Tagbilaran City: The Gateway to Bohol's Wonders

• HelloKumusta
  [koo-moo-sta]
• GoodbyePaalam
  [pa-ah-lam]
• YesOo
  [oh-oh]
• NoDili
  [dee-lee]
• Please/You're welcomePalihug
  [pa-lee-hoog]
• Thank youSalamat
  [sa-la-mat]
• Excuse me/SorryPasayloa ko
  [pa-sa-ylo-ah ko]
• How are you?Kumusta ka?
  [koo-moo-sta ka?]
• Fine. And you?Maayo. Ug ikaw?
  [ma-yo. oog ee-kaw?]
• Do you speak English?Kahibalo ka mag-Ingles?
  [ka-hee-ba-lo ka mag-een-gles?]
• I don't understandDili ko kasabot
  [dee-lee ko ka-sa-bot]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseGusto ko makakita sa menu, palihug
  [goo-sto ko ma-ka-kee-ta sa me-noo, pa-lee-hoog]
• I don't eat meatDili ko kaon ug karne
  [dee-lee ko ka-on oog kar-ne]
• Cheers!Mabuhi!
  [ma-boo-hee!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseGusto ko muabay, palihug
  [goo-sto ko moo-a-bay, pa-lee-hoog]

• Help!Tabang!
  [ta-bang!]
• Go away!Lakaw!
  [la-kaw!]
• Call the Police!Tawagi ang Pulis!
  [ta-wa-gee ang pu-lees!]
• Call a doctor!Tawagi og doctor!
  [ta-wa-gee 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...
  [goo-sto ko mo-pa-leet...]
• I'm just lookingNagatan-aw lang ko
  [na-ga-tan-aw lang ko]
• How much is it?Pila ni?
  [pee-la nee?]
• That's too expensiveMahal kaayo ni
  [ma-hal ka-a-yo nee]
• Can you lower the price?Mahimo ka mubaligya?
  [ma-hee-mo ka moo-ba-leeg-ya?]

• What time is it?Unsay oras karon?
  [oon-sai o-ras ka-ron?]
• It's one o'clockAlas usa na
  [a-las u-sa na]
• Half past (10)Alas napulo ug tunga
  [a-las na-poo-lo oog toong-a]
• MorningBuntag
  [boon-tag]
• AfternoonHapon
  [ha-pon]
• EveningGabii
  [ga-bee]
• YesterdayKagahapon
  [ka-ga-ha-pon]
• TodayKaron
  [ka-ron]
• TomorrowUgma
  [oog-ma]
• 1Usa
  [u-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]
• 10Napulo
  [na-poo-lo]

• Where's a/the...?Asa ang...?
  [a-sa ang...?]
• What's the address?Unsay address?
  [oon-sai ad-dress?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Mahimo ka magpakita nako (sa mapa)?
  [ma-hee-mo ka mag-pa-kee-ta na-ko (sa ma-pa)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Kanus-a ang sunod (bus)?
  [ka-noo-sa ang soo-nod (bus)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Usa ka tiket (paingon sa ....)
  [u-sa ka tee-ket (pa-een-gon sa ....)]

Tagbilaran City, the capital of Bohol, was officially founded in 1565 when Spanish explorer Miguel López de Legazpi arrived in the Philippines. This event marked the beginning of Spanish colonization, leading to the introduction of Christianity in the region, which significantly shaped the local culture and society.

In 1898, Tagbilaran played a pivotal role during the Philippine Revolution against Spanish rule. The Battle of Bohol saw local forces, led by General Juan D. dela Cruz, engage in combat against Spanish troops, showcasing the city's importance in the struggle for independence.

Under American colonial rule, Tagbilaran was officially designated as a city in 1901. This period saw significant changes in governance, infrastructure development, and the establishment of public education, laying the groundwork for modern Tagbilaran.

Tagbilaran was occupied by Japanese forces during World War II. The city experienced hardships and resistance from local guerrilla fighters. The liberation of Bohol in 1945 marked a significant return to autonomy and the rebuilding of the city and its communities.

Tagbilaran City is known for its rich cultural heritage, celebrated through various festivals such as the Sandugo Festival, which commemorates the blood compact between Sikatuna and Miguel López de Legazpi. This annual event showcases local traditions, music, dance, and culinary delights, reflecting the city's vibrant culture.

Tagbilaran City is accessible via Tagbilaran Airport, which offers domestic flights from major cities like Manila and Cebu. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a tricycle to reach your destination in the city. Alternatively, ferry services connect Tagbilaran to Cebu City and other nearby islands, with travel times averaging around 2 hours. For those traveling from other parts of Bohol, buses and vans regularly service routes to and from Tagbilaran, making it easy to reach from areas like Panglao, Loboc, and Anda.

Tagbilaran City is compact, and many attractions can be explored on foot. For longer distances, tricycles and habal-habal (motorcycle taxis) are readily available and are a popular means of transport. Jeepneys also operate within the city, providing an affordable option for getting around. Bicycles can be rented from various shops, allowing for an eco-friendly way to discover the area. However, be cautious of traffic, especially during peak hours.

Generally, Tagbilaran City is considered safe for tourists. However, it is wise to stay alert and practice basic safety precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in less crowded areas, particularly around the market and some side streets. Petty crimes, such as pickpocketing, can occur in busy areas, so keep your belongings secure. It’s advisable to avoid specific locations known for nightlife if you are unfamiliar with the area.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for police assistance or 166 for medical emergencies. The city has several hospitals and clinics, with the Holy Name University Medical Center being one of the primary healthcare facilities. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues or over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Don't wear beachwear outside of the beach areas. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, especially during religious events. Don't engage in loud conversations in places of worship. Public Transport: Do be courteous and give up your seat for the elderly. Don't eat or drink on public transportation. Greetings: Do greet locals with a smile and a friendly 'hello.' Don't be overly formal; casual greetings are common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings. Don't waste food, as it is considered disrespectful.

To experience Tagbilaran City like a local, visit the public market early in the morning for fresh produce and local delicacies. Engage with vendors and try traditional snacks like 'kalamay' (sweet rice cake). When dining, don’t hesitate to ask locals for their favorite eateries or street food stalls. Explore less touristy areas to discover hidden gems, such as local parks and quiet beaches. Participate in local festivals if your visit coincides with them for a vibrant cultural experience.