Bohol is Philippines' lone UNESCO-inscribed Geopark

MANILA, Philippines — Bohol is not just a destination. It is the country's only United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)-inscribed global geopark.

So it is not surprising that it was hailed as Department of Tourism's "Destination of the Year" in 2003.

The Bohol Global Geopark experience is an intricately amazing tapestry of wonderful geological formations and awe-inspiring natural wonders that shaped its rich culture with a profusion of heritage sites. From the Philippine tarsier and the Chocolate Hills, to cataracts and cavern systems, as well as beautifully restored churches, Bohol's many sights and stopovers makes it a hideaway that should be in any traveler's bucket list.

The Nuestra Señora de la Luz Parish, otherwise known as the Lady of Light Church, is a Roman Catholic edifice in the municipality of Loon. The parish was established by the Jesuits in 1753 and the original stone church, which collapsed to the ground during the 2013 earthquake, was built from 1855 through 1864. The restoration of the church very closely to its original structure is truly a magnificent collaborative feat.

Considered the second oldest church in the Philippines, as well as a National Cultural Treasure, the Baclayon Church was established in the late 16th century and became a parish only in 1717. Constructed out of coral stones, the church has two facades: an inner one that was classically inspired and an outer one built in the 19th century by the Recollects. Adjacent to the church is the old convent and a museum with centuries-old relics, artifacts, and other antiques. Recently, the outer facade was restored after a 7.2 magnitude earthquake destroyed it in 2013.

"Bohol churches were declared a big part of UNESCO Heritage Sites because of its use of coral stones in its structures. The Jesuits first organised the churches as missionaries. Years later, the Augustinians created forts (stone structures) using coral blocks; while the timber required to fiinsh the church buildings were required from the new Catholic converts," informed our tour guide Emmylou Noel.

"The Maribojoc and Loon shorelines receded four meters to create ten kilometers of new