GCash and Bohol LGU launch “Sulong Turismo”

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Leading mobile wallet push for cashless digital tourism

As part of its vision to champion countryside development through digitalization, GCash, the leading mobile wallet in the country,with the Provincial Government of Bohol to revitalize the local tourism industry in the province through their joint campaign, Sulong Turismo.

GCash chief marketing officer Neil Trinidad

Sulong Turismo aims to help boost the tourism sector by integrating digital payment solutions in local tourism campaigns. Local government units (LGUs) with popular tourist spots will be empowered to adopt convenient cashless payments for such transactions as travel booking and accommodation, among others. By leveraging on these digital tools and highlighting their wide-ranging benefits, the campaign hopes to enhance customer satisfaction, drive repeat visits, and invigorate the overall tourist experience.

“We are proud to be a part of the Sulong Turismo initiative. Financial inclusion towards economic growth has always been the main goal of GCash. And we believe that this can be achieved through partnerships with both the public and private sector, so that together we can present opportunities to business owners as well as the consumers, for a safer, secure, convenient and profitable payment solutions that can boost the domestic tourism industry,” said GCash Chief Marketing Officer, Neil Trinidad.

The campaign was officially inaugurated through a dynamic seminar and dialogue, where the advantages of a digitalized tourism industry were extensively discussed, with a particular focus on LGUs with prominent tourist destinations. During the event, the DOT unveiled plans for infrastructure development, a dedicated tourism website, and a cutting-edge tourism app. These initiatives aim to incentivize tourism-related businesses to embrace digital payments, ultimately fostering growth and prosperity in the sector.

Distinguished guests who attended the event included Bohol Governor Hon. Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado, DOT Chief Tourism Officer Region 7 Dr. Gelena Asis-Dimpas, BSP Regional Head of Economic Affairs Greg Baccay, Philippine Information Agency Head Rey Anthony Chiu, Panglao City Vice Mayor Noel Hormachuelos, Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Yap, and GCash Chief Marketing Officer, Neil Trinidad.

During the event, the concept of a tourism circuit was presented. A tourism circuit encompasses a strategic route or itinerary that connects multiple tourist attractions within a specific region. This structured approach promotes the region's diverse offerings and entices tourists to spend more time discovering unique destinations.

“The active participation of local businesses, including micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), market vendors, and transport groups, further exemplified the strong collaboration between the public and private sectors in propelling the region's tourism industry. We are very happy to be the first municipality to have pioneered this initiative and we are hoping that other municipalities would follow our lead.” said Bohol Governor Hon. Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado.

By promoting the value of digital solutions in showcasing tourism sites, "Sulong Turismo" helps streamline operations, enhance accessibility, and ensure sustainability while offering a seamless and enjoyable experience for both tourists and businesses alike.

The GCash app is available for free on Google Play and the App Store. For more information, visit www.gcash.com.ph.

DOT lauds Bohol's celebration of the annual Ubi Festival

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The Department of Tourism (DOT) lauds the Provincial Government of Bohol's efforts in setting up this year's annual Ubi Festival under the new normal.

Running until February 24, the festival, which has been celebrated since year 2000, is proof of the Boholanos’ love for Ubi or purple yam. The root crop was revered as a “savior crop” as its discovery led to the alleviation of hunger in the province during pre-Hispanic times. Now, it has become a staple food for Boholanos because of its taste, long shelf-life, and the many food varieties that can be made from it.

As the largest producer of ubi in the country, Bohol is home to many ubi farmers who turn to the root crop for their livelihood. With this year's theme, “Pagpananum ug Ubi Napuslan, Kagutom Na Dala Sa Covid19 Nabatukan,” the festival aims to celebrate the root crop that has become an agro-historical-geographical-religious symbol for the province and highlight the impact and contributions of ubi farmers.

Photo from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist - Bohol

As part of the festival, a showcase of a variety of Ubi products like ube jams and ube-based bibingka, ice cream, and bread can be found at the Old City Airport in Tagbilaran City. The venue strictly implements health and safety protocols to assure festival-goers of an easy and memorable experience. Other cultural activities, exhibits, and seminars are also held to honor the root crop this month.

From festivals, gorgeous sights, and fun-filled activities, there’s definitely a Bohol destination for everyone. While it is famous for the Chocolate Hills, Bohol also offers other attractions that families, groups, and even solo travelers can enjoy.

