The Corella Tarsier Sanctuary protects the reclusive animal (Photo from Bohol’s tourism video)
As for attractions and activities, there are a mix of natural wonders and man-made wonders. We’re already familiar with the majestic Chocolate Hills, the mysterious tarsiers, and the calming Loboc River tours. But the island province has a few surprises up its sleeves. Ten, in fact. Soon, they will launch 10 new “surprise tours,” a combination of alternative activities like a raffia fiber loom-weaving activity in Tubigon, firefly-watching in mangroves, a biodiversity complex where visitors can plant endemic trees, carabao-milking, bolo and calamay making, and a visit to Shaman’s Island in Lamanoc. And yes, there are real shamans there.
One of the best times to go to Bohol is during the Sandugo Festival, held every July to celebrate the historic Blood Compact. For one whole month, the city of Tagbilaran and Bohol’s towns celebrate by holding non-stop fiestas, which I learned they take very seriously. According to Palacio-Noel, Boholanos from all over the world fly home to be with their loved ones. She shares stories of how families would buy new appliances or furniture, and cook food fit for a barangay. Some would even borrow money just so they can provide.
We witnessed the thoughtfulness that Boholanos put to fiestas during our visit. It was the Saint Anthony de Padua fiesta in Sikatuna, and we were invited to visit houses and eat. It is tradition to welcome visitors during fiestas, even if you don’t know them, as they equate the number of visitors to the number of blessings they’ll get throughout the year. Not visiting a friend’s house during fiestas can also have social implications, so we were advised to eat light, as we had to visit three houses, including that of Sikatuna Mayor Jose Ellorimo’s.
“Being open to tourists is already a way of life, even before the word tourism came out. Boholanos celebrate fiestas with gusto,” reveals Gov. Chatto. “And people save their money so they can share it with people during fiestas.”
This year’s Sandugo Festival will continue its tradition of a trade fair, a Miss Bohol competition, gastronomic fusion nights, a song festival, a street party, and AirAsia’s Red Hot Party. But one thing will be different. It will tap into its past.
Lolo Miguel and Lola Imelia doing the surprisingly coquettish kuradang
Gov. Chatto noticed that the kuradang, a courtship dance showcased during Sandugo, has been infused with steps from other provinces. Strange, considering that the kuradang is rooted in Bohol. The governor said that they will go back to its roots and highlight the original and traditional steps. They are currently setting up guidelines to ensure authenticity.
“We are moving away from the traditional Sandugo that copies other festivals in other places,” says Gov. Chatto. “We are putting up the traditional Boholano steps because that is consistent with our advocacy of showcasing what is truly Boholano.”
We got to see the original steps of the kuradang when we visited the Dimiao Elementary school, where Zosima Acuram leads the Dimiao Children’s Rondalla. There, they accompanied Lolo Miguel and Lola Imelia do the kuradang, a surprisingly coquettish dance. There were a lot of hand and foot movements, and it was very sensual. It was a beautiful dance, and I was excited to see it danced in Sandugo.
Arsenio Lagura, Jr. is one of Bohol’s many woodcarvers, and is now joined by his sons
During our trip, I was also shown old-school crafts like wood-carving and bolo-making. I met Arsenio Lagura, Jr., a woodcarver at the Santa Monica Church in Albuquerque. He was making a religious tableau, and the details were breathtaking. He told me that he has been carving since he was 17. Now, he continues his trade and is helped by his three sons.
Though Boholanos are talented in these crafts, I wonder if the new generation is practicing. The Dimiao Children’s Rondalla is still active, and practices once every two weeks. They are skilled in playing folks songs, but they also performed pop songs like Jessie J’s “Flashlight.”
Sadly, I was told that the younger Boholanos are too shy to dance the kuradang, and are content to standing by the side and watching. I asked Gov. Chatto if social media has had a negative effect. He is also optimistic. He said that social media can be used to get the word out and encourage more people to visit. Last year, there were 800,000 visitors during the Sandugo Festival, an impressive number considering many churches are still undergoing restoration.
“We make use of social media to make sure our uniqueness as a province can be showcased.” says Gov. Chatto. “It can be a great vehicle for us. What’s important is that the younger generation must be given the opportunity to appreciate and learn.”
The Santa Monica Church in Albuquerque has charming murals on its ceilings. The posts are real trees. The church wasn’t damaged because it was retrofitted a few years before the earthquake
In a way, the earthquake also has positive effects. Tourism has gone up, especially for people who want to see how Bohol has fared after the quake. Laborers have developed new skills in heritage restoration, and there are talks of offering related programs in college. Infrastructures that were damaged were rebuilt and improved.
When we left Bohol, I was amazed at how strategic the recovery efforts are. And as we boarded the plane and I said goodbye to the little airport with the tiny baggage carousel, I realized what Bohol’s charm is. It’s not just the warm hospitality and love for fiestas. It’s that it’s ready for the future, but it’s firmly rooted in the past.
AirAsia flies to Bohol three times a day. For bookings, visit https://www.airasia.com/. Now everyone can fly!
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