Camotes Island wows Suroy-Suroy guests

CEBU, Philippines - The tourist spots in Camotes Island left local and foreign tourists in awe during the Suroy-Suroy Sugbo, a tour package of the Cebu Provincial Government.

For three nights and two days, guests were toured around the island where the famous Lake Danao was the first stop.

On Saturday, guests were treated to cultural presentations and nature activities in the municipality of San Francisco.

Yesterday, guests visited three old churches as well as Bukilat Cave in Tudela town.

Participants admitted to being surprised by the beauty of Camotes and the number of tourist spots the island holds.

Florida-based husband and wife, Raul and Marlene Desquitado, expressed their amazement with the cave.

“For us, it’s even better than that in Palawan,” said the couple after emerging from the cave.

In an interview with The Freeman, Marlene said that the Bukilat Cave left her breathless, not because of the steps needed to go down to see it, but of its unexpected beauty.

Marlene’s husband, Raul, explained that Palawan’s cave is also a great spot but said that they were able to appreciate the Bukilat Cave more since it has gaps in the ceiling that allow natural illumination inside.

Before allowing guests to enter the cave, a ritual was done by natives as an offer to the “agta”, a Philippine folklore creature, that is said to be guarding the cave.

The natives used an egg in the ritual and if it stands upright,  it means guests are allowed to enter.

If it does not, it means the “agta” is not accepting the offer and no guest is allowed to enter.

The couple, both originally from Cebu , moved to Florida, USA some 40 years ago and have been residents there for some time.

But they said they have been visiting Cebu as they planned to retire here.

Most of the participants were first time guests of the Suroy-Suroy Sugbo but there were also those who have joined previous Suroy-Suroy packages.

Grace Paulino, Provincial Tourism Officer said that they were pleased of the success of the event, especially the feedback from the guests.

After the suspension of Governor Gwendolyn Garcia last December, it was raised whether the Suroy-Suroy Sugbo, which Garcia started,  would be continued by acting governor Agnes Magpale.

But Magpale explained that she still hold Suroy-Suroy as its purpose is to  promote Cebu Province’s tourism.

But they made a few changes, specifically the time spent in each place that the guests visit.

Magpale said in previous Suroy-Suroy, the guests were always in a hurry since there were so many places included in the itinerary.

But starting last January, the Provincial Tourism Office only included three to seven places within three days to give time to the guest to relax and enjoy each town’s beauty.

Paulino said yesterday, the guest had time to go around and even swim in the beach.

Paulino said they were glad to have served well the real purpose of the Suroy-Suroy Sugbo which is to promote the municipalities and cities in the province. – (FREEMAN)