Trifter

My family and I had gone to Panglao, Bohol to spend New Year’s with my parents and to stay at their place for a few days. Bohol is a province located in Visayas, the part of the Philippines known for spectacular beaches (Boracay is also found in the Visayas region), beautiful islands, and delectable native delicacies.

Panglao Island is 18 kilometers away from and is connected by a bridge to Tagbilaran City, the capital of Bohol. This island is composed of two towns namely Dauis and Panglao, where my father was born and raised. But even though my father hails from this island, this was only my fourth visit to this spectacular place. My parents met, settled, and raised us all in Pagadian City, which is located in Mindanao, the southern most part of the country.

My parents opted to settle in my father’s hometown in June 2005 right after my mother’s retirement. And we’re so glad that they did as the place is just perfect for retirement, with its fresh island breeze, temperate weather, provincial lifestyle, accessibility to city amenities, and of course, world-famous sandy white beaches.

There are several pristine white beaches dotting the island, most of which are located in the town of Panglao, including Bohol Beach Club, Eskaya Beach Resort, Doljo Beach, and the Alona Beach. But I am quite partial to Alona Beach, a stretch of fine white sand with several inns, resorts, seaside restaurants and other amenities lining the stretch. And this sandy white beach is open to everyone too – you need not be a guest in any of the nearby hotels and resorts to be able to enjoy the beauty of the beach and the crystal-clear waters.

The island of Panglao is also well-known for its numerous world-class diving sites. In Alona Beach, you could sign up with any of the diving tours being offered. Among the most popular diving locations are located on the northwest tip of the island. 

Dolphin-watching is also being offered to many island tourists. You could sign up with a local organizer for a boat-ride taking you to sites where dolphins can be observed diving and frolicking.

We went swimming in Alona Beach almost every afternoon. And during the day prior to our departure back to Manila, we stayed in the beach until 7 p.m., as the moon was bright that night. As we lingered in the pristine white beach, I watched as tourists from different parts of the world continued to pour – families, sweethearts, and friends – all enjoying a beautiful day in this breath-taking and awe-inspiring place.

And I could not help but feel a surge of pride as I contemplate on the fact that Panglao is my father’s hometown. And although neither born nor raised here myself, a rush of joy gripped my heart because my parents have chosen to build their retirement home – which is to be the ancestral home of their growing clan – in this wonderful place. And we can come here to enjoy not only the peace and tranquility of the island, but also the many delightful wonders it offers, as often as we can.

But watching the many foreigners around, I felt a certain spark of sadness knowing that their sojourns in this island have also robbed many of the locals of their rights to their hometown, and have denied them a few privileges. Many foreigners, who fell in love with the island, have opted to stay by marrying local women and buying and building properties. I know that their intentions may be pure, but this has also made me apprehensive of the future of the island if this continues. In its efforts to put the island in the premiere spot of beach destinations, the government should not overlook the establishment and strict implementation of certain regulations that would create a balance between good tourism and the protection of the rights and privileges of the local people.

Then as I went back to the water for my last swim before going back to Manila, I silently wished that I could stay forever in this quiet, relaxing haven. But that wish was soon erased with the realization that worldly cares and responsibilities were calling me back to the hustle and bustle of city life and its fast-paced buzz.