Tagbilaran

Tagbilaran is the capital city of the island province of Bohol in the Philippines. With about 105,000 residents as of 2020, it is the main point of entry to Bohol and serves as the province's political, social and economic center. Besides, it's known as the "City of Friendship".

Understand
Despite being the capital of Bohol, and despite its relative size, Tagbilaran does not feel like a big city. In some respects the city feels more like a provincial town rather than the bustling capital city of one of the Philippines' best-known provinces, and rightfully so. Few establishments are open 24 hours, many stores are closed on Sunday, traffic is almost non-existent, and Tagbilaranons (as local residents are called) seem to be more relaxed than their counterparts in larger cities.

However, this atmosphere does yield several positives: locals are very friendly, the city is very safe, and as the introduction of most tourists to Bohol, Tagbilaran gives a good picture of what one can expect from the rest of the province.

History
Little is known about the pre-history of Tagbilaran, although it is believed to have been a trading outpost where, according to Spanish accounts, the natives conducted trade with China, the Malay states and present-day Indonesia. It is said that around the year 1200, the Lutaos of northern Mindanao established settlements on stilts along the Tagbilaran Strait, separating mainland Bohol from Panglao Island (which today separates Tagbilaran from Dauis), which later became the Kingdom of Dapitan, a prosperous local center of power. It is believed that these settlements were abandoned by 1563 due to attacks by the Portuguese and their allies from Ternate. Another kingdom, the Bool Kingdom, may have also existed within city limits in the 15th century.

The first recorded event in what is now believed to be Tagbilaran was the Sandugo. Known as the first treaty of friendship between Filipinos and Spaniards, this blood compact was effected between local chieftain Rajah Sikatuna and explorer (and later Governor-General of the Philippines) Miguel López de Legazpi, which reportedly took place in what is now the eastern outskirts of the city. (This fact is disputed by historical findings claiming that the event may have actually taken place in Loay, away.)

Tagbilaran used to be part of neighboring Baclayon, and its parish church was one of the six churches of Bohol established by the Jesuits when they came to the island in 1595 to evangelize and convert the natives to Christianity. The town was later split from Baclayon in 1742, when Father Cesar Felipe Doria, Rector of the Jesuits in Bohol, petitioned for the creation of a new town as he believed Baclayon became too large to be administered by a single priest, and the town was dedicated to Saint Joseph the Worker, hence the town was originally called San José de Tagbilaran. It later became the capital of Bohol in 1854, after the island was made a separate province from neighboring Cebu.

The town grew throughout the Spanish and American regimes, and on 1 July 1966, Tagbilaran was elevated to a city by virtue of Republic Act No. 4660.

Orientation
Tagbilaran is divided into 15 barangays. Most economic activity is concentrated in the city center, which consists of Poblacion I, II, III and Cogon (immediately north of Poblacion II). The city's remaining 11 barangays are more rural and more closely resemble neighboring towns, although they become more urbanized approaching the city center.

Talk
The main language of Tagbilaran, like the rest of Bohol, is Boholano, a dialect of Cebuano which differs from standard Cebuano largely in terms of pronunciation. These differences sometimes have linguists describe Boholano as a separate language altogether. Despite this, standard Cebuano is understood by Boholano speakers, as it is the language used in Cebuano-language mass media, and Boholano as spoken in Tagbilaran is closer to standard Cebuano than the Boholano spoken further inland. English is also well-understood by most city residents, although Tagbilaranons speak it to varying levels of fluency.

Unlike in neighboring Cebu, Tagbilaranons (and Boholanos in general) are less hesitant to speak Filipino, especially owing to the influx of tourists from non-Cebuano speaking regions of the Philippines. Many Boholanos will know how to speak Filipino as Filipino language instruction is required in school, and they will normally respond in Filipino when spoken to in Filipino, though some will respond instead in English (as in Cebu). However, it is not uncommon for a Tagbilaranon to ask a Filipino speaker if they are new to the city, as speaking in Filipino is often (though not always) an indicator of not being a resident.

By plane
Since November 2018, Tagbilaran has been served by the Bohol–Panglao International Airport, the only airport in Bohol with commercial service. The old Tagbilaran Airport in downtown Tagbilaran is closed.

