PROPOSED COMMENTARY FOR LOCAL TOUR GUIDE

Bislig City, Province of Surigao del Sur, Caraga Region

Introduction

A Local Guide must be an excellent storyteller and listener to connect the various tourism products of
Bislig City to the expectations of its foreign and domestic visitors. His service should always aim at
exceeding the expectations of his visitors, and be flexible to address the different needs of every
individual visitor. Hence, he must be skilled in adapting his stories according to the demands, type of
activities and settings, and touring environment.

Based on this premise, the first column below demonstrates the different types of commentary, while the
second column demonstrates possible stories or commentaries that a Local Guide may adapt and
modify.

Type of Commentary Sample Commentary

Required Commentary Welcoming the Tourists

Activity: Ecotourism or
Adventure Tourism
Good morning! ... MABUHAY ug MADAYAW! Welcome to Bislig City
Setting: On board in the province of Surigao del Sur, here in Caraga Region. My name
is Rufino C. Aguaviva Jr., and I will be your tour guide for today.
Welcome the guests & visitors
at Bislig City, Surigao del Sur, (IF THERE ARE OTHER PEOPLE WHO ARE PART OF THE
to make them comfortable with WELCOMING GROUP DURING ARRIVAL, INTRODUCE EACH
their new environment. ONE OF THEM.)

Always smile. Do not wait for Please allow me to introduce to you our coach pilot, Mr. D.I.Y or you
them to talk to you, but start may call him, Uncle Dee. He is a coach pilot for almost ten years
now, so we are assured that we are all on safe hands.
an interesting conversation
with them.
So, everyone please say “H-E-L-L-O” to Uncle Dee. We do hope that
you will extend to us your full cooperation at all times. Can we count
on that?...Thank you.

(Note: The above examples are used during the arrival of the
visitors and may be modified depending on the activities and
setting of the tour.)
Required commentary Before Touring Bislig City

Activity: Ecotourism or (Proposed introduction)…. Before we tour the City of Bislig, let me
Adventure Tourism now brief you about our itinerary for today. Are you ready?...Thank
you.
Setting: On board
The tour guide should always (Proposed body of the commentary) … Our complete itinerary for
provide the visitors with today are the following: first, we shall visit the the Majestic Tinuy-an
important information Falls; second, we shall visit the Thermal Spring; third, we shall have
BEFORE doing any activity lunch at the sea tiger food cove; fourth, after lunch, we shall go back
such as: to the main Bislig City; fifth, we shall proceed to Ocean View Park;
sixth, we shall visit the Kawa Kawa sa Awog; seventh, an early dinner
 Schedule & activities to give you time to relax; eight, and your last activity for the day, is the
Lawigan Barkong Bato.
 City ordinances
(Proposed conclusion) That is our complete itinerary for today,
 Culture & tradition of which I am sure you will love and enjoy. If everyone is ready, please
the local people follow me …(YOU LEAD THE WAY).

 Safety rules and Before Touring a Protected Area

regulations
(Proposed introduction) …. Before we start the tour, may I remind
everyone that the following acts are prohibited within protected area
by virtue of the City Ordinance no.____ series of 2019 approved and
This is to enable the visitors to issued by the City of Bislig.
know what to do throughout
the whole trip and enhance (Proposed body of the commentary) ….First, hunting, destroying,
their experience. disturbing, or mere possession of any plant animal or product
derived at the area without a permit from the Management Board;
second, dumping of any waste products which are detrimental to
the protected area, plants and animals or inhabitants therein; third,
use of any motorized equipment without a permit from the
Management Board; fourth, mutilating, defacing or destroying
objects of natural beauty, objects of interest or of scenic value to
the cultural communities; fifth, damaging and leaving roads and
trails in a damaged condition; sixth, squatting, mineral locating, or
otherwise occupying any land; seventh, constructing or maintaining
any kind of structure fence or enclosures, conducting any business
enterprise without a permit; eight, leaving in exposed or unsanitary
conditions, refuse or debris, or depositing in ground or in bodies of
water; and, finally, ninth altering, removing, destroying or defacing
boundary marks or signs.