Scenic views and ecotourism sites

Photo courtesy of Paul Gotiong

When one speaks of Bohol, the Chocolate Hills cannot be left out. These 1,776 individual hills spread across six towns have attracted tourists from many generations for their uniqueness and vastness. The Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary, a place dedicated to saving the lives of endangered tarsiers, is also open for those who want to learn more about these small nocturnal primates.

 

Action-packed activities

Photo courtesy of Nataniel Luperte

Bohol also has something for adrenaline junkies. If you prefer seeing the Chocolate Hills up close, ATV rentals are available in the Carmen area. Those who want more action-packed activities can head to the Loboc Ecotourism Adventure Park for zipline and cable car rides. If you prefer water activities, you can also opt for stand-up paddle boarding tours or experience a water bike adventure.

 

White-sand beaches

Bohol is also known for its white-sand beaches and clear waters. The Alona beach is a stunning 1.5km stretch of white-sand beach famous for being a must-visit spot for those who love snorkeling, scuba diving, or even those who just like to relax and watch the sunset. Travelers can also island-hop to Balicasag and Virgin islands to explore Bohol’s marine life. If you’re lucky, you might even get a glimpse of dolphins in the area.

 

Variety of accommodations

Tourism comprises 70% of the livelihood in Bohol, so there is no wonder that several hotels and resorts are available in the area. Whether you choose accommodations in the municipality of Panglao or Dauis, these hotels are committed to providing top-notch service and hospitality, especially during these times. Temperature checks, QR code scanning, plated meals, and rearranged eating areas are just some of the adjustments made by accommodations to ensure that travelers are assured of a safe environment during their stay.

Hassle-free travel

Do-it-yourself travels are currently not allowed in Bohol. This means that everything you plan to do while on the island should be pre-booked--from accommodations and transportation to tour arrangements. This makes sightseeing around the island hassle-free. This also makes it easier for the provincial government to implement systems to curb the virus’s spread while ensuring that tourists get to fully enjoy the island’s beauty.

Before planning a visit to Bohol, travelers must have a negative RT-PCR test taken 72 hours before their arrival, pre-booked accommodations at a DOT/LGU-accredited establishment, travel itinerary, and registration in the Province of Bohol website at tourism.bohol.gov.ph for the issuance of personal QR codes that will serve as electronic IDs.

Tourists coming from Metro Manila are encouraged to apply for the subsidized RT-PCR test at the UP-Philippine General or Philippine Children's Medical Center for as low as PHP900 and PHP750, respectively. To avail of the 50% discount from either of the two medical institutions, visit the Tourism Promotions Board website at www.tpb.gov.ph/rtpcrphtravel.

As of February 2, 2021, Bohol allows the use of saliva RT-PCR tests in place of nasal and throat swabs.

For up-to-date information on open destinations and the safety protocols and requirements needed for each location, you may visit www.philippines.travel/safetrip or download the Travel Philippines app at app.philippines.travel or the Google Playstore.

For more information on traveling to Bohol, contact the Department of Tourism or visit philippines.travel/safetrip/bohol.

 

DOT backs “Balik sa Bohol” for tourism industry revival

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The Department of Tourism (DOT), in collaboration with the Provincial Government of Bohol, announced its online travel fair, Balik sa Bohol: Bohol Online Sale, which will run from February 21 to March 14, 2021. The island-wide travel sale will offer discounts of up to 70% off on accommodations, dining, and tour services.

The Balik sa Bohol: Bohol Online Sale aims to further promote domestic tourism among the public and encourage them to see Bohol’s natural and cultural wonders. To avail of Balik sa Bohol: Bohol Online Sale deals, visit traveloco.ph/balikbohol. 

“With the upcoming Balik sa Bohol: Bohol Online Sale, we look forward to more people travelling to Bohol to see and experience the beauty and wonders of the province,” DOT Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said.  

She added, “We, at the DOT, along with provincial and local leaders in Bohol, are committed to protecting the health and safety of locals and tourists alike. Regaining the trust and confidence of Filipinos to travel again is essential to the revival of the tourism industry.” 

SAFETY PROTOCOLS, DISCOUNTED RT-PCR TRAVELERS NEED TO KNOW 

Health and safety protocols have been put in place by the provincial government so tourists can make the most out of their time in the province.  

