Bol-anons celebrate history and a healthy lifestyle

’God’s little paradise’’ —this is what Bohol natives or Bol-anons, fondly call the province of Bohol. With its majestic old churches, diverse wildlife, spectacular beaches and scenery, Bohol certainly captivates.

While Vice Mayor Toto Veloso proudly declares that Bol-anons are very aware and proud of their treasures, this has enabled Bohol to be declared a ‘’Heritage Province’’ and one of the country’s top eco-cultural tourism destinations by the Department of Tourism."

To ensure that the province maintains its beauty and competitiveness, the provincial government strictly implements laws that preserve the cultural and ecological diversity of Bohol.

One of Bohol’s most noted landmarks aside from the breathtaking Chocolate Hills and the pristine beaches of Panglao is Baclayon Church, one of the oldest stone churches in the country. Erected in 1595, the massive edifice still retains its centuries–old architectural design. Both the external and internal portions of the church feature various interesting relics and artifacts dating back to the early 16th century.

Another famed Bohol attraction is the tarsier, one of the rare faunas found in the Philippine archipelago. Regarded as the smallest primate in the world, the tarsier measures from four to five inches and has a tail that is longer than its body.

HEALTHY BOL-ANONS

Complementing their love for nature and appreciation of history is the strong drive of Bol-anons to take up and enjoy a healthy lifestyle.

Milo thus made a stop in the capital city Tagbilaran, to bring the message of a healthy lifestyle to countless Bol-anons via the 31st National MILO Marathon, held in time for the monthlong celebration of the Sandugo festival, an annual historical event that is inspired by the blood compact, or Sandugo, a friendship treaty between the Philippines and Spain that took place in 1565.

During the race, thousands of students, office workers, families and running enthusiasts gamely took on the marathon challenge with the 147-year-old city capitol building near the town plaza providing an excellent backdrop for the starting point. After the starting gun was fired, the participants ran a route that was dotted with grand ancestral homes, lush greeneries, centuries-old churches and breathtaking coastlines, which, in a way, made the race more pleasant and inspiring for everyone involved.

The annual spectacle of the province features an agro-industrial fair, cultural and historical showcase, sports events, a beauty pageant, balls and dances, entertainment shows, and street dancing which culminates with the re-enactment of the blood compact between Datu Sikatuna and Don Miguel Lopez de Legazpi.

Gracing the event were Vice Mayor Veloso, provincial administrator Atty. Thomas Abapo, board members Jose Veloso, Ace Damalerio and Marikit Oppus and Tagbilaran race organizer Atty. Dionisio Balite. Joining them were Nestlé Philippines, Inc. executives led by Nestlé AVP for MILO sports events Pat Goc-Ong, Visayas regional sales manager Rica Esteban and regional field operations executive Leng Hizola.

Atty. Balite is quick to admit that the National Milo Marathon has played a part in improving Bohol’s status in the country’s sports landscape.

"Bohol is starting to keep up with its neighbors in sports competitions. There were only three or four races prior to the National MILO Marathon but now that it’s here in Bohol, we can clearly see the development of talent plus the improvement of Bohol’s performance in regional meets," says Balite.

He enthuses that last year’s female champion from Bohol topped the 5,000-meter run in the Private Schools Athletic Association competition held in Pangasinan.