(Proposed conclusion) … I hope that everyone will extend his full

cooperation and avoid those acts, so that the City of Bislig will also be
enjoyed by the future generation.….(INTRODUCE THE NEXT
TOPIC)

Before Swimming

(Proposed Intrduction) …Please allow me to share with you the

following water safety tips before you go swimming which I hope you
will keep in mind at all times: …Will you promise that to me?…I don’t
hear you?…..

(Proposed body of commentary) …First, never swim alone.

Second, read and obey all the rules and posted signs around the
falls. Third, if you see someone in danger, reach or throw a floatable
object, don't try to swim and rescue him unless you are a certified
lifeguard. Fourth, swim in areas that are supervised by lifeguards.
Fifth, take extra precautions such as wear a life jacket. Sixth, be
mindful of the "dangerous too's" - too tired, too cold, too far from
safety, too much sun, too much strenuous activity. Seventh, set water
safety rules for your family (for example, never enter the water
without approval from your parents). Eight, and the last, be
knowledgeable of the water environment you are in and its potential
hazards, such as deep and shallow areas, currents, depth changes,
obstructions and where the entry and exit points are located.

(Proposed conclusion)… I suppose my water safety tips are clear,

do you have any question? If there is none, so let us now go to the
waterfalls.

Before Trekking

(Proposed Introduction)…Please allow me to share with you

the following reminders before we go trekking which I hope
you will keep in mind at all times: …Will you promise that to
me?

(Proposed Body of Commentary)…First is to register at the

Barangay Hall at the Tourism Reception Desk and the fees
are to be settled at the same office in peso and not in credit
card. Second, stay on the trail at all times and do not enter
the grass fields or trample on wild flowers. Third, do not pick
any plant, or catch any insect or animal. Fourth, be
environmentally aware, and do not damage any flora and
fauna. Fifth, avoid littering, please take all your waste with you,
and if you should stumble on somebody else’s waste, please
take it with you. Sixth, if you are going to use soap or
detergent for cleaning yourself or washing your clothes, make
sure to do it at least 100 meters from the nearest water source,
and use biodegradable products. Seventh, stay on the trails
always and do not wander around so you will not disturb nature
/ or get lost. Eight, if you notice any damage to the trail or trail
signs, note down the exact location and notify the proper
authorities, because they can cause serious difficulties for
other hikers. Ninth, do not disturb the environment / by
shouting or playing loud music. Tenth, if you plan to camp, /
know the local regulations concerning camping and making
fire, because cooking is allowed only at the base camp. It is
not allowed along the trail and prohibited at the summit. It is not
also allowed to camp or make fire outside of these designated
areas. Eleventh, fishing and hunting in the destination or in the
community are not allowed. Twelve, pets are not allowed
during the climb. You may leave your pets at the barangay hall
with a minimal fee for minding your pets. Please ensure to
provide food and medicines for your pets. Thirteenth, do not
make noise, so sound system and videoke are not allowed.
Finally, practice the leave-No-Trace policy, which means take
nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints, and kill
nothing but time.

(Proposed conclusion)…Isn’t that exciting?…So, let us now

proceed to our first activity. ….(EXTEND YOUR HAND TO
SHOW THE DIRECTION)…Please follow me…

Before a Meal (Breakfast, lunch or dinner or snacks)

(Proposed introduction)…Before we have lunch, please
allow me to remind you that we shall have a delicious Filipino
meal in one of the best restaurants here in the city.
(Proposed body of commentary)….Our menu for lunch
includes the following: Green mango and eggplant salad,
calamares, bangus belly, crispy pork claws, crispy chicken
chops, pork and shrimp pinakbet, and bagong saing sa
kaldero rice. Your dessert is sorbets or dirty ice crème in
English, which is not literally dirty but it is called so because it
was prepared the traditional way, and turon or fried banana
wrapped with brown sugar. Our drink is ice tea.
Lunch is included in your tour package, so you do not have to
pay anything; however, juices, beer, or all types of drinks
except for service water is not included in the package, so it
means that you have to pay for them directly to the waiters
when you order them.
Please be reminded also that all the products in the restaurant
do not include the 12% Expanded Value Added Tax or EVAT
and the 10% Service Charge. So a mango juice worth P100 on
the menu, might cost approximately P120 after adding the 12%
EVAT and 10% Service Charge.
(Proposed conclusion)… Is my explanation clear? Are there
questions, /comments, or suggestions…. If you are allergic to
a food, please check first the ingredients from me or from the
waiters, and do not hesitate to ask any question. Is that fine
with everybody? Please follow me now to the restaurant and
let us enjoy the experience of a Filipino lunch.

