Thursday, August 9, 2007

What is KUBOtels

Philippine Tourism is experiencing tremendous growth in recent years. This trend is definitely a boon to our economy since tourism business is considered one of the most effective yet cheap means of immediate development impact that could extend beyond the urban centers in reaching out countryside. There is much room for development in tourism considering that the projected government target of 3 million tourist is just one fifth of tourist arrival as compared to Thailand at 15 million tourist every year and still growing. The government is targeting at least 3.2 million international tourists this year and to achieve five million visitors by 2010.



Hotel industry is now experiencing high occupancy rate and expecting shortages of facilities in coming years most specially in the countryside. Shortage of facilities will definitely effect the tourism industry in general, therefore, alternative solution could be a welcome ideas to discuss to at least help solve this problem in a very inexpensive way.



KUBOtels solution.

KUBOtels concept is an adaptation of an indigenous architecture derived from the physical aspect of the native "BAHAY-KUBO" and spa-hotel service. While Indonesia has their Bali-House so with Thailand with their own Thai-House why not an improve version of our Bahay-Kubo. These Bahay Kubos exist in countryside because this is the material that is immediately available within the locality. These are also the materials that reflect our culture. Although this are the reasons why we don't have what you can call distinguished local style of architecture since most of our materials does not last long compared to Pyramid or Acropolis. However, we have a good natural habitat and very diverse flora and fauna also because of the material we are using on old days easily bio-degrade with nature. The types of materials that is eco-friendly and what only need is just to improve it blending it with the available modern material just to make it last longer. In terms of sustainability, I thought for example having a Bahay Kubo concept will help farmers in the end. Example is the supply of bamboo will become regular since in will need replacement from time to time. Bamboo anyway is just around the place as part of the habitat and it is just the manpower that will be needed thus giving livelihood to the farmer and craftsman. Coconut is the tree of life you we can build complete Bahay-Kubo out of this plant.People may think it is cheap, but most foreigner and probably balikabayan may prefer this type of dwellings since they've got tired of urban jungle. Bali houses have their own niche already in tourism facilities whereas, this are just a more advance type of our Bahay-Kubo. Most likely this may have a niche for those nature loving travelers. The place is just perfect with naute, I may add Restaurant sa Tumana serving the best of organic produce. Bar serving the best of local wine in Lambanog Bar.Like for example the Bahay Kubo exist in countryside because this is the material that is immediately available within the locality. These are also the materials that reflect our culture. Although this are the reasons why we don't have what you can call distinguished local style of architecture since most of our materials does not last long compared to Pyramid or Acropolis. However, we have a good natural habitat and very diverse flora and fauna also because of the material we are using on old days easily bio-degrade with nature. Just like you said this are the types of materials that is eco-friendly. What is needed I guess is just to improve it blending it with the available modern material just to make it last longer. In terms of sustainability, I thought for example having a Bahay Kubo concept will help farmers in the end. Example is the supply of bamboo will become regular since in will need raplacement from time to time. Bamboo anyway is just around the place as part of the habitat and it is just the manpower that will be needed thus giving livelihood to the farmer and craftsman. Coconut is the tree of life you we can build complete Bahay-Kubo out of this plant.You may think it is cheap, but most foreigner and probably balikabayan may prefer this type of dwellings since they've got tired of urban jungle. Bali houses have their own niche already in tourism facilities whereas, this are just a more advance type of our Bahay-Kubo. Most likely this may have a niche for those nature loving travelers. The place is just perfect for what you have recommended, I may add Restaurant serving the best of organic produce. Bar serving the best of local wine like Lambanog Bar.







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