A quick trip to Tuburan

CEBU, Philippines - Tuburan may not be the most famous of the towns in the Cebu Northwest, but it is not unknown, either. This town, which is a mere two hours’ drive from Cebu City, has been written about at one time or another. Tuburan has nice things to offer its visitors.

Now working on a Tourism Masterplan, Tuburan aims to be a destination of choice by foreign and local tourists.  To begin with, the town intends to attract investors and developers to initiate the improvement of its natural attractions, landmarks, facilities and amenities for tourists. And with the attractions that it has, there is no doubt whatsoever for Tuburan to realize this dream.

 The town is bounded in the north by the municipality of Tabuelan, in the south by the town of Asturias, in the East by Sogod and Catmon towns, and in the west by Tañon Strait. The name "Tuburan" comes from the Visayan root word "tubod," which means spring. Since the place is naturally abundant with springs, the name becomes "tuburan," meaning a place of springs.

Don Mariano Monteban, a native of the neighboring town of Sogod, is attributed to have established the town in 1851. The town's land area is close to 30,000 hectares, subdivided among its 54 barangays. One name very closely associated with Tuburan is Arcadio Maxilom, a notable revolutionary leader during the Spanish and American periods. Maxilom is honored with a memorial library in the Tuburan Museum, in due recognition of his bravery and leadership.

Just to whet the appetite of potential visitors, the following places of interest will be covered in a quick trip to Tuburan:

Tuburan Town Museum. It is housed at the 2nd floor of the former municipal building, which was originally the ancestral house of Don Diego Tabotabo, one of the early settlers and administrators of the town. The museum serves as a repository of the local heritage, representing the Tuburan culture and history through over a thousand years, the town's development from pre-history to the present, including the local archaeology and the important personages and their significant contributions in Tuburan's growth.

San Antonio De Padua Parish Church. Built with semi-Romanesque architecture, the church stands right at the heart of the town poblacion. The parish has been in existence for more than 150 years and, in January 2007, was conferred the status as an Archdiocesan Shrine, making it an important destination for pilgrims. San Antonio de Padua is the patron of good business, sailors, expectant mothers, the poor, and lost souls and items, among others. The feast day is every June 13.

Molobolo Spring. It is Tuburan's major spring and has been for a long time used as the source of water for household purposes. The spring abundantly gives out cold spring water (estimably at 1 cubic meter per second) into the beach fronting it. The spring is also a favorite destination for locals and tourists who long for a refreshing dip.

Marmol Cliff. This famous gigantic twin marble rock offers any adventurer the ultimate pleasure of experiencing the beauty of nature. The boulders and the spacious cave on the side of the cliff are said to have been used by local Katipuneros in the uprising against Spain and by guerillas during World War II. The cliff also figure significantly in the local legends of Maria Cacao and Joaquin Tang-an, both popular mythical figures in the town.

Adela River.  The river marks the boundary between the Poblacion and Daan Lungsod, the original administrative site of Tuburan. It stretches approximately three kilometers, its brackish water going through nipa palms that line on both banks. It also picks up water from three natural springs it passes by - from Guiwanon, San Juan and Mantawihan, all in Daan Lungsod. The local government is now underway with a river cruise development in the area.

Lantawan Tunnel.  Located within Tuburan Lantawan Resort, a private development in Panas, Daan Lungsod, this preserved hole is said to have been originally dug during the Japanese Occupation and used as their cover spot from American fighter planes and as hideout during World War II.

A casual stroll around the town would reveal many attractions still. And in terms of merrymaking, Tuburan would not be left behind. It has been staging an annual public festival called Tubod Festival on June 13, since 2006.  The festival depicts the town's multi-faceted characteristics - its people, culture, history and religion. The event also commemorates the fiesta of the town's patron saint, San Antonio de Padua.

Facilities for overnighters are also in place in Tuburan. Visitors may seek assistance at the town's tourism office located at the municipal administrative building. (FREEMAN)