- Professor Eric Zerrudo went to the ecotourism conference held at Miriam College.
- At the Marian Auditorium in Miriam College last Monday, November 20.
- The ‘echo’ in the title of the conference stands for ecology, culture, heritage and opportunities involved in tourism.
“EchoTourism v3.0: Ecology, Culture, Heritage and Opportunities” was in Miriam College. The conference was at the Marian Auditorium last Monday, November 20. Gina Lopez, Anabelle Plantilla, Professor Eric Zerrudo, Dr. Joseph Renta III and Dr. Filiberto Pollisco, Jr spoke at the conference. The ‘echo’ in the title of the conference stands for ecology, culture, heritage and also, opportunities involved in tourism.
Professor Eric Zerrudo spoke about the heritage in developing economies. He also explained that heritage gives you the sense of place. This sense of place tells you where you are and who you are. Just like in Luneta where you see Dr. Jose Rizal’s monument.
The Magellan’s Cross in Cebu.
The old houses along Crisologo Street of Vigan.
He also explained that development always has a tension with heritage. Zerrudo stated that when a heritage is “developed,” it would not look like it did before. For example, Quiapo Church. The church is very popular because of the devotion to the Black Nazarene. The increase of devotees was one of the reasons why it faced expansion and repainting. Although it was a good move, the heritage of the Church lost its value to development.
Zerrudo also stated that before doing any project, note that memory is important. Memory is the foundation of any mapping documentation for promotion. You should use your five sense when you guide a tourist. You should memorize the colors of the skies, scent of the ocean, sound of the scuttle of the leaves, taste the air and feeling of the experience.
