BEACHES AND CHURCHES: AN EXTENDED STAY IN BOHOL

Tuesday, July 15, 2025

AN EXTENDED STAY IN BOHOL

After the plenary assembly of the bishops in Bohol, the Secretariat staff took the opportunity to explore the island—an especially meaningful experience since it was the first visit for many.

From Anda, our first stop on the way to the Chocolate Hills was the church of Sierra Bullones, still under the Diocese of Talibon. The church stood out for its unique façade, where the bell tower rose directly at the center. Just below its opening was a rose window, while the entrance was framed by a three-pointed arched doorway that formed a graceful canopy. Like many churches in Bohol, its ceiling was richly painted—depicting the seven sacraments at the center and scenes from the life of Christ along the sides.

We then proceeded to the famed Chocolate Hills, followed by a visit to the Tarsier Conservation Area in Bilar. From there, we crossed the Sevilla Twin Hanging Bridge, a 40-meter bamboo walkway suspended over the Loboc River. Our route also brought us to the Xzootic Animal Park, home to giant Burmese and albino pythons, as well as doves and butterflies. A short stop was made at the parish church of Sikatuna, before heading to the Windows of the World, an attraction featuring miniature versions of iconic landmarks across the globe.

The last church of the day was the parish church of Corella, distinguished by its three-arched doorway. Unlike the earlier churches, this one had no ceiling paintings, offering a simple yet solemn interior. By evening, we arrived at Marilou Dumaluan Beach Resort, where we stayed overnight.

The next day was devoted to the sea. We sailed to Balicasag Island for swimming and snorkeling, and enjoyed a festive boodle fight lunch prepared by the locals. For snorkeling, we boarded small paddle boats that brought us closer to the marine life, where we spotted sea turtles gliding through the waters. Though the water was somewhat murky due to the number of tourists, the beach fronting our lunch area was much clearer. There, I had the chance to follow two sea turtles grazing peacefully on the seagrass.

On our last day, since our flight back to Manila was late in the afternoon, we spent the remaining hours visiting more of Bohol’s natural and cultural treasures. After checking out of the resort, our first stop was the Hinagdanan Cave, followed by lunch at the Bohol Bee Farm Resort and Restaurant. With still enough time on hand, we visited the restored Loon Church, beautifully rebuilt after the devastation of the 2013 earthquake. We also passed by the Maribojoc Watchtower and parish church, then made a quick stop for a group photo in front of the closed church of Cortes. The final leg of our journey was a visit to the parish church of Panglao, before proceeding to the airport.

It was indeed a memorable journey—an enriching blend of natural wonders and cultural heritage, highlighted above all by the island’s beautiful and historic churches.

Immaculate Conception Parish (F-1863)
Sierra Bullones, Bohol

Sierra Bullones belongs to the Diocese of Talibon. All the other churches in this post belong to the Diocese of Tagbilaran.

Typical of many churches in Bohol, the ceilings have paintings depicting biblical scenes, the mysteries of the rosary, the sacraments or the lives of saints.