11

CARABAO ISLAND GRAND LEISURE RESORT AND WAR MUSEUM

DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

22

PROPOSED:MASTER DEVELOPMENT PLAN

Location: CARABAO ISLAND, PROVINCE OF ROMBLON

Consultants:DreamWorks Marketing Consultancy Inc. & E.

G. Umali EnterprisesDesigners / Planners / Engineers / Construction

Management / Urban Planning / Interiors#76-C Red Street ApoCar Village Tandang Sora

Quezon CityTel. No.(632)4550188; Mobile No. +639434909358

+63929323691733

TABLE OF CONTENTSTABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 Background

2.0 The Project

3.0 Historical Significance• The Concept Development

44

4.0 The Master Plan of Proposed DevelopmentParking and Open Spaces War Memorial Site and MuseumGarden of MemoriesHotelsVillasTheme ParksGolf Course and Country ClubRetirees VillageBusiness Center and MallAmenities and Emergency Facilities

55

5.0 The Organization/Project Proponents• Designers / Architects / Engineers• Investors / Project Programs

6.0 Budgetary Estimates for Proposed Project

• Phase I• Phase II

7.0 Proposed Development Master Plan

66

“The Young Ones Today and the Young Once several years ago, Foreigners or Local Visitors and Tourists are All Invited to Relax, Rest and Retire, Frolic and Play with Nature in this soon to be discovered Leisure Paradise which YOU may call your very own Homeland, CARABAO ISLAND.”

77

The Young Ones Today

and

The Young Once several years ago

88

99

Province of ROMBLON and

Her Seven Islands Tablas Island (9 towns) Sibuyan Island ( 3 towns) Romblon Island (1 town –

Capital of Province) Carabao Island (1 town) Banton Island (1 town) Simara Island (1 town) Sibale Island (1 town)

1010

1111

MUSASHI, World’s and Japan’s BIGGEST BATTLESHIP SUNK HERE on OCT. 24, 1944 at 7:39pm

BORACAY is only 3 kilometers away from CARABAO Island. The physical composition of environment and natural resources on both islands are practically the same. The only difference between these two islands, one belongs to Aklan province while the other is already part of Romblon and only separated by a narrow channel of 2 miles.

1212

1313

Inspired and influenced by the meteoric success of the tourism industry in Boracay, Investors are safely assured that any business related to tourism will surely become a profitable investment venture in Carabao Island specially so because there is now a very limited area for expansion of development in Boracay.

1414

Hence, this concept of Ecotourism development in Carabao Island and the other islands in the province of Romblon. Properly programmed, developed and managed the venture has no reason to fail but to succeed and make the islands progressive. These islands are well placed by Mother Nature at the very heart and center of the Philippines.

Total Land Area:

2,890 hectares3 times the size

of Boracay

1515

Whether you travel by air or by sea you will surely pass by these islands. History has also its own historical contribution. The Allied Forces of Gen. Douglas MacArthur in his triumphant return to liberate the Philippines was met by the Naval Power of Japan right at Sibuyan Sea on October 24, 1944. In fact, the world’s biggest battleship, Musashi, of Japan was sunk in this place together with some 1023 of her crew. It can never be denied Carabao Island and her sister islands will become the next Toursim and Investment Paradise of the country, because of Boracay and the memory of the Naval battle of WWII, the Battle of Sibuyan Sea.

1616

1717

OCT. 24, 1944

In the 1960’s Boracay was just a barren and idle small island of 1000 hectares which served as haven for fishermen and source of pebbles and rubble stones to Contractors and Architects. The international trend

of the flourishing tourism industry attracted the fancy of government specially the former First Lady Imelda Marcos. Resorts started to rise along the beaches of

La Union, Cavite, Batangas and the interior parts of Laguna and Quezon.

1818

1919

The shores of Manila Bay was even designed to be covered and converted into white beaches. Local businessmen planned to transport white sand from Boracay to Manila but the idea seemed an impossible dream and fruitless, therefore abandoned. But some enterprising investors who had business foresights thought of starting small tourism ventures right in Boracay. Afterall, Kalibo is an annual tourists destination during the Ati-atihan Festival every January. The meteoric transformation of this small island into a World Class tourists paradise today is now considered tourism phenomenon.

2020

Boracay is part of Aklan province at the northern tip. And only two (2) miles away from Boracay is Carabao Island which is 2800 hectares at the southern end but already part of Romblon province. What you can find in Boracay is always present in Carabao Island. White beaches and enviable clear blue swimming waters with beautiful and naturally – arranged varied species of coral growths and different types of ornamental fishes. However, the greatest advantage that Carabao Island has over Boracay is the presence and abundant supply of spring water coming from its forested watershed.