Air Asia, Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines all have flights to Panglao Airport. While most flights to the city originate from Manila, since 2018, there has been a boom in air service to the city, and it is now possible to fly from Boracay, Cagayan de Oro, Metro Cebu, Davao and Angeles. International service was also introduced, with Jeju Air flying from Seoul.

An alternative to flying is to fly to Cebu Airport, then go to Tagbilaran by boat.

Ground Transportation. Buses connect the airport with the Tagbilaran City Integrated Bus Terminal (Island City Mall) via Alona Beach and downtown Panglao, operated by Southern Star Transit, with service every 45 minutes from 5:45AM until 6PM. fare of.

By boat
There are boats going to neighboring islands in the Visayas, as well as to Luzon and Mindanao. Two types of ships transport passengers to Tagbilaran: fast ferries (catamarans) and regular ferries. Fares on regular ferries are cheaper than with fast ferries, although the travel times are longer (for instance, the regular ferry to Cebu takes five hours versus two hours with a fast ferry).

Fast ferries
Three companies provide fast ferry service. Fares are normally around one-way, with all three companies offering promotions for buying tickets early. For example, a round-trip ticket between Cebu and Tagbilaran bought at least two days in advance on Weesam express is, inclusive of passenger service charges. Sunday ferries from Tagbilaran to Cebu are often fully booked, so book ahead or use the port in Tubigon, if leaving on a Sunday.


 * 2GO Travel (formerly SuperCat) has three trips daily between Tagbilaran and Cebu City. Ferries leave from Pier 4 at the Cebu International Port for Tagbilaran at 9:15AM, 1:35PM and 6:05PM and return to Cebu from Tagbilaran at 7AM, 11:25AM and 3:55PM.
 * OceanJet has the most services to Tagbilaran, with six daily trips to Cebu, and two to Dumaguete which then travel on to Siquijor. From Cebu, ferries leave from Pier 1 at the Cebu International Port for Tagbilaran at 6AM, 9:20AM, 11:30AM, 2PM, 3:35PM and 6:35PM and return to Cebu from Tagbilaran at 7:05AM, 9:20AM, 11:40AM, 1:30PM, 4:20PM and 6PM. From Siquijor, ferries leave for Tagbilaran at 6AM, 11:20AM returning to Siquijor from Tagbilaran (via Dumaguete) at 6AM, 3PM. This ferry leaves Dumaguete for Tagbilaran at 6AM and 3PM. Tagbilaran to Dumaguete cost . if you buy a Libre Balik Promo ticket from Tagbilaran to Cebu city (valid 6 days) you pay only  return.
 * Weesam Express has three daily trips between Tagbilaran and Cebu. Ferries leave from Pier 4 at the Cebu International Port for Tagbilaran at 9AM, 2PM and 6:30PM, returning to Cebu from Tagbilaran at 7AM, 11:20AM and 4:30PM.

Regular ferries

 * There are two ferry companies with boats to Cebu City: Lite Shipping and Trans Asia Shipping. Fares are for regular seats (open-air),  for a Lying (bed) (open-air) and for Tourist class A/C lying (bed) it is  (Aug 2022).
 * Lite Shipping Corporation has two daily services, leaving Cebu at 13:00 and 10PM, returning to Cebu from Tagbilaran at noon and 10:30PM.
 * Trans Asia from Cebu to Tagbilaran every Monday 7AM. and from Tagbilaran to Cebu every Sunday at 10PM.
 * Lite Shipping has a ferry 3 times a week M W Sa at 8PM from Tagbilaran to Plaridel in Misamis Occidental via Larena Siquijor.
 * Lite Shipping has a ferry from Tagbilaran to Argao on Cebu island twice a day 8AM and 4PM. (From Argao you can get a bus to Metro Cebu or Dumaguete).
 * Trans Asia has a ferry 3 times a week from Tagbilaran to Cagayan de Oro;.

By bus
Most buses serving Tagbilaran from other towns in Bohol, as well as all buses from other cities in the Philippines, terminate at the (IBT), Alfonso L. Uy St, Dao (in the northern outskirts of the city, beside the Island City Mall). The relatively spartan structure also houses the terminal for vans serving the rest of Bohol: vans are to the left of the entrance, while buses are to the right. Southern Star Transit has a bus to/from the Integrated bus terminal to Alona beach every 45 min from 5:45AM till 6PM for.

