A 'suroy' to Cebu's Southern Heritage Trail

CEBU ,Philippines  — After successfully inspiring conservation of natural and tangible resources as well as exhorting a sense of cultural pride, the seven-year-old tourism initiative of the Cebu provincial government, with Gov. Gwendolyn Pilar Garcia on the helm, has ridden on the winds of change as it has been transformed into a contest.

After banking on the “Suroy Suroy Sugbo” tourism initiative brand to highlight Cebu’s towns and cities, the road is now paved to entice more visitors to indulge in the “suroy” (taking a leisurely trip) and at the same time act as judges to an “indigay” (contest).

Last Jan. 18-20, some 300 participants of the caravan toured 18 southern towns and three cities via the so-called Southern Heritage Trail, hopping from one town plaza to the next (an average of 30 minutes per stop), visiting historic sites and museums, and sampling local dishes and delicacies — and acting as judges, too, as to which town has stood up to the governor’s challenge to come up with brighter ideas in highlighting the best in their locality — an amalgam of colorful cultural influences (Indian, Chinese, Malay, Arabic and Spanish).

Balikbayans, pensioners, and a number of French, German and Korean nationals comprised the guests who sampled the remarkable serenity and hospitality of the southern towns and cities, which are aptly described as “hulagway sa kalambuan ug kakugi (a picture of progress and industry).”

In Santander, guests dance the ‘Sinug,’ which, according to historians, is the more appropriate term for the dance offering ritual.

For example, in Oslob, 117 kilometers away from Cebu City, on the second day, barangay folk have been trained to assist and reply to inquiries of tourists.

I also learned that Oslob was the first to have come up with friendly signages to aid tourists, and it’s paying off because Oslob now has a different feel. What used to be a cold and sleepy town is now as vibrant as its well lit, restored Cuartel.

Does this explain why the “tukis” (“butanding” or whale sharks) are coming? There is something in the underwater world we might not all grasp and understand to explain this migratory behavior, but sure it’s a welcome development, indicating how healthy our waters are. Just stop the fishermen from feeding “uyap” or bringing the “tukis” to shallow water as these acts might destroy their social behavior and lead to stranding, respectively. The least we expect is a casualty for we wish to work hand in hand with this marvelous gift of nature.

The tour began in Minglanilla and moved on to Naga City, Sibonga, Argao, Dalaguete, Alcoy, Boljoon and Santander for the first stop of the three-day tour. On the second day, the participants visited Oslob, Samboan, Ginatilan, Malabuyoc, Alegria, and Badian. Meanwhile, Moalboal, Alcantara, Dumanjug, Ronda, Barili, Carcar City, and Talisay City were visited on the last day.

Guests gamely walk up a hilly portion of Barili to get a glimpse of Mantayupan Falls.