Two new destinations in the Suroy-Suroy Sugbo 2015 took the spotlight in yesterday’s trip across southern Cebu.
Day 2 of the Southern Getaway included a visit to Malabuyoc town’s Mainit Hot Springs. (Mainit is the Filipino word for hot.) The springs in barangay Montaneza is known among residents for its healing properties.
A ceremony called a “Diwata” ritual greeted guests in the morning. A local babaylan (healer) asked guardian elementals to allow the participants to take a dip in the hot spring.
Visitors then made their way to one of three nature pools where they were treated to a relaxing foot and back massage, and were later served local delicacies.
“The springs are gorgeous and the people here are really helpful and friendly,” said Diane Wong, 67, who is from Canada.
Wong is traveling with her sister. It’s her first time to travel to Asia.
Another guest, Edelburgo Ching, 72, said the site deserves support.
“The local government and the province should encourage more investors because it has potential for both local and foreign tourists,” said the retiree from Dipolog City.
Suroy-Suroy guests view the tropical greenery and clear waters of the Mainit Hot Springs in Malabuyoc town, south Cebu. (CDN PHOTO/ CHRISTIAN MANINGO)
Five-deck Falls
Cool and clear rushing waters and a taste for adventure later brought participants of the countryside tour to the Aguinid Falls in Samboan town.
The five-level waterfalls in barangay Tangbo, located 2.5 kilometers from the town proper, was one of the new offerings this year of the annual Suroy Suroy caravan.
Dedicated guides lead tourists to the site Marivic Calderon, municipal tourism officer, said the water that flows from the falls is clear except after a typhoon, which turns the water brown for awhile.
Aguinid is one out of the eight waterfalls in the town, said Calderon. The Samboan municipal government is looking into including three more waterfalls for the public.
Cebu Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale, chair of the committee on tourism, said the two destinations were introduced as part of the thrust to promote ecotourism sites this year. In past tours, the focus was on heritage sites.
The two-night, three-day tour package started in Carcar City on Wednesday, two days after the Sinulog festival. Today, the convoy of air-conditioned buses will travel through Santander town, Boljoon, Dalaguete, Argao and will end in Talisay City.
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Heading south for Suroy Suroy eco-spots