Last Friday, January 18, 2008, I was able to attend lectures from the country’s most sought after marketing experts at the University of St. La Salle-Bacolod. Ms. Carolina Escareal-Go and Mr. Josiah Go of Mansmith and Fielders were the resource persons. Such lecture would have cost a fortune if it wasn’t sponsored by the Insititute for Negros Development of the USLS-Graduate School. Local entrepreneurs as well as educators attended the event.

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Many people wanted to have a business but they don’t know where to start. No matter how small a business venture is, the importance of planning can never be underestimated. Here are some of the things that should be taken into consideration before deciding on the kind of business to invest in.

1. You have to have the passion. You have to love what you do. Passion will help you stay the course no matter how many challenges you face along the way. Most people started out in business because of their hobbies and interests. Finding your passion is already winning half of the battle.

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My first time to visit Bohol was when my two officemates and I just decided to have a tour of Central Visayas for three days last 2004 starting November 5 when it’s Cinco de Noviembre holiday here in Neros Occidental. From Bacolod City, we traveled by bus to Dumaguete City, Oriental Negros, toured the city and spent overnight there. The following day, we boarded the first trip via fast craft to Tagbilaran City, Bohol, toured the major tourist destinations the whole day. The support service to the tourism industry was well organized for it’s so easy to get a V-Hire right there at the port. It’s just a question of whether you have the money and that time the three of us felt like hacienderos and hired the van just for ourselves. After the tour, we boarded the last trip to Cebu City where we spent overnight. The following day, we again traveled via V-Hire to Toledo City, Cebu boarded a fast craft to San Carlos City, Negros Occidental and back to Bacolod City.

The second time was last December 3-7 for a convention sponsored by our office. Tourism is evidently Bohol’s number one industry. The province has a lot to offer in eco-tourism, food, culture and crafts. Add to this the charm of the Boholanos and the Loboc Children’s Choir. The Boholanos have a very high awareness for the environment, history and culture. They have successfully protected their mangroves and coral reefs as well as their cultural heritage. All of these are actually present in the different provinces but what others lack are the commitment and the entrepreneurial spirit which are very much alive in Bohol.

Tourism is good for local entrepreneurs and economy. When tourists arrived, they would be prepared and willing to spend their money on the following:

• Accommodation
• Food
• Transportation
• Guided Tour
• Pasalubong and Souvenirs

You can find accommodations in Bohol that suits your budget. Guided tours can easily be availed and local transport within Tagbilaran is by PUJ and tricycle. You’ll be surprised at how knowledgeable of their local history and culture the tricycle drivers are. Pasalubong and souvenir items are affordable and export quality. Entrepreneurs in the tourism industry can learn a lot from the best practices of Bohol.