Happy New Year, despite the odds!

Like the rest of the world, we look forward to this coming year with much trepidation. The travel industry was the first to feel the pinch, at the advent of the fuel price spiral. However, travel people are ingeniously resourcefulness and so the travel sector survived the fuel debacle, until it faced the global economic crunch. That is a pretty tough cookie to tackle…as we all know only too well.

Nonetheless, tourism and travel trade key players have been continually nurturing destinations, not only for foreign travelers, but also for locals. In the midst of the economic downturn, we must be judicious in the choice of our vacation spots. But take a vacation, we must. Especially in these trying times, taking a break can mean our health and our emotional survival through 2009.

One such place worth a visit is Bayawan City in Negros Oriental, just about two hours’ drive from Dumaguete City. I was just there the week before Christmas to shoot an episode for my TV show POR VIDA: Stories Authored by Life. (every Tuesday on Studio 23, 6:30pm) I liked Bayawan the first time I visited, to judge their now-famous Tawo Tawo (Scarecrow) Festival. It was shortly before they became a city. Currently, the City of Bayawan is one environment-conscious destination that is worthy of emulation by other cities of the country. They produce their own bio-diesel out of a local shrub and they have the first (and, I think, the only) LGU-initiated waste water treatment facility. Its LGU leadership is obviously sincere in working for the common good, for the conservation of the surrounding waters – an open sea that is ideal for surfing, for the alleviation of poverty among the fisher folk, for the dignity of the constituents. Hence, Bayawan City has also earned the title of being the Healthy City of the Philippines.

How much to go there? P1,200 per way in business class of Ocean Jet (P900 in economy), then about P90 for a non-aircon Ceres bus ride to Bayawan. (The owners of Ceres Bus Lines are Bayawanons.) The trip is comfortable as the roads are concrete and clean all the way. If you want to cut the fare cost by half, take a land trip. Time spent on the journey is an hour less by land. There are decent places to stay in the city. The LGU is operating a hotel at their new and impressive transport terminal.

Another place to consider for vacation is Bohol, if only the resort rates are not so expensive! I have always wondered why Bohol resorts charge as high as Manila? Their amenities and facilities are not that remarkable; in fact, I found one of these upscale resorts wanting in its offerings and staff services, for the charges we paid. Otherwise, the Loboc River and its environs are soothing to the spirit. Bohol is such a verdant, refreshing destination to visit. Best alternative is to stay with relatives or friends who live there. How about doing a day tour, then take the boat back by evening?

Then, there is always the lure of Boracay. We have just been there, taking the Cebu Pacific direct flight to Caticlan, and stayed at Boracay Tropics. We had such a great stay! It is facing away from the beach at the juncture of Stations 1 & 2. Hence, it is near enough but safe from the noise and crowds of White Beach habitués, especially during late into the night when we may want to sleep undisturbed. Their rates are reasonable, considering the good home-style food they serve and the excellent service of their staff. I was deeply appreciative when front office personnel and room boys managed to give me a resealable bag for my dried fish purchases. They went the extra mile to help me out.

Wherever you may end up for your next vacation, make sure to get into an adventurous mode. Try the unbeaten path…who knows? Money shall have been saved and your horizon will have been widened. Considerably. Difficulties make for great opportunities.

Travel wisely and stay safe. Happy New Year, despite!