(Note: Always remind the visitors of what to do BEFORE

they engaged in any form of activity. Your reminder
 includes even the conditions at the area whether it is hot
or wet, things to bring with them during the tour like an
umbrella or mineral water, locker room to leave their
things, and importantly the location of the comfort room if
there is any or none at all at the tour areas.)
Informative OUR DESTINATION FOR TODAY IS IN BISLIG CITY, SURIGAO DEL
Commentary SUR ,CARAGA REGION

Activity: Ecotourism or Caraga, officially the Caraga Administrative Region] (or simply
Adventure Tourism known as Caraga Region) and designated as Region XIII, is
an administrative region in the Philippines occupying the
Setting: On board (rolling northeastern section of Mindanao. The region was created
tour) or walkabout (inside through Republic Act No. 7901 on February 23, 1995. The region
or outside a building) comprises five provinces: Agusan del Norte, Agusan del
Sur, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, and Surigao del Sur; six
cities: Bayugan, Bislig, Butuan, Cabadbaran, Surigao and Tandag;
Orient the guests about the
67 municipalities and 1,311 barangays. Butuan, the most
destination:
urbanized city in Caraga, serves as the regional administrative
center.
Caraga Region
Surigao del Sur officially the Province of Surigao del Sur, is
Surigao del Sur a province in the Philippines located in
the Caraga region in Mindanao. Its capital is Tandag City. Surigao
Bislig City del Sur is situated at the eastern coast of Mindanao and faces
the Philippine Sea to the east.
The subtopics may range
from the following: In precolonial times, the region of Surigao was inhabited by
the Visayan Surigaonon people in the coastal areas, as well
 Physical as Lumad groups in the interiors like
characteristics, the Mandaya, Mansaka, Mamanwa and Manobo.
 Topography and Bislig, officially the City of Bislig is a 3rd class component city in
slope the province of Surigao del Sur, Philippines. According to the 2020
 Mineral resources census, it has a population of 99,290 people.[3]
 Economics
It is the most populous among the cities and municipalities in the
 Education province of Surigao del Sur.
 Other topics that
you think might Barangay Mangagoy, the downtown area often dubbed by its
interest the group. residents as "the little city within the city", is the center of trade
and industry of Bislig which has a population of 32,464 as of the
2015 estimate. It is the largest barangay in the city and the entire
A Rolling Tour refers to a province of Surigao del Sur in terms of population. Since
touring activity conducted Barangay Poblacion is often referred by the locals simply as
on board a bus, coaster, 'Bislig', Mangagoy on the other hand is often mistaken as a
van or even boat. separate town though it is only just one out of the 24 barangays
that comprises the entire City of Bislig.
While on board, direct The topography of Bislig City Average elevation: 66 m
always the attention of your Minimum elevation: 0 m Maximum elevation: 352 m
visitors to the interesting
sites & sights along the Bislig is rich in coal mineral deposits which can be a source of fuel for
 coal-powered plant. DMC, Inc. is currently undertaking the operation
road by using the following of coal mining. The City is also the site of BIBAHILITA Provincial Agri-
phrases and appropriate Industrial Center with an area of 60 has.
hand & facial gestures:

“we are now entering Bislig city” , “Welcome to the breathtaking

landscape of bislig city”, nestle in the heart of Surigao del sur.
Today, we embark on an adventure to explore the hidden gems of
this enchanting destination, known for its pristine beaches,
captivating waterfalls and rich cultural heritage. As we trek
through the dense foliage, our senses are awakened by the sights
and sounds of nature surrounding us. Along the way, our
knowledgeable guide shares fascinating insights into the local
flora and fauna, enriching our understanding of this biodiverse
ecosystem.

