One of the most famous as well as interesting Philippine provinces, Bohol plays home to health care units that provide outstanding medical services to tourists and residents in the area. The Bohol hospitals and health care system is improving and the medical establishments in the province are categorized into several divisions, which include rural medical care units, medical centers as well as governmental hospitals. Below are some of the health care facilities that people can visit in the province.

Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital

This public health care facility can be found at Miguel Parras Street in the City of Tagbilaran. Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital offers affordable and high quality dental, medical as well as vaccinating services to the residents in the province who cannot afford to seek assistance from private hospitals. The costs of treatments and medicines available at this place are less when compared to other Bohol hospitals and health care facilities. In case of emergencies, patients can call any of the medical staff at Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital at (038)-411-3185.

Don Emilio Del Valle Memorial Hospital

Boholanos who are far or not accessible to Celestino Gallares can always go to Don Emilio Del Valle at Ubay. This medical establishment provides efficient health care services to financially challenged patients. Physicians serving at this place specialize in different medical fields including pediatrics, surgery as well as obstetrics. This institution also provides emergency services. To provide assistance to individuals who need serious medical attention and treatments, the institute has wards and rooms.

Englewood Hospital

Patients who prefer to seek medical assistance from tertiary medical establishments can always go to Englewood Hospital near Bool and Baclayon junctions. To offer excellent health care services to patients, this institute features advance medical facilities. Additionally, Boholanos will not have problems about medical costs because this establishment offers discounts to patients who are under the blue-card program implemented by the provincial government. To seek immediate help from this health care establishment, people can reach any of its administrative staff at (038)-411-3018.

Tagbilaran Puericulture Center and Maternity House

Situated along J. A. Clarin Street in Tagbilaran City, Tagbilaran Puericulture Center and Maternity House specializes in obstetrics and gynecology. Even if this is a private medical institution, the costs of consultations at this establishment are not that high. Aside from obstetrics, this institution also provides emergency services. Patients can reach any of the physicians as well as medical staff at this health care institution by calling this number, (038)-411-3191.

Overview

Bohol festivals are not just colorful events but are also very lively and the best part of the celebration is always the delicious array of food served during the event. In fact, it’s not only the panoramic sites that Bohol brags about, Bohol festivals also draw thousands of this tourists every year to this province.

Sandugo Festival

Bohol has a rich history and the Sandugo Festival is an annual celebration that clearly depicts this. Every March, the Sandugo Festival draws tourist to Bohol since this colorful event is an opportunity to relive a very significant event in Philippine history. This Bohol festival remembers the pact of friendship between the Spaniard Miguel Lopez de Legazpi who conquered the Philippines and the Filipino leader Datu Sikatuna. The Sandugo Festival made a very big impact on the lives of our Filipinos ancestors because this was the starting point for embracing the culture and religion introduced by the Spaniards. Up until this very day, the Spanish influence is still very much alive with every single Filipino. The reenactment of the blood compact is done during the Sandugo Festival and the other activities done on this day are church ceremonies, parades on the streets and various contests are held. There are cooking contests during the Sandugo Festival as well as a beauty pageant.

Bolibong Kingking Festival

The name of this Bohol festival sounds very interesting and so is the event itself. If one thinks hard enough and keep pronouncing Bolibong Kingking Festival, one will realize that it sounds like empty barrels being used as drums by either a spoon or a fork and that’s exactly what happens on this day. The Bolibong Kingking Festival is a Bohol festival that is a religious event where drums and gongs are played all day and the sounds have several purposes. The beating of the drums is supposed to attract visitors and at the same time remind the residents that the Bolibong Kingking Festival is a chance to relive Bohol’s rich history and well entrenched traditions. This Bohol festival is held every May and it is in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the patron saint of Bohol. The Bolibong Kingking Festival is held in Loboc which is a place that is not only rich in flora and fauna but also has several interesting places to visit. In fact if one is going to Bohol to see the Bolibong Kingking Festival, it’s a good idea to dine at one of their restaurants on stilts or take a boat ride in the beautiful Loboc River.

The Island of Bohol: A Paradise on Earth

Many individuals are dreaming of total relaxation in a warm tropical island, sipping a refreshing fruit juice while enjoying a lovely view of the blue horizon. This dream becomes a reality by visiting the wonderful island of Bohol. Bohol Island is a popular tourist spot because of the resorts and white sand beaches. Not only that, Bohol province is being flocked by a lot of tourists to see the Philippine Tarsier and the enigmatic mounds called the Chocolate Hills. A blast from the past would be able to give ample information about this magnificent.

