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Boholanos
Until the time that the Spanish have completely established on the island of Bohol, the majority of earlier records have indicated that the Boholanos or Bol-anons were naturally friendly, kind, and mild-tempered.

Back then, the Spaniards have termed the native inhabitants of the island as ‘Pintados,’ meaning painted – since their bodies have almost been covered with tattoos except for the face. But despite the actual appearance of the Pintados, the Spaniards were instantly awed by their hospitality and friendliness towards outlanders.

Later on, as the island was named Bohol after the word Boho meaning hole, the inhabitants were now called Boholanos. Because the island is surrounded by large bodies of waters, the people have developed affection for sea navigation. Having mastered the basics, Boholanos have become expert sea-farers and traders.

The Boholanos are generally known for their hospitality and friendliness towards strangers and tourists. These religious people easily win the affection and admiration of outsiders because of their humility and amiable nature. Another trait often indicated for the locals of Bohol is thriftiness. It just goes to show that they know when and how to spend their savings.

Sometimes, Boholanos tend to overdo their being hospitable and friendly only because they wish full satisfaction and convenience to their visitor. But despite all of the different claims about the Boholano trait, they remain modest and high-spirited people.

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HISTORY
Before the Spaniards arrived and further colonized the Philippines, there were enough evidences suggesting that the local inhabitants of the Philippines have already been in contact with outsiders such as the Chinese, Malays, Japanese and other Southeast and East Asian countries through trade. Artifacts found from several archeological sites all over the country were recovered like jars, pots, ancient tools, and utensils bearing some brand that it came from another place. In fact, some of the relics were found in deep soil on the eastern part of Bohol.

Shortly after Ferdinand Magellan and his men were defeated by Lapu-lapu (a tribe leader in Cebu), another dispatch was sent off from Spain. It was Captain General Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, a Spanish Conquistador, who drifted to the shores of Bohol. He befriended the natives by means of a blood compact with Datu Sikatuna in 1565. This act of brotherhood was the first international treaty of friendship between the Filipinos and Spaniards. Later on, the blood compact would then become an annual event called the Sandugo Festival where thousands of tourists would come and witness this vivacious affair in Tagbilaran City.

From then on, the Spaniards slowly won the hearts of the natives and began their colonization agenda to wisely utilize the rich and untouched resources in Bohol that were of much use to the Europeans. Later on, several uprising would emerge in protest of the Spaniards’ harsh treatment of the natives and religious conflicts.

Among these rebellions, there were two major revolts that remain imprinted on Bohol history: a short revolt led by Tamblot in 1621-1622, and the famous Dagohoy rebellion which lasted 85 years from 1744-1829. The latter, as a matter of fact, was considered as the longest uprising in Philippine History.

Furthermore, grueling attempts were made by the Spaniards to stop the rebellion, but failed miserably; even a troop of 2,200 soldiers sent by General Ricafort was not successful.

Two years before the revolt ended in 1829, Francisco Dagohoy died. In the end, the captured followers were granted pardon and began a new life in other towns surrounding their hometown of Danao. This revolt, in turn, led to the establishment of a free Boholano government shortly thereafter.

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CULTURE
Majority of the Boholano culture has been greatly influenced by Spanish civilization mixed with indigenous Filipino traditions.

Religion The most evident upbringing brought about by the Spaniards is Christianity. About 75% – 85% of the total population comprises the Roman Catholics. Other Christian denominations such as Iglesia ni Cristo, Protestants, and Born Again, and Islam belong to the remainder.

Fiestas A fiesta is a form of celebration in honor of the respective patron saint of the town.

Over the decades that have passed, many have regarded Bohol as the ‘Fiesta Capital’ of the Philippines, especially on the month of May. Call it peculiar, uncanny, surprising, or whatever you have in mind, be perplexed upon discovering that the Boholanos’ love for fiesta is eternal. Be it in the city or anywhere else in the province of Bohol, the month of May is a haven for fiestas day by day.

For Boholanos who are working or living in other places within the country or even abroad, they always keep in mind the dates of their town fiestas, and then make every inch of effort to come home or visit their relatives and friends just to attend the celebration. It is that huge deal for Bol-anons when it comes to fiesta, since it is the only time of the year where all of the family members get to gather together and have a timely reunion.

Regardless of social status, almost every Boholano home prepares a sumptuous feast, be it simple or lavishly prepared. And definitely, the main course that is considered to be the highlight of every celebration is the Lechon or Inasal. It is a fattened pig that is roasted to perfection, with its skin cooked to the ultimate crisp.

This tradition has surpassed a lot of obstacles in the past. In fact, several attempts were made by the provincial government, and even the church, to stop this idiosyncrasy once and for all. Once, ordinances were attempted to arrest waves of fiesta visitors and guests, but all of these were unsuccessful. All of these were not enough to dampen the Boholano festival spirit.

