HOUSE BOATS AND FLOATING BUILDINGS

HOUSE BOATS AND FLOATING BUILDINGS My dear countrymen, perhaps we have already forgotten it, but the ancient balanghai was a houseboat, and up to now, there are many countries around the world where houseboats are still popular in use. In a manner of speaking, any boat with a roof on top of it could be considered a houseboat, and that is the reason why I think that the Hong Kong junk boats are also houseboats. In a manner of speaking, yachts could also be considered as house boats, not only because they have roofs, but also because some owners practically live in their yachts. According to Microsoft Copilot, there are already a few tourist destinations in the Philippines that are offering houseboats to visitors: 1. Paolyn Houseboats in Coron, Palawan Located in the pristine lagoons of Coron Island, Paolyn Houseboats provide a luxurious and eco-friendly stay. You can choose from private houseboats with indoor and outdoor areas or opt for individual rooms with private bathrooms1. Activities include snorkeling, kayaking, and exploring nearby beaches. 2. Seahorse Houseboats in Cebu Situated at the Cebu Yacht Club in Lapu-Lapu City, Seahorse Houseboats offer a range of services, including yacht rentals, island hopping, sunset cruises, and party boats. It's a great option for those looking to enjoy the beautiful waters of Cebu. 3. Palawan Secret Cruise Floating Hotel in El Nido This floating hotel is a 27-meter traditional boat equipped with comfortable living spaces. Located in Bacuit Bay, it offers stunning views of limestone karsts and various activities like trekking, snorkeling, and cliff jumping4. 4. Mountain Lake Resort in Laguna Located in Cavinti Town, Laguna Province, this resort offers a serene and scenic stay on the water. It's perfect for those looking to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. While it is obvious that this is a very trivial topic, allow me to tell you why I have chosen to write about it. I decided to cite a few actual examples to prove my point that houseboats could be a viable option, not only for commercial uses such as for tourism, but also for residential purposes. Truth to tell, I have seen pictures about houseboats floating in the Agusan River and in the Agusan Marsh. In the case of the latter, some of the houses were built on top of the floating “islands” of vegetation that have formed over the years. Now that I might have convinced you that houseboats are viable, I will now try to convince you that we should build houseboats instead in the flood prone areas of our country, and in the areas where rising sea levels could potentially submerge the traditional houses that are there now. Although I have heard that the government has the option to forcibly evacuate them if push comes to shove, why not consider building house boats as an alternative? Or perhaps have some floating buildings also? The latter could be used for evacuation centers complete with community kitchens and health clinics, and why not? Your friend, IKE SENERES/12-18-24/visit my blog senseneres.blogspot.com