Boljoon: More Reasons to Return
8 and 9 June 2007. When editor Kristin Llerin asked me to write about Boljoon for the Cebu Yearbook, I asked, "Why ME?". I'd just written an article on it a few months before for the Lifestyle page (supposedly, it was what inspired the Yearbook editors to feature Boljoon in the yearbook), and I felt I had written all I had in me to write about Boljoon, after years of yearning for it. I'd explored all I wanted to. It was a closed book, as far as I was concerned. "Because you like to travel!" she said. Fine. It was MY Boljoon, after all, so I thought it might as well be me. When I got there on a Friday morning (the first weekend of the schoolyear, and I was already on another "vacation" :P) to interview some government officials, I discovered that there was an archeological dig going on in front of its historic church, and that there were actually still a couple of places I hadn't been to...which some of the locals hadn't even heard of, eit...
Where did you get this? I can't zoom in it unfortunately..
ReplyDeletethere's no Zoom In option at the top right corner under the date? this is a page from the article i wrote for the Cebu Yearbook 2008. you can find a copy in the bookstores or at Sun.Star. unfortunately, i can't seem to find the original document in my files.
ReplyDeleteclick on the image first and then you'll see the Zoom In option appear at the top right corner.
ReplyDeleteNo, I don't have it :(
ReplyDeletefound it! enjoy!
ReplyDelete==============
HOW TO GET THERE
Take the Bato-Oslob bus at the Cebu City South Bus Terminal and get off at Boljoon. Aircon buses run from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. every 30 minutes. Non-aircon buses leave every 15 minutes, 24/7.
THE NATURAL SCENE
Eli Hill
Named after a Spanish word that means “protrusion”, this rock serves as the natural gateway to Boljoon. The steep but short climb promises a great reward for your efforts: a magnificent view of the town and the coves beyond it, as well as a visit to one of Boljoon’s old watchtowers. Best climbed at sunrise.
Lovers’ Cave
They say that in the olden days, lovers would walk the long way from town at low tide so they could come here and gaze at the stars with their beloved. Now a good place for pictorials, this hollow at the foot of a cliff can be easily reached from the Boljoon high school.
Binlangan, Cam-amno, and Gulas Falls
If your idea of a fun Saturday morning is walking through gullies and river canyons, climbing up narrow rocky passageways where limestone drips on overhanging roots of old trees, then this is the place for you. Find your own trail along the largely unexplored Lusapon River. Only for true nature-lovers and adventurers.
Arbor and Granada Marine Sanctuaries
Boljoon’s two marine sanctuaries not only give snorkelers and divers an enthralling introduction to pristine coral gardens and startling underwater creatures, they are also known to serve as a feeding ground for turtles, harmless reef sharks, and whale sharks passing through.
Talisay, Ka Tikyo and Lusapon Beaches
If you want pure relaxation--taking a stroll along the beach, or floating on the sea and getting sun-drenched--stop by one of these cove beaches before heading home or going off to your next adventure.
To arrange for a guide to any of these spots, contact Ronald Villanueva at the Municipal Hall at (032)4829119. You can also log on to www.boljoon.gov.ph for further information.
LIVING ARTIFACTS
Baluarte Granada
One of the three watchtowers in town, restored as a lookout point with an enchanting view of Boljoon’s mountains and coral reefs. Soon to be a natural history museum and a part of a Mediterranean-style resort-hotel.
Contact Stu and Antonietta Gould at 09212848654.
Boljoon Church, Watchtower, and Museum
The only church in Cebu named both National Historical Landmark and National Cultural Treasure for its well-preserved baroque architecture. The church grounds, still marked by the original stone pillars, include a watchtower-turned-belfry, a convent, and the old school. Also the site of archeological finds that could date back as far as 980 A.D.
Contact Atty. Edmund Villanueva of the Boljoon Heritage Foundation at 09173205842.
Old Niere House
One of the six pre-war homes that remain standing to this day. Built in 1936 by Boljoon’s first doctor, Dionisio Niere, it still houses some everyday implements from the past, such as the espada or weighing balance, and grinder. Used by the Japanese as headquarters during WWII.
Contact Dr. Niere’s grandson, Glenn Niere at (032)4829178.
Elementary Schoolhouse
First established in 1913, Boljoon’s elementary school is designed in the Gabaldon tradition. Found right across the market where you can get great ukay-ukay finds.
Contact the school principal Glenn Niere at (032)4829178.
WHERE TO STAY
Bellie Boy Beach
Cottages beside a long stretch of beach, ideal for seekers of solitude.
Contact Bellie Niere at 09165169898.
Cebu Club Fort Med
Cozy resort nestled in the curve of the road that welcomes visitors approaching town. Offers company packages, dive safaris, and a swimming pool.
Contact Marlon Medida at (032) 4829050 to 51 or 2629147, or log on to www.cebu-clubfortmed.com.
Lusapon Resort
Found near the mouth of its namesake river, this beachfront resort offers double and family rooms with luxurious German furnishings.
Contact Mylene or Ricky at (032) 4829077 or 09162005535.
Mediong Seaside Escape
The only resort right in the heart of town. Newly opened, with a swimming pool and family rooms. Also good for company f