It's more fun outdoors (park vs. mall, too)

The Department of Tourism recently launched a campaign with the slogan "It's more fun in the Philippines." Though criticized by many including those who preferred the old slogan of "Wow! Philippines," it is something that captured the imagination of more especially as the slogan provided an inspiration and flexibility to come out with posters and ads to promote the country. Of course, there are those who still insist on the negative but who cares about their negative energy? The country already has more than its fair share of that and we certainly don't need more. Instead, I think people should contribute more to uplifting the country no matter who are in power. Such contribution should include local tourism - tangkilikin natin ang sariling atin!

We have many excellent beaches owing to the Philippines being an archipelago. Yet, there are also so many inland attractions including parks and other destinations easily accessible to most people. There are, of course, the more challenging places that require hiking, mountain climbing or spelunking. There are many other places of interest, however, that the novice tourist should visit. I offer a few more photos for the argument in favor of parks. 

The Clairvoyant and I atop one of the tallest hills of Bohol's Chocolate Hills. The hills are a major attraction in the island and is easily accessible via the excellent roads of the province.

Another view of Chocolate Hills - these natural landmarks can be seen from aircraft flying from Cagayan De Oro, Gen Santos or Davao during clear days.

Man-made forest in Bohol - it's sad that many of our natural growths have disappeared due to indiscriminate and irresponsible logging. It's a good thing that some groups and private individuals have taken the challenge to replenish our forests.

Most of the trees appear to be local mahogany. I think it is important that we plant indigenous trees rather than the foreign variety. Many of those trees we only know of from their names that we use for streets or school sections. These include kamagong, yakal, molave, narra, and ipil.

The Loboc River has many small waterfalls and one can experience the clean environment during a river cruise - such views are becoming rarer around the country and towns should scramble to preserve our river systems

I like this photo showing a river cruise station against a backdrop of green. This is for me a picture of what our country looked like in the old times. Development can actually happen while such natural scenes are preserved. Sustainable development, after all, means preservation of such assets for our descendants.

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