CORELLA in Bohol is the endemic home of the Tarsiers, which has made this central Philippine island province famous ... after the world-wonder Chocolate Hills in the middle of the island, centuries-old churches lined along the southern coastline and the prestine beaches of Panglao Island.

Most of these fist-size monkeys are found in a village (barangay) called Cancatac, about three kilometers from the town's center. The town is located only 10 kilometers north of the provincial capital, Tagbilaran City. Five kilometers away south are the fine beaches of Panglao.

People of Bohol are known for their selfless hospitality. The residents of Corella are the most hospitable among the Boholanos. They make sure visitors are comfortable and their stomach full, even if they have to sacrifice their own comfort and convenience for a time.

Corella'hanons are dominantly conservative Roman Catholics who belong to the Parish of Our Lady of the Village (Nuestra Señora del Villar) whose feast is celebrated on April 27 every year, only four days before the Feast of St. Joseph that Tagbilaran City celebrates on May 1.

Except for a few backyard livelihood, Corella does not have any major industry. It has abundant water supply underneath its patrimony, but it is the residents of Tagbilaran City who have benefitted more from its resources as the infrastructure were designed more for the city.

Ironically even, as reports had it, the town has become indebted for the water consumption of its residents to the government-owned but privately-run water distributor. Funny, even a stupid circumstance, but true.

Nonetheless, Corella has good potential for tourism, being the Home of the Tarsiers and being just proximate to Tagbilaran City. It can be host to garden-oriented or peaceful rural (yet near urban) hideaway tourism concepts.

If Tagbilaran City grows as an urban center, Corella can be the best host for residential developments, as well.

By Cerwin Tocmo Eviota

cte@gia-net.com and cerwin@seabutterfly.com