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Negros
is world's best island to live on
A US magazine has listed Negros Oriental as one of the
planet's 20 best islands to live on.
In its July-August issue, Islands Magazine, one of the
widest circulated and most trusted travel publications
in the United States , included Negros Oriental with
its capital Dumaguete as among the best islands in the
whole world where expatriates may settle based on the
following criteria: flip-flop wearability, strong expat
communities, and affordable real estate.
Other criteria included weather, languages spoken, ease
of immigration and accessibility to hospitals. Expats
were also interviewed for an insider’s opinion.
Negros Oriental earned three out of five flip-flops,
or rating, from the magazine. Of note was Dumaguete
City ’s youthful vibe courtesy of the prominence
of academic centers. Also mentioned was the city’s
picturesque Rizal Boulevard , the seaside promenade
lined with cafes and art galleries. German expat Georg
Bender, who moved to the island in 2001, spoke of the
great diving experiences awaiting scuba and snorkeling
enthusiasts.
Negros Oriental province actually comprises just half
of Negros or "Buglas" Island and belongs to
Central Visayas or Region 8. The other half, Negros
Occidental, is a part of Western Visayas or Region 6.
The province of Negros Oriental has 20 towns and 5 cities,
the center of which is Dumaguete City , which is famous
for its beautiful sceneries and hospitable people.
Negros Oriental joined other exotic islands such as
the Grand Cayman, Gozo in Malta , Carriacou in Grenada
and Vieques in Puerto Rico , which all offer a mix of
indigenous culture, friendly neighbors, uncomplicated
living and adventure attractions.
Other islands in the list were Dominica , St. Kitts,
Hawkes Bay in New Zealand , Taveuni in Fiji , Long Island
in the Bahamas , Honolulu in Hawaii , Cedar Key in Florida
, Isla Colon in Panama , Carriacou in Grenada , Norfolk
Island, Union Islands in St. Vincent and the Grenadines
, Penang in Malaysia , Utila in Honduras , Pico in Portugal
, Aruba, and Vanuatu .
The Department of Tourism said Negros Oriental, and
its capital Dumaguete, lives up to the moniker “the
city of gentle people”.
“More than the attractions in a particular province
or city, it is the people who play a big role in creating
a welcoming and positive impression to travelers. Negros
Oriental being recognized as one of the best islands
to live speaks of an exceptionally hospitable experience
that makes people want to stay for the long haul,”
said Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano.
Durano called on local government units to continue
with their efforts to build up the tourism potentials
of their jurisdictions. While infrastructure is essential,
programs should also include creating a community mindset
that is tourist-friendly and puts forth the world-famous
Filipino brand of hospitality, he said.
Negros Oriental offers divers colorful and teeming marine
life around Apo Island , which is home of the Negros
Oriental Marine Conservation Park .
Tourists can also chance upon playful dolphins and pygmy
sperm whales out in Tañon Strait at Bais Bay
. Meanwhile, the 400-hectare Bird Sanctuary and Mangrove
Park provides sightings of rare birds and wildlife.
The province also holds spelunking, trekking and beach
destinations.
Dumaguete City , the provincial capital, prides itself
as the City of Gentle People for the winsome and hospitable
residents who help create a tranquil and genteel way
of life.
Dumaguete is also known as a college town, with several
institutions of higher learning located in close proximity
to each other and students comprising a fourth of the
population. Most notable is Silliman University , the
first Protestant college in the Philippines and the
oldest American-established tertiary education center
in Asia .
The Islands Magazine has a readership base of 500,000
of mostly frequent tourists who take more than one annual
holiday and stay for an average of seven days at any
given vacation. Roderick T. dela Cruz
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