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Bohol Vintage Cars Reliving the elegance of the past and making every ride a journey through time. Temporarily closed for viewing.

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🏛️ ST. JOSEPH’S ACADEMY: A PRE-WAR MEMORY OF OLD TAGBILARAN🏢 now Holy Spirit SchoolLong before it became known as Holy S...
17/10/2026

🏛️ ST. JOSEPH’S ACADEMY: A PRE-WAR MEMORY OF OLD TAGBILARAN
🏢 now Holy Spirit School

Long before it became known as Holy Spirit School of Tagbilaran, this institution began as St. Joseph’s Academy in 1926 through the efforts of Monsignor Gelacio T. Ramirez and the Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit (SSpS).

The school began with a humble mission to provide education for young people in Tagbilaran. Over the years, it grew into an important Catholic educational institution, eventually becoming St. Joseph’s Junior College in 1950, St. Joseph’s College in 1957, and the College of the Holy Spirit in 1965. In 1974, it returned to basic education under the name Holy Spirit School. Today, the institution continues its educational mission as Holy Spirit School of Tagbilaran, with its campus in Dao District.

This photograph, captured by the renowned Digal Studio of Tagbilaran, offers us a glimpse into the school’s earlier years. Since Digal Studio began operating in 1926, this photograph may date from the pre-war era, although its exact date remains unverified.

Looking at this beautiful building along Borja street surrounded by towering trees, we cannot help but wonder what happened to it during the Japanese occupation of Bohol. Did it survive the destruction and hardships of World War II? Was it damaged, rebuilt, or eventually replaced as the school expanded?

These are questions that remain unanswered, and perhaps our dear Boholanos, especially former students, teachers, and alumni, can help us uncover the story of this historic structure.

Our deepest gratitude to Digal Studio for preserving this precious image and to Ma’am Janet for sharing these historical treasures with us. Through the generosity of people who value our heritage, we can reconnect with our past and pass these memories on to the next generation.

❤️ Every old photograph tells a story. Let us continue bringing Bohol’s forgotten memories back to life.

📸 Photo Credits: Digal Studio and Ma’am Janette F. M. Pilongo

Bohol Provincial Trade School: A Legacy of Education, Pride, and Memories ❤️BSATCVSCAFTBISUThe story of the Bohol Provin...
17/10/2026

Bohol Provincial Trade School: A Legacy of Education, Pride, and Memories ❤️
BSAT
CVSCAFT
BISU

The story of the Bohol Provincial Trade School began in 1907 as a humble extension class of Tagbilaran Elementary School. What started in a simple bamboo-and-nipa structure, teaching industrial arts to a small group of boys, would eventually grow into one of Bohol’s important institutions for technical education.

In 1914, it became an independent institution known as the Bohol Trade School. The beautiful wooden-and-concrete building in this photograph was completed around 1931, serving generations of students who came to learn practical skills and prepare for their future.

In 1959, the school became the Bohol School of Arts and Trades (BSAT), expanding its technical education programs and preparing young Boholanos for different trades and professions.

The institution continued to evolve with the changing needs of education. In 1998, BSAT became part of the Central Visayas State College of Agriculture, Forestry and Technology (CVSCAFT) through its integration with other provincial schools. In 2009, CVSCAFT was elevated to university status and became what we proudly know today as Bohol Island State University (BISU).

From its humble beginnings to its present status as a state university, this institution has played an important role in educating generations of Boholanos.

But beyond its historical significance, this place holds a special place in my heart.

During my high school days, my brother and I both completed our secondary education here when it was still BSAT. One of my unforgettable assignments during my first year was to draw the entire school building.

I also remember the school’s vintage Harabas, which we used for driving practice, and a weapons carrier that was part of the school’s collection. I wonder if these old vehicles are still around today. It would be wonderful to know whether they survived and if anyone still remembers them.

And who could forget our famous BSAT Drum and Bugle Corps? We were proud members of this group, and we fondly remember winning the championship against strong competitors, including Bohol National High School.

