CHAPTER I – INTRODUCTION

All over the world people head for oceans, lakes, pools and rivers in search
of fun, freedom and excitement. Philippines is surrounded by bodies of water,
composed of over 7, 107 islands and approximately 36, 289 km of coastline. It is
one of the tourists’ spot that outshine in many different aquatic activities and
watersports such as swimming, kayaking, surfing, rowing and fishing. Watersports
is a wide range of tourism, leisure and experiences that provide the tourists, person
at leisure and sportspersons for how to spend their non-work time.

Recreational parks are widely popular across the globe. Some enjoy
exploring to beautiful places whereas others take interest in pursuing their hobbies
as a means of recreation. It needs to be made a vital component of the fast life of
the present times. Adventure and recreation in the Philippines has been a part of
the Filipino culture that is why the researcher is greatly interested in adventurous
activities and recreation and desires to share the excitement and thrills by bringing
the activities in Bulan.

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Working constantly and not allowing oneself to some occasional recreation

will simply just wear out the body. After all, life isn't all about work. There should
be a steady balance of work and play; and that's where recreation comes in.

According to Ambrose Bierce, “Recreation is a particular kind of dejection

to relieve a general fatigue”, is a term that denotes the refreshment of one's body
or mind after work that stimulates amusement or play. People have become too
busy to take out time to introspect, no time to interact, and have become so
engrossed with work. Recreation is an activity, rather an opportunity to take a
break, the much-needed break from work. The more recreation one engages after
work, the happier and enjoyable life becomes.

Watersports are played or practiced on or in water, as swimming, water

polo, or surfing. It provides exercises and thrills while being close to nature, an
advantage in a country with scenic places and a great diversity of sea creatures.
Candyce Stapen said that, “There's something special about being on the water.
Whether cresting a wave in an outrigger canoe, paddling a kayak across a cliff-
rimmed lake, or skimming the sea at full sail, a water outing delivers a wind-in-
your-hair sense of fulfillment and fun.”
 People go surfing all around the world with the most popular destinations
being Hawaii, Bali and California. However, surfing holidays in Portugal and other
European destinations are becoming increasingly popular. In Florida, there are
variety of watersports including Wakeboarding, Waterskiing, Surfing, Stand
Up Paddling and more. The programs are designed to be simple, comfortable and
make for a fun experience out on the water.

The Philippines has plenty to offer when it comes to sporting, adventure and
recreation. There are a lot of exciting activities to enjoy in the Philippines with many
beaches, lakes, rivers, and waterfalls as well as its coastal waters. Some popular
sports include kayaking, rafting, boating with the views afforded while kayaking
between islets typically being breathtaking.

Surfing is also popular in the Philippines, and boarding enthusiasts usually

head to Siargao Island just north of Mindanao. Meanwhile, windsurfers pack their
gear to Boracay Island, where surf conditions are best on the east coast. Nothing
can match the excitement and fervor that the water sporting activities can offer.

The CamSur Watersports Complex is the first world-class watersports

complex in the Philippines and in Asia. CWC aims to bring cable skiing to a whole
new level and attract watersports enthusiasts from all over the world with its top of
the line facilities and relaxing environment. the CWC also provides family
recreational activities like the Lago del Rey family entertainment and watersports
facility where families can do swimming, kayaking, dragon boating, aqua wall
climbing or play water volleyball and water polo.

Bulan is currently developing their tourism and advertising policy. It is

located at the south-westernmost tip of the Bicol Peninsula of the island of Luzon.
It has an area of exactly 20,094 hectares and is the terminal and burgeoning center
of trade and commerce of its neighboring towns. With the existing Bulan Eco-park
and Bariis Lake, tourists will definitely want to come and visit to explore the
wonders of the place. Some of the programs of Bulan which includes the future
plans like the development of the Freedom Park and Sabang Park, open tourism
resource learning facilities and the renovation of the airport.

Therefore, the researcher is interested to propose a Watersports and

Recreational Park to cater tourists, families, sporting enthusiasts and host events
which will enable to develop the tourism strategy of Bulan. This will be able to
introduce the water sporting activities, which is new to the Bulaneños.
 Figure 1. Map of Bulan, Sorsogon

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

This study focuses on the design of the proposed Bulan Watersports and
Recreational Park.

Specifically, this study aims to answer the following questions:

1. What are the present situations of the proposed Bulan Watersports and
Recreational Park?
2. What are the facilities and amenities needed?
3. What are the design considerations, governing laws and ordinances
needed in the study?
4. What would be the design concept or solution of the proposed Bulan
Watersports and Recreational Park?

