

Val Santiago, TV News Producer- Enjoy ang Loboc river cruise! Sarap ng buffet, hinaharana ka pa!

Aldrin Avergonzado, Globe Customer Care Representative- It’s like a paradise.

Tintin Ng, Actress- Bohol is one of the best tourist destinations in the world. It’s more fun to experience Bohol during the Sandugo Festival.  

Dennis Balbero, Cultural Icon-  Rich in culture, arts and heritage.

Mayor Niño Rey Boniel-  Of the underwater grotto in Bien Unido!

Mayumi Lugod, Beauty Queen/UNTV Host- Boholanos are so warm and hospitable. Tourists spots are amazing and unique. Bohol is the best place to relax.

Rammel Decasa, Runner/Adventurer- We have cultural, historical and adventure. Meaning completos recados. All in one tourist destination.

Tracy Torres, Make-up artist/Hairstylist-  Bohol has it all. If you’re a fan of history, you can visit Baclayon Church and the Blood Compact site. If you love animals, come see the macaque monkeys, dolphins and the famous tarsier. If you love adventure, come to Danao’s adventure, swim and dive at Panglao Island. If you live the city night life, come to Tagbilaran City. If you’re a romantic, dine at Loboc floating restaurant. And if you want world-famous, climb the chocolate hills. So if you want to have fun and you want to have it all, come to Bohol! Because Bohol has it all!

Dianne Uy, Businesswoman-  Of Island City Mall!

Ariel Fullido, Publicist- You can poke a tarsier in your palm, sale one of the chocolate hills, run a marathon along Panglao beaches. Crunch a Peanut Kisses. And party at Lazer!

John Consulta, TV News Reporter- With the exciting encounter with tarsier, breathtaking scenery of the majestic Chocolate Hills, and precious friends, you just can’t get enough.

Dominic Aparicio, Adventurer- A lot of beautiful scenery like beaches and adventure tour, and most of all it’s more fun when you get involve with the people who are friendly and hospitable. Just like me, it’s more fun  if you are with me. Yahooo! it’s more fun!

Ahd Marco-Bautista, TV News Executive Producer- Of the Choco hills, Loboc River cruise, honey spread of Bee Farm and my sister’s farm is there!

Jojo Alegre Buron, DYHP Radio Personality-  Has a beautiful and romantic beaches!

Annie Arcay, Resort Owner- We have a lot to offer...one will enjoy both the mountains and the seas!

Lourdes Talosig-Bartolome, TV Senior Desk Officer- It’s LOL in Bohol!

Piux Jabinez, Student- There are lots of wonderful places to visit.

Butch Bernas, Teacher-  A one package tour, fun-filled adventures and many more. A one stop and have it all!

Rep. Rene Relampagos-  Of its people!

Leah Tirol-Magno, UB Registrar/Internet Princess- Koja in Caingget Beach is yummy!

Blair Panong, Event Organizer- We have sexier sunrise and sunset.

Guy Bernaldez, PR Specialist- I get to do all the things that I enjoy like swimming, dining out, nature tripping and clubbing without having to travel far.

Jocelyn Pilayre, Businesswoman-  It’s tarsierus!

Karen Batuhinay, Cebu Pacific Operations-  Only in Bohol where airplane landing feels like you re bungee jumping or riding a roller coaster. Blag! Keeps you on the edge of your seat.

ArieLlanos, Metro Centre Front Desk Officer-  Everything is in here… white beaches, warm people and nice scenery. Bohol is considered as the tourist haven in Asia.

Dr. Homer Singco, Veterinarian- Nice beaches, friendly and kind people.

Edward Guyano aka Inday Charity, Radio Personality- Tourists are enjoying their trips.

Boy Pernia, Consultant- You both have the mountains and the sea to experience. Its magical and fun!

Rhea Alba, NGO/Community Worker- Of the hospitality and musicality of its people..di ako pang tourism pero I love your place.

Leslie Ramirez, Bank Teller/Businesswoman-  There is no place like home.

Mayor Oliver Yu- Bohol has it all. Name it, and we have it, adventures thrills, nature at is best, the people around, ambience, and many, many more.

