DiscoverDuero
Discover the natural beauty, culture and heritage of Duero.
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Top 10 Reasons to Visit Duero
Reason 01
A Sneak Peak into Duero
- Take a holidays to Duero, Bohol, and other parts of the Philippines and what you will find is a peaceful seaside town with the sea caressing the sandy beach and the mountains keeping watch of the hills.
- Its history is cut into its streets and old wooden buildings and small alleys almost shout out the storeys of the past generations.
- Visitors are welcomed by a small yet rich market full of fresh products, colourful fish and hand-made crafts that narrate the storey of local life.
- When the sun sets on the Bohol Sea, the sky would turn into a burning orange and this is a wonderful place to take an evening walk.
- Fishermen continue to row off to the sea at sunrise in the age old boats, using the century-old nets, keeping alive a connexion with the water.
- Sea breeze and tropical flowers greet the air that reinvites the travellers to stop and breathe the simpleness of the life on the island.
- Capital (of the province): Tagbilaran
- International airport: No international airport in Duero
- Nearest commonly used:
- Bohol–Panglao International Airport (Panglao Island) – domestic and international flights
- Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP)
- Time zone: UTC+8 (Philippine Standard Time)
- Driving side: Right-hand side
- Main electricity: 220 volts, 60 Hz
- Official / local languages: Cebuano, Boholano, Filipino, English
- Major religion: Predominantly Roman Catholic
Reason 02
Highlights
- The historic Immaculate Conception Parish Church, which was constructed in the year 1868, is one of the oldest wooden churches in the Philippines, and a testament to the strength of the town.
- The Eskaya community still preserves a language and script not replicated anywhere, in their home, Barangay Taytay, and visitors are always welcome to observe their cultural manifestations.
- Camp Verde in Barangay Bangwalog is a reminder of the last Boholano rebels who resisted the American forces, a reminder of how the country was in the past.
- The new diving locations of Mawi and Langkis are surrounded by crystal-clear water brimming with coral reef and vivid aquatic life, which are ideal both to the first-time and experienced divers.
- The Bulawan Rice Terraces which are the remains of the ancient farming methods display the resourcefulness of the local farmers as they farmed rice on steep slopes.
- All these landmarks offer an in-depth exploration of the heritage of the area, which makes the trips to Duero, Bohol a historical and cultural trip.
Reason 03
Seasons to Travel
- Dry season which occurs between the months of December and May brings sun rays, calm waters and mild hiking experiences hence the best time to tour the natural and cultural places found in the town.
- March-May is the hottest period although the sea remains warm and provides the most perfect snorkelling and swimming conditions to the adventurous tourists.
- The tropical climate is generally mild, but in the mountainous interior, a cooler climate is observed, which is why it is not difficult during the hottest months.
- There are rains in the wet season, particularly the months of June to November, which might occasionally fall but in the rainy season vegetation is in flower and one can enjoy a green serene scenery.
- The local festivals, celebrated during the month of December, coincide with the dry season which means that visitors will have access to colourful festivals in sunny skies.
- Planning holidays to the Duero, Bohol, to keep your itinerary in line with the dry season when you will enjoy both cultural and natural attractions.
Reason 04
Worth A Visit
Eskaya Community
- The unclassified language of the community and the self-designed syllabary offer a living example of linguistic diversity which can hardly be found in other locations.
- Traditional dances where one can see the movements that imitate the human body could be observed by the visitors, which is another visual layer to the language lessons.
- The artisans are also talented in hand-woven baskets and carvings and provide their souvenirs, which have cultural meaning.
- The houses of the community are made out of bamboo and nipa palm which implies centuries-old experience in building something sustainable.
- The migrant and survival storeys of the local elders provide the travellers with personal experiences of the Eskaya worldview.
- Guided tour of the local forest enables one to listen to the melody of birds and insects filling the atmosphere around the village.
Immaculate Conception Parish Church
- The wood construction of the church, which is now worn out, is the evidence of the traditional methods of carpentry that used to be typical in the area.
- Its arched roofs and wooden beams carved form an atmosphere of closeness and devotion and makes people stand and consider.
- The simple and beautiful religious icons on the altar reflect the religious faith and artistic background of the town.
- Speakers of the parish provide explanations about the construction of the church, which provides background to its historical and cultural significance.
- Within, the remains of the original paint colours speak of generations who have worshipped in its walls.
