IF movies are reliable indicators of how popular a destination is, then Bohol seems to be hitting its mark right on target. This Visayan province recently served as the perfect backdrop for the Valentine flick, Close To You. Whether it

was a love-struck John Lloyd Cruz looking longingly towards Bea Alonzo with the Chocolate Hills as backdrop, or Bea Alonzo and Sam Milby staring intently at a couple of tarsiers, audiences left the theaters basking in the glow of young love and a wish to spend the summer in one of Bohol’s sun-kissed beaches.

With 1,268 hills uniformly between 30 to 50 meters high, the mere sight of the Chocolate Hills can leave one weak in the knees with its breath-taking beauty. Spanning at least three towns, it is covered in grass for most of the year but turns into a chocolate brown color come summer. The best view is from the top of one of the hills that was converted into a view deck. But the approach to this view is equally enchanting, since one must traverse through the rest of this natural structure at ground level to get to it.

The tarsier, on the other hand, serves as the perfect image to represent the resilience of the Boholanos. One of the smallest known primates, it can be found in four provinces in the country, although it is most identified with Bohol where a sanctuary was established to ensure its survival. Roughly the size of the palm of an adult human, its large eyes and a head that can turn 180 degrees make it a curious creature that is easy to fall in love with. The Philippine Tarsier Foundation allows scheduled visits and can be reached through www.philippinetarsier.org.

Close To You, however, is not the first to film which used this island as a perfect location for filming. A native of Bohol, actor Cesar Montano used the Loboc river cruise as the centerpiece of his music video. Eventually, his film Panaghoy Sa Suba (The Cry of the River), which reaped both local and international awards, was filmed in various locations within the province.

Among the rising attractions of the province is the Dolphin Watching Tours organized by Joselino “Jojo” Baritua on the Bohol Sea. He created the tours specifically to deter whale-hunters from destroying the magnificent creatures by employing them as “tour guides.” Their skills for spotting whales and dolphins are now being used for tourist activities which ensure a long-term livelihood for them while protecting the environment at the same time. Jojo and his crew can be reached through (+63) 919 7306108 or pamilacan@yahoo.com

For those who have yet to acquire their sea legs, a church architectural tour is an interesting way to spend a day in Bohol. Littered across the province are some of the most beautiful churches ever built in the country.

The Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Baclayon is one of the oldest churches in the country. It houses some relics of St. Ignatius de Loyola, vestments in gold threads, and a statue of the Blessed Virgin said to have been presented by Queen Catherine of Aragaon – just a few of the many treasures it holds.

The Loboc Church is a favorite stopover after spending lunch at the Loboc River Cruise. The second oldest church in the province, it was built in 1602 and then rebuilt in1638 after it was reduced to ashes. Like most churches in Bohol, the belfry/watchtower is located 100 meters away from the main complex since it serves as a lookout point to warn against pirates. The church is also the home of the world-renowned Loboc Children’s Choir.

Located on the Panglao Island is the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption in Dauis. A miracle was said to have occurred within this church when the town was being raided by pirates. Locked up in the church with a dwindling supply of water, a well was said to have sprung from the foot of the altar. And though it was just a few meters from the sea, the water was fresh and fit for drinking. It is also believed to possess healing powers, and tourists are encouraged to bring some of the water home.

More than just serving as a favorite choice location for the local film industry, the island of Bohol is truly a fascinating place to discover. With its wealth of natural resources and a rich history and culture to boot, in street speak, Bohol can be considered a perfect combination of beauty and brains – truly a picture perfect sight to behold!

Giselle Kasilag is a seasoned travel writer for several publications.