By Kit Bagaipo (The Bohol Chronicle)
Scenic Loboc River in Bohol has something new to offer for guests who want to experience the rustic environment that has popularized river cruising in this town which is fast-becoming a tourist destination.
The Bohol provincial government's aggressive promotion of eco-tourism, along with the benevolence of Chinese businessman and Philippine Special Ambassador to China Carlos Chan, has made possible night cruises aboard floating restaurants on the Loboc River.
Aptly dubbed by town Mayor Leon Calipusan as "Nature by day, boulevard by night", the river lighting project, which costs P13.5 million, is said to be the first of its kind in the country.
As the project's main feature, some 450 lampposts and floodlights were installed along the lush green riverbanks, stretching 2.85 kilometers from the frontage of the centuries-old Loboc Church towards Busai falls.
The Jesuit built old stone church itself is beamed with floodlights creating a spectacular reflection on the river's calm water while two bailey bridges crossing the river are likewise lit up.
The play of lights lends a romantic air to the night cruise while one enjoys a buffet dinner of native food aboard the floating restaurant.
The night cruise is slated to officially commence in June, according to Mayor Calipusan, as the Loboc LGU will be coordinating with existing floating restaurant operators in the town. However, due to the forthcoming fiesta, the lights at the jumbo bridge will be switched on from May 15 to fiesta day on May 24.
Known as the music capital of Bohol, the municipality of Loboc is home to the world-acclaimed Loboc Children's Choir. Home grown entertainers will serenade the tourists while cruising.
This music-loving town started the river cruising aboard floating restaurants business some 13 years ago. It became a favorite lunch date for those going to the world-renowned Chocolate Hills.
Now, tours would not miss the experience of Loboc River Cruise as the town lies along the path from the popular resorts of Panglao Island going to the Chocolate Hills.
According to Calipusan, the daytime river cruise attracts an average of 800 guests daily. The volume made it hard for the floating restaurant operators and the municipal government to manage the traffic and congestion at the river.
A year ago, a floating restaurant operator introduced a downstream cruise, to get away with the congestion on the regular upstream route.
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