Panglao: The Tropical Jewel of Bohol

• HelloKumusta
  [koo-moo-sta]
• GoodbyePaalam
  [paa-lam]
• YesOo
  [oh-oh]
• NoHindi
  [hin-dee]
• Please/You're welcomePaki
  [pa-kee]
• Thank youSalamat
  [sa-la-mat]
• Excuse me/SorryPasayloa
  [pa-sa-ylo-a]
• How are you?Kumusta ka?
  [koo-moo-sta ka?]
• Fine. And you?Maayo. Ikaw?
  [maa-yo. ee-kaw?]
• Do you speak English?Kahibalo ka mobalita sa Ingles?
  [ka-hee-ba-lo ka moba-lee-ta sa Ingles?]
• I don't understandWala ko kasabot
  [wa-la ko ka-sa-bot]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseGusto ko makakita sa menu, palihug
  [gus-to ko ma-ka-kee-ta sa me-nu, pa-li-hug]
• I don't eat meatDili ko kaon ug karne
  [dee-lee ko ka-on oog kar-ne]
• Cheers!Kampay!
  [kam-pai]
• I would like to pay, pleaseGusto ko magbayad, palihug
  [gus-to ko mag-ba-yad, pa-li-hug]

• Help!Tabang!
  [ta-bang]
• Go away!Lakaw!
  [la-kaw]
• Call the Police!Tawagi ang Police!
  [ta-wa-gi ang Po-leece]
• Call a doctor!Tawagi og doctor!
  [ta-wa-gi og dok-tor]
• I'm lostNawala ko
  [na-wa-la ko]
• I'm illSakit ko
  [sa-kit ko]

• I'd like to buy...Gusto ko mopalit...
  [gus-to ko mo-pa-lit...]
• I'm just lookingNagtan-aw lang ko
  [nag-tan-aw lang ko]
• How much is it?Tagpila ni?
  [tag-pee-la nee?]
• That's too expensiveMasyado ni kamahal
  [ma-sya-do nee ka-ma-hal]
• Can you lower the price?Maayo ba kamo motaas sa presyo?
  [maa-yo ba ka-mo mota-as sa pres-yo?]

• What time is it?Unsa na oras?
  [oon-sa na o-ras?]
• It's one o'clockAlas uno
  [a-las oo-no]
• Half past (10)Alas napulo ug tunga
  [a-las na-poo-lo oog toong-ga]
• MorningBuntag
  [boon-tag]
• AfternoonHapon
  [ha-pon]
• EveningGabii
  [ga-bee]
• YesterdayKagahapon
  [ka-ga-ha-pon]
• TodayKaron
  [ka-ron]
• TomorrowUgma
  [oog-ma]
• 1Usa
  [oo-sa]
• 2Duha
  [doo-ha]
• 3Tulo
  [too-lo]
• 4Upat
  [oo-pat]
• 5Lima
  [lee-ma]
• 6Unom
  [oo-nom]
• 7Pito
  [pee-to]
• 8Walo
  [wa-lo]
• 9Siyam
  [see-yam]
• 10Puluh
  [poo-loo]

• Where's a/the...?Asa ang...?
  [a-sa ang...?]
• What's the address?Unsay address?
  [oon-say ad-dres?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Maayo ba kamo motudlo nako (sa mapa)?
  [maa-yo ba ka-mo mo-tood-lo na-ko (sa ma-pa)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Unsa oras ang sunod (bus)?
  [oon-sa o-ras ang su-nod (bus)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Usa ka ticket (paingon sa....)
  [oo-sa ka ti-ket (pa-ing-gon sa....)]

Panglao's history dates back to pre-colonial times when it was inhabited by indigenous groups engaged in fishing and trade. The island became significant during the Spanish colonization in the 16th century, as it was strategically located near the waters that connected to the main island of Bohol. The arrival of Spanish explorers in 1565 led to the establishment of settlements and the introduction of Christianity, altering the cultural landscape of the region.

In 1798, Panglao was officially recognized as a parish, leading to the construction of the St. Augustine Church. This church became a focal point for the community and is known for its unique coral stone architecture. The establishment of the parish not only solidified the presence of Catholicism in Panglao but also played a crucial role in the organization of community life and governance during the Spanish colonial period.

During World War II, Panglao, like the rest of the Philippines, experienced the impact of Japanese occupation. The island was strategically important due to its proximity to Bohol and was used by Japanese forces. Local residents faced hardships, and many were forced into labor or conscripted into military service. The war left an indelible mark on Panglao, leading to changes in the social fabric of the community.

After the war, Panglao began to recover and gradually emerged as a tourist destination due to its stunning beaches and vibrant marine life. The 1970s and 1980s saw the development of resorts and dive shops, capitalizing on the region's natural beauty. This shift not only transformed the local economy but also introduced new cultural dynamics as tourism brought diverse influences to the island.

Today, Panglao celebrates its rich cultural heritage through various festivals, the most notable being the San Juan Festival. This annual event, held in honor of St. John the Baptist, showcases local traditions, music, dance, and culinary delights, reflecting the blend of indigenous and Spanish influences. The preservation of local customs and the promotion of cultural events play a vital role in maintaining Panglao's unique identity amidst the growing tourism industry.

Panglao is easily accessible from Tagbilaran City, which is the capital of Bohol. You can reach Panglao by taking a taxi or a tricycle from Tagbilaran Airport, which is about 20 kilometers away. Alternatively, if you are coming from other areas in Bohol, such as Loboc or Anda, local buses and vans are available to take you to Panglao. The journey time from Tagbilaran is approximately 30 minutes.

Panglao is a relatively small island, making it easy to explore. Motorbike rentals are popular, and you can also hire bicycles for a more leisurely pace. Tricycles and habal-habal (motorcycle taxis) are readily available for short distances. If you prefer a more comfortable option, private taxis can be booked through your hotel or local services.

Panglao is generally safe for tourists, but it's wise to take the usual precautions. Avoid isolated areas at night and keep your belongings secure. While violent crime is rare, petty thefts such as pickpocketing can occur in crowded places, especially near tourist hotspots. Areas to be cautious of include remote beaches during off-peak hours.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for police or medical assistance. There are hospitals and clinics in Tagbilaran City, which are about 30 minutes away. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For non-critical health issues, local pharmacies are available in Panglao.

Fashion: Do wear lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for warm weather. Avoid overly revealing attire, especially in religious sites. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially during church visits; covering shoulders and knees is appreciated. Public Transport: Do be courteous in tricycles and taxis, and don’t engage in loud conversations. Greetings: Do greet locals with a smile and a friendly 'Hello.' Eating & Drinking: Do savor local dishes like lechon and seafood. Don’t drink tap water; always opt for bottled water.

To experience Panglao like a local, visit the public markets in the early morning for fresh produce and local delicacies. Engage with local fishermen or artisans to learn about their crafts. Don't miss trying the local street food, particularly the fresh seafood offered by vendors along the beach. For a unique experience, consider joining a local cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional Filipino dishes.