Balamban

CEBU, Philippines - The town is the “Shipbuilding Capital of the Philippines,” all right, but the buzz of industry is not the only thing to find in Balamban. The place is many other things for everyone, the local people and visitors alike. In fact, tourism is becoming an industry in itself in the town.During the Spanish time, Balamban was part of a ‘pueblo’ that also included the neighboring Tuburan and Asturias, which have since become separate towns too.  Balamban’s original name was “balang-balang,” a term referring to the practice of the natives linking their arms to serve as seat for Spaniards whom they’d carry in crossing the river. The term then shortened to “ba’ang-ba’ang,” in the popular speech of the locals where the letter “l” is often not sounded. The word eventually became “balamban.”

With the Trans-Central Highway in place, Balamban is now a mere hour away from Cebu City. The route via Naga-Uling and Toledo, though, is still being used, but double the travel time. The town is reached either by bus or v-hire. The traveler won’t be bored along the way, owing to the beautiful sceneries that line the whole road stretch, whether going via the Trans-Central Highway or the Nage-Uling-Toledo route.

But the real excitement awaits in Balamban. The renowned Tsuneishi Heavy Industries, the shipbuilding company, is located in the town’s barangay Buanoy. The site is a real marvel to see.

Balamban has also secured its place in contemporary Philippine history for its Mt. Manunggal – site of the plane crash on March 17, 1957 that claimed the life of President Ramon Magsaysay, who was most popular with the Filipino people. The barangay to which Mt. Manunggal belongs has since been named in remembrance of the late President. Mt. Manunggal is very famous among mountain climbers.

Many other attractions dot the whole town. 

West 35 Eco Mountain Resort. Located in Kilometer 35, Gaas, Balamban, the resort is a 45-minute trip, via the Trans-Central Highway, from JY Square in Lahug where v-hires are available. It has a rich flora and fauna – lush vegetation, a wide variety of insects, and birds endemic to the barangay. From the resort’s view deck, a picturesque 360-degree view of the Balamban mountains and the Tsuneishi compound can be seen. The resort’s restaurant serves fresh vegetable dishes from its own gradens.

Adventure Café.  Also located in barangay Gaas, it is touted as the first resto-adventure site in the Philippines. The place offers zip-lining, wall-climbing, rapelling, and a stress wall – where ‘stress eliciting messages’ are smashed via ceramic or glass plates, vases, etc.

Mt. Mauyog. This mountain is an hour away from Mt. Manunggal. It is not as known, though, but the trail towards it is equally challenging.  More and more mountain climbers are now taking notice of the site.

Cambuhawe Spring.  The calming sound of the water and the refreshing sight of the surroundings have been drawing visitors to the spring. Not to mention the cool dip in its inviting waters.

Gaas Falls. While the falls is not so high and the stream not quite wide, its surroundings are really a refreshing sample of natural beauty. The natural music consists of the sound of water and the chirping of the birds. The falls descends like a line and then spreads out at the bottom. As its name suggests, it is found in barangay Gaas.

For the hungry tummies, the increasingly famous Balamban liempo is the answer. Even the town’s version of the popular ‘lechon manok’ is said to have a different twist. Several local delicacies are also available. Certainly, a visit to Balamban is a treat for both mind and body. (FREEMAN)