By car
The main roads into Tagbilaran are the two halves of the circumferential road circling the island of Bohol which emanate from the city center: the Tagbilaran North Road and the Tagbilaran East Road. In the city center, both roads are known as Carlos P. Garcia Avenue (popularly shortened to "CPG Avenue") and Venancio P. Inting Avenue, respectively. Another major road into Tagbilaran is the Tagbilaran-Corella-Sikatuna-Loboc Road, connecting the city to Loboc and the interior towns of Bohol via Corella.

By tricycle
With over 3,000 of them throughout the city, tricycles are the main form of public transportation in Tagbilaran, and can be hailed from any part of the city. They can normally seat up to two people (three if the "seat" behind the driver is counted), with a small luggage space provided on the back. Fares vary according to distance (regular fare: /person), with drivers charging more to reach Island City Mall and Tagbilaran City Integrated Bus Terminal, the seaport, or destinations beyond city limits. Tricycles may also be chartered as well for day tours of the city and surrounding towns.

By jeepney or bus
Aside from tricycles, jeepneys are the other main form of transport in Tagbilaran, with many routes converging at the Island City Mall and the Tagbilaran City Integrated Bus Terminal. Some routes, particularly to the northwestern part of the city and to Panglao Island, also converge at points within the city center, such as Tagbilaran City Square. Jeepneys may either ply routes within the city, or may go to surrounding towns. The fare is for the first  (which covers most of the city area), plus  for every additional km beyond that.

Jeepney routes in Tagbilaran are not numbered. However, it is easy to determine what kind of route a jeepney plies: city jeepneys will normally identify specific points and roads within the city (eg: Carlos P. Garcia Avenue, the Island City Mall, etc.) while provincial jeepneys will only mention the town served from Tagbilaran (i.e. Baclayon, Panglao)

Buses which serve the rest of Bohol also stop at points within Tagbilaran, although they do not go through the city center. Buses are useful mostly for heading towards the Tagbilaran City Integrated Bus Terminal, where it is possible to transfer to tricycles and jeepneys serving the rest of the city.

By taxi
There are white taxis in the city, though they are not plentiful and they are mostly found at the airport, seaport and major malls. Taxi rates are the same as in major urban centers such as Manila and Cebu: taxis in Tagbilaran charge a flagdown rate, plus  for every additional 300 m. It is not uncommon however to negotiate rates when going outside the city, especially to Panglao, as the taxi driver has to drive back to Tagbilaran without passengers.

On foot
Tagbilaran is small enough that the city center can be covered adequately on foot. However, as is the case with the rest of the Philippines, sidewalks are few and far between, except along major roads such as Carlos P. Garcia Avenue.

See
Tagbilaran is often perceived as a city with nothing to see, and tourists often skip the city in favor of better-known sites in other parts of Bohol. However, contrary to popular belief, the city does have a number of unique sites.



Corella
A tiny town away from Tagbilaran, the main attraction of which is the Tarsier Visitors Center,  out of town. The town has no place to eat, or to sleep.

Getting there: jeepneys and buses are available at Tagbilaran's main bus terminal, fares are and the ride is around 40 minutes. Taxis are faster, but more expensive, with prices about several hundreds of pesos. However, the center of Corella is located in the forest and there are no taxis or tricycles anywhere in sight, passing jeepneys and buses can take you to nearby destinations, such as Tagbilaran or Loboc.

Festivals
Tagbilaran celebrates three major festivals.


 * The Ubi Festival is celebrated every January in honor of Bohol's most famous agricultural export, ubi (purple yam). With most celebrations taking place in Plaza Rizal, there are exhibits featuring sustainable agriculture and the plant's uses, a contest for the best ubi specimen and upcoming products, as well as a motorcade through the city.
 * The Tagbilaran City Fiesta is the city's official fiesta, celebrated every May in honor of the city's patron saint, Saint Joseph the Worker, whose feast day is on 1 May. This fiesta also opens Bohol's "Month of Fiestas", as every town in Bohol has a May fiesta.  Nightly activities are held in the nine days leading to the fiesta itself, such as the Mutya ng Tagbilaran beauty pageant, stage productions and concerts. On the day itself, motorcades and a street dancing festival take place in the city center.
 * The Sandugo Festival is Tagbilaran's major festival, and it is celebrated every July to commemorate the blood compact made between Rajah Sikatuna and Miguel López de Legazpi, often coinciding with the charter anniversary of the city. Highlights include a re-enactment of the Sandugo, a street dancing festival through the city center, and the Miss Bohol Sandugo beauty pageant.

