Beyond its beaches, Panglao showcases cultural heritage

PANGLAO ISLAND, Bohol — Beyond magnificent beaches that draw droves of tourists into its resorts, Panglao town is showcasing to visitors its rich cultural heritage.

Over 500 antiques dating from the 1800s to the 1980s are now on display at the historic Panglao Old Municipal Hall as part of the 5th “Karaang Butang” (Old Artifacts) exhibition.

The exhibit, organized by the Municipal Tourism Office through its Culture and the Arts Division, is the only of its kind in the province, featuring old household pieces to vintage curiosities, contributions from the barangays and private collectors.

READ: Panglao museum seen to preserve local heritage

The “Karaang Butang” display contest involved all of the town’s villages of Bil-isan, Bolod, Danao, Doljo, Libaong, Looc, Lourdes, Poblacion, Tangnan, and Tawala, making their officials scour their respective communities for antiques and heirlooms for the exhibit.

Among the items on display are plantsang de uling (charcoal flat iron), tsarira teapots, giant wooden kutsara and tinidor (spoons and forks), ligsanan (stone grinders), and lilidsan (wooden cotton gins).

Also on display are Petromax lamps which are pressurized kerosene-fueled lanterns, once used by fisherfolk and households alike for light, and even to set the mood during old-school bayle (discos) back in the day.

Visitors can also see musical instruments, televisions, typewriters, porcelain, enamelware, and other household objects that showcase the daily life of past generations.

One remarkable piece is a 124-year-old duwang, a wooden basin once used for water storage, laundry, and bathing infants. No fancy spa features, just good old sturdy wood and lots of splashing.

Barangay Doljo, this year’s winner, offers a fascinating collection of antique items that takes visitors on a trip down memory lane. Adding intrigue to the display is a framed article about the legendary “wakwak” or vampire in Philippine mythology.

Connecting with the past

The piece recalls old stories claiming that Doljo was once a favorite haunt of the mysterious, winged creatures of Filipino folklore. Whether these tales are true or simply colorful neighborhood gossip is left to the imagination—but curious visitors might just find clues by talking to the exhibitor.

Panglao Mayor Edgardo Arcay said the exhibit honors the value of antiques in connecting the past with the present.

“Panglao’s culture is not just found in books or museums; it lives in our traditions, stories, and heritage that we continue to protect and cherish,” Arcay said.

He encouraged local organizations and collectors to bring back precious antiques scattered abroad, so both residents and international visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the town’s history.

Vice Mayor Daisy Delambaca praised residents for actively participating in preserving Panglao’s artistic and historical identity.

Tourism officer Leonides Senica said the exhibition allows both residents and tourists to marvel at the town’s rich cultural heritage. He said the exhibit also gives tourists a chance to view and appreciate the town’s heritage through the displayed artifacts.

Anthony Ceniz, Panglao’s culture and arts officer, added: “This isn’t just an ordinary exhibit—it’s a living tribute to our history and the lives of our ancestors. Many of these items could be forgotten or lost if not preserved.”

The two-story old municipal building, constructed in the 1800s and once the seat of government until the 1960s, where the exhibit is held, is also historical. It now houses the Bureau of Immigration on the ground floor.

Panglao, known for its white-sand beaches and clear waters, draws thousands of local and foreign visitors each year. Last year, it welcomed 900,000 visitors.

Tourism contributes about 15 percent of Bohol’s economic output, making the exhibit another attraction for visitors seeking to explore the island’s history.

The exhibit runs throughout February for free, giving the public an opportunity to experience Panglao’s storied past through its treasured artifacts. INQ /mr