Fresh air. Clean water. Simple lifestyle of residents. These are just some of the factors as regard the quality of life that makes a visit to one of the favorite tourist destinations in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental - Sipaway Island - interesting and pleasant.

From the port of San Carlos City, one travels via pump boat for about 15 minutes to the island. Most of the island residents eke out a living by fishing.

According to the Chairman of the Committee on Tourism in Barangay San Juan, the number of visitors in the island reach over 300, especially on weekends. Because of the growing number of tourists, they ensure that the island is protected, as well as its marine life, through a community-based ecotourism program.

“Ang marine life, protected dito. Pinuprotektahan ito ng mga tao. Tini-train sila on how to protect yung environment natin, at ng dagat,” Barangay San Juan Councilman Alvin Mancao, chairman of the Committee on Tourism, said.

More than protecting the island and its marine life, leaders make sure senior citizens are taken care of in Sipaway. This is because the island is deemed a “longevity hotspot.”

With senior citizens reaching beyond 80 years old, based on records, the island may well be considered a “blue zone.”

A blue zone is a phrase that researchers use on places where people were "reaching the age of 100 at a rate that is 10 times greater than in the United States and with lower rates of chronic disease."

The researchers circled these areas on their research maps in blue ink, thus, “blue zone.”

GMA Regional TV One Western Visayas met couple Martin and Antonia Ondoy, 99 and 105 years old, respectively. The couple said their diet, made up mostly of vegetable dishes, is the key to their longevity.

“Gulay, alugbati (local spinach). Bumibili talaga ako sa palengke,” Nanay Antonia said.

Tatay Martin’s strength and physique do not give away his age.

He said he still fetches water and does the laundry.

“Kumukuha [nag-iigib] ng tubig. Kumukuha ng kahoy. Kapag gutom, gulay agad,” Tatay Martin said.

Meanwhile, in Barangay Ermita, Preciosa Yunson lives. At 95, she still demonstrates sharpness of memory.

“Ang paglilok lang [gawain]. Ang pagtrabaho. Sa awa ng Diyos. Mga gulay, nagbibilad din ako ng bagoong,” Nanay Preciosa said when asked what keeps her preoccupied.

The residents do not mind a bit if they live off the mainland, separated by a body of seawater from government centers, commercial centers, hospitals, and other important facilities.

What keeps them from moving out is the peace and order that the island gives. They could only hope that the island will be a hotspot, as well, to lasting peace and prosperity amid the need to welcome a growing number of tourists.