2121

The State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in July 24, 2006 before joint Congress declared the creation of several Super Regions like the Subic and Clark areas to bolster the economic development of the country. It so happened that Romblon is bracketed with the Visayas and some Southern Tagalog provinces to compose the Central Super Region with emphasis on Tourism and Agricultural development. If we closely examine the Philippine Map and the recently established Strong Philippine Nautical Highway everybody will agree that Romblon is the center of the Philippines and the Sibuyan Sea is midway of the Nautical Highway.

2222

The SONA further declared the approval and construction of an International Airport in San Jose, Romblon (Carabao Island) purposely to cater and service foreign tourists and visitors to Boracay. The construction of an International Airport in the province is enough reason why investors and local businessmen should be challenged and inspired to unite and collectively join together in developing and preserving the abundant natural resources that abound the seven islands of Romblon and convert them into income - generating ventures related to tourism.

2323

WHY CATER VISITORS TO BORACAY WHEN THEY CAN FIND ALL THE AMENITIES AND NATURE’S BEAUTY THEY ARE LOOKING FOR, RIGHT AFTER THEY GET OFF THE PLANE?

The Department of Tourism predicts between 3 – 4 million tourists this year 2007. The proximity of Romblon to Manila is the great advantage over other tourist spots why Carabao Island or the province of Romblon can get a big share of these tourist arrivals. Promotional Advertisements are no long necessary.

2424

The biggest Billboard Boracay is an existing testament that a neglected island with rich natural resources can become a Tourist Cinderella if properly planned and implemented. This simply means tourism is a potential Dollar – earning business for Romblon. On October 24, 2006 was the commemoration of the 62nd anniversary – sinking of the world’s biggest battleship, MUSASHI, right at Sibuyan Sea. Pilgrimage of Japanse relatives and Asian allies of the more than 1500 Japanese soldiers who perished with Musashi are expected to come. This will be an annual affair that will surely encourage the boom of tourism and investments in

2525

the province. It is not a wild dream that Carabao Island and the other six islands of Romblon can also become a tourism miracle. WHAT HAPPENED TO BORACAY AND MACTAN CAN VERY LIKELY HAPPEN TO CARABAO ISLAND AND THE OTHER ISLANDS OF ROMBLON. These islands can easily become the incoming tourists attractions and leisure paradise of the country alongside with Bohol and Palawan very soon.

2626

To explore, develop and carefully manage the God-given beautiful and rich natural resources of Carabao Island and the other six islands of Romblon into a World Class environmentally – balanced tourism paradise right at the center of the Philippine Archipelago.

2727

To educate and encourage the people of Romblon harness and utilize their physical capabilities, expertise and talents how to improve their living standards thru livelihood and job opportunities that are related to the tourism industry. Through the collective efforts of the people of Romblon, prove that it is now the right time to get out and lift up the province from its dormant status as one of the poorest provinces in the country.

2828

1. To awaken the people of Romblon from their deep sleep and let them realize and discover that there are gold mines that can be tapped all around the seven islands of the province be it on land or in the ocean. To coordinate with Caraballo Grande by acquiring and developing a portion of its consolidated land area into a World Class haven for foreign tourists, businessmen and investors who want to spend a peaceful and enjoyable rendezvous with the original beauty of nature still untouched by the abusive hands of man.

2929

2. To exploit and develop the following natural resources into profitable business ventures:a. Develop the marble industry in Romblon Island. Marble found in Romblon is the best in the country and the only variety that can compete with the quality of marble that are produced in Italy.

3030

b. Develop the byproducts that can be processed from the coconut, the Tree of Life, which are plentiful and the main agricultural produce in all the islands. Coco biodiesel and the very popular Coco Virgin Oil can be commercially processed therebygiving abundant employment to theinhabitants andincome to the place.

3131

c. Forest and Inland Resorts like Hidden Valley of Laguna, Villa Escudero of Quezon and Pasonanca Park of Zamboanga City can easily be duplicated in Romblon, specially in Sibuyan Island where you can find varied Nature’s beauty at its BEST.

3232

3. The people of Romblon are NOT LAZY. They can unite and rally to prove they can make the province progressive and partly contribute and improve the economy of the country.

3333

REASONS WHY VISITORS AND INVESTORS SHOULD SELECT CARABAO ISLAND AND THE

OTHER SIX ISLANDS OF ROMBLON AS DESTINATION:1. Beaches and shorelines are covered with fine

powdery golden white sand which are the main tourist attraction to foreign and local tourists.

