Purple yam or ube is that bright purple root vegetable with a mellow, vanilla-like taste, and is high in vitamins, fiber, and healthy carbs. It is often used in desserts—ice cream, cakes, puddings, etc.—and grows abundantly in Bohol, the reason why almost every visitor to the province comes home with a bounty of ube-flavored delights.
However, the three-letter word in title of this column does not really refer to that delicious root crop. It is an acronym coined by my friend and co-Trustee at the Tourism Congress of the Philippines, Atty. Lucas Nunag, owner of the popular Amarela Resort in Bohol.
UBE, the acronym, stands for Ultimate Bohol Experience, the product that tourism stakeholders in the province are now pushing after quarantine restrictions have eased up. Bohol has, once again, unveiled for visitors its breathtaking beaches, scenic hills, picturesque rivers, spectacular dive sites, and delectable culinary offerings.
After successfully hosting in September last year, the country’s biggest government-organized travel trade event, and the MICE + E Familiarization Trip three months later, the tourism stakeholders in the province are raring to bring in more domestic tourists.
Led by my good friend Margie Munsayac, vice president of sales and marketing of Bluewater Resorts, the group has put up its first-ever promotional campaign, Balik Sa Bohol Online Sale, which runs from Feb. 21 to March 14. The massive discounts, as much as 70 percent, in room accommodations, food and beverage, tours, and other related services are designed to lure fun-lovers and holiday-makers from other parts of the country to this Central Visayas destination and ignite the resurgence of their tourism industry.
The online promo’s launch last week was participated in by Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, Bohol Governor Arthur Yap, Panglao Mayor Leonila Montero, Department of Tourism Region 7 director Shalimar Tamano, Tourism Promotions Board chief operating officer Anthonette Allones, and my friend, Atty. Lucas Nunag, who is also the chairman of the Provincial Tourism Council.
For a hassle-free and enjoyable visit to the province, the following requirements should be adhered to: a negative RT-PCR test result with the swab taken within 72 hours to travel time; proof of confirmed reservations at a DOT-accredited hotel or resort; proof of registration through tourism.bohol.gov.ph; and, if going on a tour, proof of confirmation by a DOT-accredited tour operator.
An interesting attraction to look forward to in April, as announced by Governor Yap, is the tour to all of Bohol’s National Heritage churches, of which the province has 10. This interesting tour will include cultural performances in each stop, adding pomp and pageantry to the activity. This will be in coordination with the National Historical Commission and the National Museum, in celebration of the quincentennial anniversary of Christianity in the country.
never fails to awe even the jaded tourist.
The tourism enterprises participating in the Balik Sa Bohol Online Sale are Amarela Resort Bohol, Amorita Resort, BE Grand Hotel, Bohol Bee Farm, The Bellevue Resort, Best Western Plus, 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, Modala Beach Resort, and South Palms Resort Panglao.
The discounted tours may be purchased from Angels Wings Travel and Tours, Baclayon Travel and Tours, Bohol Holidays Travel and Tours, Coordinates Tours and Travel, Dagohoy Travel and Tours, Travel Village Tours and Travel, Atlantis, and Cebu Pacific. More information on this very attractive offer is available through margie.munsayac@bluewater.com.ph.
I can hardly wait to revisit Bohol and immerse myself in the destination’s amazing blend of nature, culture, history, and serenity, flavored with mouth-watering culinary offerings. I’m looking forward to another dose of some precious UBE…the root crop and the Ultimate Bohol Experience!
YOUR WEEKEND CHUCKLE
YAWN: The only time married men ever get to open their mouth.
For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@gmail.com.
