One of the oldest church buildings in the history of the Philippines is the Baclayon Church. It is an interesting spot if you want to learn things about the early history of the Philippines especially during the era of Spanish occupation. We'll look into the history of the Baclayon Church, and perhaps find a religious heritage.

The Baclayon Church is the oldest Catholic stone church building in the Philippines. It was constructed during the Spanish occupation and the first Spanish missionaries (called doctrineros) settled in the area in the late 15th century. Today you can still see the original stone structure of the Baclayon Church in the City of Tagbilaran, Bohol, Philippines.

There are other preserved church buildings in the region but the Baclayon Church is the best preserved among them. The church itself is Jesuit, but the Baclayon Church (the one we see today) was completed in 1727. The erected church building known today as the Baclayon Church is formally known as The Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception.

The area where the Baclayon Church now stands was home to the Spanish Jesuit missionaries when they arrived in the Philippines. The Jesuits were forced to leave and move their headquarters to Loboc. This was due to fears of being mobbed by Moro marauders.

In 1717 Baclayon was raised to the status of a parish. Thus construction on a new church (the Baclayon Church of today) began. The construction of the Baclayon Church required two hundred native laborers who were forced to do the work.

These artisans hauled coral stones from the sea, then skillfully cut them into square blocks, lifted the work using bamboo to move the stones into position, and piled them like bricks. About a million egg whites were used to cement the cut coral stones together. This was a testament to the great skill of these native artisans.

The Baclayon Church was completed in 1727 and a large bell was added in 1835. The church building had a dungeon where violators of Roman Catholic Law were punished. Filipino natives were its usual occupants.

The attractions we'll see in the Baclayon Church include an old convent with a small museum. There you'll see some centuries-old relics. Most artifacts you'll see in the Baclayon Church museum are religious in nature. Antiquities of note are an ivory statue of Jesus Christ dating back to the 16th century, a statue of the Virgin Mary, St. Ignatius of Loyola's relics, gold embroidered church vestments, a host of books and hymnals, and 1859 paintings of Liberato Gatchalian (famous Filipino painter).

Traveling to Baclayon Church usually takes a boat ride to the Tubigon Port using the RORO water ways system. From there you can take the air-conditioned tour vans (highly recommended because of the rough dusty roads you'll have to cover). The fare for the van would cost about Php 2,500.

You better know your roads (or get a driver who does) if you plan to drive to Baclayon Church. You will have to take the Bohol coastal road (fastest route). You'll be going through several towns and head due east about six kilometers of Tagbilaran City (pretty tough drive if you don't know the area).

The Baclayon Church is a landmark in the history of the Philippines. Anyone who's interested in the country's early history can't afford to miss seeing the Baclayon Church.

Bohol is one of the most interesting places to visit in the Philippines. Natural wonders, dive spots, historic landmarks offer different kinds of activities to a tourist. Whether it is sightseeing, adventure or just beach combing, vacationing in Bohol is certainly a very interesting experience.

Bohol is known for its Chocolate Hills. This natural wonder consists of more than 1,000 hills varying in height from 30 meters to 120 meters. Spread over an area of 50 square kilometers, there are many destinations for a sightseeing visitor. Chocolate Hills Complex in the town of Carmen offers tourists an excellent view of the cone-shaped hills. The Sagbayan Peak Park not only offers spectacular views of the hills but also has a butterfly dome, restaurant, caf' and a souvenir shop.

Exploring natural waterfalls, winding rivers and caves are also popular activities for tourists in Bohol. The Mag-aso Falls and Inambacan Falls in Antequera, Camagao Falls in Balilihan, Can-umantad Falls, Busay Falls in Sevilla and Tontonan Falls in Loboc are some of the popular waterfalls in the area. One can also do a river cruise in Loboc River or swim in Badiang Spring in Valencia. The caves of Francisco Dagohoy Cave in Danao, Hinagdanan Cave in Panglao Island and Kamira Cave in Danao are the popular sightseeing destinations for cave exploration.

