Sustainability and Music: Musical Earth Hour in Bohol Resorts
Bohol lived up to its distinction as the country’s first Unesco Global Geopark as its leading resorts held Earth Hour special events as part of their commitments to preserving the environment and the prestigious international status.
Luxury Bellevue Resort led the individual property events with an intimate seaside buffet dinner titled “Love The Earth, A Lights Off concert” featuring the world-class music of homegrown groups Loboc Children’s Choir and Dimiao Children’s Rondalla which performed well-loved ballads, folk songs and John Rutter compositions.
Collaborating with the young talents is violinist George Bernard Supetran, founder and conductor of the Manila-based Ellinwood Chamber Orchestra.
As part of its continuing commitment to Mother Earth, Bellevue general manager Andrew Fernandes revealed their recent sustainability programs which include the completion of its solar energy system for a source of renewable power.
The property also enjoined its managers and selected guests to share their pledge for a new earth-friendly lifestyle.
The five-star resort, which has been in the forefront of environmental protection and conservation initiatives in Bohol, is a recipient of the prestigious ASEAN Green Hotel Hall of Famer Award at the PH-ASEAN Tourism Standards Awards and the TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Hall of Fame Award in Asia
Earlier in the day, it held a plogging event which combines jogging and picking up litter, and drew 1,164 volunteers cleaning up its 5-km beachfront.
Meanwhile, Loboc River Resort regaled its guests with a special poolside dinner buffet and musical presentations from Mother Theresa Choral and the Camayaan National High School to showcase the town’s rich cultural and natural heritage.
Regarded as Bohol’s top river resort, the 35-room getaway is a model of sustainable tourism and environmental stewardship with the low-density development of its 14-hectare land area.
It incorporates solar energy to reduce carbon footprint, and is home to over a thousand wild ducks, numerous bird species including the Olive-backed Sunbird and the Philippine Hanging Parrot, and the “Monkey Island” sanctuary.
A leading industry stakeholder and a pillar of the local green movement, it offers close-to-nature recreational activities such as kayaking and stand-up paddling at the verdant Loboc River, as well as boating in its lagoon, and nature interlude within the 3-hectare establishment.
Best Western Plus The Ivywall Resort held its own event which was participated in by riders the Bohol Loop, a motorcycle event which went around the province to showcase its tourist attractions and splendid road network.
The international boutique brand welcomed Philippine Motorcycle Tourism Ambassadress and moto vlogger Jet Lee, and Senators Ronald dela Rosa and JV Ejercito, who also pledged their support for the local and global environmental efforts through legislation.
“Earth Hour is more than just a turning off of lights for one hour, it is a commitment to change beyond the hour; it symbolizes our collective pledge to live more sustainably and acknowledge our responsibility to our planet. Let us make every hour an Earth hour,” says BWP general manager Doer Escoto.
As guests feasted on an international buffet specially crafted by Chef Archie and were entertained by the Jam 403 band, the resort urged its guests and partners to reflect on their humble contribution to help save the planet.
Doer, who also heads the Bohol Association of Hotels Resorts and Restaurants (BAHRR), the largest group of industry players in the province, said that its members are dedicated to sustainability by reducing carbon footprints, supporting community initiatives, and upholding environmental standards to preserve the integrity of the Unesco Global Geopark.
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