Behind those victories were the dedication, discipline, and hard work of our mentors, Ma’am Grace Chui and Sir Lorenzo Digal. Their guidance and rigorous training played a significant role in shaping us as members of the Drum and Bugle Corps. Our achievements were not simply a matter of talent; they were the results of commitment, teamwork, and the patience of mentors who believed in us.

Ma’am Grace Chui and Sir Lorenzo Digal, thank you for your dedication, guidance, and the valuable lessons you shared with us. Your influence went beyond music and marching. You taught us discipline, perseverance, and the importance of working together toward a common goal. Those lessons remain with us long after our school days.

Looking at this old photograph brings back memories of our younger days, when we were simply students dreaming about the future. The classrooms, vehicles, and school grounds may have changed over time, but the lessons, friendships, and experiences we shared will always remain with us.

A school is more than just a building. It is where dreams begin, talents are discovered, friendships are formed, and lifelong memories are made.

For me, BSAT was not just a school. It was part of my growing-up years, a place where my brother and I completed our high school education, where we learned practical skills, and where we proudly represented our school through the Drum and Bugle Corps.

From Bohol Trade School to BSAT, then CVSCAFT, and now BISU, the institution’s name and status have changed, but its legacy of education and service to the Boholano community continues.

To my fellow BSAT alumni, do you still remember our vintage Harabas, the weapons carrier, and the glory days of our Drum and Bugle Corps? Are those old vehicles still there today? And to our former mentors and schoolmates, please share your memories. Let us preserve these precious pieces of our school’s history for the next generation. ❤️

Some places become part of history. Others become part of our lives. For us who once walked the grounds of BSAT, this place will always be both.

📷 Photo Credits and Appreciation

Our sincere gratitude to Ma’am Janette F. M. Pilongo for sharing this precious historical photograph and helping preserve the memories of old Bohol.

We also pay tribute to the legendary Digal Studio, whose photographic legacy has helped preserve images of Bohol’s people, places, and institutions for generations to appreciate.

🏛️ A Grand Ancestral House in Cortes, Bohol — April 19, 1939This remarkable old photograph takes us back to April 19, 19...
16/10/2026

🏛️ A Grand Ancestral House in Cortes, Bohol — April 19, 1939

This remarkable old photograph takes us back to April 19, 1939, when a party was held at the residence of Rev. Father H. Hangad-Racho in Cortes, Bohol, in honor of Atty. Cirilo Maceren.

The photograph captures a gathering of people dressed in their finest attire, standing on the balconies, stairs, and entrance of an impressive two-storey ancestral house. Its intricate wooden walls, ornate balcony railings, arched windows, and grand entrance reflect the craftsmanship and architectural elegance of homes belonging to prominent families during that era.

But beyond its beautiful architecture, this photograph leaves us with a question about the house’s fate.

🇯🇵 What happened to this house during the Japanese Occupation?

When the Japanese occupied the Philippines during World War II, many prominent buildings and large residences were requisitioned or used for military purposes, including as garrisons or quarters for Japanese officers. However, we do not yet know whether this particular house in Cortes experienced the same fate.

Was it occupied by Japanese soldiers? Did it survive the war? Or was it eventually demolished, leaving only this photograph as a reminder of its existence?

These are questions that only further historical research and the memories of our elders may help answer.

❤️ A Call to Our Boholano History Enthusiasts

Does anyone among our followers recognize this magnificent ancestral house?

Does it still exist today somewhere in Cortes, Bohol? Perhaps some of our elders remember its location, the family who owned it, or what happened to it during the war.

Let us help preserve our local history by sharing what we know. Every old photograph holds a story, and every memory shared brings us closer to understanding the lives and heritage of our ancestors.

Sometimes, a photograph is all that remains of a place that once stood proudly in our community.

photo credit to maam Janette F. M. Pilongo 🙏🙏🙏🫶

TAGBILARAN CATHEDRAL: A LEGACY OF FAITH THROUGH THE YEARSThe exact date of this photograph is unknown, but judging from ...
16/10/2026

TAGBILARAN CATHEDRAL: A LEGACY OF FAITH THROUGH THE YEARS

The exact date of this photograph is unknown, but judging from the uncemented road, patches of grass, and the quiet surroundings, it may have been taken during the pre-war era. However, this remains an educated observation rather than a confirmed date.