Mary Anne Aparece-Verga, DILG Officer/Mother- My family and true friends are here.

Musette Hontanosas, Businesswoman- It’s a one stop shop, countryside, seaside, with ‘fiestas’ everyday in May, habal-habals everywhere, most of all, it’s where you can get my PEANUT NUGGETS, tasty, crunchy, delicious Boholano delicacy!

Jose Marianito Luspo, Cultural Icon/Teacher- Because Boohl is just WOW!

Remus Mark Carballo, Travel Specialist- The fun rolls from the top of the hills to the bottom of the sea.

Adonis Damalerio, DILG Officer- You will never go hungry especially on fiesta time!

Atty. Handel Lagaunay-  You can have a good time with the family.

Dr. Nenita Po, GCGRMH Chief of Hospital-  Boholanos are beautiful people inside out!

Vera Villocido Gesite, Consultant-  Of the sun and the beaches, the rivers and the hills, caves and tarsiers, stone churches and watchtowers, habal-habal and tricycles, BQ and ICM, island hopping, great food, nice families and good friends.

Flor Mesina, Government Employee-  We are known for being hospitable and friendly, asife from the beauty spots that we have in Bohol.

Maryo de los Reyes, Award-winning Director- I farm in the island!

Edik Dolotina, Consultant/Artist- There is one way to see everything- Bohol.

Danny Tamayo, TV Producer-  There are lots of things to enjoy and explore. An experience you’ll never forget.

Fatima Mapesos, Government Employee- We’ve got a lot to offer better than other destinations. It’s fun to take adventures like EAT Danao, fun to enjoy natural beauty like the Choco Hills and beautiful beaches. And it’s more fun  to cherish Boholano lifestyle because there’s warmth of friendship like fiesta  and festivities.

Judith Uy-Sumatra, Government Worker- Basta! it's more fun in Bohol!

Gabriel Medel, Businessman- Of the Boholanos!

Jeycelle Espejo Inting, Teacher/OFW- Bohol's like a Five star hotel...

Liza Azil - We are known for being hospitable and friendly, aside from the beauty spots that we have here in Bohol....

Sam Pingkian, Sales/Marketing Consultant- You can stay in a cheapest places to live and also the most beautiful and exotic destination where u can live well for less.

Che Rubrico, Wife- Because it's where my heart belongs! Truly a little paradise where my family and most of my friends live. Beautiful Bohol!

Jerome Magallen, Guidance Counselor- Bohol is truly WOW! Wealth of Wonders!

Marc Christopher Labastilla- Naa tay chix dha!!!period.:-)

Ryan Sines, Hairstylist- ‎It’s my yutang gi tawhan..my place..my paradise..char!

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Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohan at Twitter or email at Facebook.

Bien Unido: Bohol’s last frontier

While waiting for the van last Wednesday, I overheard two female students talking about their deans and teachers. Students are free to talk anything about their teachers with no fear and apprehension when they are outside the school.  The first student talked about a certain dean in a school who is facing “massive” protest from students and faculty because of “personality problem” and “extortion.” The other student made tsismis about their dean who is very miser (she’s making a tight-fist sign) that her maid has to borrow money from the neighborhood to buy soap for laundry and tinapa for meal.

On the two-hour trip, mi amiga para vivir De Ers and I heard (familiar) tsismis (the names are crystal clear you know) from other passengers, including:

• A Hunky Guy (HG) who loves to play basketball is head over heels with his girl friend (GF) who is hiding skeletons in her closet.  GF has other old rich guy (ORG) who is supporting her studies, bought her expensive jewelries, bags, watches and cars. However, the cars and the house were not put in her name. But lucky or unlucky, ORG has a lovechild with GF and ORG has to give financial support to the baby. Despite HG’s discoveries, he still madly inlove.

• A former youth leader is now showing his “rainbow” colors. He vehemently denied that he’s not baklush when he was in high school.  His peers suspected that he has a crush on a young (and guwapo) officer in his hometown. Surprise! Surprise! The townmates have learned that this baklush and the young officer are now living together in one roof. This is another case of the increasing “bromance” in the province!
  
