Tagbilaran (Tagalog and English Tagbilaran) is the capital of Bohol Province in the Philippines. It is located in the southwestern part of the island of Bohol opposite the small island of Panglao. The total area is 32.7 km². It occupies 13 km of coastline. It is 630 km away from Manila, the capital of the Philippines, and 72 km from the city of Cebu.

Tagbilaran is the main gateway to the island province of Bohol. It is also called the “City of Friendship”, it is recognized as one of the 8 Philippine “cities of dreams” (the other seven are Samal, San Fernando, La Unión, Cebu, Iloilo, Marikina, Naga, Calbayog, Surigao).

History
Before the arrival of the Spaniards, there was a settlement on the site of Tagbilaran, whose inhabitants had trade contacts with China and Malaysia. In 1565, the Spanish conquistador, explorer and colonizer, Legaspi, and the local leader Sikatuna, agreed on peace and cooperation. As a city, Tagbilaran was founded on February 9, 1742, when it was separated from another city, Baclayon. The city was occupied by the Americans during the Philippine-American War and by the Japanese during World War II. Since 1966, it has been transferred by government decree to the category of large cities.
A significant historical event of this city is the so-called “Blood Union”, when Miguel López de Legaspi stopped here on the way from the Camiguin Islands to the province of Butuan with four ships. The strong monsoon and low tide forced the Spaniards to linger on the coast of Bohol, where they met with the locals. Captain Legazpi and Chief Sikatuna drank wine, to which they added their own blood, making incisions on their hands, and thus concluded a treaty of brotherhood and peace. The event was reflected on his canvas by the famous Filipino painter Juan Luna. Subsequently, the President of the Philippines approved the state award – the Order of Sikatuna.

Another significant event was the Battle of Ubuhan, where the well-organized and armed Japanese occupiers were expelled from the province, thanks to the tenacity of the Boholans. The Philippine troops were commanded by Francisco Salazar and Vicente Cubello.

Transport
Tagbilaran Airport serves three lines: Cebu Pacific, three flights a day, Philippine Airways, three flights a day, and Zest Airways, one flight a day to Manila. To Manila from Tagbilaran – an hour’s journey air.
The seaport in Tagbilaran is most closely connected with the neighboring island of Cebu. Cebu is 1.5 hours away. Vessels make regular flights to other regions of the country. Inside the island there is road transport (buses, cars, taxis).

Tourism
The center of the province is a stronghold for tourism, from where trips are organized to various parts of the island of Bohol. The most famous sights of the province are the ancient churches in the capital itself and other settlements, the Chocolate Hills, excellent beaches and other entertainment. There are resorts, hotels and restaurants.
Every year in July, the Sandungo Festival is celebrated in honor of the union of López de Legaspi and Datu Sikatuna.