3434

2. Clean, uncontaminated, undiluted swimming blue waters. No siltation occur because of the continuous changing of sea currents everyday.

3. Best scuba diving sites and dive spots are available with

diversified well-arranged coral reefs and different species of marine creatures.

3535

4.Virgin Forest – Untouched by human abusive destruction thereby chosen as a Protected Forest Area in Sibuyan Island (one of the six in the country). Selected by the European Union, EU in coordination with DENR, Mt. Guiting-Guiting, the mountain in the Philippines which is the hardest to climb per Kris Aquino of GKNB. The first training ground of the Filipino Mt. Everest conquerors.

3636

5. Rivers are clean. In fact, selected as the cleanest river, Cantingas River, in the whole Philippines last year.

6.Easily Accessible from Manila and very near Mactan Airport and Cebu3737

7. Peace and Order is No Problem. Crime Rate isone of the lowest in the Country.

8. Friendly, honest and Hospitable Romblomanons.

9. Industrious people that can be easily trained for other jobs.

3838

10. The Construction of an International Airport at Carabao Island which is scheduled to be completed in 2010.

11.The Sentimental, Cultural and Historical Effect of the 63rd Anniversary of the sinking of Musashi, Japan’s and the world’s biggest battleship, commemorated on October 24, 2007 at Sibuyan Sea and every year thereafter.

3939

Admittedly, Romblon is one of the smaller and poorest provinces in the country, yet so lucky to be located midway of the Philippine archipelago. Gifted with abundant and beautiful natural resources both in land and sea, she is also composed of seven islands artistically floating over the historical Sibuyan Sea.

The province of Romblon with its sunny islands and land locked harbor, has traditionally sheltered ships from the fury of storms, is a member of the new economic bloc known as MIMAROPA (Mindoro Oriental and Occidental, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan), and PGMA’s declared Super Central Region of the Country. Romblon’s major industries are agriculture, fishing, marble processing and quarrying, furniture making and vine craft. 4040

CARABAO ISLAND WILL BE THE NEXT BORACAY!

Economic infrastructure is one of the investment priorities in the province, specially in the main Islands (Romblon, Tablas and Sibuyan). The real estate situation in the province is on the upswing considering that its southern tip is close to the popular, expensive but over crowded island of Boracay.In Romblon Island there are already several beach resort like Tiamban Aqua and Marble beach. The choice lots in Romblon province, however are in the town of San Jose, near Boracay particularly known as Carabao Island. The finest beaches in the province are to be found here and there are already some few cottages and lodging houses.

4141

Isla de Carabao and the other islands of Romblon are well placed and arranged by Mother Nature at the very heart and center of the Philippines. Whether we travel by air or sea we will surely pass by these islands for us to appreciate. Carabao Island is 2800 hectares and only 3 kms. away from Boracay. What you can find in Boracay are always present in Isla de Carabao. White beaches, enviable clear blue swimming waters with naturally and beautifully arranged various types of coral growths and reefs, home to the different species of ornamental fishes. The shorelines is more than twice the length of white beaches in Boracay interrupted with mangroves and rocky cliffs. 4242

The newly started Construction of an International Airport is enough reason why businessmen, investors, foreign and local tourists should be challenged and inspired to visit and invest in Carabao Island and the other wonderful enchanting islands of Romblon, Tablas, Sibuyan, Banton, Simara and Sibale, all potential sites for progressive Eco-Tourism sustainable development.

These islands can easily be developed into world class tourists attractions and destinations that sooner be counted among the best pleasure and leisure paradise along with Bohol, Palawan and other tourists spots in the country.

4343

History has its own remarkable contribution to the Philippines. The Allied Forces of Gen. MacArthur during his triumphant return to liberate the country was met by the formidable Imperial Naval Power of Japan right at Sibuyan Sea on October 24, 1944. The world’s biggest battleship, MUSASHI, of Japan perished in this battle and sunk together with 1023 of her crew.

4444

4545

Remembering this historical event and the yearly pilgrimage of relatives and countrymen of the protagonists in this war, USA and Japan and their allies, will surely contribute in the upswing of tourism and investments not only in Carabao Island and the province but to the whole country. The memories of the Battle of Sibuyan Sea that happened 63 years ago and the modern International Airport will be the spark plug to the progress of Romblon’s group of islands.