- The adjacent garden with indigenous flowers offers a calm environment to meditate or have a relaxed conversation with the locals.
Camp Verde Historical Site
- The ruins of the ancient army buildings are silent reminders of a violent period of struggle against the foreigners.
- People have an opportunity to walk in the original trenches to experience the burden of past under their feet.
- On the strategies used by Boholano insurgents, informational plaques shed some light on the little-known period of Philippine history.
- The panorama view of the hills surrounding the site provides the moment of awe and an opportunity to enjoy the landscape that formed previous battles.
- Local guides, usually descendants of previous fighters give personal anecdotes that enhance the storey telling process.
- Evening visits enable the travellers to have a moment of silence and reflection during the starlit skies and bridge the gap between the past and the present.
Bulawan Rice Terraces
- The terraces dug out of the side of the hill are evidence of a very ancient irrigation system that is still operational today and shows the skills of the engineers.
- Tourists are able to walk through the paths which wind between the rows of rice paddies, listening to the soft murmur of the water system.
- The terraces can be used as a living laboratory on the ecological benefits of traditional agriculture.
- The terraces are coloured in different shades, depending on the time of the year, with the terraces being a shade of emerald green during the rainy season and golden fields during the season of harvest.
- Seeking explanations of planting, harvesting, and storage techniques, the local farmers can offer their sources to the guests.
- There is a brief uphill walk to the terrace that gives the panoramic views of the valleys around it forming a memorable experience.
Reason 05
Discover More
Origins and River History
- The name of the town is a spanish word, duero, which refers to the river of the same name, and is the reason why it was named in that way, bearing a colonial connexion.
- The history of the renaming process is traced and throws light on the impact of the Spanish missionaries and settlers.
- Local folk-lore commentates on the similarity of the river to the Spanish one, which gives a mythical aspect to the storey of the town.
- Visitors are able to visit the riverbank where there are ancient stone markers as a remembrance of the ways of the past settlers.
- The currents of the river are small, but the traces of maritime trade of the town can be found and give an idea of the economic life at the beginning.
- A boat tour during sunset also gives a chance to the traveller to see the calm beauty of the river and its significance to the local culture.
Agriculture and Weaving: the Economic History of a State
- The economy of the town was based on agriculture since historically the territory was rich with rice and corn.
- Women were also important in the weaving of sinamay and saguran fabrics made of abaca and buri fibres that are sustainably harvested in the forests.
- These fabrics that were known to be durable were traded in the local markets and this enhanced the economic connectivity of this town.
- Ancient weaving skills, which are transmitted across generations, are still alive, and the visitor has an opportunity to see craftspeople at work.
- Agriculture and weaving interacted to produce a self-sustaining community that could balance between the production of food and artistic expression.
- Presently, local co-op society is inviting young skilled craftsmen to preserve the art so that culture remains alive and a viable business.
Actors and Presidents: Prominent Citizens
- National Artist for Sculpture Napoleon Abueva has his home town of Duero, and his creations are full of respect to the form and the material.
- Jose Abueva, former University of the Philippines President who was an alumnus of this town, portrays the ability of this town to produce intellectual leaders.
- Their biographies encourage neighbouring schools to study arts and sciences as a part of the curriculum, making them develop a culture of creativity.
- The exhibits of sculptures by Abueva are available to the visitor in the local galleries where one can appreciate the combination of traditional and modern styles.
- The town has been celebrating art festivals with local and visiting artists showcasing talent annually since the remarkable residents.
- The interviews with current artists will show how the heritage of the town still shapes new generations of artists.
Community Rituals and Festivals
- The Immaculate Conception celebration on December $8$th in the town has parades, music, and communal eating, which are evidence of Catholic faith.
- Ancient Eskaya ceremonies involve chanting, drum circles and fire-dancing which show reverence to the spirits of ancestors.
- These festivals give us access to the stratified identity of the community, the colonial and indigenous interlacing.
- Local sellers will offer home-made sweets, fruits, and textiles, where travellers can sample its products and buy them.
- The common celebrations enhance the unification of the residents and provide a life lesson of unity.
- Visiting such festivals, people get the possibility to be in the whole rhythm of the town, its culture and spiritual life on their holidays to Duero.
Reason 06
Culture Traditions
- The native tribe in the town, the Eskaya tribe has a written language that is spoken and written in a body-based script, unlike other Filipino communities.
- Cebuano influences are rife in the daily life in Duero, but the Eskaya language is studied in schools and is used in formal events, keeping a language legacy.
