THERE'S one tourist destination in Victorias City that remains "unexplored" by many local tourists who love to enjoy a cool outdoor escapade.
Since the Covid-19 pandemic, the tourism industry has calmed down due to health restrictions.
Gawahon Ecopark is among those tourist spots in the province of Negros Occidental that also slowed down, reaching a point of ceasing operation due to the pandemic.
Now that we are slowly and safely going back or co-existing with the new normal, Gawahon Ecopark is also considering a full operation as long as health protocols are met by guests and visitors.
Currently, some facilities are gradually being enhanced like the big pool inside the park so that guests will be safe and can enjoy a better ambiance.
There is also the Okinawan house that symbolizes the international relations between two cities Victorias and Nanjo City, Okinawa, Japan, where they engage in cultural and other well-meaning exchanges that promote their strength as cities.
When you get to the Okinawan House, two mascots, Tori the mascot of Victorias City and Nanji, will greet you. Likewise, you can also find Shi-sa, the two traditional Ryukyuan cultural artifacts and decorations derived from Chinese guardian lions. Okinawan people believe in Shi-sa which wards off evil spirits and keeps the good spirits.
Shi-sa is found standing guard either on top of roofs or at the entrances of homes all over Okinawa.
Gawahon eco-park also breeds "Takpal" or stingless bees which is the best source of honey used for sweeteners.
Park staff Ricky Sobesta showed Yuhom how these bees thrive into a colony in their small beehives.
Some Takpal bees even nipped the tip of my ears which discomfort is equal to bites of ants.
Dino Acuña, Victorias City administrator, who is in charge of the overall management of the park, said Gawahon Ecopark holds its natural beauty with the existence of the seven waterfalls which are unique and distinct from each other.
The first waterfalls can just be enjoyed closer to the park's cottages.
One can have an exciting dip at the first waterfalls. There is a ladder that leads visitors to the succeeding waterfalls but trekking is a must for one to enjoy the charm of the waterfalls.
Rain and fog normally envelope the place and it's great to experience it usually in the afternoon. But if it's rainy, the whole morning until evening, the cool climate stays and sends people to curl up.
The interior development of the park is still an endeavor to be pursued in the future. But with its natural trait of having a cool ambiance with the luxury of forest cover and lovely scenery, one will surely appreciate the place.