History,  Philippines, Asia, no mass tourism, but much to explore!

It is no doubt that the colonial history of The Philippines shaped the country to what it is now. An identity no race could ever grasp because of its complexities. The Spanish colonizers left their mark on the religion and culture of the Philippines that up to these day is widely practiced. The longing for liberty was the driving force of the Filipino guerrillas to wage war against the Spaniards. Americans fought alongside Filipino fighters and the Spanish colonizers were defeated. And on June 12, 1898 The Philippines was freed from the Spaniards’ 300 year hold on the country. The Americans held The Philippines on its palm for another two years after the Spanish-American war. The declaration of independence from the American colonial era was short-lived as the Japanese invaded The Philippines. The strong mix of culture and influences is still prevalent throughout the country.

Bohol Island

Just a quick ferry journey from Cebu, Bohol offers independent travelers a wealth of options both on and off the beaten track. The island province is promoted almost exclusively through images of cute bug-eyed Tarsiers and the majestic Chocolate Hills, and whilst both are fantastic highlights, in reality it’s the diving that brings in the tourists. Add a jungle interior, an adventure sport paradise, rice terraces and pristine white beaches, and you get a more rounded picture of what Bohol really is about.
Boholanos still affectionately call their province the ‘Republic of Bohol’, in reference to the island’s short-lived independence at the turn of the 19th century. It’s an appropriate appellation – today’s successors of the republic are fierce protectors of Bohol’s distinctive cultural heritage.