CEBU INFORMATION GUIDE

Captivating Savannah

original content: Captivating Savanna

Author: By Gloria Ramos
Cebu Daily News First Posted 09:58:00 09/21/2009 Filed Under: Tourism & Leisure

While for the past ten days or so, I have missed out the daily news, the Balili property deal, the expected alignment of forces in the political landscape, the endless audit exceptions involving local government units, among others, my Washington DC visit is truly, in the words of lawyer Joan Largo, a “breather”, from the challenges of environmental advocacy and an enriching experience, at that.

Values such as respect for the law and living things and efficient public service, are alive in Washington DC. “It is the Law” slogan is an ubiquitous sign in the Metro bus, reminding passengers not to smoke, litter and to give way to seats for senior citizens and the physically impaired. Respect is visible from the moment one steps out of the train or bus. People wait for their turn to enter until the last rider steps out. Definitely, there is none of the “each one for himself/herself” hurried-and-harassed faces of Metro Manila MRT commuters.

Greetings of “Good morning” and “Hello, how are you?” among strangers fill the air. Is this not a great tradition to foster among us, Filipinos? It will make us remember, even for a moment, how good life is.

Public parks and wide pedestrian walk ways and lanes are an integral part of the landscape. Carbon-capturing trees and colorful flowers, so soothing to the senses, are cared for, not to mention the veritable soul-nurturing and wide array of historical sites, museums and galleries to choose from.

In my September 28 column, I will share my observations and learning from my participation in the International Association of Law Schools (IALS) Conference on Constitutional Law at the American University and Georgetown Law Center, the September 21-23 World Bank Conference on Climate Change and Sustainable Cities, stimulating discussions with Washington DC-based Cebuanos and my favorite love team, Tony and Kiddie Lim, Marcos Orellana of the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL), the organization which awarded Tony Oposa with the Environmental Law award in the early part of this year, Environmental Protection Agency lawyer, with Filipino roots, Pasky Pascual and Dan Ritchie of the Transparency Partners Group, and meetings with our kababayan hungry for an “up close and personal” account of the developments taking place in our country.

For now, however, while the moments in historic Savannah, Georgia last weekend are still vivid, I will dwell on the magical trip that my wisdom-filled nephew, Jesse Luague and his ever-supportive wife, Malu and I took, riding on their energy-efficient Toyota Prius that brought us to the well-preserved historical sites, tree-filled squares, cobblestone streets and stories of events (including ghost-sightings) that took place three hundred years ago.

Savannah was founded in 1733 by a group of English settlers led by James Edward Oglethorp. It is lovingly called by its residents as the “Southern lady” –genteel and strong - and as the most beautiful city in the South. It is colorful, charming and enchanting, with picture-perfect street scenes and squares, not to mention a rich history.

Riding in one of the trolleys at the 2.5 square mile Landmark Historic District, considered one of the largest urban historic districts in the United States, I was immediately struck by the presence of so many squares, all twenty one of them, magnificently framed by majestic oak trees, surrounded by houses, shops, churches and buildings that date back to the Civil War era. I could not help but compare it with historic Cebu where one can count by the fingers the public parks available as a place for relaxation, strolling and appreciation of nature’s gifts for the weary residents.

Many residents and tourists in Savannah walk along the cobblestone streets while savoring the sights. Citing its pedestrian lanes as safe and eco-friendly, Walking Magazine cited Savannah as one of America’s most walkable cities.

Our driver-cum-tourist guide was a very enthusiastic Southern belle exuding the warm hospitality of the South. She animatedly talked about the origin of the phrase “keeping up with the Joneses” because prominent personalities, lawyers and doctors in the area had their offices at Jones Street. At some point in their history however, Catholics and lawyers were banned for reasons I am not clear about.

Being a dedicated Girl Scout in my younger years, one of my most memorable stops, aside from the Waving Lady and the River Street, was the birthplace of the founder of the Girl Scouts of America, Juliette “Daisy” Gordon Low. In 1912, Gordon Low organized the first Girl Scout troop meeting consisting of eighteen members. Girl Scouts' membership has grown “ from 18 members in Savannah, Georgia, to 3.4 million members throughout the United States, including U.S. territories, and in more than 90 countries through USA Girl Scouts Overseas.” Girl Scouts of America is described in its website as “the world’s preeminent organization dedicated solely to girls—all girls—where, in an accepting and nurturing environment, girls build character and skills for success in the real world”.

It is not by chance that the city has managed to retain its beauty and tradition. Only a handful of tall buildings in fact dot the skyline. Historic preservationists fought the fight to preserve the built and natural heritage. It was worth the struggle. It has earned accolades such as one of the “Top 15 coolest cities in America,” “Top Ten Cities in the US and Canada,” and “Top ten American Travel Destinations.”

Because of its well-preserved houses and buildings, gardens and streets that date back to the era of the Civil War, it is naturally the favourite location for period movies such as “Forrest Gump” and “Roots.” In October, Robert Redford is set to shoot another movie, “The Conspirator.” Redford directed in 1999 "The Legend of Bagger Vance" in Savannah. The City of Savannah Tourism and Film Services Department announced that “the economic impact of production will be in the millions. The wide exposure such projects bring can pay dividends for years.”

Savannah’s visitors has reached 6.5 million with direct spending of $1.8 Billion (www.savannahvisit.com) and 22,000 tourism-related jobs. To eco-stewards, Savannah is a living proof that environment and economy can be genuine partners for sustainable development.

Savannah is America’s ‘Southern Treasure’ that captivates and inspires visitors, like this writer whose determined dream is for the leaders and inhabitants of Cebu to sincerely relish their heritage, both natural and built, as the Savannah people are so doing, and ensure that the children’s birthright – a sustainable future – will be theirs - forever.

A dream- it is for now, but not an impossible one.

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