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2011 • 1 • 6

The bridge and the church are the two imposing structures in the landscape opposite the raft jetty. The Church of San Pedro (more commonly known as Loboc Church) stands proudly by the river. It is widely considered as the second oldest church in the province, next to Baclayon. The original church was constructed in 1602 but was replaced with the present church 35 years later. It has two faces: one side boasts a Baroque facade (built by the Jesuits) and the other bears a neoclassical porch (installed by the Recollects).

Loboc Church
Loboc Church
The unfinished Loboc Bridge
The unfinished Loboc Bridge

Beside the church is an unfinished bridge, the Loboc Bridge, that looks like a threatening storm that froze in the nick of time, just when it was about to demolish it.  For the 20 minutes that I waited for our turn to board the raft, all I did was stare at it.

Too much thinking must have been exhausting because I just found myself by the buffet table as soon as we were called for boarding. The staff started loading the dishes and I was more than happy to dig in. They were the usual Pinoy dishes and there was nothing spectacular about them but the hunger was making me think like I was having the tastiest lunch ever. After all, the food wasn’t really the highlight of that hour; it was the cruise.

Fiesta! All the great Pinoy dishes and desserts on one table!
Fiesta! All the great Pinoy dishes and desserts on one table!

Our raft glided across the water as a band began performing old love songs. Even when I was gorging on a plateful of pork humba, I could not help stopping to appreciate the rustic charm of the place. Loboc River gives off a verdant glimmer, adding to the greenery that borders it left and right.

Along the way, locals live their lives as they normally do. Children are jumping from a tree branch, teenage boys are swimming on one side, and adults work by the river. Our boat stopped at a station where a group of people in light green — children and old folks alike — performed native Filipino songs and dances. It was delighting to see them showcase these dances and reintroduce them to us. It’s another proof of how the local community benefits from a booming tourism.

Members of the community performing Filipino songs and dances
Members of the community performing Filipino songs and dances
A local fishing
A local fishing
A duo performing ballads
A duo performing ballads
Another raft.
Another raft.
Ah, I envy this guy!
Ah, I envy this guy!
Busay Falls
Busay Falls

The sight of Busay Falls made everyone stand up to take the obligatory photos. It’s not a big waterfall, not at all. To be honest, it can be a little underwhelming especially if you’re expecting a grand finale to the cruise. But it is a good enough marker for the end of the trip. The raft turned around and we started our trip back to where we came from — the port adjacent Loboc Bridge.

It’s a curious thing, almost funny. It’s been known by many names. “Bridge to Nowhere” is one. One public official called it a “Monument to Stupidity.” How in the world did they allow the construction — or even the planning — of a bridge with a heritage treasure directly on its path? There’s plenty of space left and right; was it just a coincidence? Did they realize too late that the threatening bridge happened to be stemming to the wrong direction? Or were they planning to demolish the church? It just doesn’t make sense at all.

The longer I looked at it, the more questions kept popping in my head. I have asked our driver and a few other locals but almost everyone gave me vague answers, if not non-answers. Some blame corruption. Some say that part of the initial plan was to destroy the church but they didn’t have enough budget to do so. Others claim that there was gold buried underneath the church and the project was started to destroy it, thereby concealing a treasure hunt.

Whatever the score really is, it surely adds intrigue to the already fascinating town of Loboc.

How to get to Loboc: From Tagbilaran airport, you can take a tricycle to the Bus Terminal and board a bus to Loboc. If you’re taking a tour (offered by hotels and travel agencies), the Loboc River Cruise is usually one of the stops of the Countryside Tour. You may just ask your contact to stop here for lunch.
Buffet lunch: P300-P400 depending on your chosen floating restaurant.
Entrance Fee: P150


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Lennen Gonzales Cantos

So beautiful, and the food was good also…

Manna Leaño

Was there last dec. 26. It was short, i think, but that’s just me. The scenery was ok. It would be more incredible if it wasn’t raining hard. There where a few stops where locals, young and old, sing and dance for the guests. True that people wave at each other from different bangkas. It was a fun experience and the food was delish!

Ervin Malicdem

never mind the food. as long as it’s acceptable. i vouch for the scenery. was there only once. august of last year.

Shayne Bautista Labagnoy

Super Ganda! One of the best. Loved the eat all u can tas may entertainment p! And not really expensive!

Edward B. Javier

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Rie Joy

yes so much nice….n great!

Edward B. Javier

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please register. free registration. you can win in the daily raffle. just complete the registration…thanks..
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Maricar Fernandez Pampanico

we did, august of last year. it was a great experience! Its not everyday that we get to see such natural wonders. Most of the time, it requires hard work, patience and the strong will and determination to see nature at its best :-)

Gem Cortez

love d river itself,d scenery..just dat d f0od were n0t impressive.i think they shud also make it w0rth eating n0t just en0ugh to satisfy one’s hunger.

Jesse Ignace Mercado

For me and my wife, we really enjoyed our cruise and our tour guide Daboy… We enjoyed watching the folk dances and most especially eating the buffet that were served. Thanks and God bless!

Edward B. Javier

Get ready for the Pakyaw Daily Draw – first draw for a brand new Nintendo Wii is tomorrow. Sign up now for your chance to win!
please register. free registration. you can win in the daily raffle. just complete the registration…thanks..
http://pakyaw.com.ph/welcome/home.php?i=0&u=80e28a51cbc26fa4bd34938c5e593b36146f5e0c

Sarita Mata

Yes,we did try this cruise along Loboc River last year with my whole family,8 of us,3 were Swiss.we loved the food,and the music in d boat,the scenery,and then there s those folk dancers..,it was really an unforgettable experience.Hindi kami napahiya sa bisita naming mga Swiss.

Ren Rodriguez Teope

We did.. The food was great, and the locals were very accomodating.. One of them sang “balik,balik s bohol” until going home were singing that song ^^, i will be back again

James R Maxwell

So it sounds really nice but the food is getting mixed reviews.

Ren Rodriguez Teope

@james, maybe food at loboc river, but you can try other places like bohol bee farm..food was realy great.. Organic food..
But all bohol experience was great..

Marylene Severino-Franco

One of the best places to go in the Philippines. People are very warm, the place is peaceful, free from pollution. Actually, I’ll be coming back with my entire family this February.

Jocelyn Carlos

Been there last june 2010 yahh it’s so nice the food, scenery I love it!!!!

Jocelyn Carlos

Been there last june 2010 yahh it’s so nice the food, scenery I love it!!!!

rjuana

i agree, the trip was quick and the food wasn’t so great. but all in all, it was a great experience. i want to try the cruise on a Friday/Saturday night tho!

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bea smith

great ride! love the nature. cheers

maan aguila

id been there last oct.6,2010 so far i enjoyed a lot,the place is good but we didnt try the LOBOC cruise since we learned that there are many crocodiles in the river.so we were afraid it might not turned to enjoyment,but we are very thankful for our tourist guide they made our visit easy and the time was maximized so we had a lot of chance to round every beautiful place of bohol…

Kerry Audet

The food was fine and unlimited. It is a buffet, not a 5 star restaurant. The cruise was great, beautiful scenery. My family loved it.