Enchanted with the charm of the islands

CEBU, Philippines - Since its inception in 2006, the Suroy Suroy Sugbo has seen its ups and downs, but mostly ups with visitors disembarking from the yellow buses with all smiles, an extra inch on the waist, and an extra bag with all the delicacies and beautiful handicrafts bought straight from the farmers, weavers and craftsmen encountered during the trip.

From an initial three-leg escapade, it has grown into a five-leg adventure covering the whole Cebu province, including bordering islands. The province has indeed effectively marketed the whole island and all its towns and cities into a place worthy to be visited. Even towns which on first glance may seem mundane and devoid of excitement have enchantingly transformed themselves into places with countless reasons to visit.

Last May 23 to 24, more than 100 balikbayans, businessmen and possible investors, as well as regular next door neighbor type Cebuanos, trooped to the mystical group of islands east of Cebu to discover enchanting Camotes.

Camotes is made up of four islands: Pacijan, where the town of San Francisco is; Poro, which is divided between the towns of Poro and Tudela; Ponson, taken by the town of Pilar; and the small island of Tulang which is part of San Francisco. The islands of Pacijan and Poro are basically merged due to a 1.4 km causeway constructed sometime in the 16th century.

For the past Suroy Suroy articles, focus were put on the different places visited, giving details on the events that happened but less attention on the people who have made this novel tourism event a success. Today, we give you a peek on some of those who took time to see what the province has to offer, and was coaxed and teased to return to the islands aching to deepen their experience of the places.