BAYANIHAN REPUBLIC:
Stored Treasure / 30 May 2010
http://digitista.blogspot.com/2010/05/magic-spell-cast-by-loboc-river-cruise.html
About
9 years ago, the small province of Bohol became big in my eyes as I
witnessed its magnificent natural beauty and wonderful people. It
captivated me that up to this time, Bohol still lands in the top list of
my most desired Philippine destinations. The province has it all --
the world famous Chocolate Hills, the so-called smallest primate in the
world Tarsier, top diving destination Balicasag Island, Boracay rival
Panglao / Alona Beach, Philippine pride Loboc Children's Choir,
historical treasures Dagohoy and Sanduguan sites, and religious gems
Baclayon and Daois churches, among many others.
Left
photo shows foydi playing with the tarsiers. Right photo shows foydi
right after his snorkling experience in Balicasag Island.
The
province may be small but I think I'll never run out of things to do,
sites to check out and people to meet everytime I visit the place. And
for this trip, I was able to experience the Loboc River Cruise, dolphin
watching in Pamilacan Island, tour and food trip in Bohol Bee Farm and
first class stay in Bohol Beach Club. 'But I also checked out the world
famous Chocolate Hills, manmade mahogany forest and Baclayon Church.
For this post, let me focus first on the River Cruise because for sure,
this will be novel like if I include all the sites in one write-up. =)
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| From Cebu City, we had a two hour ride going to Bohol via SuperCat ferry. |
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| Leaving Cebu City for Bohol |
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| A kid enjoying the sites of the bay |
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| Loboc River |
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| The Loboc River Cruise |
With PhP400 per head, I together with my
companions was able to get access to the much acclaimed Loboc River
Cruise. As we walk towards the riverside gate, folk music welcomed us
courtesy of the Loboc Rondalla. And after a few more steps, I finally
got into the much desired improvised river vessel.
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| The Loboc Rondalla |
And
who could ever be the best guide to tour us around, well he's no other
than the mayor of the said town, the honorable Leon Calipusan. And
though he's the top man in the municipality, our tour did not become
stiff or boringly serious at all! In fact, our Loboc River Cruise
experience became candid, free flowing and cool as Mayor Leon seemed to
be just one of the gang, our hip big brother. =)
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| Loboc Mayor Leon Calipusan, Loboc's main tour guide! |
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| The gang with Mayor Leon |
We started the cruise at around 1 PM so it's terrific
that fantastic food accompanied us during the trip. And as the vessel
started moving, the band gave a very engaging performance, we sang with
them, moved our heads and shoulders, and danced. Then right after we
passed through the bridge, Loboc River cast a spell and put everyone in
awe as we witnessed the beauty, magnificence and magic of this part of
Bohol.
Another
thing that captured my eyes are the river stops where community folks
and children perform native dance and songs. Mayor Leon said they
discovered that the people have natural talent in the performing arts
hence they conducted trainings and workshops so that the people of Loboc
can harness the full potential of their gifts; hence the birth of Balsa
Tourism Project for Livelihood. No wonder, Loboc became the sanctuary
for the internationally acclaimed Loboc Children's Choir which won first
prize with a gold medal in the Europe and its Songs Festivals in 2003.
Before these people were just living simple lives, perhaps unheard, but
now their voices blended with the melody and harmony of life, which
many have started to notice and been proud of.
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| The cruise stops at the Balsa Tourism Project. |
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| Foreign and local tourists loved the folks' warm welcome and performance. |
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| the smiles that accompany the graceful dance and wonderful voice |
Kuradang is the traditional folk dance of the Visayan people usually danced during special occasions, parties, reunions, etc.
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