| Blood Compact Site |
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An historical marker marks the location where Datu Sikatuna, a native chieftan, forged a blood compact with Don Miguel Lopez
de Legazpi representing the King of Spain, for the purpose of fostering friendly relations between the two nations. The
Blood Compact on March 16, 1565 is considered as the first "Treaty of Friendship" between Europe and Asia.The Blood Compact
Shrine, which immortalizes in bronze statues these two historical figures, stands in Bohol District,Tagbilaran City. |
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| Panglao Island |
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Panglao Island, A top resort and diving destination, connected to Tagbilaran City by two bridges, is home to these white sandy
havens with clear azure waters and stands beside one of the great underwater highways of the world.Alona Beach is the most
popular and the most developed on the island. A long stretch of white sand facing the Mindanao Sea, Alona has many
full-service beach and dive resorts. Excellent scuba diving is nearby and trips to Balicasag and Pamilacan Islands can be
arranged. |
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| Hinagdanan Cave |
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Hinagdanan Cave is popular and easily accessible.The cave got its name from the stairs ("hagdan") that were used to climb
down the cave.An eerie underworld cavern of stalactites and stalagmites its underground pool catches fresh, cool water
gushing from its rock walls.Shafts of sunlight pierce through two natural openings almost directly above the pool.The pool is
deep enough (approximately 15 feet) to dive and swim in.It is located about two and a-half kilometers from Dauis town.The
Hinagdanan Cave is certainly a sight to behold. |
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| Balicasag Island |
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A small heavenly island off the end of Panglao its about a 45-minute boat ride. It's a government-owned coast guard station
but there's a small village of squatters and a government-run cottage resort securely fenced off from the rest of the island.
It has been declared a marine reserve and off the resort's coral and shell beach, a teeming reef stretches out for about 50
meters before dropping off into the deep blue. Dive operators from Panglao head out here and anchor their boats just off the
resort. |
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| Chocolate Hills |
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Who can forget the awesome and inspiring beauty of Chocolate Hills?
Bohol's "main attraction" are these unique thousand scattered cone-shaped hills dot the towns of Carmen, Batuan,
Sierra-Bullones, and Sagbayan in Central Bohol.The Hills are considered as a Philippine National Geological Monument. During
the summer, the dome-shaped, grass-covered limestone hills dry up and turn brown transforming the areas |
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into rows and rows of
chocolate "kisses."Two of the hills have been developed into a resort. On top of the hill are two youth hostels with a
conference room, cozy cottages with private rooms and accomodation.
On top of the second hill is an observation deck with 213 concrete steps. Once on top, one can view the exquisite panorama
of God's wondrous creation spread as far as the eyes can see. |
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| Loboc |
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A fascinating boat ride along the Loboc River has recently been discovered. Starting from Loay Bridge which is the outlet
of Loboc River, motorized pump boats start the exciting boat ride along palm-fringed banks inland. The water is serene.Boat
operators in Loboc provide cruises up and down the "cleanest river" including dinner trips on floating restaurants. Near
Loboc are a couple of falls, Tontonan and Busay, that provide places to swim. Aside from the Loboc River the Loboc town is
known for several things. The Loboc Church is the second oldest |
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church in Bohol. A source of local and national pride is the
Loboc Children's Choir, comprised of schoolchildren from the Loboc Elementary school. The choir has had much
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exposure in
concert halls across the world and their international awards seem to affirm their talent.
A timid but tender stare of the tarsier, the worlds smallest primate. |
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| Baclayon Church |
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Towering over modern edifices are the centuries-old churches that testify of the province sense of history and
religiosity.The Immuculate Concepcion Parish Church located in Baclayon was built by the Jesuits in 1596.It has a 21 meters
high bell tower, intricately carved altars, and an organ which was installed in 1824.It also houses a museum with artifacts
from this period. It was declared a Natioanal Historical Institute in 1995.
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| Punta Cruz |
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The is an ancient stone watchtower built by the townspeople as a lookout for incoming pirates. On a rock lip that juts out
into the sea fronting the tower stands a wooden cross. Legend has it that by extending a mysterious spell over the sea, the
cross has saved many people from the ravages of pirates and marauders. The tower holds a commanding view of the sea facing
Cebu, Siquijor and Mindanao and has been officially designated as a historical tourist spot. The area surrounding the tower
has been developed into a park.
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