Looking closely at this old photograph, we can see that the road in front of the cathedral was still uncemented, with patches of grass growing along its surface.

Long before Tagbilaran became the bustling city we know today, the story of St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral began in 1595, when Jesuit missionaries established one of Bohol’s first six parishes.

The original church was destroyed by fire on December 23, 1798. Under the Augustinian Recollects, Fr. Valero de San Pascual led the reconstruction and enlargement of the church from 1839 to 1855. Fr. Lucas Corominas built the convent in 1872, while Fr. Jose Sancho oversaw the construction of the bell tower from 1884 to 1888. Fr. Escolastico Enciso later improved the church’s interior and surroundings.

But how did it survive World War II?

When Japanese forces occupied Tagbilaran in May 1942, Bohol entered one of the darkest chapters of its history. The cathedral survived the war, although historical accounts report that its bell tower suffered severe damage. Despite the destruction and hardship of those years, the church remained an enduring symbol of faith for the Boholanos.

On November 8, 1941, the church became the cathedral of the newly established Diocese of Tagbilaran. Over the years, it underwent further improvements and restoration, including repairs following the devastating Bohol earthquake of October 15, 2013. On May 1, 2021, it was elevated to a diocesan shrine.

This old photograph preserves the memory of a cathedral that witnessed generations of Boholanos—their prayers, celebrations, struggles, and hopes. More than a religious structure, it stands as a testament to the faith and perseverance of a community that has endured through fire, war, and time.

A heritage worth remembering. A history worth preserving. A faith passed from one generation to the next. ❤️

Photo credit: Our heartfelt thanks to Ma’am Janette F. M. Pilongo for her dedication to sharing these important historical structures of old Tagbilaran.

The Journey of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary (IHMS)From Tagbilaran Seminary in 1948 to a Lasting Legacy of Educa...
16/10/2026

The Journey of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary (IHMS)

From Tagbilaran Seminary in 1948 to a Lasting Legacy of Education in Taloto, Bohol

Every great institution begins with a dream, a mission, and people willing to make sacrifices for the generations to come. For the Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary (IHMS) in Taloto, Tagbilaran City, that journey began in August 1948, when it was first established as the Tagbilaran Seminary.

The historic photograph shared here carries a special meaning. The inscription reads, “First Anniversary — Laying the Cornerstone, Tagbilaran Seminary.” This tells us that the photograph was taken in 1949, marking the first anniversary of the seminary and an important milestone in the foundation of the institution that would eventually become IHMS.

The photograph captures a humble wooden building, with priests, seminarians, families, and members of the community gathered together. Standing before us is more than a group of people celebrating an anniversary; it is a reminder of the vision, faith, and determination that helped lay the groundwork for an institution dedicated to education and service.

From its beginnings as a seminary, the institution’s mission grew beyond its original purpose, eventually becoming the Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary. Through the years, IHMS has served as the foundational hub for shaping generations of bishops, priests, and lay servants throughout the region.

Looking at this photograph today, we are reminded that the great institutions we know were not built overnight. They began with humble structures, determined individuals, and a shared belief that education could change lives.

From a simple wooden building in 1948 to the enduring legacy of IHMS, this is a story of faith, perseverance, and the power of education. The cornerstone laid in 1949 represents not only the foundation of a building but also the beginning of a journey that would touch countless lives in Bohol.

May we continue to remember and honor the people who helped make this legacy possible, for their efforts remind us that the education we value today was made possible by the sacrifices and dreams of those who came before us.