Before visiting Bohol, travelers must have a negative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test taken 72 hours before the date of travel, pre-booked accommodations at DOT-accredited or Ultimate Bohol Experience (UBE) certified establishments, travel itinerary including confirmed tour bookings through DOT-accredited tour operators (if going on tour), and registration in the Province of Bohol website at tourism.bohol.gov.ph for the issuance of personal QR codes that will serve as the tourists’ electronic IDs. Bohol allows the use of saliva RT-PCR tests in place of nasal and throat swabs as of February 2, 2021. 

Tourists coming from Metro Manila are encouraged to apply for the subsidized RT-PCR test at the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) or at the Philippine Children's Medical Center (PCMC) for as low as PHP900 and PHP750, respectively. To avail of this 50% discount, visit the site at www.tpb.gov.ph/rtpcrphtravel. 

 To check out up-to-date information regarding destinations that are open and the safety protocols and requirements needed for each location, one may visit www.philippines.travel/safetrip or download the Travel Philippines app at app.philippines.travel or the Google Playstore. 

THINGS TO DO IN BOHOL 

With the travel sale, more people have a chance to see the gorgeous sights and experience fun-filled activities in Bohol. Among these is the Alona beach, a stunning 1.5 km stretch of white-sand beach, famous for being a must-visit spot for those who love snorkeling, scuba diving or even those who just like to relax and watch the sunset. Travelers can also island-hop to Balicasag and Virgin Islands to explore Bohol’s marine life.  

When one speaks of Bohol, the Chocolate Hills cannot be left out. These 1,776 individual hills spread across six towns have attracted tourists from many generations for their uniqueness and vastness. The Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary, a place dedicated to saving the lives of endangered tarsiers, is also open for those who want to learn more about these small nocturnal primates. 

ATV rentals, zipline, cable car rides, stand-up paddleboarding tours, and water bike rides are also available for those who are in for a little adventure. 

FEATURED PARTNERS AT THE ONLINE TRAVEL FAIR 

Participating establishments and tour agencies for the Balik sa Bohol: Bohol Online Sale include the following:  

• Amarela Resort 

• Amorita Resort 

• Be Grand Hotel 

• Bohol Bee Farm 

• The Bellevue Resort 

• Best Western Plus The Ivywall Panglao Resort 

• Bluewater Panglao Beach Resort 

• Bohol Beach Club 

• Chocolate Hills Adventure Park 

• The Acacia Glamping 

• Donatela Resort and Sanctuary 

• Loboc River Resort 

• Mithi Resort and Spa 

• South Palms Resorts Panglao 

• Modala Beach Resort 

• Angels Wings Travel & Tours 

• Baclayon Travel & Tours 

• Bohol Holidays Travel & Tours Inc. 

• Coordinates Tours and Travel 

• Dagohoy Travel & Tours 

• Travel Village 

Balik sa Bohol: Bohol Online Sale is sponsored by Cebu Pacific Air and is powered by Atlantis. 

AirAsia is Bohol’s official airline partner for Sandugo Festival 2018

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World’s Best Low Cost Carrier celebrates with Boholanos

BOHOL, 28 July 2018 – AirAsia, the world’s best low-cost airline for 10 straight years running, is Bohol’s official airline partner for Sandugo Festival 2018.

The partnership signed in February by Bohol Provincial Governor Edgar Chatto and the airline’s CEO Captain Dexter Comendador involves joint brand advertising, promotional activities and campaigns, familiarization trips for consumer and trade associations, media, travel agencies, greater tourism development and route network synergy, joint roadshows to trade partners, and many more.

The Sandugo Festival pays tribute to the historical blood compact between Spanish and Filipino leaders. For this year's festivities with the theme Legacy @ 30: A 30th year of Sandugo Festival, AirAsia is a major and the only airline sponsor for the festival which showcases a series of events such as the search for Miss Bohol pageant. 

“It brings us so much pride to be your official carrier. Boholanos are known for their excellent service culture which is also one of the hallmarks of AirAsia’s brand of service.

It’s going to be an exciting time for all of us and we look forward to working even more closely with the provincial government and the various hotel and tourism stakeholders not only for this festival but throughout the year, ” AAP CEO Captain Dexter Comendador said.

AirAsia awarded this year’s winner of Miss Bohol, Ms. Raclaire Stephan Dinsay Cesar Trigo who hailed from the City of Tagbilaran with free flights and the title Miss AirAsia 2018 while offering special fares to encourage tourists to travel to Bohol.

