travel – Step Up Consulting

Entering its fifth year of operation, the popular seaside dining spot Baybay sa Taloto (BsT) successfully held its first-ever formal strategic planning workshop in January 2026, marking a major milestone in its journey as it grows from a cozy local spot into a restaurant rooted in slow food values.

The planning session, facilitated by Step Up Consulting, represents a strategic shift for the homegrown enterprise—signaling its intent to move beyond organic growth toward a more structured and sustainable business model. Once known primarily as a rustic weekend food getaway along the Taloto–Manga Coastal Road, BsT has steadily evolved into a must-visit seaside retreat for both locals and visitors seeking fresh, home-style cuisine in an alfresco setting.

Since opening on March 20, 2021, Baybay sa Taloto has built a loyal customer base drawn to its laid-back atmosphere and “lutong-bahay” flavors. However, with increasing foot traffic and expanding service demands, the restaurant now faces mounting pressures from rising food costs, escalating energy prices, and the operational complexities of serving larger crowds.

Recognizing these challenges, management emphasized the need to recalibrate its direction.

“After five years of serving our community, we are to re-strategize,” management said. “Our goal is to strengthen our full-service operations while preserving the homey, seaside vibe that our patrons love.”

The strategic planning workshop focused on three core areas:

Operational Efficiency. Participants examined ways to optimize kitchen workflows, improve inventory control, and manage utilities more effectively in response to rising food and power costs.
Service Innovation. The team explored new concepts to elevate the “slow food” experience—introducing menu improvements, better queue management, and enhanced customer engagement strategies tailored for peak weekend crowds.
Future Growth. Clear short- and long-term objectives were set to guide expansion, branding, and service consistency, ensuring that Baybay sa Taloto remains competitive and relevant in Tagbilaran City’s growing food and tourism scene.

Management noted that the workshop is only the beginning of a broader transformation process. The outcomes of the session will inform upcoming operational reforms, staff training initiatives, and menu development plans in the coming months.

With a renewed strategic direction, Baybay sa Taloto aims to strike a balance between professionalized operations and the simple seaside charm that made it a community favorite—positioning itself not just as a dining spot, but as Tagbilaran City’s weekend seaside getaway.

Step Up reignited its mission to help build sustainable communities through art and culture by reviving the Balik BOKAG initiative. This transformative project taps into the rich heritage and creative industries of communities along the Abatan River. Running from 2024 to 2027, this three-year program is a collaboration among the Abatan River Development Management Council (ARDMC), PROCESS Bohol, Inc., Kasing Sining Inc., local government units (LGUs) of Antequera, Balilihan, Catigbian, Cortes, and Maribojoc, and other stakeholders, with support from the Bohol Arts and Cultural Heritage Council and the Provincial Government of Bohol through the Center for Culture and Arts Development (CCAD).

Revitalizing the Abatan River Theater Space

At the heart of Balik BOKAG (short for Bol-anon Kabilin, Atong Gibahandi) is the vision of transforming the Abatan River Theater Space into a premier cultural venue. The initiative goes beyond physical infrastructure improvements, aiming to strategically position the theatre as a creative hub for the province and the region. Through dedicated training in artistic development, organizational management, and creative business, the program empowers local artists, cultural workers, and community leaders to plan and implement initiatives that create sustainable livelihoods for local communities while enriching Boholano heritage.

The revitalized theatre will not only host regular performances but also serve as a space for local talent to showcase their craft. To ensure its long-term success, the project emphasizes professional management and robust marketing strategies, envisioning the Abatan River as a vibrant cultural and economic centrepiece.

Workshops Lay Groundwork for Success

The initiative’s latest activities included a series of workshops. On August 22, 2024, stakeholders gathered at the PROCESS Conference Center in Tagbilaran City to reflect on the successes and lessons from the earlier phases of BOKAG (BOKAG 1, 2, and 3), which ran from 2015 to 2019. This evaluation included insights from community leaders, artists, and audiences, helping shape a roadmap for the next three years.

Building on this momentum, a two-day strategic planning session followed on November 11–12, 2024, at the scenic Buzzz of Bohol Bee Farm in Cortes. Participants—ranging from local councils to NGO representatives—collaboratively defined the project’s vision, mission, and core values. Discussions centered on the theater’s long-term sustainability, strategies to empower local communities, and the Abatan River’s role in showcasing Bohol’s cultural richness.

A Catalyst for Heritage and Progress

The Balik BOKAG project underscores the critical role of arts and culture in community development. By nurturing local talent and preserving the Boholano heritage, the initiative builds cultural pride and fosters economic resilience.

“Through initiatives like Balik BOKAG, we reaffirm the power of arts and culture to transform communities, creating opportunities for sustainable growth while celebrating our shared heritage,” said a representative from the ARDMC.

With momentum building, Balik BOKAG is poised to leave a lasting legacy—bringing the arts closer to the heart of Boholano life and ensuring that the creative spirit of the Abatan River continues to flow for generations to come.