- The majority of residents are Roman Catholics and the old church is used as a community centre to conduct Mass and other community activities.
- The fiesta of the town is characterised by religious processions where colourful garments and huge floats are used to celebrate the patron saint.
- Myths and legends explaining how the land and people came to be are inherited through traditional storytelling sessions, which are done in community centres.
- When someone enters sacred spaces, he or she is advised to wear respectful clothes, so that cultural norms will be respected.
Reason 07
Food Fun Fashion
Food
- Fresh seafood that is caught in the Bohol Sea is a major part of local cuisine, cooked using herbs and spices that can be seen as the culinary tradition of the area.
- Sticky rice cakes are also a typical dessert, which are called Boholano kakanin.
- Farmers markets will provide products like mangoes, bananas, and root vegetables which will be used in daily meals.
- The native herbs such as lemongrass, bay leaves, and coconut milk that are used by traditional cookers to make tasty stews and soups.
- The mix of Boholano and Cebuano cuisine that the town restaurants are offering is the place where one may experience the regional diversity in a single location.
- To experience it fully, travellers will have an opportunity to attend a cooking lesson in the country and learn how to prepare major dishes on their own.
Fun
- Both beginners and advanced divers would find the proposed diving sanctuaries of Mawi and Langkis to be both rich in colourful coral ecosystems and diverse marine life.
- Beach tours off-shore will allow the tourists to see turtles, dolphins and the manta ray which is playful now and then on their holidays to Duero.
- Trekking to Eskaya community means taking a scenic walk in forests and hills, and views the interior panoramic views.
- Adventure tourism in Taytay and Bangwalog includes cave exploration uncovering stalactites, stalacmites, and ancient writings which are exciting to adventure travellers.
- Summer beach days include sandy beaches ideal to sun-bath, picnic in the seashores, and play water games with the locals.
- Walks at night on the pier enable the tourists to listen to the lullaby of waves and the call of sea birds in the distance.
Fashion
- The tropical coastal climate is perfect in light and breathable attire like cotton shirts and shorts, which allow the traveller to be comfortable in sticky weather.
- In this case, mountain hikes, the layered outfits are of use, which contains moisture-wicking materials to keep the body temperature intact, and also avoids the accumulation of sweat.
- Visitors are advised to wear closed-toe shoes when visiting the caves so as to avoid injuring their feet on sharp rocks or wet surfaces.
- In the case of going to the Eskaya community or the old church, covering body by wearing shirts with sleeves as well as long pants or skirts is a show of respect.
- Customary clothes, such as woven sarongs or hand-embroidered shirts, may be hired or bought to have a local culture experience.
- It is advisable that people use bright raincoats and umbrellas compared to rainy weather, without having to lose the style.
Reason 08
Nature Safari
- The Duero coastline borders Bohol Sea, which hosts an ecosystem with a rich marine life which includes coral reefs, mangroves, and various fish species.
- Geological marvels that impart attraction to geology and nature lovers alike are the Limestone caves which are spread across the hills.
- The Bulawan Rice Terraces are a clear example of how innovation and beauty can apply in farming to offer a life lesson on how to live sustainably.
- Forest reserves are abundant with wildlife in the area including colourful parrots to elusive mammals and thus wildlife viewing is a very rewarding experience.
- Orchards of various types of fruits (particularly, mangoes and pineapples) are in blossom, and they form an impressive colour composition of colours and aromas.
- Guided eco-tours enable people to gain an understanding of the surrounding plants, animals and conservation activities as they have a view of scenic sites.
Reason 09
Events Fiestas
- There is the annual holidays to Duero town fiesta on the $8$th of December, which is a celebration of the Immaculate Conception, with religious processions, street dancing and common dinners.
- There are the rituals of the community of the Eskaya themselves, performed at certain stages of the moon, and that is the singing, the beating of the drums, the offerings to the ancestors.
- An annual harvest festival brings together the farmers, artisans and people living in the area in appreciation of a fruitful season and celebrates the local produce and crafts.
- Mid-year music and dance festivals unite the local performers and it gives the travellers an opportunity to learn about the different Filipino art.
- Sports tourism, e.g. foot races, volleyball games, etc. promote community life and friendly competition.
- Holidays to Duero visitors can learn more about the origin of Duero through cultural workshops during large holidays such as weaving, pottery, and traditional cooking, which will make them feel more connected to the heritage.