What travel mags see as more fun

Sometimes in class, there comes a point when a teacher veers away from the prepared lesson plan because students come up with intriguing and practical questions or anecdotes inspired by the discussion. While a teacher has to dismiss these interruptions most of the time, there are precious moments when tangential stories become more powerful in eliciting learning. This is what educators call a teachable moment. 

Sometimes, it is good for us non-teachers to have that discipline of being aware of our every experience so that we would not let that rare chance of giving meaning to our lives pass us by. 

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Due to lack of funds, our tourist spots are no match for the first-class amenities that countries like Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia offer foreign tourists. 

It should be worth pondering then why three (and counting) well-known travel magazines have recommended the Philippines as one of the hottest travel destinations for 2013. We can’t be naive as to believe that we are getting the attention simply because ours is the most beautiful place in the world. Other countries are also blessed with unique and mesmerizing sceneries. 

If we read what the international reviews are writing about the Philippines, the common pattern is that our islands are not commercialized, overdeveloped, and touristy. Isn’t it a big turn-off when five-star hotels, theme parks or other concrete properties ruin the natural beauty of a heavenly place? 

Given these facts, we learn that it doesn’t take the wealth of a first world country to market places as world-class tourist destinations. In fact, what entices tourists is pristine and unspoiled beauty. 

We hope more local governments would espouse the practice of ecotourism. Such approach prioritizes the conservation of the diversity of the natural environment through responsible and sustainable community practices. 

Apo Island off Dumaguete is one of my favorite examples. Famous for its marine reserve, visitors will surely get the impression that residents have a sense of ownership over the island’s protection. They are quite eloquent in orienting and reminding tourists not to touch the pawikan or step on the coral formations when snorkeling. 

Bohol is also trying its best to market itself as an ecotourist spot, thanks to the collaboration among beach resort owners, the provincial government, the local community, and the Department of Tourism. The province is trying to find the balance between development and conservation in providing convenience to its visitors. A good example of this convenience is the need to have clean restrooms for tourists. Wherever one goes in Bohol, be it in Baclayon Church or in the tarsier sanctuary, the comfort rooms are very clean and well-maintained. The one at Loboc River is even air-conditioned that you would think of staying there instead of waiting outside in the sweltering heat for the next available raft.

What local governments must think about is that when tourists are prioritized over the environment, they may for a time cash in on the arrivals but lose the market in the long run once the locale suffers degradation and abuse. If they aim instead at protecting their home first and foremost, then tourists will constantly visit their province to seek out the majesty of Mother Nature.

All this good PR we are getting from international magazines shouldn’t make us forget that Filipinos should be the first ones to enjoy our country’s natural resources. It’s always embarrassing to meet foreigners telling you that they know more about your own country. 

These visits though are not for simple enjoyment. It’s also to appreciate the gift of the motherland so we could learn to take care of it. If we constantly equate the Philippines with traffic and pollution, we would have a hard time feeling pride for our country. But when we experience the beauty of our islands, then we feel that sense of ownership and responsibility for our country. Says philosopher Roger Scruton, “Through beauty, we perceive the world as our home.”