Tabogon
Come to think of it: Cebuanos looking for fresh places to discover may not need to look very far. There are many interesting places right in their island province itself that are yet ‘off the beaten path’. While these places are conveniently within reach,
An example of such demure travel destinations is Tabogon, in Northern Cebu. This third-class municipality is situated between the town of Borbon and the city of Bogo. It is only a two-hour bus ride from the North Bus Terminal in Cebu City.
Several buses ply the route between the city and Tabogon. There is a bus that leaves every 30 minutes. The fare is about P100 per person.
Tabogon exudes a typical rural feel. But there are beach resorts around to cater to vacationers.
The town is said to have been once known as “Agoho,” owing to a tree species of that name that grew abundantly in the area. The Agoho tree grows into a huge tree with very thick foliage. Sadly, this tree is now rare in Tabogon.
The word “tabogon” supposedly refer to a place of refuge for the local people, to protect them from marauders that frequented the entire Cebu Island in those days. Oral history has it that the safe place was established by the Spaniards in order to sway the local people to their side.
True enough, the people accepted Christianity, in gratitude for the protection they got from the foreign invaders. A big church, rectory and belfry were then built in the place. Later on, the Spaniards also built two schools adjacent to the church, separate schools for boys and girls; the remains of the structures are still found there today.
The town’s Canaocanao Hills is an interesting historical site. It is where a fierce battle was fought between a group of local revolutionaries and Spanish soldiers. The bolos of the local fighters initially lost to the rifles of the Spanish soldiers. But the local resistance movement was sustained for a very long time after.
An important natural attraction in Tabogon is the Guiwanon Spring, in the coastline barangay of Maslog. It is a fusion of fresh and sea waters. A pool has since been built to contain the spring water for bathing and other uses. Sea water joins in during high tide.
To a good degree, the spring is undeveloped, retaining its natural beauty. Its cool, clear waters beckon for a swim. The giant balete tree by the pool provides a good shade for picnickers. Guiwanon Spring is a favorite destination of visitors, both from the city and from the nearby towns.
The list of resorts found in Tabogon includes Bunzie’s Cove, Arpon’s Resort and Sea Turtle Lagoon and Resort. Public beaches also abound.
There are other interesting but not-muchpublicized attractions still to find in Tabogon, as well as in other parts of northern Cebu, and of the whole island province. And one doesn’t have to spend much for the great beauty and fun that these places offer.