🩸 Blood Compact Shrine (Sandugo): A Tribute to Friendship and First Contact

 

✨ “Isang Dugo, Isang Lahi, Isang Kasaysayan.”
📍 Tagbilaran City, Bohol | 🇵🇭 Historical Landmark | ⏳ First International Treaty

Among Bohol’s most meaningful landmarks is the Blood Compact Shrine—a site that stands as a symbol of peace, diplomacy, and the earliest recorded treaty of friendship between Filipinos and Spaniards.

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🔙 A Glimpse into History

Built to commemorate the historic Sandugo ("one blood"), the shrine honors the pact sealed in March 1565 between Spanish explorer Miguel López de Legazpi and Datu Sikatuna, the chieftain of Bohol. In this traditional ritual, both leaders made a cut on their left arms, collected a few drops of blood, mixed it with wine, and drank it—binding themselves in mutual friendship and alliance.

🪧 Shrine Inscription:

“Each of the two leaders made a small cut in his arm, drew a few drops of blood, mixed it with wine, and drank the goblet containing the blood of the other. Thus was the first bond of friendship between Filipinos and Spaniards.”

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📸 My Visit: Then and Now

📅 2013 Visit (Before the Earthquake)
I first saw the shrine during my early trip to Bohol. Despite its small size, the site left a deep impression. The ocean view behind it made the monument feel grander, timeless.

📅 2016 Visit (After the Earthquake)
Luckily, this historical site was not affected by the 2013 earthquake. When we returned, we stayed at Ocean Suites Bohol, which is just a short walk from the monument. I visited early in the morning—it was quiet, peaceful, and ideal for reflection and photos without the crowds.

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🛍️ Quick Tips

• 🕰️ Best time to visit: Early morning (for quiet, fewer tourists, and better light for photos)
• 🛍️ Souvenirs: Explore the nearby stalls for affordable pasalubong—t-shirts, magnets, keychains, and native crafts
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Ocean Suites Bohol is right next door, with fantastic sea views and quick access to the site
• 💡 Photo Tip: Position yourself with the sea behind the monument for the best angle!

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🔍 2025 Update

The shrine remains well-maintained, with minor landscaping updates around the area. A few souvenir shops now accept GCash, and more benches have been installed for visitors. Parking is still free, but limited.

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📌 Travel Info

📍 Location: East Tagbilaran Road, Bool District, Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Philippines
⏰ Opening Hours: Open daily, 24/7 (no entrance fee)
🅿️ Parking: Free but limited
📞 Contact: Managed by the City Tourism Office of Tagbilaran

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📝 If you're visiting Bohol, don't skip this site. It may be a brief stop, but it carries a weight of history that ties together our identity as Filipinos and our story with the world. Whether you’re a history buff, a curious traveler, or just someone looking for a meaningful photo stop, the Blood Compact Shrine delivers a quiet yet powerful message—peace through understanding, even across oceans and centuries.