Into the Postcard Town of Cebu; Boljoon

Among the many beautiful places here in Cebu, for me, nothing can ever beat the beauty of my own place, my hometown, a municipality located at the Southeastern part of Cebu, BOLJOON.

Just 2 - 3 hours drive down south from the heart of Cebu, lies Boljoon. The municipality of Boljoon is one of the oldest towns in the south. It is noted for its captivating narrow coastal plains which are bordered by cliffs ang gigantic hills which has a commanding view of the whole town as well as Bohol Strait.

"The Enchanted Eli Rock"

Before reaching baranggay Poblacion, the Enchanted Eli Rock, welcomes you with its luxuriant, gigantic shape. Folks say, that the Rock served as a shield from Spanish invaders during the Spanish Era. At the peak of the said rock are the ruins of the three watchtowers or we call it "Baluarte" which was built during the Hispanic times. These watchtowers once served as the medium for communication between neighboring towns. Now, Boljoanons made it a tradition to visit the ruins of those watchtowers during Holy Week. 

For me, the breathtaking view of the whole town and the blue waters are one of the best features one can experience upon reaching the peak of "Enchanted Eli Rock". One will surely forget about the steepness of the hill and the dangerous cliffs once you have reached the top! 

"Boljoon's Center of Faith"

Standing aged and proud along the national road, is Boljoon's center for faith, the centuries-old church of Nuestra Senora Patrocinio de Maria. Boljoon  Church or Church of the Nuestra Señora Patrocinio de Maria is the oldest remaining stone church in Cebu built in early stages of the 18th Century. In fact, In 1999, the National Historical Institute declared it a National Historical Landmark. The following year, the National Museum declared it as a National Cultural Treasure. . Looking at it from outside, we can say that it is a very simple one. It has few designs unlike other churches here in Cebu. But wait wait wait,! You will never see its magnificent structure until you enter the church.

As soon as you enter, your eyes will immediately be drawn to the paintings on the  ceiling. At the front is the altar or we call it "retablo mayor" in vernacular. It is made of chosen wood and painted with gold which remains original and preserved until this moment. Nine life size statues of saints are placed on the "retablo mayor" but unfortunately, only three of them were left because the other six were stolen. Now, the remaining three saints are placed at the Parish Museum. The people of Boljoon, devotees as well as the tourists who visit the church consider it as a "Fortress Church" since its over all structure still remain and survived through the test of time.

Boljoon's patron Nuestra Señora Patrocinio de Maria is known to be very miraculous. Our strong faith are evident especially during Her feast day  which is celebrated during the 2nd week of  November.

"Escuela Catolica"

At first glance, you may think this is a "HAUNTED HOUSE" but this is actually the 'Escuela Catolica" made unique and distinct by its double staircase structure. According to folks, is an educational institution focused on teaching children of 6-8 years old the Cebuano alphabet, Cebuano Language, Catholic doctrine and the preparation for their First Holy Communion. The purpose of the double staircase is to separate males from females when going up and down the building. 

"El Gran Baluarte"

The building parallel to Escuela Catolica is the "El Gran Baluarte". Some call it "Block House" and for some, it is the "Kampanaryo". Inside the El Gran Baluarte, at the right side, is the place for prisoners. On the walls of the prison, are drawings of "Galleon" or ships drawn by prisoners during the Spanish Era. For them , drawing the things they see outside the prison was their pastime. At the left side is the way to the second floor of the El Gran Baluarte where we can find the Bells. 

According to folks, these bells were supposedly four but during the Spanish Era, the Moros took one bell away called the "Kampanang Ugis" which is the biggest and the heaviest among the four bells. The Moros were to take the bell to Siquijor but along the way the "Galleon" which contained the "Kampanang Ugis" sunk due to the heavy weight of the bell. 

"The Excavation within Muralla"

Now, the discoveries of this artifacts which were buried within the Church's courtyard called "Muralla" paved way for the Local Goverment Unit of Boljoon together with the Parish council, to build the Parish Museum. Foreign and local archaeologists visited the town to facilitate the excavation. This is a very significant event for the Philippine history especially to the people of Boljoon.

"Bolho Festival"

Bolho Festival started on November 2008.  Boljoon gave birth to Bolho Festival since Boljoon is abundant in water. "BOLHO" means flowing water. Many areas in Boljoon has "Tubod" or spring.  Some bodies of water includes rivers and waterfalls. Bolho Festival is also celebrated in honor of Nuestra Senora Patrocinio de Maria for her guidance and to give thanks for the abundance of water. 

The Lover's Cave

Marulay

More about the beautiful Boljoon!

So this is why I love Boljoon. A day would not be enough to experience all the fun things and see the beautiful features of Boljoon which makes it the only postcard town of the entire province. :) Isn't it AMAZING??.. :P

*credits to the people who own some of the photos used in this blog*