Bohol’s most delicate treasure
February 16, 2003 | 12:00am
Perhaps Bohol intrigued the Spanish discoverer Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. Its rolling plateaus, lush environment, rugged mountains were enchanting. Same with the limestone hills (all 1,268 of them) referred to as the Chocolate Hills. It was obvious that Bohol was no ordinary destination.
It is no different today. There’s something very special about Bohol. Maybe it’s the clear rivers and glorious waterfalls, the perfect weather and sun-drenched beaches, or the harmony of the Loboc Children’s Choir and Sandugo street-dancing. Undoubtedly, it’s the charm of the people and their infectious smiles and sense of humor.
According to Rep. Edgar Chatto, Bohol has everything you can find in one location. "We have pristine beaches, eco-marine sanctuaries, dolphins and whales, mountains, streams, culture, churches and delicacies," he shared, adding that the people of Bohol take care of each other and their environment.
It is commonly said in jest that Magellan was killed by Lapu-Lapu when he went to Cebu while Legazpi was treated like a king in Bohol. Whatever it is, Bohol is mystical and magical. It’s also addictive, like drinking sweet water: The more you drink, the more you want.
"The aggressive tourism promotion has paid off," remarked Gov. Erico Aumentado. He said Bohol emerged as the No. 1 tourist destination in the provincial category during the 2002 Travel Mart sponsored by the Department of Tourism and Philippine Tour Operators. This dynamic performance has encouraged Philippine Airlines to fly direct to Tagbilaran from Manila four times a week. The establishment of the Bohol Tourists Police Force has contributed to the heavy influx of tourists. In fact, National Police Commission director Bernie Calibo said that the Bohol model will be replicated all over the country.
Today, the sophistication and sense of "cosmopolitan-ness" are found in the world-class quality of Bohol’s resorts and lodgings. Large resorts particularly on the Panglao Island are awesome, but smaller properties provide an inn-timate experience you won’t want to miss. A gem of a resort I recently discovered is the Ananyana Resort hidden away along the three-kilometer Doljo Beach with its powdery-white sand.
This haven has a Filipiniana motif (reminiscent of Jose Rizal’s era) but with a twist of European and Balinese influences. I teased my Aunt Norma Tecson Francia as she stood on the balcony that she was like Leonor Rivera waiting to be serenaded by Rizal.
The family suite where we stayed was fashioned from palm and wood, combined with stone – a symbol of status even during the days of our national hero. The bamboo and wood furniture exuded an ambience of warmth and comfort. The marble rock bathroom fixtures were specially designed for practicality. An open-air kitchen serves delightful cuisine like steamed lobster in garlic sauce, a creamy tomato-based seafood pasta, grilled tanigue in lemon butter sauce, veggie pizza and coconut crepes for dessert.
Ananyana GM Jessie Naval encouraged me to check out the Ananyana dive center operated by the Great White Diving Corp., which facilitates excellent dives to Dojio Point, Puntoid, Balicasag, Momo Reef, Alona Beach, Pamilacan and Sunken Island, all within five to 40 minutes by boat.
A writer once said that the Philippines is the staging point – if not the origin – of marine life throughout the world. Balicasag, said to be one of the finest dive spots in the world, is proof of this. The reefs of Balicasag are an eclectic collection of shapes, textures, color and movement. Marine biologists have determined that there is rhythm and reason to everything in the coral reef. Jessie shared, "Because of this uniqueness, dive operators mostly from nearby islands of Cebu and mainland Bohol consider the Balicasag islands as the major destination during safari dives."
Once you have visited the paradise isle of Bohol, you will keep coming back. Each time I returned, I tried something new. I’ll nover forget jumping into the Busay Falls at the end of the Loboc cruise, playing with tarsiers (the world’s smallest primate) and sampling the various delicacies.
Bohol culture is also dependent on its delicacies. Aside from broas, other great finds include torta (torte) and ubi-based products of Bohol.
"The torta was food for the aristocracy during the Hispanic period," said Anton Pernia, owner of Bohol Quality Pastry. Pernia added that his great-great grandmother was the one who taught every generation in their family how to make the best-tasting Spanish broas and torta. His lola was the nanny of Gobernadorcillo Rocha from whom she learned these authentic recipes.
It may not be a common fact to everybody but Bohol stands proud as the leading producer of ubi (purple yam) in the country. In fact, the Ubi Festival in Bohol is now in its fourth year. What wine is to French, ubi is to Boholanos.
For the Boholanos, the ubi is an agro-religious symbol. The purple-colored tuber once saved the people from a devastating famine. The people also believe that the ubi symbolizes their resiliency to rise above adversities.
The Boholanos also profess a deep sense of belonging and piety. As a matter of fact, Bohol is known to have produced the most number of priests and bishops than any other province. Balikbayan businessmen, doctors and nurses commonly return to their beloved province and help out as their way of paying back the many blessings received. Boholanos have been supporting the Visit Bohol campaign for the last few years. They look forward to supporting Visit Philippines 2003 as well.
Bohol will make you fall in love with the Philippines. It is indeed a microcosm of the best we have to offer. Bohol is indeed a beautiful province and beneath this exquisite exterior is the soul of a beautiful people – its greatest treasure.
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