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Being an avid dreamer, I admire individuals who make dreams come true; whose vision and dedication to their passions transform society into a much better place than when they found it.

I am a die-hard fan of Tourism Secretary Joseph “Ace� Durano who is concurrently the GM of the Philippine Tourism Authority. Being the wizard of Philippine tourism, he makes things happen not merely with the wave of his magic wand, but through his successful efforts to boost the influx of visitors to visit our beautiful shores and the encouragement of locals to explore what we can offer.

In retrospect, it was during the Global Pinoy congregation held in Cebu in 2005, organized by the indefatigable Bicolana philanthropist Loida Nicholas Lewis, where I first encountered this genteel gentleman who hails from the south. Like an enchanted spell cast gloriously, you could hear a pin drop in the huge hall as he expressed with magnetic charisma and sincerity his strategic plans to sell the Philippines locally and to the world. All the travel agents from NAITAS (National Association of Independent Travel Agencies) led by Bobby Joseph and Angel Bognot Ramos could surmise there and then he would succeed in his crusade.

Today, his term in office has seen a marked increase in tourism arrivals — 2.2 million in 2004, 2.6 million in 2005, 2.84 million in 2006, and 3.1 million in 2007. Sec. Ace said that at the end of 2008 projected tourism revenues are expected to hit $5 billion with projections for $8 billion in revenue by 2010.

Dynamic Tourism Undersecretary Edu Jarque told me that, on a recent sales blitz to Russia, he successfully invited the affluent winter-weary Russians, among the top 10 spenders in the world, to our pristine resorts which boast not only luxurious elegance but showcase the grandeur of our culture. Worthy to note, local tourism is booming while high-end foreign resort operators have invested in our country with investments over P100 billion in the last two years.

Consider the local tourism in Bohol. Who would ever think that in the scintillating province of Bohol known for its idyllic beaches, sun-kissed thousand mounds of chocolate hills and storied past of the famous blood compact of Legazpi and Sikatuna, there is a world-class resort that artistically interprets the lifestyle of the only known indigenous tribe of this blessed land? In this bespoke setting of ultimate luxury, one can experience many a dream of yesteryear. The Russians were inevitably enamored with this haven, a coherent interpretation of the marriage of an ancient culture with modern sensibilities. Like fragrant essences combined to form the most sublime perfume, like rhythms and beats of an orchestra that fluidly blend as one harmonious song, this is a truly a slice of heaven on earth where one can commune with our rich cultural cauldron as well as be in touch with the inner recesses of the heart, mind and soul. This precious resort — uniquely called Eskaya Resort and Spa — is one preferred sanctuary of Sec. Durano and we thank him for having introduced it to my siblings and I.

Imagine, a hidden paradise with a sublime landscape where an endless stretch of pure white sand graces the coast. Nestled along this pristine setting is the newest jewel of Bohol, a five-star resort where the living heritage of the Eskaya tribe is vibrantly alive. Reminiscent of the Mona Lisa, I wandered around the resort as my sight combed the sandy shoreline with its mystic mountain peaks that seem to gracefully puncture the myriad of clouds.

Sec. Durano shared that the resort, owned by his good friends Phoebe and Richard Lim, is a gift of grandeur, named after a native tribe known for their arts and literature and still dwelling in the mountains. Master architect Bobby Manosa proudly recalls that when the Lims requested him to create a resort par excellence, he said, “If you want me to do this, I need to bring in Filipino culture. I would like to meet the chieftain of the Eskaya tribe before starting anything.� When Bobby met Eskaya tribe chieftain Roberto Datu Datahan, he vowed to name the resort after the indigenous tribe. Today, the chieftain zealously promotes the Eskaya Resort and Spa.

Source: Rendezvous By Christine S. Dayrit