The building may have changed, and generations may have passed, but the mission of education lives on. ❤️

photo credit to Maam Janette F. M. Pilongo, thank you 🙏🙏🙏


🏥 BOHOL PROVINCIAL HOSPITALFrom a Humble Beginning to the Governor Celestino Gallares Multi-Specialty Medical ComplexBeh...
16/10/2026

🏥 BOHOL PROVINCIAL HOSPITAL

From a Humble Beginning to the Governor Celestino Gallares Multi-Specialty Medical Complex

Behind this old photograph labelled “Prov. Hospital” lies an important chapter in Bohol’s history—a story of public service, political leadership, war, and the long journey toward better healthcare for the Boholanos.

🏥 The Beginning: 1929

The idea of establishing a public hospital in Bohol gained support in the early 1920s. In 1923, Governor Juan S. Torralba, together with Provincial Board Members Miguel Oppus and Alipio Libres, helped advance the proposal for a public charitable hospital.

After years of planning, the Bohol Provincial Hospital officially opened on October 18, 1929, during the administration of Governor Filomeno CaseĂąas. Its first hospital chief was Dr. Victor Abastillas. What began as a modest, single-storey facility became an important source of medical care for the people of Bohol.

🏛️ Governor Celestino Gallares and the Hospital’s Growth

In 1934, the hospital’s second chief, Dr. Ciriaco Bagabaldo, recommended an expansion. Governor Celestino Gallares, together with Provincial Board Members Bernardino Inting and Juan Pajo, supported the development of additional facilities.

The hospital continued to grow through the years, even enduring the hardships of the Japanese occupation during World War II. In 1973, it became the Regional Hospital of Central Visayas.

In 1982, Batas Pambansa Blg. 317 provided for its renaming as the Governor Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital, honoring the governor who had helped expand the institution.

🏗️ Why Did Bohol Have to Wait So Long for Another Major Hospital?

This is where the old photograph makes us reflect.

The hospital opened in 1929, yet generations passed before Bohol began developing another major medical facility in Cortes. Why did it take so long for a growing province to expand its hospital capacity?

Building a hospital requires substantial funding, equipment, medical professionals, and long-term planning. However, the public also deserves clear explanations about project timelines, budget decisions, and delays.

And it makes us wonder: Why can some private mansions and resorts rise within a relatively short time, while public healthcare facilities take years—or even decades—to develop?

Shouldn’t the health and welfare of ordinary Boholanos receive the same urgency and commitment as other major projects?

A hospital is not just another building. It is where lives are saved, families find hope, and people turn when they have nowhere else to go.

🏥 A New Chapter in Cortes, Bohol

In 2022, Republic Act No. 11883 converted the Governor Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital into the Governor Celestino Gallares Multi-Specialty Medical Complex, with facilities in Tagbilaran City and Cortes.

This marked an important step toward expanding specialized medical services for Boholanos. But the true measure of success will not simply be the size of the buildings—it will be the quality, affordability, and accessibility of the healthcare provided.

❤️ A Legacy That Belongs to the Boholanos

From a modest provincial hospital in 1929 to a modern medical complex, this institution has witnessed almost a century of Bohol’s history.

Its legacy belongs not only to the governors and officials whose names appear in historical records, but also to the doctors, nurses, hospital workers, patients, and families who have depended on its services.

As we look at this old photograph, let us appreciate how far Bohol has come while continuing to ask an important question:

If healthcare is a basic need, why should ordinary people have to wait so long for the facilities they deserve?

May the next chapter of Bohol’s hospital history be remembered not only for the buildings constructed, but for the lives saved and the people served.

📸 Photo Credit: Thank you, our dear Ma’am Janette F. M. PJanette F. M. Pilongoreserve Bohol’s history through this precious photograph of the old hospital. Your generosity in sharing these historical images allows us to remember the people, places, and stories that shaped our province. ❤️

🏛️ RAFAEL PALMA COLLEGEAn Old Landmark in Tagbilaran CityAlong the highway, classic cars once lined the roadside in fron...
16/10/2026

🏛️ RAFAEL PALMA COLLEGE

An Old Landmark in Tagbilaran City

Along the highway, classic cars once lined the roadside in front of a remarkable building that holds a special place in Bohol’s educational history. This was Rafael Palma College, now known as the University of Bohol (UB), one of the province’s important institutions of higher learning.
🛕
Established in 1946, Rafael Palma College emerged during the postwar years, when Boholanos were rebuilding their lives and looking for opportunities to continue their education.