Isla de Carabao or San Jose town in the province of Romblon is 30% riceland / cornfields and 70% coconut land. Terrain and surroundings are mostly flat or gently sloped topography, while the white powdery beaches and clear blue waters are much better if not equal to what Borarcay can offer. In addition, there is spring water in the island. These are nature’s contribution to Isla de Carabao which make her an ideal place for modern tourism development. All infrastructures needed of a fantastic leisure island can be programmed developed to convert the place into a world class tourist island that can compare with the best resorts around the world.

4646

TOURISM MASTER PLAN AND PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT:

The proposed development plan in these islands will picture the past historical war years and memorabilia of the province and the country. Then develop the beautiful natural resources become one of the attractions in the country with a sustainable livelihood and tourism development.

4747

The proposed plans and designs of the incoming development are the following:

Well – balanced Subdivisions of Lots

o Residential and Villageso Business and Commercial Centerso Resorts and Fun Areaso Farm and Orchard

Parking and Open Spaces

4848

War Memorial Site

o Developed Entrance and Murals

o Replica Statue of the Musashi Battleship and others.

o Museum Buildings with Articrafts and many more war pictures.

o War Garden development

o Musashi Lagoon, Park and Village in Sibuyan Island at the site where the battleship could have landed. (True to size replica of Musashi at the center of Lagoon)

o The Light and Sound of past war

4949

Garden of Memorieso Relics of Waro Master list of all Soldiers who perished in the

Battle of Sibuyan Seao Physical lay-out of past war o Shrine of all generals of past war

5050

Hotels with state of the art features and aesthetic finishes and have a 150 standard bedroom with amenities.

5151

50 Units Japanese and Spanish motif villas.

5252

Theme Parko Water Funo Animal Park / Zooo Bird / Aviaryo Nature Parko Camping Siteo Mountain Trekkingo Islands Hopping

5353

Golf Course and Country Club

o 36 or 18 hole, championship and executive Golf Course

o 20 Driving Rangeo Spas and Gym Facilitieso Recreational Facilitieso Entertainment Facilitieso Cottages

5454

5555

18 HOLE GOLF COURSE

Development Plan

WAR MUSEUM

Retirees Village• 150 Housing Units with Japanese, American and Spanish style• Activity Center • Function Room and many more

5656

Business Center Mall• Food Corner• Convenience Store• Coffee Area• Drug and Medical Counter• Sport Dome• Shopping and Supermarket Area• Restaurants and Night Clubs

5757

Amenities and Emergency Facilities

• Multipurpose Hall and Clinic• Chapel• Substation Fire and Police• Standby Power Generator• Telecommunications • Mail / Air and Cargo Post Office• Water Supply / Electrical System• Sanitary landfill and Compactors Garbage Units• Waste water Treatment System Plant • Mini Hydro Power Plant • Pier and Airport• Ferry Boats and Roro Ships• Yacht Club and Yacht • Marinas and Eco-zone Development

5858

5959

The OrganizationThe OrganizationProject Proponents Project Proponents

The development of proposed Carabao Island Eco-Tourism Project is made possible thru the efforts of Filipino and Chinese counter parts and their foreign / local funders, to wit:

Emmanuel G. Umali Consultant / Overall CoordinatorGen. Dominador C. Resos Carballo Grande Leisure – Land ownerEngr. Rogelio G. Medillo Industrial Management EngineeringEngr. Jose M. Magadia President, Silverstar ConstructionDiane B. Zaide Project CoordinatorEngr. AC dela Cruz Licensed Appraiser / Real Estate Broker – PAREBEngr. Rolly Chua Licensed Appraiser / Real Estate Broker - PAREB

6060

The following projects proposed are:The following projects proposed are:

PHASE 1 (30 months)WAR Memorial Site & Landscaping (apprx. 4 ha.) 25MMusashi Lagoon, Park and Village in 30M Sibuyan Island 25 has 400 MHotels 2 ha 85MTheme Park 1 ha 15MMarinas and Pier 1 ha 35MResorts 3 ha 35MRetirees Village 2 ha 40MMiscellaneous 20M

PHASE 2 (30 months)Golf Course and Club 70 ha 150MRecreational Facilities 1 ha 20MBusiness Center Mall 3 ha 50MAmenities and Emergency Facilities 2 ha 250MMiscellaneous 100M

Total Budgetary Project Cost = P1,250M Say = 1,300M

OR = $30.95M 6161

Notes:

1. Cost of Land (120 has. To be acquired from Caraballo Grande) – 570 M

2. Land development cost: (50 has.) – 750 M

35 has. Sellable lots – Subdivision, Commercial and

Business Area

15 has . open spaces

3. Development Cost of Golf Course 70 has - To be estimated by Designer.

4. Budgetary Estimates subject to final review and evaluation.

6262