As domestic tourism starts to grind again, people have welcomed it after many local governments started opening their borders. Tourists are resuming leisure trips, following at least seven month of the coronavirus-caused travel restrictions.
A top destination for Bacolod City residents and those in neighboring communities is the town of Don Salvador Benedicto, which is about 45 kms. east of the Negros Occidental capital.
And what draws visitors to this mountain town? Any frequent DSB visitor in the past will quickly answer – the cool climate that has given the town the “Little Baguio” tag and the rustic scenery that seasoned travelers would agree the view reminds them of popular resorts in Switzerland, minus the ice and snow-capped mountains, of course, as well as European-designed architecture of homes elegantly standing on the hills.
NDD file photo of the scenic highway at Don Salvador Benedicto
Add to the list of reasons are the well-patronized roadside restaurants and coffee shops–from the lowly ‘kapehan’ to gourmet cafes. With the coolness of the place and the postcard-pretty scenes, our town truly has a romantic ambience, said Mayor Laurence Marxlen dela Cruz.
Apparently, it is the pull of this romantic ambience that prompts the DSB Facebook account to post lately a seemingly “naughty” message. The post reminds visitors, particularly motorbike riders, to make sure that they don’t have “illegal backriders” and to be careful when they ride with an “illegal companion” as someone may unmaliciously take their picture and post it on social media (as part of their souvenir shots).
“Illegal backriders” apparently refers to those who are not the legitimate spouses or partners, or real boy/girl friends. “You maybe enjoying now, but there are those who get hurt and some homes that may get broken,” the message in Hiligaynon as translated in English, said. Residents claimed there have been incidents of wives and partners “discovering” that their man had been riding with someone else after seeing souvenir photos posted on Facebook.
The DSB post said riders are welcome to the town “but we strongly encourage nga ang angkas LEGAL gid.” It added a word of thanks to those who shoot pictures as sometimes they end up as surveillance cameras.
Mayor dela Cruz reiterated that visitors are welcome always but he admitted that they have no control who is accompanying the riders when they drive to the town. He, however, reminded that they must continue observing road rules and health protocols for everybody’s safety. – DEM
