At first glance it may seem like any old sleepy seaside town in the South of Cebu Province that travelers pass by with nary a cursory look. But move in a little closer and you’ll see that there’s more to Boljoon.
As you move 103 kilometers southeast from Cebu City to the quaint town of Boljoon, you’ll notice an incredible change in the Cebuanos’ manner of speaking – the Southern twang captures you, the way all the beautiful sceneries will enchant you. Boljoon is touted as the Cebu Heritage Frontier. It is one of the oldest towns of Cebu and this is one of the very few places where history meets nature. Breathtaking cliffs and luxuriant hills border the coastal plains of Cebu. There are natural forests within tall mountain ranges that are abundant with exotic flora and fauna.
Boljoon is a fifth (5th) class municipality composed of eleven (11 barangays. Of the eleven, 6 barangays are coastal including the Poblacion, the rest are upland barangays. It is an agricultural town where fishing and farming is the two main livelihood of its people. The Poblacion is the main commercial district of the town.
Boljoon is one of the oldest towns in southern Cebu. It is also the quaintest and picturesque. Its narrow coastal plains are bordered by cliff and luxuriant hills; which offers a commanding view of the Bohol Strait. Boljoon therefore is hemmed in by tall mountain ranges with residual natural forests making it " THE ONLY POSTCARD TOWN IN THE ENTIRE PROVINCE OF CEBU".
History:
Historical accounts state that Malay settlers first inhabited Boljoon during the Pre-Hispanic period. According to Marin Morales, the town was created in 1598 while the parish was established a year later. A certain Fr. Blanco disputed this claim and asserted that the Parish was founded in 1600. Another source stated that Boljoon's church was created in 1606 with Barili and Pari-an in 1614 and Mandaue in 1630. A document that still exists in the Archives of the Augustinian Province of the Philippines recorded the formal establishment of Boljoon's Parish in 1692 with Fray Nicholas de la Cuadra, OSA, as its first parish priest. The present church was constructed in 1783 by Fray Ambrosio Otero, OSA, in 1783 and completed by Fray Julian Bermejo, OSA, who also continued the church convent that was finished in 1841.
Boljoon Church is veritable showcase of old and intricate carvings and bass relief. It is also pseudo-baroque rococo with beautifully decorated interior. It has a main nave and transcript and has twenty-eight pillars, two meters thick and made of mortar and lime, which support the walls as thick as the pillars. A communion rail with ornate silverworks was stolen from the church.
According to Tamayo, of all Cebu's churches, the Boljoon Church best gives one sense of the philippine colonial past. its tower is unusual because it is Islamic in character being square rather than curved. The Church's design has seemingly followed the same pattern is the churches of Argao and Dalaguete with the exception of some rococo decorations on the panels and along shallow pillar. It has the appearance of an impressionist painting "a la Greco" with its elongated shape.
The Boljoon Church is the oldest remaining original stone church in Cebu that is relatively well preserved. In 1999, the National Historical Institute declared Boljoon's church a National Historical Landmark and the following year, the National Museum declared it as a National Cultural Treasure.
Heritage:
Ili Rock
The most popular landmark in Boljoon is the Watchtower Ruins at Ilihan (Ili Rock), a fortress that was built from coral stones to keep guard against marauders and other forces. It is perched on top of Ili Rock, a natural fortress in itself that seems to protect the little town of Boljoon.
Standing at the top of the Ilihan Rock affords you a stunning view of the sun kissing the waters of the Bohol Sea.Ili Rock is a natural rock formation at the edge of the Poblacion, built-up area. Ilihan is believed to be a natural fortress during pre-historic times. But present day Boljoanon does not have any knowledge of the Ili Rock being a fortress in oral History. It is one of the main natural attractions in Boljoon.
Church Cemetery
The first Christian burial ground in Boljoon, it must have been opened during the 1760's when the stone church construction commended. Many of Boljoon's forefathers were buried here. Upon the opening of the public cemetery south of Boljoon River , the church cemetery was closed in compliance with provisions of the Sanitary Code of the Philippines .
The first Christian burial ground in Boljoon, it must have been opened during the 1760's when the stone church construction commended. Many of Boljoon's forefathers were buried here. Upon the opening of the public cemetery south of Boljoon River , the church cemetery was closed in compliance with provisions of the Sanitary Code of the Philippines .
Cemetery Gates and Walls
The cemetery gates must have been built around the 1700s or around the time the church was built in 1783. It is made of cut coral stones. This cemetery gate and walls is accentuated by a symmetrical stone gateway with an arch opening. It has a three-layer pediment with finals on both sides of the two-lower layers. There is a stone relief of a human skeleton on top.
Club Fort Med
A warm, relaxing and intimate sanctuary.
Enjoy it with your friends and family!
Surround yourself with wildlife... Under Water!Nestled between the mountain and the sea is Club FortMed, Cebu's newest destination for fun, adventure and relaxation.Located at Boljo-on, Cebu, Club FortMed offers a discrete array of pleasures to be enjoyed.From lazing dreamily under a calming sun... Frolicking amdst its white sand and crystaline waters... Indulging in the beauty of undersea life... Partying in the serene of quiet of lapping waves with a silver moon.Club Fortmed serves as a springboard for exciting adventures with the living sea. Some of the Philippines' best diving spots like Panglao Bay are so close that, within minutes, you're there! Exciting diving tours and experience are on hand.
Club FortMed's rustic charm and simplicity evokes a lifestyle of easy diversions. Inviting cottages and comfortable accomodations. Open-air cabanas and restaurant. And a fully-equiped dive shop. A minimum of fuss and distraction.
Now that you know my lovely hometown! Share it to your friends, take a ride and enjoy the wonders of BOLJOON!