• It's been raining hard these past few days. Then, there are bomb threats; carnapping and other sad news reported on TV and in broadsheets.

Anyway, stories like those didn’t dampen De Ers and my excitement for our “Bien Unido visit” in the northern Corregidor of Bohol.

Leave your notions about Bien Unido behind—the reality is far more intriguing. Bien Unido is Bohol’s last frontier and the home of the double barrier reef in Asia. I like the welcome note of Bien Unido in their website (www.bienunido.com):

You’ve seen the hills, the tarsier and even the python.. you’ve done the plunge, the beach, and the river cruise.

But you could never have the ultimate Bohol experience until you explored Bien Unido-Bohol’s Last Frontier.

Be captivated by its majestic natural wonders explored only by a few. Dive or snorkel and see the beauty of the world underneath the crystal clear waters.

 

Visit the underwater grottos and other spectacle in the Bien Unido double barrier reef-the only one in Asia.

Jetski, kayak or relax in the sand bars with ice cold drinks and wait for the migrating birds’ afternoon flight. And go back home sailing into Bien Unido’s infamous sunset that will make you fall in love.

Escape from the ordinary Bohol experience and let Bien Unido do it for you.

Visit us and find out that there is so much more to discover in Bohol…

Tranquil Bien Unido is culturally rich, endowed with natural beauty—utterly fascinating. People are coming because of the underwater attraction— the Bien Unido Double Barrier Reef. The dashing Mayor Niño Rey Boniel said the underwater attraction is first in Asia and 5th in the whole world. The Island of Malta in the Mediterranean Sea has underwater grottos for tourism.

Mayor Boniel thought of installing 14-foot statues of Mother Mary and the Santo Niño, which were installed 60 feet below sea level, not just to boost its tourism industry but also one way of preserving the natural resources of the town.

“This is to discourage illegal fishing in the Danajon reef and to remind also of God's gift of nature and life and nobody can destroy it for the sake of the future generation,” said Mayor Boniel.  After they installed the statues, illegal fishing activities are no longer rampant and schools of fish are coming back. It also helps the tourism industry of this town.

“Divers can also pray underwater to have a moment of deeper reflection than those normally experienced, and be very thankful for safely guiding through all their diving adventures, because when in diving, one is immersed in another amazing world where everyone can really appreciate God's wonderful creation,” a statement from the mayor’s office of Bien Unido read.

To encourage more tourists, the LGU constructed a mini hotel, dive shop and other basic facilities. Visitors who plan to stay overnight or longer can stay at the Bien Unido Double Barrier Reef Dive Camp. Visitors can settle into clean and gracious rooms. There are drinks, gourmet meals and fabulous memories-in-the making with fellow travelers.

Several islets of Bien Unido have unadulterated nature. Sailing small banca, visitors can visit the islets with distinct ecologies.

The LGU is also offering seaweeds farm tour. Bien Unido prides itself as the Seaweed Capital of the Visayas. People can learn how seaweeds are planted, harvested and processed in the municipality’s 2,500 hectares farm. Bien Unido also offers technical assistance on seaweed health management and they can help develop a strategy to start a new seaweed farm.

All the while De Ers and I were there, we were amazed on coral gardens and sea life. With Mayor Boniel, the town’s vision to become a prime eco-cultural tourist destination and a balance agro-industrialized governed by God loving and socially, economically empowered community, is putting Bien Unido in the world map.

Mayor Boniel told us to stay overnight but we politely refused the offer because of our busy schedules. Some other time, we said.

The people of Bien Unido are a true delight, and always return our friendly curiosity in full.

Before we left, I asked Mayor Boniel if he is getting married this year. Again, Bared’s HulaHula Who 2011 is true—he has no plans to settle down yet this year. But that’s another interesting story, ayt?

(Note: For inquiries, call Leony at +639153229874or go to www.bienunido.com.)

The Bohol Chronicle, Jan. 30, 2011 issue

Mayor  Boniel with kids