To celebrate, AirAsia is offering promo fares from as low as P1,190, all-in, one-way for BIG Members and from P1,258, all-in, one-way for Non-Members are available for booking from 30 July until 5 August 2018 at www.airasia.com for travel period between 30 July 2018 to 31 January 31, 2018.

Keep updated with AirAsia’s latest promotion and activities via twitter (@AirAsiaFilipino), Facebook (facebook.com/AirAsiaPH) and on Instagram (@AirAsiaFilipino).

Goldilocks Cebu Plant to Bring More Tasty Treats to Visayas

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Sweet and more tasty treats for all in Visayas Region! 

Goldilocks, the country’s number one bakeshop, has undoubtedly established itself as a true Filipino icon through its passion to serve quality products all throughout the Philippines.

Despite having 454 branches nationwide, Goldilocks has always maintained an inimitable level of freshness when it comes to its all-time favorites. Aside from applying the most advances baking and packaging techniques to preserve this attribute, the transport time from Goldilocks plants to retail outlets are likewise kept to a minimum.

With the growth of demand in the Visayas market – where Goldilocks has 83 branches – the company recently opened a new cake plant at the Cebu Light Industrial Park in Lapu-Lapu City. The new cake plant is meant to serve the areas of Cebu, Bohol, Eastern Visayas, and Negros Oriental more efficiently.

Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza joined Goldilocks Bakeshop President Richard Yee and Supply Chain and Technical Director Lawrence Chin for the official blessing of the plant. 

Together with almost a hundred guests, it was once again affirmed how Goldilocks is committed to bring the most delicious and iconic Goldilocks treats to the entire Visayas region.

To learn more about Goldilocks Bakeshop, please visit their official Facebook page, or their website at www.goldilocks.com

Coca-Cola and Habitat Ph give cleaner, safer water systems to two Bohol towns

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The towns of Tubigon and Maribojoc in Bohol province now have clean and safe drinking water due to a joint effort of the Coca-Cola Company and Habitat for Humanity Philippines. The two towns have newly rehabilitated water supply systems, a project which began in February 2014.

Coca-Cola Philippines Foundation President Cecile Alcantara and Habitat for Humanity Philippines Managing Director and CEO Charlie Ayco (far right) formally turned over a new water filtration system to Maribojoc Mayor Leonicio Evasco Jr. on May 22, 2015 at a ceremony in Brgy. Jandig. The filtration system will benefit nine barangays in Maribojoc town.

In Tubigon, a redeveloped 105,000-liter water storage tank will be able to provide clean water to 500 families in the barangays of Panaytayon, Ilijan Norte and Ilijan Sur. Meanwhile, 2,000 families across nine barangays in the town of Maribojoc will benefit from a new multi-filtration water system that outputs 1.2 million liters of clean water per day.

Representing the provincial government of Bohol, Atty. Anthony Damalerio expressed his gratitude to Coca-Cola Philippines and Habitat for “this good example of public-private partnership. This is one way to honor our strong commitment to deliver that basic commodity to our barangays.”

From left to right: Habitat for Humanity Philippines Managing Director and CEO Charlie Ayco, Tubigon Mayor Marlon Armila, Bohol Governor Edgar Chatto, and Coca-Cola Philippines Foundation President Cecile Alcantara test the newly installed 105,000-liter water storage tank in Barangay Ilijan Sur in Tubigon. The tank will benefit 500 families from three barangays in the municipality.

Damalerio said that the province’s demand for clean water will be increasing this year since Bohol will be embarking on massive infrastructure projects. Due to this, he explained, providing barangays access to clean and safe drinking water is a topmost priority. “We must not forget the role of our barangays.”

Coca-Cola Philippines Foundation President, Cecile Alcantara, said that the two projects are the company’s way of giving back to the community the water they’ve consumed for their products. “We call this ‘replenish,’ and we are happy to say that we have given back 40 to 50 percent of the water we’ve consumed back to the communities,” she said.

Alcantara also requested local government officials to educate their constituents to take care of the resource entrusted to them. She emphasized that “[since] water is not an infinite resource, we have to conserve it.”

Habitat for Humanity Philippines Managing Director and CEO Charlie Ayco and Coca-Cola Philippines Foundation President Cecile Alcantara present a model of the newly rehabilitated 105,000-liter water storage tank to the local government of Tubigon, Bohol represented by Mayor Marlon Armila and Gov. Edgar Chatto, during a turn over ceremony held on May 22, 2015. Also in the photo are officials from Habitat for Humanity Philippines, Coca-Cola, and the local government of Tubigon.

