Rediscovering Bohol beyond the Chocolate Hills

MANILA, Philippines - “When people talk about Bohol, the things usually mentioned are the chocolate hills and the tarsiers,” shares Ria Cauton, executive director of the Philippine Bohol Arts Foundation Institute (PBAFI). “This is something that we want to change. Bohol has a rich cultural experience – distinct, incomparable and special. Through the Foundation, I want to be able to preserve Bohol’s arts and culture, and later on, use this a vessel towards poverty alleviation and building national pride.”

From the origins of the Bohol population from the mystical Anda Peninsula, to the oldest Catholic churches in the province and the social practices of Tabo among many others, PBAFI has documented these cultural and historical relics through a series of videos

Through partnerships with the Diocese of Tagbilaran, office of the governor of Bohol, Center for Culture and the Arts Development, Outlook Pointe Foundation (OPF), and Hulma Foundation, PBAFI held an art exhibit, entitled “Pamilyang Bol-anon,” featuring works from a roster of celebrated Boholano painters, including Joey Labrador, Glenn Lumantao, Carlito Masalta, and Florante Anunciado.

“It is an exhibition that features some of the finest artists we have in Bohol,” shares Fr. Val Pinlac, member of PBAFI’s board of trustees. “Using the arts to show off our province’s quintessentially Filipino culture is a good platform for introducing the rest of the country to more profound things that some of us have already forgotten, like our strong religious background and our love for country and family.”

PBAFI has partnered with Filipino sculptor, Lanelle Abueva-Fernandeo, and conducted artisan training for the potters of Albuquerque. “These trainings are meant to elevate the potters’ craftsmanship,” said Ria. “If the potters’ skill sets improve, not only are we keeping the industry alive, we are also helping them improve their livelihood.”

Besides artisan trainings, PBAFI also recently held candle-making seminars for unemployed workers in the island of Panglao.

“Providing Boholanos a means of livelihood is a way of empowering them and that’s what will keep the Boholano traditions alive,” shares Ria. “The Foundation’s fulfillment comes when local artists and artisans feel empowered about their craft and are proud of their Boholano heritage.”