1.3 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The study of proposed project entitled Bulan Watersports and Recreational

Park intends to introduce new innovative facilities to the locals and tourists with
advanced, effective and functional design. This study will be beneficial to the
following:

Department of Tourism. With the proposed study, it will be beneficial to

the Department of Tourism in terms of the increase of the tourists that will visit the
place. The study will find out ways to attract first the Filipinos, and then foreign
people and at the same time, find out services and income generating facilities that
can help boost the economy of the site and possible the economy of the country.
 Tourists. This study is significant to the tourists as a reference for their
activities to be conducted during their vacations or leisure.

Sportspersons/Sports Enthusiast. The proposed study will serve as a

guide for Watersports enthusiasts in choosing the ideal location for a Watersports
area for their needs. It will be beneficial also to the sportspersons because it will
help them to practice their talents in terms of watersports.

Community. The study may serve as a reference to the future

developments and plans that will be conducted by the city or the province in relative
to the tourism industry.

Architecture. It will showcase our nature, tradition and introduction of

Philippine aquatic architecture. The study will help to create a symbol of
dominance in all watersports and aquatic activities. The study will also contribute
to the Architecture in terms of the modern amenities, facilities and designs.

Future Researchers. This study will help the future researchers as their
source or reference for their research studies. They could browse and get some
ideas about Watersports and Recreational Park.

1.4 PROJECT GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

The main goal of this study is to design a Watersports and Recreational

Park in Bulan that will cater tourists and the locals by introducing innovative
activities to further promote tourism and exposure to the local market and to satisfy
the needs of the owner and the guests.

To achieve the above stated goal, the researcher had formulated the
following objectives:

1. To know the present situations of the proposed Bulan Watersports and

Recreational Park.
2. To know the facilities and amenities needed in the said study.
3. To know the design considerations, governing laws and ordinances that are
needed in the study.
4. To determine the design concept or solution of the proposed Bulan
Watersports and Recreational Park.
1.5 SCOPE AND DELIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

Scope

The scope of the proposed project entitled Bulan Watersports and

Recreational Park is to focus on the design, conceptualization, general aesthetic
and site development planning for the required facilities. It will also focus on the
governing laws that are applicable to the said project. The researcher will also
consider the possible problems to be encountered in this study.

Delimitations

The study delimits the structural analysis, computations, feasibility,

electrical, mechanical plans and other field of specialization that are non-
architectural concerns. However, the researcher will consider the basic concept of
the proposed project.

1.6 JUSTIFICATION OF THE STUDY

The proposed Bulan Watersports and Recreational Park is expected to

achieve the needed requirements and purpose of the said project. Since people
are looking for some adventurous and recreational activities, the proposal is very
timely because the tourists or guests will have spent their time in visiting the place.
For the sportspersons, it is expected to help them to boost their confidence and to
enhance their talents in watersports.

The proposed project will provide facilities and amenities to sustain the
needs of the guests and to be able to meet the standards in every facility and
amenity. The site is adequately obtainable in public utilities like power, water and
communication. The proposed study will allow its users to go around and be able
to explore most of the site. This will provide a greater potential towards the
development of the entire site in order to entice more people.

1.7 DEFINITION OF TERMS

The following terms used in this study are defined contextually and
operationally for the understanding of the readers.

Amenities. A desirable or useful feature or facility of a building or place.

Amusement. It is the provision or enjoyment of entertainment.

 Facilities. It is an amenity or piece of equipment provided for a particular
purpose.

Recreation. It is an activity of leisure, leisure being discretionary time. The

"need to do something for recreation" is an essential element of human biology
and psychology. Recreational activities are often done for enjoyment, amusement,
or pleasure and are considered to be "fun".

Recreational Park. A place which is open to the public where meetings

are held, sports are played and there are activities available for young and old
people. It is a place for recreational activities.

Sport Enthusiasts. Someone who is really passionate and excited about

sports.

Wakeboarding. A type of watersport that allows the person to ride a

wakeboard while being pulled by a cable.

Waterskiing. It is a surface water sport in which an individual is pulled

behind a boat or a cable ski installation over a body of water, skimming the surface
on two skis or one ski.

Watersports. Any sport played on or in water such as swimming or water

skiing.
 Republic of the Philippines

Sorsogon State College

F.Y. 2017-2018

Proposed Bulan Watersports and Recreational Park

RESEARCH METHOD FOR ARCHITECTURE

2017 – 2018

Submitted by:

Romelyn G. Gustuir

BS Architecture 4B, Sorsogon State College

Architect Peter Aaron R. Nato

Instructor