Bewitching Bohol

( Conclusion ) Day 3

We rose with the sun, as we had an interview at breakfast with Bohol Gov. Erico Aumentado, also the chairman of the Central Visayas Regional Development Council. In his quiet but systematic manner, Gov. Aumentado related to us his tourism projects. "Our goal is to make the entire province a tourism destination," he said. "This is why there are now three tourism clusters in Bohol–eco-tourism, cultural heritage tourism and agro-tourism." To support the tourist and economic boom, the governor’s office has three major plans: the Bohol Circumferential Road project, an irrigation project, and a scheme to lay submarine cable that will supply electricity from Leyte.

The game plan sounds great, doesn’t it? But, we asked, what will happen when the tourists come in busloads, the province becomes commercialized and the tarsier disappears? Gov. Aumentado replied, "Bohol is the only province in Asia to be awarded the ISO 14001 certificate under the environment management system." How very reassuring, we thought. The Governor added, "Bohol was awarded the Blue Heart by the USAID, DENR and Department of Agriculture for our enforcement of the laws on environment, coastal resources and marine resources, as well as our assistance to NGOs on environment projects."

How well has Bohol preserved its coastal and marine treasures? To find out, we ventured to Alona Palm Beach where we took a boat for the 30-minute ride to Balicasag Island, the Philippines’ number one dive site. The boat arrangement was courtesy of Hans Schoof, who we met at dinner that night. On the way, we spotted Pamilacan Island where tourists can go dolphin-and whale-watching. A third of Balicasag is a marine sanctuary and resort run by PTA. Many foreign and local divers were there. Resident manager Joey Salgado arranged our underwater escapade. We were overwhelmed by the profusion of live corals, violet starfish, rainbow-colored fish and a school of electric-blue fish. These are the stuff you see in the aquarium channel, and they swim right past you!

Delighted by this encounter, we relished our dinner and conversation at the Hacienda Sierra del Mar. Our attentive host, Hans Schoof, is the founder of the Bohol Foreign Friendship Foundation, which was behind the successful first Bohol international film fest. Hans fell in love with a beautiful Boholana, whom he married, then went on to fall in love with the province itself!

Day 4

We began our fourth and final day on a spiritual note by attending Mass in the time-worn Dauis Church. We then went up to Bohol Plaza, the highest point on Panglao Island. From its balcony, we beheld the breathtaking panorama before us–the islands of Panglao, Bohol, Cebu, Negros, plus Siquijor to the right.

Our last meal, albeit sentimental, was still spent in a cheerful mood at Bohol Beach Club. Fe Ginete, marketing manager of the resort, toured us through two pools, a tree-lined pathway and a lovely latticework of blue bells. As the sea breeze danced freely on our cottage balcony, it was all we could do to sleep and forget about our flight that afternoon.

Too soon, Chito, our ever-patient and saintly guide throughout the trip shepherd us to the airport, where our PAL plane stood waiting. I told Chito: "I can hear you sighing with relief. You’re going to celebrate all night, aren’t you, now that my crazy staff and I are leaving at last!" He merely chuckled. "Ah, but we’re coming back, you’ll see!" I warned him. He looked aghast, then he smiled.

Yes, we’re coming back soon–because inevitably, indelibly, Bohol has captured our hearts.

Greetings

Belated happy birthday greetings to Jun-Jun Ablaza, last Oct. 24; socialite Techie Velasquez and Bulletin’s Millie Vera, and social photographer Lorna Llanes, last Oct. 27; Precy Psinakis and Titang Montinola, Silverstar Communications’ Louie Kierulf, PR lady Jeannette Reyes, last Oct. 29; computer whiz Joe Rebano, last Nov. 1; Victor Rufino, Construction King David Consunji and Lipa Mayor Vilma Santos, yesterday.

Happy birthday greetings to our celebrators today, Leopoldo Prieto Jr., actress/producer Armida Siguion Reyna and Vintage’s Bobong Velez.

Advanced birthday greetings to Makati Medical Hospital big boss, Dr. Raul Fores, Rome-based former Rep. Tomas Concepcion and super PR whiz Edd Fuentes, Nov. 4; Jayelles Holdings (Phils.) Inc. EVP Bong Palma Gil and commercial model Alex Ortigas, Nov. 5; PR consultant Joy Buensalido, Bulletin’s Pinky Concho-Colmenares, Nov. 6; businessman Jeff Hanison and Alfred Velayo, Nov. 7; Kathleen Henares, Donald Dee, Consul General of Chile Arturo Rocha and Triple V’s Vicvic Villavicencio, Nov. 8; Sara Lee’s dapper president for Asia Perry Mogar, HMI’s Josie Padilla Rufino, Carmen Recto, Blanca Santiago, former Makati Mayor Dr. Elenita Binay, Nov. 9.

So, how was your week?

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(For comments and inquiries, please e-mail us at jjlitton@indanet.com)