Part 6 of the Libotero Bohol Series
DAY 1.
From the Baclayon Church, we drove further west and our next destination was the Blood Compact Monument in Tagbilaran.
Located along the national highway in Barangay Bool, Tagbilaran City, the monument relives the blood compact between Miguel Lopez de Legazpi of Spain and Datu Sikatuna, chieftain of Bohol while onboard San Pedro of Spain on March 25, 1565. The Blood Compact was marked by the drinking of wine mixed with blood from the cut on the chests of both leaders. The Blood Compact or “Sandugo” (Isang Dugo / One Blood) sealed the friendship between the Spaniards and Boholanos and the start of Christianism in the island. Such event was very important, not just for the History of Bohol but of the whole country as well.
The Blood Compact Monument, sculpted by National Artist and proud Boholano, Napoleon Abueva
Panglao Island as seen from the Blood Compact Monument
Pamilacan Island, increasingly becoming popular for dolphin sightings, as seen from the Blood Compact Monument
Amusing slanting lamp-posts along the national highway in Tagbilaran
BUT WAIT…
While the landmark has become popular as the “site” of the actual Blood Compact, findings from a few years ago led to the declaration by the National Historical Institute in 2005 that the exact location of the blood compact is actually Hinawanan, Loay, Bohol, about 20 kilometers away from what was believed as the actual site for centuries! OH MY! Anyway, the site is still a must-visit for photo-ops and for amazing panoramic views of the surrounding Tagbilaran Strait and the Pamilacan and Panglao Islands.
HOW TO GET THERE: The Blood Compact Monument can be reached by a tricycle from Tagbilaran City proper.
(…to be continued)
From anon:
You have really nice pictures. God Bless!
From Sinjin:
Thank you!