Once upon a time in Bohol…

The people of Bohol are said to be the progenies of the last group of settlers who stayed in the Philippines called the 'tattooed ones' (pintados). Boholanos (local of Bohol) had already a culture and customs of their own based on the artifacts burrowed at Panglao, Dauis, Tagbilaran and Mansasa. Bo-ho or Bo-ol had been the root words of the term 'Bohol'. Datu Sikatuna and Miguel Lopez de Legazpi made the first international pact or treaty in the Philippines through a 'Sandugo' or Blood Compact in the 1500’s. Since then on, Boholanos had been recognized as very hospitable.

Bohol during the Spanish Regime

The initial momentous encounter of the island with the Spaniards happened around mid-1500. It was highlighted by the famous 'Blood Compact' or 'Sandugo' or 'one blood' between the Spanish explorer Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and Datu Sikatuna. To commemorate this significant historical event, Boholanos celebrate the 'Sandugo Festival' annually. It is a festival indicating Filipino, more so, Boholano Hospitality. Nonetheless, it does not really mean that Boholanos would take their guard down against abuses and suppressions of their conquerors. There were two noted revolts or uprising against the Spanish regime in Bohol Island.

The Tamblot Uprising was one of the significant insurgency initiated by a babaylan or a native priest in the early 1600's. The next rebellion took place in 1744 until 1829 (when it was officially suppressed). The famous Dagohoy Rebellion led by the charismatic Francisco Dagohoy (also known as Franscisco Sendrijas). It was considered to be the longest upheaval against Spain in the history of the Philippines. Bohol was politically considered under the administration of Cebu until it was finally and officially considered as an independent municipality in 1854.

Eco-Tourism in Bohol Island and its Promulgation

The beauty and wonders of Bohol Island is definitely can be compared to picture-perfect postcards: very attractive and very enticing. Going and staying in the island of Bohol would certainly make those gorgeous images into reality. The island is a favorite tourist destination all over the world for years and the local government would like to maintain the status. With the help of their official website (http://www.bohol.gov.ph/) accessing vital facts or information regarding Bohol Island is just a few clicks away. The official website is very useful and easy to navigate. This would greatly help potential visitors to have a glimpse of what the island of Bohol is all about.

With all its wonderful tourist spots, the province of Bohol is not only a very nice place to visit, but it is also an excellent place to go shopping. Featuring several malls of various sizes, Bohol shopping is all about fun and entertainment. Perfect for the entire family, these commercial establishments offer different kinds of things to do, especially through their modern features, outstanding services and superior staff and personnel.

Plaza Marcela

Nestled in the City of Tagbilaran, Plaza Marcela is a shopping center that is positioned conveniently along Pamaong and Belderol Streets of Barangay Cogon. One of the major contributors in providing people with quality Bohol shopping experiences, this establishment holds regular shows and special events in order to attract more shoppers. The place is highly recommended for the entire family as it showcases different entertainment features including a gaming center, where both kids and adults are guaranteed to have fun. This mall also has a clean and spacious food court, where various kinds of delicious food and drinks await hungry customers. Additionally, it also hosts several fast food chains like Greenwich and Jollibee. Some of the commendable retail stores and shops available inside include the hobby house Filbars, the clothing line Hammerhead and the music store Odyssey.

Alturas Supermarket Corporation

Alturas Supermarket Corporation is a very nice shopping complex for the entire family, which is situated along B. Inting Street, also in the City of Tagbilaran. It houses a department store, where customers can shop for clothes, shoes and toys. It also has a huge supermarket that features different kinds of important merchandises, ranging from food all the way down to other personal items. Furthermore, this place is also a very good place to buy all sorts of footwear.

Island City Mall

Definitely one of the biggest commercial centers in Bohol, people can easily find Island City Mall within the municipality of Dauis. This place is a one-stop shop for almost everything including food, clothing and entertainment. Inside this mall, people of all ages are guaranteed to have a great time. It has modern cinemas, which is perfect for watching your favorite movies and pay-per-view sporting events. At the activity center, shoppers can watch shows, music performances as well as concerts. Some of the notable retail stores available inside include the photo-processing center Kodak, Bo’s coffee shop and the fast food chain KFC.