Habitat for Humanity Philippines Managing Director and CEO, Charlie Ayco, says they took on this project as part of the organization’s goals of ensuring that Filipino families can have more decent and secure lives. “We are known for shelter, but in our housing-quality standards, clean water and sanitation are a vital components of a decent home.”

Both the Coca-Cola Company and Habitat for Humanity Philippines see themselves as partners for development, eyeing more projects together with the local government of Bohol to help rebuild the lives of those who have been affected by the 7.2-magnitude earthquake last October 2013.

“Perhaps the blessing is that the earthquake brought us all together, to work together so that we can [also] rise up together,” Coca-Cola’s Alcantara said.

Bohol Travel Fair : 'Visit Bohol 2015'

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A taste of bountiful Bohol at the Bohol Travel Fair—The first Bohol Travel Fair at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati City amid simple yet meaningful ceremonies. The 3-day event, which runs  January 9 to 11, 2015, serves to kickstart the province’s Visit Bohol 2015 tourism campaign, which hopes to lure local and foreign tourists, including businessmen, back to the province to explore its beauty and natural splendor and be part of its growing economy. 

The initiative is also aligned with the Philippine government’s own “Visit The Philippines 2015” tourism campaign, a follow up to its successful “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” effort last year. 

Shown in photo during the opening ceremonies are (from left to right) L-R: Mr. Reed Aeschliman (Deputy Mission Director, USAID Philippines); Hon. Rene L. Relampagos (Congressman 1st district. Chairman of the Committee on Tourism of the House of Representatives); Hon. Ramon R. Jimenez Jr. (DOT Secretary); Hon. Benjie Arcamo (Board Member of Provincial Govt of Bohol); Hon. Edgar M. Chatto (Governor of Bohol); Atty. Lucas M. Nunag (Bohol Provincial Tourism Council Chairman); Hon. Arthur Yap (Congressman 3rd District) ; Hon. John Geesnell Yap II (City Mayor of Tagbilaran).

The Bohol Travel Fair, which is organized by the Bohol provincial government in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT), the Tourism Promotions Board Philippines (TPBPHL), and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), was attended by numerous VIPs, dignitaries and special guests from the province, the national government, the diplomatic corps, and other important stakeholders in the Philippine tourism scene. The event also provided participants, mainly private resort owners, the opportunity to showcase the best of what they can offer to event guests and the general public when it comes to tourist attractions.

Visit Bohol 2015 : Visit Bohol Tourism Campaign for 2015 Launched

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Bohol, the friendly heart of the Visayas and one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the Philippines.

Bohol is known for its awe-inspiring “Chocolate Hills,” rustic and centuries-old churches in Baclayon and Loboc, the ever-lovable “tarsier,” and of course, the never-ending smiles and hospitable culture of its people. Aside from that, Bohol boasts of having some of the best white-sand beaches in the world like those in Panglao and Anda, and is fast gaining ground as a top eco-cultural tourism spot because of its numerous mystical cave sites, serene rivers, enchanting waterfalls and mangroves, spellbinding marine sanctuaries and diving sites, and adventure-oriented attractions.

The province of Bohol shows how it defiantly rose from the rubble as it introduces “Visit Bohol 2015,” a year-round tourism campaign that aims to revitalize its image and entice more visitors to come to Bohol. 

“Visit Bohol 2015”, launched under the leadership of Gov. Edgar Chatto, seeks to position the province as a top-notch tourist destination with its amazing natural attractions and its friendly and honest people.

The tourism campaign kicked off via a three-day Bohol Travel Fair at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati City, starting today until January 11, 2015. Organized by the Bohol Provincial Tourism Council Inc. under Atty. Lucas Nunag, the travel fair gathered together all major players in the Bohol tourism sector with a single-minded objective of providing a strong boost to Bohol’s tourism industry.

“For years, Bohol has always been in the hearts of every Filipino, not only as an eco-cultural tourism landmark but as a home to a number of our country’s pride. As we felt how our kababayans share our grief during the devastating catastrophe that hit our province, we now feel the surge of support as we pave the road to recovery and come back in the tourism map.

With Visit Bohol 2015, expect a much better and bolder Bohol – ready to welcome all of you to our beautiful province. We invite you to visit and be awed not just by the wonderful sites Bohol has to offer, but also by the endearing graciousness, hospitality and trustworthiness of Boholanos,” says Governor Chatto during the opening ceremonies of the Bohol Travel Fair.