For nature lovers who want to see the diverse beauty of the flora and fauna of Bohol, there are destinations for dolphin and whale watching, tarsier conservation site, zoos and man-made forest. The waters off Pamilican Island are teeming with different kinds of whales and dolphins. Local banca operators offer boat rides to tourists for a chance to see these marine mammals. The Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary, on the other hand, showcases Bohol's conservation effort to protect the endemic Tarsier from extinction. Other destinations are the Mahogany Man-Made Forest in Loboc and Bilar, Bohol Butterfly Sanctuary and Albuquerque Zoo.

For the beachcombers, Panglao Island's white sand beaches and clear waters are the attractions. Alona Beach is the most popular destination in Panglao. Resorts and establishments offer several services so that tourist can engage in diving, snorkeling. Scuba diving is a popular activity in Balicasag, Pamilacan Island and Danajon Bank (Double Barrier Reef).

For those who want a sightseeing of the history and culture of Bohol, there are several destinations for this activity. History buffs should visit the Blood Compact Site, Bohol Museum and Carlos P. Garcia Memorial Park in Tagbilaran, Mt. Carmel Hill in Balilihan and Behind the Clouds in Catigbian. The Baclayon Church and Dauis Church are places to visit for religious sightseeing tours.

As the Philippines' top tourism destination, the beautiful island of Bohol not only dazzles the eye, but also offers you a paradise on Earth. In a small exclusive beach resort in Panglao Island, you can find a place nearest to the legendary paradise of Eden - the Eskaya Beach Resort and Spa.

Located just 25 minutes from Tagbilaran City airport, the Eskaya Beach Resort and Spa is a long stretch of powdery white sand that rivals the world-famous Boracay. More than 600 meters of sun and sand assures visitors a whole day of fun dipping in blue, crystal-clear waters.

The Eskaya Beach Resort and Spa is not your usual beach resort. Guests can expect the best luxury and comfort in the privacy of several native villas with their own swimming pools. The boutique-style resort boasts of these thatched villas made of local materials such as wood, bamboo and rattan. But that is just the outside.

Inside each luxury villa, you can find modern amenities blending in perfect unison with native Filipino architectural design. You can relax in a tropical, Filipino-style setting while watching cable TV or listening to music on state-of-the-art iPod speakers.

Of course, a world-class resort accommodation wouldn't be complete without their stylish, luxurious air-conditioned bedrooms with king-sized bed, bathroom, mini-bar, safety deposit boxes and other modern amenities. Each villa also has its own personal, landscaped garden so that you can enjoy nature inside your own private abode. Eskaya Beach Resort and Spa offers that and many more!

The infinity pool which looks like it is a connected to the sea is also worth looking and taking a dip into. All around the resort are beautiful trees, plants and flowers that gives you a feeling of paradise. You can also go swimming and sunbathing in the white sand beach or just relax around the swimming pools.

In terms of fine dining, Eskaya's Lantawan Restaurant offers the delicious food and drinks amidst a natural scenery. You can even have alfresco-style dining along the beach, complete with your own personal butler.

If you're looking for more adventure, it's great to know that Bohol has more than just sandy beaches. Tourists and guests can visit the famed Chocolate Hills, go on a
blissful river cruise along Loboc River, cuddle the cute but endangered tarsier, or watch cavorting dolphins and whales in Pamilacan Island. These memorable trips can be arranged by the friendly staff of Eskaya Beach Resort and Spa.

This fabulous beach resort opened just last May, 2007, so don't be surprised if it's not yet a household name in Philippine travel and tourism. So the next time you go to Bohol, don't forget to head off to the newest and most luxurious hideaway in the island - Eskaya Beach Resort and Spa.

 [Tags]Bohol, Philippines, Visayas, Resort, Beach, Eskaya, Traveling, Travel, Spa[/Tags]