Boljoon Poised to Become Cebu’s Premier Heritage Wedding and Honeymoon Destination

The historic town of Boljoon is setting its sights on a transformative vision—to become Southern Cebu’s top heritage wedding and honeymoon destination. At the helm of this initiative is re-elected Mayor Jojie Derama, now on his second term, who aims to blend Boljoon’s cultural charm, coastal romance, and digital convenience into a seamless and sustainable tourism experience.

Nestled between majestic mountains and the sea, Boljoon offers an idyllic escape that resonates deeply with travelers—especially from the European market. Tourists from colder climates are increasingly drawn to sun-kissed destinations like Boljoon, where natural beauty and cultural depth create a meaningful and immersive experience. With its serene atmosphere, slow travel charm, and timeless character, Boljoon is uniquely poised to attract couples seeking authenticity, tranquility, and romance.

Central to Boljoon’s appeal is the Nuestra Señora del Patrocinio de María Parish Church, a coral-stone masterpiece built in 1783, making it the second oldest surviving stone church in the Philippines after Cebu City’s Basilica Minore del Santo Niño. Although the current structure is 242 years old, the town’s spiritual and colonial heritage spans over four centuries, earning the church the local moniker of a “400-year-old treasure.” Surrounded by heritage homes and dramatic seascapes, this historic landmark provides an enchanting backdrop for heritage weddings and destination ceremonies.

“Boljoon has long been close to the hearts of European travelers because of its unique character and heritage,” said Mayor Derama. “Now, we’re ready to share our love story with the world by making Boljoon a wedding and honeymoon destination unlike any other.”

The natural and historical charm creates a perfect backdrop for couples in search of a soulful, meaningful romantic getaway.

The proposed initiative will be spearheaded by Sesante-Leopoldo of The Right Access Digital Solutions and Zoominglife.com, whose roots trace back to Boljoon’s Medida, Romero, Niere, and Sesante clans. She is joined by Frances Gatungay of Full-Force MarketStrat Gateway, co-organizer of the upcoming Sugbo Maritime Expo this October, in partnership with the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP). Their combined tourism, marketing, and digital expertise will guide Boljoon’s transition into a high-value romantic destination.

Among the key features of the program are curated experiences for couples—such as sunset or sunrise cruises, and unique floating pre-nuptial shoots. Central to this is the proposed establishment of the Boljoon Yacht and Sea Sports Club near the scenic Eli Rock, envisioned as both a tourism magnet and a livelihood opportunity for local fisherfolk. The club will also offer sailing clinics and water sports, promoting sustainable, community-based marine tourism.

To support the influx of wedding parties and honeymooners, a centralized guest docking and reception hub is also in the pipeline. This facility, planned near the town center, will include 24/7 secured parking, eco-shuttle services, restrooms, shaded lounges, and a jetty for water transfers to coastal resorts. At its entrance, guests will be greeted by the signature phrase: “Welcome to Boljoon – Your Love Journey Begins Here.”

Digitally, Sesante-Leopoldo is advocating for the revival of Boljoon.com—a one-stop booking and information portal for weddings, activities, and transportation. The proposed website will come with a dedicated dashboard for the Boljoon Tourism Office to streamline coordination with suppliers and manage real-time inquiries, bookings, and events.

To ensure safety and professionalism, all boat operators and crew members will undergo Department of Transportation-certified training. The initiative also includes mandatory marine safety equipment, environmental compliance under DENR guidelines, and an emergency response system to protect tourists and natural resources alike.

Implementation is scheduled from June to October 2025, starting with stakeholder alignment meetings, pilot sea transfer runs, and culminating in a grand launch. The launch will feature a heritage-themed fashion show and a showcase of Boljoon’s full wedding and leisure offerings.

Beyond romance and aesthetics, the project is expected to boost the local economy by creating jobs for boatmen, event stylists, caterers, guides, and youth-led content creators. By promoting Boljoon’s authenticity and heart, the town aims to build a sustainable tourism model that celebrates both love and local life.

As this bold new chapter unfolds, Boljoon is ready to embrace its identity as a destination “where heritage meets heart, and every love story finds a home by the sea.”