Chapter III: Research Methodology The following techniques and methods are vital for the researcher to complete

the study. These methods give a strong foundation to attain the projects problem and it will also educate the researcher about the field of study. These techniques and collected data from the respondents are helpful for add more information and provide an accurate study 3.1 Research Design The following research techniques and methods are important to the projects preliminary outline. It is essential for the researcher to gather the data that are needed and complete the study. In able to produce a good proposal, steps for gaining useful

information that would support the study has been listed: 1. Case Studies Visiting and studying different Mountain resorts will help the researcher determine the space requirement and other project needs. Analyze the foreign (mainly South East Asia) and local design solutions and strategies of resorts will be useful for the study. Some projects that will be considered in the study: Resort Located at the Ranges of Sierra Madre o Bakasyunan Resort and Convention Centre -Tanay o Panjetto Hills Hotel and Resort o Momarco Resort o Concorsia Vista Resort o Sierra Madre Resort and Convention Centre

Other resorts located at Tagaytay o Taal Vista Hotel o Residence Inn Mountain Resort o Estancia Resort Hotel o Canyon Wood Resort

Studying foreign sustainable resort architecture o Sarinbuana Eco Lodge Indonesia o Topas Eco Lodge Vietnam o Yaklom Hill Lodge Cambodia o Playa Viva Mexico o Gaia Vista Resort -Costa Rica o Taman Negara Resort Malaysia o Tad Fane - Laos o Veranda Natural Resort Cambodia o Bali Eco Stay Indonesia o Kali Manik Eco Resort Indonesia o Yangshuo Mountain Retreat China o The Boulder Garden Resort Sri Langka

2. Personal Interview Interview is one of the best ways to gather information especially specific ones. Interviewing people that are experts in different studies will help the researcher evaluate the problems and solutions of the project. Through this method, the gathered data will be neutral and accurate.

Topics that are related to: Ecotourism in the Province of Rizal; Annual Tourists visiting Rizal. Different activities and places that attracts people to visit Rizal. o Generosa Carmen S. Ledonio Provincial Tourism Office Officer-in-Charge Protected areas in Sierra Madre; Primary Forests and other forest types; Location and distribution of rehabilitated areas, Caves and other critical habitat or ecosystems maintained; Ways to replenish the countrys natural resources; Classification of Lands in the area; Rules and Regulations pertaining to environmental management. o Reynulfo A. Juan Department of Environment and Natural Resources CALABARZON Regional Executive Director o Raymundo D, Crisostomo Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office PENRO Rizal o Lucena E. Udanga-Mercado Community Environment and Natural Resources Offices OIC, CENRO Antipolo City, Rizal

Amenities that attract visitors; Movement of users; Resort management; Effective resort planning; Spaces needed for the resort. o Different Resort Managers (Sierra Madre and Tagaytay)

Zoning Ordinance; Land Use Map; Geological Analysis of the Site; o Gertie A Sison Provincial Planning and Development Office Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator

3. Observation Techniques This method is where the users or the subjects respond about the project. No direct contact is required in this method but data is still gathered through watching and analyzing the users behaviour. It is important to know and study the behaviour to obtain the studys purpose and function. 4. Archival Research Researching on private and public libraries is essential to gather data about the history of Resort. The use of archival research will develop the knowledge of the researcher regarding the spaces that are needed, design innovation as well as sustainability. 5. Internet The use of World Wide Web will give additional information about the study about local and foreign reviews. Web browsing on related

topic such as eco tourism, site selections, sustainable design strategies, and other innovative resorts will be helpful to the researcher. 6. Survey Questionnaires will be given away randomly to the possible target users of the project. It is a good basis for the study. It will help the researcher obtain the users space needs, best amenities for the resort and how will the project be effective. It will also determine the users outlook on the project. 7. Site Visit Another part of the research is visiting the site. It will help obtain and understand how the project will look like, the pedestrian and traffic flow, the sites topography and climate and other vital information that will lead to the success of the design. 3.2 Research Instruments These tools or instruments will help the researcher gather the vital data and materials for the success of the project: 3.2.1 Photo and video documentation is essential for site visiting and observation. These photos and videos will serve as proof to the site analysis and its existing condition. It will also help the researcher recall, analyze and visualize the development of the project 3.2.2 Survey questionnaires will dictate what the possible want to see in the project. It will also determine what spaces and activities essential to the project. Topics to be surveyed are the lifestyle of the people, eco tourism,

and adventure activities in resorts. It will help the researcher to understand more about the proposed project. It will help the researcher obtain a comprehensive solution on the study. 3.2.3 Letters for request are addressed to the people who are experts and knowledgeable of their field with related to the subject matter. 3.2.4 Letters for acquisition of public data. These are presented to the city hall to gather necessary data like zoning ordinances, land use, and local laws 3.2.5 Audio or voice recorder is essential for personal interviews. It is for reviewing the statement of the interviewees for the researcher to translate the interview in to the study. 3.2.6 Library books, journals, and magazine articles are great tools to provide historical backgrounds and general ideas about the project. It will help obtain innovative solution on the project. Topics related to ecotourism and resort design are important for the study. 3.2.7 A notebook to write down important details about the personal interview, observation as well as sketches of ideas for the project. 3.2.8 World Wide Web or internet is utilized to collect support data, essential and innovative information.

3.3 Sample Research Instruments 3.3.1 Sample Survey Questionnaire To the respondent: Hi, I am Karima Puzon from the Univeristy of Santo Tomas College of Architecture. For my thesis project, I am proposing an Eco tourism Mountain resort. Your sincere cooperation with this survey is considered essential for the advancement of the study for this project. All answers shall be kept confidential. 1. Age a) 3-12 b) 13-19 c) 20-30 d) 31-45 e) 45-60 f) 61+ 2. Are you aware about the ecotourism in the country? a) Yes b) No 3. Do you think that the governments promotion about ecotourism and saving the environment brings awareness to the people? a) Yes b) No 4. Who are you usually with when you are going on a vacation (check if applicable) o Family o Friends o Others (specify): __________________________________ _______________________________________________ 5. Have you been to a mountain resort or eco resort? c) Yes d) No If yes, where? __________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ 6. If you have been on a mountain resort or you are planning to go, during what time of the year do you want to visit? a) Summer (March-May) b) Christmas Season (December- February) c) School days (June-September d) Semester Break (October November) 7. What usually the problems that you have encountered in staying in eco resorts or other resorts? (Check if applicable) o No Problems o Cleanliness o Bad Facilities (dining, toilets, etc.) o Other factors(specify): _______________________________

8. What is the most important reason to go to Mountain / Eco resort? (rate 1-5. 1 is the highest) Relaxation __ Affordability __ Adventure and experience __ Environment or atmosphere __ Environmental Awareness __ 9. Rate the activities or facilities that you would like to do in a mountain /eco resort (rate 1-9. 1 is the highest) Trekking __ Wall Climbing __ Rappelling __ Airsoft __ Zipline __ Obstacle Courses __ Camping __ Picnic __ Biking __ Swimming __ 10. Do you think mountain / eco resort will help bring awareness about the environment to the people? Why? o Yes _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ No _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ 11. Suggestions to make the mountain/ eco resort to be more interesting: _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ o

Thank you and God bless!