Philippines: BEZO Initiatives "Boholunteer" in Baclayon, Bohol

by Nicole
(San Francisco, CA, USA)

I recently had the opportunity to volunteer in Baclayon, Bohol with the BEZO Initiatives Program as a "Boholunteer." Hearing about it, I jumped at this chance.

Travel to the Philippines gets a bad rep for being “unsafe” for Americans. This does have a hint of truth behind it, if you go to certain remote areas, but Baclayon (Bohol) is NOT one of these places. In fact, I feel pity for those so naive to skip travel to the Philippines due to safety concerns. However, those of you smart enough to travel to Manila...if you’re going to travel to the Philippines, you may as well fork out that extra hundred bucks and book a ticket to Baclayon, Bohol – airport code “TAG.” You won't regret it.

Through the Boholunteer program I was able to see the local flora, fauna and, the beauty and simplicity of the local lifestyle. On our way to the lake (in the awesome offroad buggies) for our assignments, the local children and adults were very friendly, always making us feel welcome with their warm smiles and hellos.

I love Hawaii and Tahiti, but for those of you that have traveled there, you know the locals don't always want the outsiders exploring their islands. I never felt intimidated or threatened during my stay. Obviously, you should use common sense anytime you're traveling but Baclayon isn't a place you have to worry about island bullies, gypsies or pick-pockets. And for those people that fear "getting kidnapped in the Philippines" ...that does not happen in Bohol!

The volunteer group leaders were very knowledgeable with the scientific and local names of the local flora, fauna and marine life. Their passion for the natural environment is an excellent representation of what BEZO Initiatives is committed to working toward and what it stands for. I never, once, questioned my safety with our volunteer leaders and guides. In addition, these guys were extremely patient with me, i.e. my slower pace of walking, my slower pace adjusting underwater when scuba diving, etc. All in all, they not only look out for the environment but they are also lookin’ out for you, making sure you’re comfortable and safe, which in turn, enables you a very enjoyable (and meaningful!) experience volunteering. Due to my responsibilities at work back home, I was only able to stay a week in Baclayon…this was my only regret with my Boholunteer experience.

Even if you’re not scuba certified, I highly recommend taking the day trip with BEZO to Pamilacan Island. You can make your reservations through the Municipal Tourism Office (MTO) in Baclayon. Pamilacan Island is a piece of goodness, it looks like someone took a bright blue highlighter around it, the water is that blue! We had lunch at Pamilacan Island, prepared by the locals, soooo good, you can taste the freshness of the food. At night, there is local BBQ for sale just outside the MTO in Baclayon, this BBQ consists of items such as chicken, pork and FRESH local seafood. After traveling to Baclayon and Pamilican, seafood at home in California will never be the same. All the more reason for me to return to Bacalyon!

Other facts important to me regarding Baclayon:
Last year, my first trip day trip to Bohol was booked through my hotel in Cebu, which included seeing the tarsiers. However, that tour brought me to tarsiers in a small enclosure and, I believe the tarsiers were tied to a tree. Asian tourists were petting them and it seemed like no one gave a crap (touching the endangered tarsiers is forbidden, it causes them stress which leads to their death). The tarsiers looked miserable and had the same expression, a very drunk person that's about to pass out would have on their face. On my second trip to Bohol this past February, I booked with BEZO and they took me to see the tarsiers at the tarsier sanctuary (my hotel tour did not offer this option!). The tarsiers looked so much healthier, were not tied to branches and just looked so much happier! I recommend booking directly through BEZO for your day tours so you don't get brought to the caged tarsiers like I did before I knew about BEZO.

BTW, if you're already traveling to Cebu, there are ferries you can take from Cebu to Tagbilaran (Bohol) for about $20 US dollars. It's about a 2 hour ride (with free wi-fi), called the OceanJet and Supercat.

Having been to Hawaii, the Florida Keys and Tahiti (again, I love these places), the main thing that stands out about Baclayon Biyahe and Pamilican island is the culture. Yes, Hawaii, Florida and Tahiti have culture but Baclayon and Pamilican have not been taken over by large, hospitality corporations/hotel chains. The cultures of Baclayon and Pamilican are still full of origin, history and alive today...not what hotels/resorts like Intercontinental or Hilton are portraying/selling it to tourists as. In Baclayon and Pamilacan, you can actually meet, greet and interact with the locals who have been there for generations. Through specialized programs, BEZO Initiatives is working hard to maintain the culture and the natural beauty of Baclayon and Pamilican.

There are local ancestral homes in Baclayon available for lodging, at a great rate, also something BEZO can provide you with more information on. Another option is the Coconut Palms Resort that has reasonable accommodations (simple, but beats the US or European hostels). If you prefer fancy, there is the Peacock Garden that sits on a hill, with room views overlooking the sea. Peacock Garden makes you feel like you're in the South of France yet the warm, friendly staff is a reminder you are on this terrific island. The best way to embrace the local culture is to stay in the ancestral homes with a local family, also most economical.

People in Baclayon speak the local dialect, Visayan but it seems everyone also speaks Tagalog. Even better, it seems EVERYONE speaks ENGLISH! So unlike other countries, there is no language barrier!

Note: To volunteer or for more information, contact BEZO directly through their website at www.braabo.com.