DOT Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr.

The launch event, which was supposed to be held on December 8 to 10, 2014, was rescheduled due to super typhoon Ruby that slammed parts of the country. Now the campaign is going full blast and ready to entice residents and tourists to visit Bohol.

“Our dream is to make Bohol a tourism superpower and top holiday destination. With the help of our partners and other significant stakeholders from the public and private sectors, we believe this is

achievable,” adds Governor Chatto. 

Other partners for “Visit Bohol 2015” include the United States Agency for International Development through its Advancing Philippine Competitiveness Project (USAID-COMPETE), the Department of Tourism (DOT), the United Nations-World Tourism Organization (UN-WTO) and the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), plus local tourism businesses, Ms. Gloria Steele, USAID Mission Director for the Philippines, and DOT Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr., who is also one of the keynote speakers, are among the many dignitaries at the event.

For the Bohol Travel Fair, Bohol also partnered with AirAsia, the leading budget airline in the region, as its exclusive airline partner. AirAsia, awarded by Skytrax, the world’s most prestigious airline and airport review and ranking site, as the world’s Best Low-Cost Carrier for six consecutive years, offers unbelievable, year-round low fares for its Manila-Tagbilaran and Manila-Cebu flights

to attract more visitors to the province.

Aside from the low seat prices, also up for grabs at the “Visit Bohol 2015” travel fair are at least 60 percent discount in accommodations, tour packages and other travel essentials, plus various indigenous Boholano products. 

To provide entertainment, travel fair visitors will be serenaded by the heavenly voices of the world-famous Loboc Children’s Choir, who will sing popular and classic music via a mini concert every night for the duration of the three-day event.

More photos here.

Behold...BOHOL travel fair in Glorietta Mall Dec. 8-10

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Visit the Philippines Year (VPY) 2015. AirAsia’s super low fares to Bohol and bargain hotel and tour deals are up for grabs!

One of the top holiday destination in the Philippines - Bohol, as it launches new and exciting tourist destinations with rock bottom prices for airfares, hotels and resorts during a travel fair to be held in Glorietta Mall on Dec. 8-10.

Bohol provincial governor Edgar Chatto said the province will also formally launch its new branding “Behold...BOHOL,” which positions the province as a destination that exudes a sense of awe in every visitor.

Tarsier

The three-day event is the first time ever that tourism sector in Bohol comes together in a massive campaign to entice tourists to visit. It is part of the Bohol Tourism Action Plan developed through the collaboration of the United States Agency for International Development through its Advancing Philippine Competitiveness Project (USAID-COMPETE), the Department of Tourism (DOT), the United Nations-World Tourism Organization (UN-WTO), and the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) as well as local tourism stakeholders.

The new branding “Behold...BOHOL” was developed with the help of CNN’s branding expert Anita Mendiratta. Bohol is the first province that benefited from an outreach program of CNN. 

AirAsia, the leading budget airline in the Asian region, is the exclusive airline partner for the campaign and will offer seat sale. The airline that has been awarded the Skytrax’s World’s Best Low Cost Carrier for six consecutive years is also committed to offer year-round low fares for flights between Manila - Tagbilaran (Bohol) and Manila – Cebu.

At least 50% discount in accommodation, tours and other travel essentials in Bohol will be offered during the three-day travel fair. Boholano products will likewise be on sale.

Loboc River 

The travel fair will open in a grand program featuring the world-famous Loboc Children’s Choir. The chorale group will have a nightly concert during the three-day event.

Bohol province is dubbed as the eco-cultural tourism capital with its fascinating Chocolate Hills, pristine and white sand beaches in Panglao and Anda. It is also home to the well-loved Tarsier, considered the smallest and oldest primate in the world.

“We want to develop Bohol as the tourism superpower and a top holiday destination in the Philippines,” said Bohol governor Edgar Chatto.

He said the launch of the 'Behold... BOHOL' aims to promote the province as a complete tourist destination because every town has a unique tourist attraction to offer to visitors. 

Aside from the iconic destinations, the province is surrounded by caves, tranquil rivers, fascinating water falls, marine sanctuaries, mangroves and diving sites.

Chatto said Bohol is now promoting the powdery white sand beaches of Anda, as the next tourist destination. Road and infrastructure access to Anda are underway through the convergence program of Department of Tourism and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) that seeks to connect airports to tourist destinations. 

