From Medellinto the world

Enter the word ‘Medellin’ in Google search bar and the internet takes you to a place in Colombia, South America. Answer your officemate ‘Medellin’ whenever he asks you where you come from and he gives you that weird look on his face.

Or utter the word ‘Medellin’ to your college buddy and you get any of as follows: meeting eyebrows, blank stare or open mouth (add salivary showers if you may) and then follows his million-peso question: ‘Duol ra na’s Carcar?’

For God’s sake, Medellin is not near Carcar City and while a place with the same name exists in the western hemisphere, I’m actually speaking about a town in northern Cebu—one that’s bounded by Daanbantayan in the north and the city of Bogo and municipality of San Remigio in the south. It’s alternatively hailed the sugar bowl of Cebu, the province’s golfing capital and the eco-adventure tourism capital of the north.

Okay, this whole geographic hype butted in this week when I was particularly amused to see a 15-minute campaign video on Youtube, high definition in its full length, inviting local and foreign tourists alike to come and experience summer vacation the Medellin way.

The video basically showcases travel destinations and fun activities in the town: from the partnering ziplines, believed to be the longest in Cebu; cable car;tarzan jump and horror cave in Caputatan Norte to the Mercedes golf course in Dayhagon, then to the white sands in sitio Pasil in the island-barangay of Gibitngil, which is near Funtastic Island where cottages in neon colors mushroom on a rock formation in the middle of swim-able crystal seawaters. And I mean crystal literally.

Medellin Hideaway, located on the eastern coast, has a 500-meter bamboo walk that offers a breathtaking view of Bogo Bay. An inexpensive haven, it’s ideal for kayaking, snorkeling, banana boat riding, videoke sessions, or a simple enjoyment of the beach.

It was not a surprise to see how Medellin has transformed from the old agricultural district it used to be to the vibrant tourism destination it has now become because I’ve been such a huge believer in the town’s and its townsfolk’s’ potentials.

But to actually see it live and happening right before your very eyes, the feeling was euphoric. More than just the pride, it’s the fact that you belong to this group of people, united in one vision of trying to put their place on the map that makes the whole experience even more ecstatic.

And it only reflects the type of governance there is in the town, one that has mental picture of a desired end, one that acknowledges the critical role of investing public funds in good business ventures where it can readily reap good fruits from. Well, to invest was already a notable act but to bank on eco-tourism as a means of generating substitute income sources, is even more commendable.

And since credit is given where it’s due, what about a pat on the back of Mayor Ricky Ramirez and his team for a job well done? Through their efforts, Medellin has already found its niche on Cebu’s map.

But of course, more than all these new improvements, what I think keeps Medellinians linked to the rest of the people of Cebu and the Philippines is their unquestionable faith, a devotion solidly anchored on the mercy of Sr. Santo Niño. On the occasion of the town’s fiesta on April 26-27, we join thousands of townspeople in paying homage to the Holy Child, who has blessed this town in great leaps and bounds, cuddling every resident, tapasero or mananagat alike, in His loving shield.

And why tell the tale? Aside from the obvious reasons, I believe that a person who never learns to look back to his origin will never reach his destination. So this is just me looking back.

Have a FUNtastic fiesta, Medellin! Happy Katubhan Festival!