Hidden talents, hidden treasures

One bad thing about living in an urban city like Manila is that you become a bit jaded. Personally, I’m not that easy to impress. That’s the way I’ve been programmed all my life. To me, Manila is the best – and everything else is the rest. After all, Manila is the media center of the Philippines, and so the center of the news is Manila (note: when I say "Manila," I’m referring to Metro Manila as a whole, and not the actual City of Manila). When you watch TV or read the major dailies, 95 percent is all about things that happen in Manila (mostly bad news, too). The only time the "provinces" become the center of the news is when some calamity happens somewhere – like the tragic oil spill in Guimaras or when Mt. Mayon erupts.

Or so I thought.

Recently, I was assigned to cover the Hudyaka Festival in Bohol. At first I was skeptical, but after staying just three days I thought: "How do I even begin writing about this wonderful, magnificent place?" After my trip, I realized just how much I didn’t know about the Philippines. We have some amazing hidden treasures out there. And I’m not even talking about the tourist spots.

It’s Not The Place, It’s The People

Cities and places are often measured by the popularity of their tourist spots. People always say, "Oh, you haven’t been to Paris till you’ve seen the Eiffel Tower," or "You haven’t been to Egypt if you haven’t seen the Pyramids." Before my trip, a friend told me, "You haven’t been to Bohol if you haven’t seen the Chocolate Hills and the tarsiers."

But you know, the true beauty – and the real treasure – of Bohol lies in its people. I know, I know, it sounds clichéd, right? But believe me, I’ve been to many places in the Philippines, and I must say that the sincerity, friendliness, warmth, and cheerfulness of Boholanos ranks Numero Uno. Their friendliness is not your usual "fast-food restaurant" kind of friendliness. The friendliness is not in-your-face and abrasive. It’s a sincere, warm, charming kind of friendliness – the kind that makes you say, "Man, I feel truly at home here. I definitely want to come back!"

I’ll start off with Leo Udtohan, our guide (who was referred to me by our Entertainment editor, Ricky Lo). Leo is an indefatigable livewire. His love for Bohol is evident from the get-go. This guy knew his hometown inside out. And he is an amazing host. This guy didn’t let us out of his sight. He is a good ambassador for Bohol. The only thing that Leo lacks is the word "Bohol" tattooed on his forehead. He truly enjoys showing people around his beloved province. If Filipinos were only half as passionate about the Philippines as Leo is about Bohol, we’d be a great nation.

Then there’s Joy Suarez, resident manager of Ananyana Beach Resort, where my friend Mawi Genato and I were booked. Ananyana is a private paradise – a beach sanctuary that has 12 cozy villas. Admittedly, I had not heard of Ananyana prior to my stay there. But to my surprise, they are almost always booked, mostly by European tourists who enjoy diving (Bohol is known for its great dive spots). I almost felt angry at myself for not having heard of this quaint, serene, tranquil Philippine resort before, while countless Europeans and other tourists enjoyed its beauty and world-class amenities. And let me tell you, these tourists know a good place when they see one. Ananyana is heaven on earth. Boracay may have the best sand and beach bars, but nothing beats the peace and quiet in Ananyana. But again, if you ask me, the biggest asset of Ananyana is not so much the scenic beach or the beautifully landscaped grounds. It’s the people. And it starts with Joy herself. In all my years of traveling, I have not encountered a resort manager who is more personable, dedicated, and hands-on than Joy. She really goes out of her way to talk to her guests and get to know them personally. She doesn’t engage you in typical small talk. You almost feel like you’re talking to an old friend. She is truly an asset, not just for Ananyana, but for the whole tourism industry.

Ananyana Beach Resort is located at Doljo Beach, Panglao, Bohol (tel: 038-502-8101).

Other outstanding individuals I met in Bohol were Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Bohol Federation president Frances Bobbith Cajes-Auza, who at the tender age of 19 heads more than a hundred SKs in the province of Bohol. The Bohol SK is the first in the country to be online, and the first to have its own publication – all initiatives Frances spearheaded. Frances epitomizes the true modern Filipina: beautiful, hardworking, multi-faceted, talented, intelligent, charming. Frances has this enviable zest for life hinged on an insatiable desire to help and serve. When I met Frances, my old notion of "the helpless provincial barrio lass" was discarded forever. We’ve got some talented young ladies out there and they’re no pushovers.

Then there’s Jedara Docena, a 3rd-year high school student of Grace Christian Military High School, a chess protégé who will be flying to Russia next month with grand master Eugene Torre to compete in some international chess competitions. TV personality and comedian Tim Tayag, who was with us as he covered Bohol for his show On Foot, challenged Jedara to a chess game. He was checkmated in seven minutes. Then there’s Vicky Wallace, the proprietress of the famous Bohol Bee Farm. Vicky’s farm is a must-visit in Bohol – not only because you’ll learn a lot about bees and the many things you can do with their honey but because Vicky is such an engaging person to talk to. Words of wisdom flowed out of her mouth effortlessly. Mawi and I could only listen in amazement. It was like listening to a sage. When I left the Bohol Bee Farm, I felt like I had found my inner soul.

There’s so much more about Bohol that I can talk about. There’s the beautiful Alona Beach Resort (which is definitely worth seeing). A visit to Panglao is not complete if you don’t stay and see Alona Beach, named after sexy star Alona Alegre. Alona has the longest stretch of powdery-white beach. Discover Panglao Island through the cozy and tropical feel inherent in Alona Tropical Beach Resort (telefax: 038-502-9024). With nicely situated native-style fan cottages, fan rooms plus air-conditioned rooms and an open-air restaurant along the white sand of Alona Beach (which is regularly combed), the resort is one of the better alternatives for a genuine Bohol experience.

There’s the Hudyaka Festival – the annual August feast in honor of St. Joseph, which Mawi, Tim, and I got to witness. Hudyaka means "revelry," and from the festivities, one could really see why Boholanos gave it that name. They certainly know how to have fun.

Seeing the Chocolate Hills and the tarsiers was almost anti-climactic for me. They’re great, for sure, and so is the Loboc River Cruise. But what really struck me about Bohol is its talented, dedicated, hardworking, brilliant, beautiful, and charming people. These are the hidden talents and the hidden treasures of our beautiful country. And it’s really encouraging to know that they are out there. Personally, I find it so inspiring. My love for the country increased a hundredfold after my trip to Bohol. Nothing can be more satisfying when you discover hidden treasures in your own backyard.

Discovering Bohol was like discovering myself. I realized that if we just take the time and effort, there are so many wonderful things we can discover about our country, our countrymen, and ourselves.

And that, to me, is a comforting thought.

* * *

For inquiries on Bohol vacations, call Leo Udtohan at 0921-244-6791.

* * *

Thanks for your letters, folks! You may e-mail me at rodnepo@yahoo.com