The Churches of Bohol (Part II)


The history of the church is a mixture of mystery and miracle. According to local folks, the church patron saint, the Virgin of the Assumption, is said to possess miraculous powers. When the town was invaded by pirates, the people of Dauis locked themselves inside the church. But they soon ran out of provisions and water.

Then a miracle occurred - a well appeared at the foot of the altar. This same well is still the main source of water for the people living close to the church, and, although the well is only a few meters from the sea, the water is absolutely fresh. The water is said to have healing powers, so, I had to fetch a bottle and took some home.

My trip back to Tagbilaran City after visiting the churches had given us a lot of new discoveries and enchantments. Indeed, scenic Bohol casts an enigmatic charm drawn from the many archaic mementos spread throughout the oval-shaped island - from unique rock formations to a 45-million-year-old mammal species, from massive stone watchtowers built in the 18th century to the historical and mysterious churches that witnessed the rise of Christianity in the country.

Safely, before sunset, I arrived at my rented room in Tagbilaran City where I took a shower and packed up for our journey back home.

Just before leaving Bohol on my way to Cebu City, thoughts of what to bring occupied my mind. Intricately printed souvenir shirts, along with the famous sweet delicacies of special Kalamay and peanut kisses, renowned throughout the country, conjures in my mind.

But perhaps the best image I saw on my departing was the lazy sunset along the newly-renovated port area - a reminder that real adventure and spiritual rediscovery could come together in little places of serenity. Like Bohol. *

How to get there:

From Manila, the capital of the Philippines, Bohol is an hour away by plane. Philippine Airlines flies direct from Manila to Bohol daily.

For more information about Bohol, you may try the ff:

http://www.bohol-island.com or http://www.bohol.gov.ph

The copyright of the article The Churches of Bohol (Part II) in Philippine Culture is owned by Mars Mosqueda Jr.. Permission to republish The Churches of Bohol (Part II) in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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