Cebu-Bohol Educational Trip (first of four articles)

Their first stop was the home of Alegre Guitar, a renowned export-quality guitar maker in Mactan City. After which, they visited the job-generating sunrise establishments through rolling tour in MEPZA, such as the international film, fashion schools, and high-end hotels. On the other hand, the booming city of Cebu has many novelties to offer.

They experienced crossing the first subway with high tech safety components made by the Japanese government. Certainly, the tour would never be complete without immersing in the local landmarks such as the Taoist Temple, Magellan’s Cross, Cebu Cathedral, and the Basilica of Santo Nino. The sites provide the feel of the Spaniards and other neighboring Asian countries’ influence on the Filipino culture.   

The second day stopover was the enchanting Bohol, although they need to wake up very early to catch the first trip. It took them two hours of sea travel to reach “Bohol Republic” as described by their tour guide. So much interesting facts were narrated on the way, but what stroke them most was to learn that a city ordinance mandates all tricycles, the main means of transportation, to place religious scriptures in a conspicuous place. That speaks much of the local religious fervor. In a span of 2 days, they were able to take a glance of some of the oldest churches in the country, such as the Baclayon Church which was made from coral stones and egg white, and the Dauis Church which has an interior well adjacent to the altar, the source of its holy water. For those who wanted to take home the water from the well, there are bottled ones for sale. As they get farther from the city, they were nearer to the natural wonders of Bohol. As they were going up to Carmen, the seat of Chocolate Hills, they passed by the tarsier sanctuary to actually see the smallest primate and have the flying lemurs.

The Loboc River was also quite an experience, aside from the authentic native buffet lunch, the ride in the floating restaurant was indeed a whole new thing for the children. While enjoying the view of the plants blossoming at the river side and the green water, they were serenaded by a group of singers on board. The vessel would stop on certain points where they can have a souvenir photo with the Loboc children singing folk songs and dancing tinikling. Seeing prony, the 14 year old pyhthon which is irregular in length and size and has been taken care and considered a family member, was another big bonus for them. The owner celebrates prony’s birthday every year by giving a simple party.

The final day was spent in Cebu. They passed by the Gothong Manufacturing Company, maker of Bambi Oil and margarine. They witnessed how products were made and packed for distribution. Before flying back to Iloilo they had a side trip to Ayala Shopping Center to buy some souvenirs and tasted the Cebu’s best seafood served in SUTUKIL (Sugba Tula Kilaw) restaurant located in Mactan for lunch.

Surely, the learners have plenty of things to write and share with the experiences they had during the trip. The activity was part of the requirements of the third year and fourth year learners which gave them the chance to express what thesy have learned from different subjects such as English, Filipino, Social Studies and Photography as they were required to come up with a travel log. This project is organized every two years. (RJ)