The establishment of the college was made possible through the efforts of civic-minded Boholanos, with Atty. Victoriano D. Tirol Sr. playing a key role in securing the permits for its initial courses. The school welcomed its first 622 students in July 1946, offering hope to young people who wanted to pursue higher education without leaving their home province.

👨‍🏫 Who Was Rafael Palma?

Have you ever wondered why the institution was originally named Rafael Palma College?

Dr. Rafael Palma (1874–1939) was a Filipino educator, journalist, writer, and statesman who became the fourth president of the University of the Philippines. Recognized for his contributions to education and intellectual life, he was honored through the school’s original name.

Although he was not the founder of the college, his reputation as a distinguished scholar made him an appropriate namesake for an institution dedicated to learning and academic achievement.

🎓 From Rafael Palma College to the University of Bohol

In 1970, the institution reached a significant milestone when it received its university charter. On December 11 of that year, Atty. Victoriano D. Tirol Sr. was installed as its first university president, marking its transformation from Rafael Palma College into the University of Bohol.

The new name honored the people of Bohol and their enduring belief that education is a valuable legacy that can help generations build better futures.

🚘 A Photograph That Preserves the Past

Looking at this old photograph, we see more than a building and a row of classic cars. We see a piece of Tagbilaran’s past, when familiar streets, vintage automobiles, and historic landmarks formed part of everyday life.

The photograph reminds us of a time when Rafael Palma College was still known by its original name and was steadily establishing its place in the community.

Today, as the University of Bohol continues its educational mission, the memory of Rafael Palma College remains an important part of its history—and of Bohol’s continuing story of education, perseverance, and progress.

Buildings may change, institutions may grow, and names may evolve, but the memories they leave behind remain part of our heritage.

📸 Thank you, Ma’am Janette F. M. Pilongo, for helping preserve Bohol’s history and inspiring future generations through these priceless memories. ❤️









📸 Digal Studio — Established in 1926Preserving Bohol’s Memories Through PhotographyLong before the Ramasola Studio and m...
16/10/2026

📸 Digal Studio — Established in 1926

Preserving Bohol’s Memories Through Photography

Long before the Ramasola Studio and many of the talented photographers we know in Bohol today, Digal Studio was already part of the history of photography in Tagbilaran City.

Established in 1926 by early Boholano photographer Flaviano Tumampos Digal, the studio helped preserve precious moments in the lives of Boholano families. Through photographs of families, celebrations, and everyday life, generations were able to keep memories that would otherwise fade with time.

According to a historical recollection, Digal Studio was located near the intersection of Libertad Street and El Filibusterismo Street, now associated with CPG Avenue and Genaro Visarra Street, respectively, in Tagbilaran City. The former location was identified as the site where the Footstep stands opposite LICA Trading.

Digal Studio formed part of Bohol’s early photography tradition, helping preserve the faces and memories of families and communities through photographs. During a time when photography was not as accessible as it is today, studios like Digal played a meaningful role in documenting family milestones and everyday life.

Today, these old photographs serve as precious historical records, connecting present-day Boholanos with the people, places, and stories of previous generations. The legacy of early photographers like Flaviano Tumampos Digal reminds us of the importance of preserving our local history.

special thanks to Maam Janette F. M. Pilongo for sharing this and also to and

🎬 MELROSE THEATERRemembering One of Old Tagbilaran’s Grand Movie HousesLong before modern cinemas became part of everyda...
16/10/2026

🎬 MELROSE THEATER

Remembering One of Old Tagbilaran’s Grand Movie Houses

Long before modern cinemas became part of everyday life, movie theaters were important entertainment destinations in Tagbilaran. Among them was Melrose Theater, built in 1952 along Libertad Street, near the northern end of old Tagbilaran City.