The significance of fiesta is rooted to one simple trait, hospitality. When one celebrates fiesta in his own home (regardless of his financial status) the host warmly welcomes his guests – friends and strangers alike – all with a honor and cordial reception. And in return, those who have been invited will also become hosts themselves of their own homes when the time of their fiesta comes. This form of mutualism overwhelms any form of obstacle and barrier, thus strengthening bonds and friendship, respect, and family ties.

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CUISINE AND DELICACIES
Nobody leaves the island without being able to taste the sweetness of Bohol’s delicacy and the inviting aroma of Boholano cuisine. Among the famous Bohol pasalubong items, delicacies such as Calamay, Peanut Kisses, Broas or Ladyfingers and Ubi Jam are often found at the top of the list. If you care to satisfy your sweet tooth, then it is indeed a must that you try all of these goodies. You could also bring home souvenirs to share your definition of sweetness to your loved ones.

• Peanut Kisses • Calamay • Broas or Ladyfingers • Ubi Jam

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FESTIVALS
Sandugo Festival On March 16, 1565, Captain General Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, a Spanish Conquistador, befriended the local leader Datu Sikatuna. Together they executed a blood compact or sandugo as a sign of friendship and brotherhood. The blood compact is considered as a ritual for tribes where two different people cut their wrists and pour their own blood into a cup with liquid, after which, they’d drink each other’s blood as a sign of friendship and alliance. This recorded event would then become the first international treaty of friendship and peace between the Filipinos and Spaniards.

In commemoration of this event, the Sandugo Festival was born. This annual celebration takes place every July. Although the blood compact happened in March, the festival was purposely moved to July to coincide with TBTK (Tigum Bol-anon sa Tibuok Kalibutan) – loosely translated as “A Gathering of Boholanos from all over the world.”

A lengthy list of activities has long been etched on the month of July. It includes: • Tagbilaran City Charter day • Sandugo Nightly Entertainment Activities • Sandugo Street Dancing Competition • TBTK • Miss Bohol Sandugo (Beauty Pageant) • Bohol Day Celebration • Opening of month-long flea markets …And many other activities that event organizers would conjure to promote Bohol tourism and deliver fun and entertainment to locals and tourists alike.

One of the events that keeps locals and visitors anticipate for is the Sandugo Street Dancing. This vivacious affair always happens on a Sunday, and usually starts at lunchtime. Contingents from different schools and other neighboring provinces/islands come to Tagbilaran City to participate in the annual competition of street dancing and field demonstration. Geared with very colorful and creative costumes, artistic props, an amazing choreography and an ingenious band of lyrists, drummers and trumpeters, these participants walk the streets of Tagbilaran to display their talents and smiles. Spectators get the chance to see people of all ages, from just merely kids to middle-aged adults dancing their hearts out to please the crowd.

At the C.P.G. Grandstand, these contingents prepare for another round of entertainment as they present their complete dance presentations before thousands of people a panel of judges. Whoever wins the competition shall go home with a prize and the honor of being called as Champions of the Street Dancing Competition. Keeping the big prize at stake, each group will have to be at their best, thus delivering a high-quality performance that would easily wow the crowd.

Ubi Festival For centuries, Boholanos have always regarded the root crop Ubi as sacred. And to furthermore show much devotion, the Ubi Festival was founded. For years, this festival is celebrated annually on the month of January. It features contests, exhibits, seminars and a cultural show in honor of Ubi.

Maybe the thought, “Why is this root crop well-praised?” has crossed your minds once. The thing is, Ubi is the main reason why Boholano ancestors survived countless crises in the past.Ubi is the only crop that thrives in droughts and it also readily available in the mountains – with its four-angled heart-shaped leaf that crawls upward in vines which serves as an indicator that the starchy crop is secretly hiding in the ground.

Not long after, the Boholano’s high respect and beliefs for Ubi eventually turned into embedded habits and tradition that are carried up to the present times. It is of utter importance that an Ubi should not be dropped because it is sacrilegious. But if accidentally dropped, he must kiss the Ubi right away to show apology and say, ‘Sorry po.’ The third, is when planting Ubi, the first tuber must be covered with a broken pot, so that when the crop grows, it would grow as big as the pot that it was planted with.

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ARTS AND CRAFTS
hroughout the years, the local townsfolk have developed a keen sense of creativity and resourcefulness that blossomed into an industry that helps promote the uniqueness of Bohol. Not only does it aid in Bohol’s tourism, but also helps the locals by employing as part of the workforce to create beautiful products and goods sold domestically and worldwide.

• Baliw Mat Weaving • Raffia Weaving • Pottery Making • Blacksmithing • Nipa Thatch Making