Panglao Island: The Jewel of the Philippines

• HelloKumusta
  [koo-MUS-tah]
• GoodbyePaalam
  [pah-AH-lam]
• YesOo
  [oh-oh]
• NoDili
  [DEE-lee]
• Please/You're welcomePalihug
  [pah-LEE-hoog]
• Thank youSalamat
  [sa-la-MAT]
• Excuse me/SorryPasayloa ko
  [pah-sigh-LOH-ah ko]
• How are you?Kumusta ka?
  [koo-MUS-tah ka?]
• Fine. And you?Maayo. Ikaw?
  [mah-YAH-oh. ee-KAHW?]
• Do you speak English?Kahibaw ka og Iningles?
  [kah-hee-BAW ka og een-GLES?]
• I don't understandDili ko kasabot
  [DEE-lee ko kah-sah-BOT]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseGusto ko makita ang menu, palihug
  [GOO-stoh ko mah-KEE-tah ahng MEH-noo, pah-LEE-hoog]
• I don't eat meatDili ko kaon ug karne
  [DEE-lee ko kah-OHN oog KAR-neh]
• Cheers!Mabuhay!
  [mah-boo-HAI]
• I would like to pay, pleaseGusto ko mobayad, palihug
  [GOO-stoh ko moh-bah-YAD, pah-LEE-hoog]

• Help!Tabang!
  [tah-BAHNG]
• Go away!Lakaw!
  [lah-KAHW]
• Call the Police!Tawaga ang pulis!
  [tah-WAH-gah ahng poo-LEES]
• Call a doctor!Tawaga og doktor!
  [tah-WAH-gah og DOK-tor]
• I'm lostNawala ko
  [nah-WAH-lah ko]
• I'm illSakit ko
  [sah-KEET ko]

• I'd like to buy...Gusto ko mopalit...
  [GOO-stoh ko poh-PAH-leet]
• I'm just lookingNagtan-aw ra ko
  [nag-tan-AW rah ko]
• How much is it?Pila ni?
  [PEE-lah nee?]
• That's too expensiveMahal kaayo ni
  [mah-HAHL kah-AH-yoh nee]
• Can you lower the price?Pwede ka mo-ubos sa presyo?
  [pweh-deh kah moh-OO-bos sa preh-SYOH?]

• What time is it?Unsa oras na?
  [OON-sah oh-RAHS nah?]
• It's one o'clockUsa ka oras na
  [OO-sah kah oh-RAHS nah]
• Half past (10)Saysay na (napulo)
  [sigh-sigh nah (nah-POO-loh)]
• MorningBuntag
  [BOON-tahg]
• AfternoonHapon
  [HAH-pon]
• EveningGabii
  [gah-BEE]
• YesterdayKagahapon
  [kah-gah-HAH-pon]
• TodayKaron
  [kah-ROHN]
• TomorrowUgma
  [OOG-mah]
• 1Usa
  [OO-sah]
• 2Duha
  [DOO-hah]
• 3Tulo
  [TOO-loh]
• 4Upat
  [OO-paht]
• 5Lima
  [LEE-mah]
• 6Unom
  [OO-nom]
• 7Pito
  [PEE-toh]
• 8Walo
  [WAH-loh]
• 9Siyam
  [SEE-yahm]
• 10Napulo
  [nah-POO-loh]

• Where's a/the...?Asa ang...?
  [ah-SAH ahng...?]
• What's the address?Unsay address?
  [OON-sigh address?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pwede ka magpakita (sa mapa)?
  [pweh-deh kah mag-pah-KEE-tah (sah MAH-pah)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Unsa oras ang sunod (bus)?
  [OON-sah oh-RAHS ahng soo-NOD (bus)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Bilhete (paingon sa ....)
  [bil-HEH-teh (pine-GOHN sa ....)]

Before the arrival of Spanish colonizers, Panglao Island was inhabited by the indigenous Eskaya people. They had a unique writing system and language, which are now recognized as part of the cultural heritage of the island. The Eskaya were known for their agricultural practices and their intricate weaving techniques.

In the late 16th century, Spanish explorers arrived in the Philippines, including Panglao Island. The Spanish established the town of Dauis and built several stone churches, such as the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption. These structures are notable for their baroque architecture and have become significant historical landmarks on the island.

During the Philippine Revolution against Spanish rule, Panglao Island became a site of conflict. The Battle of Panglao in 1898 was a significant event where local revolutionaries fought against Spanish forces. This battle was part of the larger struggle for independence and contributed to the eventual liberation of the Philippines from Spanish rule.

Following the Spanish-American War, the Philippines, including Panglao Island, came under American control. During World War II, the island was occupied by Japanese forces. The local population endured significant hardships during this period, but resistance movements were active, contributing to the eventual liberation of the Philippines in 1945.

In the latter half of the 20th century, Panglao Island began to develop as a major tourist destination. The construction of the Panglao International Airport in 2018 has further boosted tourism. The island is now renowned for its stunning beaches, dive sites, and the vibrant Alona Beach area, which attracts visitors from around the world.

Efforts have been made to preserve the rich cultural heritage of Panglao Island. The Eskaya language and traditions are being revitalized, and historical landmarks like the Dauis Church are being restored. Cultural festivals and local crafts are promoted to maintain the island's unique identity amidst growing tourism.

Panglao Island is accessible via Bohol-Panglao International Airport, which is located on the island itself. The airport serves domestic flights from Manila, Cebu, and other major cities in the Philippines. International flights are also available from select Asian cities. Alternatively, you can fly into Tagbilaran City on Bohol Island and take a 30-minute car or van ride to Panglao. Ferries from Cebu and Dumaguete also connect to Tagbilaran City, providing another route to Panglao.

Upon arrival, various modes of transport are available on Panglao Island. Tricycles and motorcycles are popular for short distances, while car rentals offer more flexibility for exploring the island. Taxis and shuttle services are also available for airport transfers and longer trips. For a more local experience, jeepneys operate on main routes, although schedules can be irregular.

The official currency is the Philippine Peso (PHP). While credit cards are accepted in many hotels, restaurants, and shops, it's advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are available in popular tourist areas, but it's wise to withdraw sufficient cash beforehand, especially if you plan to visit remote parts of the island.

Panglao Island is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid isolated areas at night and always be aware of your surroundings. Incidents of petty theft can occur, so keep your valuables secure. Popular tourist areas like Alona Beach are usually safe, but exercise caution in less populated neighborhoods.

In case of emergencies, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The island has medical clinics and a hospital in Tagbilaran City, which is a short drive away. Pharmacies are available for minor health issues. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For police assistance, visit the local police station in Panglao town.

Fashion: Do wear light, comfortable clothing suitable for tropical weather, but also carry modest attire for visiting religious sites. Avoid very revealing clothing in public areas. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes when entering churches and other religious sites. Public Transport: Do be patient and polite. Jeepneys and tricycles can get crowded. Don’t eat or drink while on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile or a polite nod. Handshakes are common, but a slight bow is also appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t waste food; it's considered disrespectful.

To experience Panglao Island like a local, visit the local markets to buy fresh produce and seafood. Engage with locals who are often friendly and eager to share their culture. Don't miss diving or snorkeling at Balicasag Island and Pamilacan Island, which offer some of the best marine life experiences. Attend local festivals like the Sandugo Festival in nearby Tagbilaran City to immerse yourself in local culture.