OpinionsThe bell tolls here and there31st of May in Isola de Francisco

31st of May in Isola de Francisco

-

- Advertisment -spot_img

PANGLAO, BOHOL — The newest tourism sensation here became my birthday island when I chose to conquer it on the 31st of May.

My annual birthday island-hopping came with an unexpected good news: Isola de Francisco welcomes everyone with simply a donation to the ministry — as this totally white-sand glory is actually a prayer island.

Finally, we have a destination in the Philippines that the local people can enjoy even with just a P20-joyride and I noticed, that the other visitors even gave just a few pesos in the donation box. — so unlike the popular beaches that have become too expensive for local tourists.

I remember talking to students in a public school in Palawan, and when I was trying to establish common ground by talking about their famous Underground River, I sensed that we were not feeling the same level of excitement as I tried to narrate my experience. So I asked for a show of hands of those who had been to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, and four responded positively. Majority of them said, “We can’t afford to go there; it’s only for foreign tourists!”

Isn’t it sad that many Filipinos are not able to get a chance to visit their own country’s beauty spots, as these are mostly fenced exclusively for the expensive tourism business.

Look at the once-hilltop view of Tambobo Bay in Siaton in its full glory; it has been mostly fenced, and the private residences around it have actually taken away what used to be the playground of the local dwellers in Siit and Palayuhan villages of Siaton.
One can only hope the property owners and resort owners can at least open their gates even once a year for the original dwellers to enjoy the wonders of their own barangay.

The Isola de Francisco here in Panglao is truly making a difference.

My journey towards my birthday island started with a boat ride from the Taloot wharf in Argao, south of Cebu. Lite Ferries Shipping has regular trips to Tagbilaran City for only P230. When we anchored in ths Bohol gateway, I immediately went out of the port and started walking towards Lite Port Center Mall along Celestino Gallares St. for two reasons: to buy my return ticket for the evening, and to enjoy Buzz Café of Bohol Bee Farm. I love the famous organic delights in this restaurant.

There is no food place in Isola de Francisco, so I got myself some squash bread and the bottled pesto (my favorite among the Bee Farm delights), mango and malunggay spreads for take- out.

Then I took a tricycle ride to the bus station for Panglao Island — the cheapest way to conquer the famous destination. There are three groups of jeepneys and buses to Panglao, each would bring you to a particular side after crossing the bridge from Tagbilaran. I asked for the one that would take me to the Panglao Public Market and on this P20-trip, I had an endless view of the beauty of the Panglao landscapes: from ancestral homes to fishing villages.

From the public market, I had another P20-ride, this time on a habal-habal to St. Augustine Parish Church. Right behind the grandeur of this center of faith is the Panglao Port. For only P2,000, you get a boat ride to two or three islands: usually the Balicasag and Virgin islands. I chose to the take boat that would exclusively take me to Isola de Francisco.

Expecting this to be a bit cheaper than island-hopping packages, I prepared a P500 bill. But the boatman said it was too much as all I had to give was any amount in a donation box. The mother with two daughters who joined me in this ride dropped some coins into the box.

Appreciating the ministry, I dropped a hundred peso bill, and a hundred peso tip to the boatman which he politely refused! He said they have regular wages from Mr. Ramon Rodriguez, the man behind the Isola de Francisco ministry.

This man of faith designed Isola di Francisco, called Pontod by the local folks, being a devotee to St. Pio of Pietrelcina.

There was no entrance fee just another donation box if you wanted to enjoy the modest snacks they prepared in the counter.

The main attraction here is the not the white sand beach but the sanctuaries for prayer.

With the intense Roman Catholic faith of many Boholanos, the island is for them a perfect place for retreat and reflection. On its white sand sanctuary are several religious sculptures, and even out on the open sea are sculptures featuring Jesus and His disciples in that Bible drama on Matthew 14. They also have a regular mass in the island’s chapel.

Aside from the good swim to get closer to the “Jesus walks on water” sculptures, I also enjoyed feeding the doves with crumbs from the bread I had for snacks. It was like having the blessings of a hundred angels from heaven as they perched close to me. Very meaningful indeed.

Seeing people from all walks of life enjoying the island together with tourists from other countries, I had this moment of joy realizing that the island’s generosity successfully ushered everyone to a faith ministry.

It is best to come here not on a weekend or a holiday as there would be too many people. I was glad that the 31st of May this year was on a Thursday, there was no crowd.

In fact, I was alone on the Jesus side of the island, as most of the tourists chose to be on the white sandbar.

________________________________
 

Author’s email: [email protected]

(Back to MetroPost HOME PAGE)


 

 

Latest news

City budget is dead  — Dgte Council

    Perdices resigns as Finance Committee chair “The Motion raised by Councilor Baldado for the approval of the 2025 annual...

Comelec to put LGUs  in ‘yellow’ alert

    Majority of the cities and municipalities in Negros Oriental are likely to be placed under ‘yellow’ category for the...

Who wins?

    The City Council’s Friday special session was meant to be about one matter: approving the 2025 annual budget of...

Canlaon completes P12M infra

    despite eruption The local government of Canlaon City turned over this week more than P12 million worth of infrastructure projects...
- Advertisement -spot_imgspot_img

Coop budgets P9M for CSR

    The Perpetual Help Community Cooperative, Inc. has lined up projects this year for its community development program in Negros...

PNP augments force for May polls

    The first batch of augmentation force from the Philippine National Police that will assist in disaster response, and perform...

Must read

City budget is dead  — Dgte Council

    Perdices resigns as Finance Committee chair “The Motion raised by...

Comelec to put LGUs  in ‘yellow’ alert

    Majority of the cities and municipalities in Negros Oriental...
- Advertisement -spot_imgspot_img

You might also likeRELATED
Recommended to you