SUNDAY afternoon, we drove leisurely to Panglao for a change of scenery and pace. It was drizzling, but we decided to proceed anyway. I needed inspiration to stimulate my static creativity.
The first place we hit was unfilled yet. There was really no choice available, so we left and circled. Driving around while scanning the environment is always satisfying. You get to observe the locale and the locals, the array of diners and restaurants, the unique Tri-cabs plying the streets, and the walkers. We eventually ended up at a spot we had visited in the past.
Apart from the Sunday break, I am curious about Panglao, particularly, the hub of the town with its blend of locals, expats, and tourists, all doing their respective rounds of chores on a Sunday afternoon, whether they were simply walking by donning regular clothes as though they had totally immersed in the community, crossing pedestrian lanes, enjoying the drizzle, or dining. It’s a fascinating scene playing before your very eyes.
I found myself transported to another place—it seemed like I was not even in Panglao . . . I was dawdling in another scenic countryside—as I admired their relaxed gait, easy laughter, light banter, and, for some, sophisticated look. Haha, I believe you can guess which tourists had the chic look. It’s part of their aura. On top of that, several tourists came with little children to boot!
But seriously, could you have imagined, if you had lived here in your childhood, being a Generation X or Boomer, that some thirty, forty, or fifty years later, you would be sharing the same streets and rides with these strangers—some already your friends, eating in the same restaurants, trotting the same streets, or naturally rubbing elbows with the expats and long-staying tourists!
Well, I couldn’t imagine it because I am not a local of Panglao. Still, as a returning resident of the island province, I see it as a distinct intersection that merges the cultures of different nationalities. I can only hope that the cultures of the foreign guests and immigrants do not swallow our own unique culture. Knowing how Filipinos easily adapt, we might wake up totally embracing the culture that has been brought upon us, if we’re not there yet.
We lingered in the busiest location of Panglao, observing the mundane. It was a cool afternoon anyway, and there was no hurry to drive back to the city. From my vantage point, I filmed the long stretch of road ahead of me, the full pizza house, the strollers, the foreigners accompanying their kids, the Acacia tree standing in front of a restaurant, while the soft shower continued to fall. There is so much bustle even on a cold, lazy Sunday afternoon.
On the way back to the city, we passed by the church ruins of Panglao. I discovered these ruins in 2024, and I was fascinated; hence, I tried to extract their history with no success. The only article I gathered about the ruins was a post, dated April 18, 2021, published by the National Museum of the Philippines-Bohol, explaining that the museum joined the celebration of International Day for Monuments and Sites and the World Heritage Day 2021, which featured the 19th-century Old Panglao Church ruins. “As one of the structures within the Panglao Plaza Complex, the ruins, consisting of parts of the facade and base of the nave walls, along with the San Agustin Parish Church and convent, the Old Panglao Municipio, and the Campo Santo (cemetery), were declared important cultural property by the National Museum of the Philippines in 2011,” it said. As a writer, it’s not immensely helpful. I would have wanted to know the history behind the ruins, especially since it really looks sturdy and well-preserved. Maybe in another article.
On the drive back, we noticed more business establishments with foreign characters mounted on their facades, signaling that there is a niche market for their fellow nationals. What a unique set-up, huh!
Anyhow, the drive took us to another route, and we welcomed it. There’s nothing like a new road for a new adventure. Well, the immersion wasn’t comprehensive, since it’s just a matter of hours, but for now, scratching the surface makes for a good read, given the social and security issues occurring, if not badgering, the town. We need a longer stay to truly have a feel of what’s happening on the ground.
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The writer hosts Woman Talk with Belinda Sales every Saturday, 10 a.m., at 91.1 Balita FM Tagbilaran City. Email at belindabelsales@gmail.com. Follow us on X @ShilohRuthie./PN