Malls & supermarkets

 * There are five malls in Tagbilaran, three of which are in the city center.

Eat
Aside from the standard Philippine chain restaurants Tagbilaran also has a number of unique places to eat.



Drink
There are a number of nightlife spots in Tagbilaran, although they're not as plentiful as in neighboring Panglao. For example, while there is only one nightclub, there are music and karaoke bars scattered throughout the city.



Telephones
The area code of Tagbilaran, like the rest of Bohol, is 38. Area codes are not required for calls made within the entire province of Bohol.

The three main mobile service providers in the Philippines: Smart Communications, Globe Telecom and Sun Cellular, have good (though sometimes spotty) coverage throughout Tagbilaran, and all three providers operate both 2G and 3G networks throughout the city. SIM cards are sold at convenience stores throughout the city, at mobile phone stores located in the city center (especially within Tagbilaran City Square), and by touts located along Carlos P. Garcia Avenue. All three providers also have offices in the city: Globe Telecom and Sun Cellular have their local offices at the Island City Mall, while Smart Communications has its office at the Ambassador Arcade on B. Inting Street, in the city center.

Unlike mobile phones, however, payphones are hard to find in Tagbilaran, though there are a few in the city center. Some convenience stores though offer use of their telephones for a small fee, often for a three-minute local call.

Internet
There are Internet cafés scattered throughout Tagbilaran, serving both casual Internet surfers and online gamers. Use of a computer at an Internet café typically costs around per hour. The cafés often offer additional services as well, such as printing documents, but most cafés close at night.
 * Megabyte Café at Bohol Quality Mall. Open 9AM-9PM /10min. They also have LAN cable plugin (for direct internet to laptops) and printing, scanning, copying, etc. services

Wi-Fi
While there are Wi-Fi hotspots in the city, significant coverage is mostly limited to the city center. Many places that do offer Wi-Fi lock their networks and only provide access to paying customers. Most of the hotels and inns throughout the city normally offer free Wi-Fi to their guests, though sometimes coverage is limited to common areas.
 * McDonald's in Bohol Quality Mall (access daily 7-11AM and 1-5PM). Password available upon request and no purchase required.
 * Dunkin' Donuts near Rizal Park, CPG (access: store hours). Password typed on device upon request with purchase.
 * Dunkin' Donuts in Island City Mall (access: mall hours). Password typed on device upon request with purchase.
 * Bo's Coffee Club near Rizal Park, CPG (access: store hours). Daily altered password stub available upon request with purchase.
 * Bo's Coffee Club in Island City Mall (access: mall hours). Password typed on device upon request with purchase.
 * Brewpoint Coffee Club at Soledad Suites (access: store hours). Daily altered password stub available upon request with purchase.

Go next
The rest of Bohol awaits visitors to Tagbilaran, with many parts of the province reasonably accessible from the city.

There are good connections to other islands:
 * Panglao Island, home of the famous white sands of Alona Beach, the underground springs of Hinagdanan Cave, and stately old churches and buildings dotting the island, is immediately south of the city. Both the older Butalid Causeway, located in the city center, and the newer Borja Bridge to the east in Booy, connect Tagbilaran to Panglao.
 * The neighboring town of Baclayon is known for both its stately old church and its many old Spanish houses. The world's largest python in captivity, Prony, is kept in a sanctuary in Barangay Laya, close to the border with Alburquerque, and Pamilacan Island, with its white sand beaches and old Spanish-era watchtower, is a short boat ride away.
 * Loboc, 24 km east of Tagbilaran, has long been considered the center of Boholano Christianity, and the town church (and the adjoining Museo de Loboc) are its major landmarks. The world-famous Loboc Children's Choir is based here, performing every Sunday during Mass.  Lunchtime river cruises along the Loboc River are also a favorite activity among visitors.
 * Jagna town has a port with ferries to/from Camiguin Island
 * Cebu City
 * Dumaguete - the University city of Gentle People with its popular Rizal Boulevard for evening promenades and opportunities for Whale and Dolphin watching, just a fast boat ride away!
 * Siquijor