The Blood Compact Shrine

Location: Barangay Bool, Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Philippines
Opening hours: The site is open 24 hours a day, but the best time to visit is during the day, when the sculpture is more visible and the view is more scenic.
Entrance fee: There is no entrance fee to visit the site.
How to get there: It is recommended to take a chartered car and it is a 10-minute drive from the Baclayon Church.
Reason to visit: This is a must-visit destination for those who want to learn more about the history and culture of Bohol, as well as to appreciate the art and beauty of the monument and the nice sea view.

The Blood Compact Shrine is one of the must-visit destinations in Tagbilaran City, Bohol. The site commemorates the historic event known as the Sandugo or blood compact, which is considered as the First Treaty of Friendship between two different races, religions, cultures, and civilizations.

The blood compact (Sandugo)

The blood compact was a ritual in the Philippines intended to seal a friendship or treaty. It involved the cutting of the wrists of two parties and the mixing of their blood in a cup of wine, which they then drank. The blood compact was a symbol of trust, loyalty, and respect between the allies.

The most famous blood compact in Philippine history took place on March 16, 1565, between the Spanish explorer Miguel López de Legazpi and Datu Sikatuna, the chieftain of Bohol. Legazpi was the first governor-general of the Spanish East Indies and the leader of the expedition that colonized the Philippines. Sikatuna was the ruler of one of the independent polities on the island of Bohol. The blood compact between Legazpi and Sikatuna was a gesture of friendship and peace, as well as a recognition of each other's sovereignty and authority.

The blood compact between Legazpi and Sikatuna is also known as the Sandugo, which means "one blood" in the local language. The Sandugo is regarded as the first international treaty of friendship in the world. It marked the beginning of the Spanish colonization of the Philippines, as well as the spread of Christianity and Hispanic culture in the archipelago. The Sandugo also influenced the formation of the Filipino identity, as it showed the willingness of the natives to cooperate and interact with foreign powers.

The Monument

The Blood Compact Shrine is a simple yet elegant tribute to the historic event that took place between Legazpi and Sikatuna. The centerpiece of the site is a sculpture made by the National Artist Napoleon Abueva, a Boholano himself. The sculpture depicts five life-sized figures gathered around a table, with Legazpi and Sikatuna at the center, raising their glasses in a toast. The attention to detail and artistry of Abueva's work is truly remarkable and adds a sense of grandeur to the site.

The sculpture is placed on an open and raised dais, providing a commanding view of the Bohol Sea and the scenic landscape of the island. The site also has a plaque that explains the significance of the blood compact and its participants. The Blood Compact Shrine is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, who come to admire the monument and take pictures with it.

What to do and see here and around

The Blood Compact Shrine is usually the first stop of the Bohol city tour, which covers the main attractions and landmarks of the province. The site is easily accessible from the city center, either by tricycle, cab, or private vehicle. There is a wonderful plaza below, where visitors can relax and enjoy the breeze. The plaza has benches, trees, and flowers, as well as a fountain and a flagpole. The plaza is also a venue for cultural events and performances, especially during the Sandugo Festival, which is held every July to celebrate the blood compact.

The site also faces the shoreline, where you can witness the beauty of the Bohol Sea and the nearby islands. The sea is calm and clear, and the horizon is dotted with boats and ships. The site is especially stunning during sunrise and sunset, when the sky is painted with vibrant colors. For those who want to have a nice view and good coffee, there is a hotel next to the site that offers both. The hotel has a rooftop restaurant and bar that overlooks the Blood Compact Shrine and the sea. The hotel also has comfortable rooms and amenities for those who want to stay longer.

It is also a good place to buy some cheap souvenir items. There are stalls and shops near the site that sell various products at very low prices. The items include shirts, hats, bags, keychains, magnets, postcards, and more. Some vendors will also actively promote items such as pearls, but some of these pearls may be fake, you need to carefully identify them.