BQ Mall

Probably the biggest and grandest shopping hub in the province, BQ Mall is situated along CPG Avenue, likewise in Tagbilaran City. It has a supermarket, a pharmacy and a department store. Furthermore, it is home to numerous fast food chains and restaurants like McDonalds, Dunkin Donut and Pizza Hut. For those who prefer to eat Filipino food, they can dine conveniently at Gerry’s Grill. The place also has several modern cinemas for those who want to relax and watch their favorite films.

A progressive and popular province in the Philippines, Bohol features different colleges and universities that promote quality education. To improve the Bohol education system, these institutions offer impressive undergraduate and graduate degree programs. To assist the economically challenged students in the area, these schools implement efficient scholarships and financial aid programs. Moreover, the institutions feature modern facilities and reasonable tuition fees. To ensure students of high quality education, the schools employ competitive teachers. Above all, most of the facilities of these institutes are located in strategic and highly accessible areas in the province.

Holy Name University

One of the topnotch educational institutes in the province of Bohol, Holy Name University offers numerous academic programs to students in the tertiary level. To contribute to the efficient Bohol education system, this school features different four-year degree programs such as Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Bachelor of Science in Biology and Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. To help individuals who want to enroll in graduate degrees, this institution takes pride on different academic programs like Master of Arts in Education, Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Arts in Public Administration.

BIT International College

Established in 1981 by Attorney Dionisio Balite, BIT International College is situated at 100 Gallares Street in Tagbilaran City. This private school offers interesting degree courses including Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration. To accommodate students who like to enroll in short courses, the college introduces special academic programs on stenography, bookkeeping, typing as well as refrigeration and air conditioning. In terms of graduate programs, this institution proudly offers outstanding curriculums in the following degrees, Master of Arts in Philosophy, Master of Arts in Business Administration and Master of Arts in Public Administration.

Bohol Wisdom College

Formerly named as Bohol Chinese School, this private college specializes on degree programs that are related to the field of education such as Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. To offer variations to students who want to become teachers in the future, the school also introduces a special course on early childhood education. The tuition fees that students need to pay to register at the courses available at the college are cheaper as compared to the fees in the other universities in the province. Moreover, to encourage diligent and intelligent students who cannot afford to pay the fees at the school, the administration provides financial aids if they will pass the scholarship examination.

Overview

Bohol because of its topographical features is usually known for the Chocolate Hills but not everyone knows that the Chocolate Hills is not the only reason visitors flock to this place. In fact there are several Bohol destinations that not many know about because it is not as advertised as Boracay or Palawan.

Chocolate Hills

One’s imagination can go wild at the thought of the Chocolate Hills and these grass-covered mounds look somewhat like flat topped Hershey’s kisses. This Bohol destination can be seen in postcards but nobody can capture all 1000 hills in a single frame. The legend of the Chocolate Hills is known to every resident of Bohol and it is believed that these mounds were formed from the tears of a sad giant. The scientific explanation of the Chocolate Hills though is that these mounds were formed from a very rare geological process. Regardless of how this Bohol destination was formed, these hills which turn completely brown during the summer are a natural wonder.

Baclayon Church

One can hardly expect to visit any place in the Philippines without expecting to come across a church. The Baclayon Church is also a known tourist destination because of how old it is. This Bohol destination was built in the 16th century by the Jesuits and aside from the architecture which is several centuries old, a tour inside the Baclayon Church would lead one to a storeroom upstairs where the rarest antiques and artifacts can be found, most of which are even older than the church itself. The preservation of these artifacts at Baclayon Church is a constant challenge for its caretakers because of the limited funds and quite a few priceless items have been squandered by thieves.

The Hinagdanan Cave

Moving away from the Baclayon Church which is man made, the Hinagdanan Cave is nature’s work of art. The crystal clear water illuminated by two skylights, stalagmites and stalactites all add to the beauty of this Bohol destination. Diving from the boulders is possible here because the water is deep and it’s safe enough.

The Chocolate Hills, Baclayon Church and the Hinagdanan Cave are just three of Bohol destinations that showcase the beauty of this area. The residents of Bohol exude warmth and hospitality and it’s so easy to feel right at home here. Natural wonders are at one’s doorstep when a visit to Bohol is made and the good news is, going on a vacation in Bohol is probably more affordable than anywhere else in the Philippines.