In celebration of World Chocolate Day, the UNESCO-Philippine National Commission is highlighting the Chocolate Hills in Bohol, a geological wonder that is not edible but still captivates both the eyes and the heart.
The Chocolate Hills are located in Carmen, Bohol, and are prominently featured as one of the remarkable geosites within the recently-designated Bohol Island UNESCO Global Geopark.
This geological formation presents a distinctive karst landscape composed of smooth, conical hills. The formation of these hills spans thousands of years, resulting from the gradual erosion of limestone that originated from a once-thriving coral reef during the Pliocene epoch, approximately 2-5 million years ago.
The Chocolate Hills get their name from the fact that they turn brown during the dry season, when the grass that covers them dries up. During the rainy season, the hills are green and lush. The Chocolate Hills are a popular tourist destination in the Philippines, and they have been featured in many movies and television shows.
In addition to being a beautiful natural wonder, the Chocolate Hills are also an important part of the local culture. The hills are said to have been created by a giant named Arogo, who cried tears of limestone after his love, a mortal woman named Daragang Magayon, died. The people of Bohol believe that the Chocolate Hills are sacred, and they often visit them to pray and give offerings.
The UNESCO-Philippine National Commission is encouraging people to learn more about the Chocolate Hills and the Bohol Island UNESCO Global Geopark. The website https://www.unesco.org/en/iggp/geoparks/bohol-island provides more information about these amazing natural wonders.