Anda is a must visit in Bohol for its unique and wider coastlines making it a perfect destination both for relaxing walk on the beach or water sports activities.

The town is also home to the Lamanok Mystical Island and is fast becoming a popular destinations. Lamanok can be reached within a two-hour drive from the capital, Tagbilaran. The island has a rich lush mangrove protecting the community from flooding, pollution and water surge. It hosts some mystical caves where ancient Boholanons bury their loved ones in jars.

Governor Chatto said Bohol is also home to Asia's largest mangrove forest called Banacon located north of the municipality of Getafe. It has a total of 425 hectares with only 15 hectares dry land and the rest are extensive mangrove plantation.

In a press statement, the Governor credited the strong support and cooperation of tourism stakeholders in Bohol in promoting the new tourist destinations of the province.

“ The strong partnership between the local government and the private tourism stakeholders, a well equipped manpower with innate hospitality as well as the rich natural, cultural and historical attractions of Bohol are the three main factors why we are confident to become a tourism superpower,” said Chatto.

AirAsia, the Filipino Low Cost Carrier is fully supporting the ‘Behold...BOHOL’ campaign by offering its lowest possible rates for tourists visiting Bohol.

AirAsia, the world’s best low cost airline flies three times daily to Bohol.

Thousands of Youth Gather for Habitat Youth Build 2014 “Tagbo. Tukod. Tana!”

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This year’s Youth Build is expected to be one of the biggest youth gatherings in the country. Over 5,000 youth will converge at Habitat Youth Build 2014 “Tagbo. Tukod. Tana!”

“Tagbo. Tukod. Tana!” as this year’s Habitat for Humanity “Youth Build”, happening simultaneously on May 3, 2014 in five key provinces in the country, to make a commitment to help rebuild homes across calamity-stricken areas in the Philippines. 

Beginning May 3, young volunteers will sweat it out as they get their gloves, hard hats, and shovels ready to begin the construction of Habitat houses in earthquake-hit areas in Bohol, and Yolanda-affected communities in Cebu, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, and Naga. After Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) destroyed parts of the country in November last year, Habitat launched its “Re-Build PH” campaign with a target to rebuild 30,000 houses. This year’s Youth Build aims to rally the youth to do their share to meet this target.

“Rebuilding the Philippines is everyone’s responsibility. This time, we want to gather our youth and tap into their passion and energy to help get the job done while at the same time serving as role models to the younger generation,” shares Charlie Ayco, Habitat for Humanity Philippine’s CEO and Managing Director.

“Tagbo. Tukod. Tana!”

Since the build-sites are mostly around the Visayas region, this year’s theme was taken from the local Visayan dialect-- “Tagbo. Tukod. Tana!” (Let’s gather. Let’s build. Let’s do it.) It hopes to speak more urgently to the Visayan youth to rise to the challenge of helping their own neighbors, friends, and kababayans rebuild their own communities by taking part in the Youth Build.

“For us to be able to truly move forward from the horrors of the earthquake and typhoon, we need to work hand-in-hand as one community-- the progress of one is the progress of all. We encourage the Boholanos to help their kababayans, because by doing so they are helping the entire province,” Ayco adds.

Rebuilding 7,000 houses in Bohol

In October last year, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake rocked parts of Bohol leaving houses in shambles and families homeless. The Youth Build targets to rebuild 7,000 homes in 16 municipalities across the province providing decent shelter to families still living in tents and make-shift houses.

To kick-off festivities in Bohol on May 3, a motorcade of celebrity youth supporters will take place in the morning leading all the way to the Habitat site in Loon, Bohol where Habitat’s Youth Council will begin the initial build. To cap the day, a youth concert open to the public will be staged to further urge the Boholano youth to respond to the call.

Other local festivities to kick-off the “Youth Build” will also happen in Cebu, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, and Naga.

The Habitat Youth Build is a movement that engages young people to raise funds for, and awareness of the poverty housing situation in the Asia-Pacific region where one in eight people live in slums, according to the United Nations.

Now on its third year, the annual campaign challenges the youth to do something concrete to help. Young people from 11 other Habitat countries across the region will also participate and build or repair homes for low-income families. 

Habitat for Humanity Philippines is a global non-profit organization committed to addressing the housing backlog in the country.

To know more about Habitat and its programs, log on to www.habitat.org.ph.