“to your left, is the Bislig City hall

“…to your left…”

“...to your right…”

“..in front of you…”

The Guide should match

his commentary to the
expectations of the
travelers based on his
assessment of their profile.

The traveler’s experience

begins when his attention is
on the site or sights.

Lastly, the Guide should

ask his driver to stop or
slowdown at the sites or
sights if necessary, so he
can explain and connect
the traveler with what he
sees, hears, or even feels.
A Walking Tour refers to a
touring activity conducted
outside the coaster or van,
but inside or outside the
building like a museum or
in an open area like a park.

Just like in a rolling tour,

direct always the attention
of your visitors to the
interesting sites & sights.
Then match your
commentary to the
expectations of the
travelers.

There are many things to

show to the travelers while
on rolling or walking tour;
however, the Guide should
limit his discussion only on
things that interest the
travelers and NOT his own
interest.

Depending on the interest

of the travelers, be ready to
shift from one topic to
another as long as you’re
following techniques for
each topic:

 Introduction
 Body of the
commentary
 Conclusion

DO NOT LEAVE a topic

unfinished.
Informative
Commentary

Activity: Ecotourism or
Adventure Tourism
Setting: On board or
walkabout

The Guide should also

share to the tourists the
historical background
and other relevant
information, etc. of the
following:

Surigao del Sur; and

Bislig City

In this way, the travelers

will better understand what
he sees and hear that will
be the foundation of his
experience about his travel.
Informative Commentary

Activity: Ecotourism or
Adventure Tourism

Setting: walkabout

The guide must be

knowledgeable about the
attractions on the itinerary
of the travelers because
those were the places that
motivated the travelers to
choose Bislig City over
other tourism sites in
Surigao del Sur.

The Guide must be aware

of the expectations of every
traveler during the tour so
he can develop different
products based on the
different expectations and
perceived values of the
travelers.

His failure to do so will

adversely affect the level of
his experience about his
travel in Bislig City.
Requested
Commentary

Activity: Ecotourism and

Adventure Tourism

Setting: Walkabout or on
board

Requested commentary
refers to the questions of
the visitors about the City of
Bislig that might be about
the topic on hand or other
related topics.

Do not forget to thank the

visitor who asked you the
question, and proceed in
answering the question.

However, if he does not

know the answer to a
question, he should inform
his visitors about it and do
not make wild assumptions
or guesses. You may say:

 Sorry, but I have no

available data about
your question. But I
will check them for
you later.
Optional Commentary

Activity: Ecotourism or
Adventure Tourism

Setting: On board or
walkabout

Optional commentary refers

to lull moments during the
touring activity where the
guide may introduce any of
the following topics to keep
his visitors entertained:

 Ad-lib
 Joke
 Witty stories, lore,
and legends
 Trivia

The sequence is composed

of 3 stages namely (Harvey
Sacks, Sociologist):

1) the preface [framing]

such as:

"Have you heard the

one…";

2) the telling, i.e., the

commentary contains only
those details which lead to
the understanding and
decoding of the punchline;
and

3) response sequences
such as laughter that shows
that the visitors "gets it" and
is entertained.
Required Commentary End of a TOPIC only

Activity: Depature Do you have any question about the demographics of the City
of Bislig? …. If there are no questions, let me discuss to you
Setting: On board or about the …(PROCEED TO THE NEXT TOPIC)
walkabout

Thank your visitors for

visiting Bilslig City. Briefly End of a TOUR only
highlight all the wonderful
experiences the visitors This is the end of our tour in Bislig City. Thank you very much
have had during the tour, for your cooperation and choosing us to be your destination.
and do not forget to ask We do hope you will come back to our City, and please share
your exciting experience here in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur,
them to share their with your relatives and friends, and invite them too to visit us as
wonderful experience in well in the near future.
Bislig to their friends and
relatives Salamat po, ingat.

(Note: The end of the topic is used in each topic of the

commentary; the end of the tour, on the other hand, is
used once the whole tour is finished.)