In a heartfelt gesture of fairness and appreciation, the University of Bohol (UB) has granted special incentives to three dedicated, long-serving unmarried female employees. This initiative honors their unwavering commitment and at least 25 years of service to the institution, having also reached their optional retirement age. Unlike their married colleagues, these employees, with no legal dependents, do not have access to certain benefits, such as dependent discounts under the scholarship program.

The university’s primary objective is to offer its qualified employees a meaningful opportunity to embark on a spiritual journey as Christians, creating lasting memories before they retire from the institution. Originally, the planned destination was the Holy Land in Israel; however, due to the ongoing conflict, the trip was suspended. As an alternative, a destination of significant Christian heritage was chosen—Constantinople (now Istanbul, Turkey).

As part of this incentive, Ms. Pinangga Cainglet (Finance Department) and Dr. Frances Mae Trabajo (Guidance Center) enjoyed an all-expense-paid trip to Turkey and Santorini, Greece, from October 18 to October 31, 2024. Meanwhile, Ms. Gloria Leodivica Araneta from the College of Business and Accountancy will have the opportunity to avail of the same incentive in the next batch, which is scheduled every two years.

The Travelogue

The first two recipients set off on an unforgettable journey, departing from Mactan Cebu International Airport (NAIA) in Manila and flying to Turkey via Dubai. Their adventure began in Istanbul, where they explored Göreme, an open-air museum known for its stunning rock formations and ancient cave dwellings. One of the most thrilling highlights was an exhilarating hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia, offering breath-taking panoramic views of the region’s unique landscapes.

Continuing their journey, they visited the House of the Virgin Mary in Kusadasi, a revered pilgrimage site rich in history and spirituality. From Turkey, they traveled to Thessaloniki, Greece, where they admired the iconic statue of Alexander the Great before delving into the ancient ruins of Philippi, immersing themselves in its historical significance.

In Kavala, the duo marveled at the mesmerizing  scenery from the Kavala Castle, a fortress offering a glimpse into Greece’s medieval past. The adventure continued in Athens, where they stood amidst the grandeur of historic ruins that echo the glory of ancient Greece. Adding to the excitement was their visit to the Meteora Monasteries—a UNESCO World Heritage site and a renowned filming location for Angelina Jolie’s 2003 movie, Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life.

Their journey reached its pinnacle in the picturesque Santorini, one of the most celebrated gems of the Greek Islands. Welcomed with a world-class reception, they basked in the island’s postcard-perfect landscapes and captivating sunsets.

Adding to their extraordinary experiences, they encountered the legendary Wooden Horse, a symbol of ancient myth and intrigue. The trip concluded with an indulgent Greek-inspired buffet, leaving them with cherished memories of a journey filled with history, culture, and adventure.

Reflections from the Travelers

“To my UB family: My heartfelt thanks for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. The past two weeks have been nothing short of amazing, filled with wonderful moments and cherished friendships. I will forever hold these memories close, and I am deeply grateful to my UB family for making it all possible. Once again, a million thanks!”
— Ma’am Gingging

“The special incentives were an unexpected blessing—one that completely took us by surprise and filled us with excitement. Every moment of the trip was worth it. Each day brought new adventures and strengthened the camaraderie among our newfound friends.

“There was never a dull moment. We marveled at breathtaking scenery, immersed ourselves in Turkish and Greek culture, and, most of all, felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude to the University of Bohol for valuing the welfare and well-being of its single employees.”

“At the University of Bohol, it’s okay to be single—because, as Forrest Gump’s mother once said, ‘Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.’

“Thank you, University of Bohol, for taking such good care of your employees!”
— Ma’am Recah (By Leo Armando Boncales)