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Eco-Tourism

Bojo River Tour : Cruise for a Cause

 
There is an all-time saying that goes all rivers run to the sea. But I haven’t really experienced its literal meaning not until I explored the Bojo River on one afternoon cruise.

 
It is a small river community in the Municipality of Aloguinsan, on the southwestern side of Cebu City. The river runs through 1.4 kilometers until it reaches out to Tanon Strait, the sea that separates the Province of Cebu and Negros Occidental.
 
 
Bojo in Cebuano means hole. In this river is a small inlet shaped like a hole. It provides shelter to local fishermen during unbearable sailing weather. In history, Aloguinsan served as a Spanish fort against marauding pirates in the late 1800s and it was a battleground between the American forces and Filipino revolutionists during the American period. When World War II broke out, this small town once stood the fierce Japanese invaders until its end. Bojo River and its small inlet served as passage to its victories and defeats all through its war history.
 
The river is a protected nature reserve as it is home to endemic and migratory birds, extensive native flora and a sanctuary for mangroves. All these protected ecosystem runs through the placid Bojo River. As it breaks to the sea, Tanon Strait is also a safeguarded breeding and feeding ground of endangered marine animals.
 
Bojo Aloguinsan Ecotourism Association, a small community of local fishermen, operates the river cruise. These simple townsfolk are the guardians of the river and the sea. Not only they are adept at the harvesting water’s bounty, but also amazingly knowledgeable of all the plants and animals around and its ecosystem. Their care for its habitat is an upheld practice because it is, after all, what makes them survive.
 
 
The cruise could run between 45 minutes to an hour. Guests may linger more over buffet lunch, mat weaving demonstration and short lectures on ecology. On special arrangements, cultural presentations are staged for its guests’ entertainment. Visitors may also hike on its 400-meter boardwalk, cutting through mangroves until it reaches the summit of a hill that overlooks the entire stretch of the river.
 
On this cruise I have realized that if not well taken care of, not all rivers could reach the sea. Challenges have risen so tough and we are in a constant battle with climate change. Eventually, it will run dry and while we can still save it, let us nurture the ecosystem it breathes. Visit the Bojo River and be part of the ecotour that sustains its community…… and while the river is still there.
 
HOW TO GET BOJO
Via Cebu City
  • All major airlines regularly fly to Cebu City. Check their websites for schedules and tariffs.
  • From the airport, proceed to the Southbound Citylink Terminal. V-Hires and buses to Toledo City or Pinamungahan are available throughout the day.
  • From Toledo, jeepneys may bring you to Aloguinsan. Pinamungahan is the closest town and from there, a tricycle may be hired to reach Aloguinsan.
  • From the town proper, tricycles to Bojo River may already be contracted.
Via Negros Occidental
  • If you are on the side of Negros, ferries to Toledo City are available.
  • The nearest airport within Negros Occidental is Bacolod-Silay Airport.
  • Once in Toledo City, jeepneys to Aloguinsan are already available.
Important Tips
  • Coordinate with the Municipal Tourism Office or directly with Bojo Aloguinsan Ecotourism Association for your trip. This is necessary to make sure that it is high tide when you get to the river.
  • You may also be offered to avail of its package tour that includes buffet meal, cruise, lectures and entertainment.
  • While there are decent sleeping accommodations in Aloguinsan, more options are available in the nearest city in Toledo.
  • If you wish to see more of Aloguinsan, other attractions include Hermit’s Cove in Kantabogon and The Farmhouse.
Aloguinsan Municipal Tourism Office
Aloguinsan, Cebu, Philippines
+63 32 4699312 / +63 32 4699034
Bojo Aloguinsan Ecotourism Association
Rudney Carcuevas
+63 9059133055

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    Comments ( 4 )

  • Hi Amadeo,

    Truly language and its nuances is very interesting. I personally find the Cebuano language interesting. On your inquiry on being a native Cebuano speaker, it depends really. Mother tongue (as some call it) could be defined in many ways but personally, I put it this way: in a language that you COMMONLY express thoughts (speaking, writing), dream and process language (hearing & reading) …..is mother tongue.

    My father is from Laguna & my mother is from Lanao del Norte. I was born & raised in Iligan. I have lived significant years in Davao, CDO, Naga & now in Manila. All these time, I still process language in Cebuano. That makes it Cebuano as my mother tongue. While I speak fluently in Filipino & English (probably same as you do), I consider Cebuano as my native language.

    True, certain different words could take on the same meaning. In our examples: bu:ho, lu:ngag, ba:ngag, bus:lot mean the same, “a hole”. But probably, worth exploring (which we might not have known it), could probably be also taken in the context of from what specific perspective we are looking at “that hole”. Is it from atop, from a straight standing eye level or from below? I am not sure but I have a feeling it could also be that.

    Personally, it’s awkward to say “naay buho akong ngipon”. We usually say it as “naay bangag akong ngipon”. I also noticed that people use it considerably for the size of the hole. Example, “lungag” SEEMED to be used for SLIT or a small vertical opening. While “buho” is something that is oval in shape. “Bangag” seems to be refer to a shallow hole that is viewed from the top. And “buslot” for a hole resulting from tearing something apart. I may be wrong in the usage, but entirely, it is understood within the Cebuano speaking community.

    Time, age, location & sophistication (reality is, in modern times we may spot people’s origin & possibly gauge status of living by the way he talks) also taken into consideration. Noticeably, people from the lowland/city dwellers, especially among the educated youth with considerable exposure to internet, TV & other media influences do not anymore use “lungag” but say “bangag”. “Buho” for example is unused by many city dwellers and is now in possible line of antiquity. Personally, I rarely use “buho” to mean a hole.

    Language is so exciting. I am glad to you took notice of it. I haven’t had discussions on language and linguistics for the longest time. It’s a refresher. I am amused at the peculiarity of Cebuano language such as tuway-tuway, hubon-hubon, lukon-lukon, lapa-lapa. It is lovely to hear and would really be nice to know the whole range of inventory in this language. Oh also, I forget that in Cebu, they say “mangutaw” (to iron) but in CDO & Iligan & Siquijor they say “mamalantsa”. For “got thin”, in Cebu they say “ning daut” in other dialects of Cebuano we say “ning niwang”. Words in antiquity for dining table: “talad kan-anan” for “lamisa”.

    It’s a wonderful world of language. By the way, I have lived in CDO for quite sometime and I find it so lovely there.

    Thanks & keep in touch,
    Potpot

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