According to a historical account published by The Tagbilaran Tatler in 2014, the theater was established by Melchor and Rosario Garcia. Its name, Melrose, was derived from a combination of the couple’s names. They would later establish three more theaters in Tagbilaran, contributing to the city’s growing cinema industry.

Melrose was known for its elaborate façade, featuring decorative columns, ornamental details, and faux-marble finishes. Its grand exterior reflected an era when movie houses were designed to capture people’s attention even before they stepped inside to watch a film.

During the 1960s, Melrose reportedly hosted Chinese films sponsored by members of the local Chinese community. However, as entertainment preferences changed and older cinemas gradually declined, the theater eventually ceased operating. The building was later used for other purposes before it was condemned and disappeared from Tagbilaran’s streetscape.

🏛️ Melrose Theater and Ideal Theater: Similar, but Different

It is worth clarifying that Melrose Theater and Ideal Theater were two separate establishments, not different names for the same building. Although both featured distinctive architectural details, their façades were noticeably different.

Melrose had an ornate, palace-like exterior with decorative columns and elaborate detailing. Ideal Theater, on the other hand, displayed a more geometric, Art Deco-influenced design, characterized by strong vertical lines and a more streamlined appearance.

Their architectural differences help us appreciate the individual identity of each establishment and its place in Tagbilaran’s cinema history.

Today, Melrose Theater lives on through historical photographs, illustrations, and written accounts. Though the building is gone, its story remains an important part of Tagbilaran’s cultural and architectural heritage.

📸 Photo credit: The Tagbilaran Tatler
📚 Historical reference: Melrose of Memory, published November 17, 2014, by The Tagbilaran Tatler.

🎬 IDEAL THEATER: Remembering the Golden Age of Cinema in TagbilaranLong before the arrival of BQ Cinema, Tagbilaran City...
15/10/2026

🎬 IDEAL THEATER: Remembering the Golden Age of Cinema in Tagbilaran

Long before the arrival of BQ Cinema, Tagbilaran City already had its own vibrant moviegoing culture. Ideal Theater, Melrose, Maharlika, and Filipinas were among the movie houses remembered from an era when watching films was one of the city’s favorite pastimes.

These theaters welcomed people from all walks of life. Students gathered to watch their favorite stars, office workers enjoyed movies during their leisure time, and young couples found a special place to spend time together. For many Boholanos, going to the cinema was more than simply watching a film—it was an experience filled with excitement, friendship, and treasured memories.

The anticipation of a new movie, the familiar faces of popular celebrities on the big screen, and the conversations after each show were all part of the charm. In those days, a trip to the theater could be the highlight of an ordinary day, bringing families, friends, and loved ones together under one roof.

This old photograph of Ideal Theater takes us back to that memorable chapter in Tagbilaran’s history. Its weathered walls and distinctive architecture remind us of a time when these establishments played an important role in the city’s social and entertainment life.

One interesting detail is the vehicle seen in the background. Its shape appears reminiscent of a Volkswagen Kombi, although its exact make and model cannot be confirmed from the photograph alone. If it is indeed a Kombi, it would be another fascinating detail for vintage vehicle enthusiasts to explore. Perhaps someone familiar with the vehicles that once roamed the streets of old Tagbilaran can help identify it!

As the years passed and modern cinemas emerged, the old movie houses gradually became memories of another generation. Yet their place in the hearts of those who experienced them remains. These were not merely buildings where films were shown; they were part of the stories, youthful adventures, and everyday lives of the people of old Tagbilaran.

🎞️ Do you remember watching a movie at Ideal Theater, Melrose, Maharlika, or Filipinas? What movie stars or films do you remember seeing on the big screen? Share your memories with us and help preserve this special part of Bohol’s cultural heritage for the younger generation.

📸 Photo credit: Our friend Janette F. M. Pilongo .Heartfelt thanks for sharing this old photograph and helping keep the memories of Tagbilaran’s past alive. The image has been colorized for historical appreciation, with an effort to retain the character and authenticity of the original photograph.

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