The Grandeur of the Bishop's Palace

Tagbilaran City, Bohol – It is a rare instance when old architectural designs aging almost two centuries blend so well with modern technologies and contemporary developments. However in Bohol, the land of history and natural beauty, a tapestry of ancient artworks and latest pieces of art is a harmony that surrounds the entire province.

From the oldest churches in the country to the most updated shopping malls, they can all be found in Bohol. And one structure that stood witness to this camaraderie of the old and the new is the Plaza del Palacio de Obispo.

The Bishop’s Palace of the Diocese of Tagbilaran lies beside the almost two hundred years old Cathedral of St. Joseph. Quantum memories of every generation that pass in these cultural heritage are the ones which can testify how each and every new improvements done in these places have not in any way disrespected the grandeur of the past. Hence, it smoothly blends so well that created a picture of perfect harmony.

The Most Reverend, Bishop Leonardo Y. Medroso, Bishop of the Diocese of Tagbilaran, ably maintains the sanctity of both the cathedral and the palace. As the beloved bishop of Tagbilaran, Bishop Medroso always leads his flock to worship and thank God for these wonderful gifts of fusing modern day with ancient times.

Likewise, the people of Tagbilaran and the parishioners of the Cathedral of St. Joseph, work hand in hand to help preserve the historical structures with the kind of gentle introduction of modern technologies in the palace and the cathedral as well.

The façade of the Bishop’s Palace welcomes everyone from all walks of faith. The simple yet magnifying landscape and presence of a water fountain fronting the palace is a picture of people from different generations in worship to one God.

Inside the high-ceiling palace is the presence of centuries-old furnitures that will somehow bring you into a time travel back to the Spanish era. Modern sala sets in the very spacious living room mixed so well with ancient rocking chair and a resting chair Bohol is famous for, the “butaka”.

Modern dining room and kitchen with western interior designs are in loving complements with the old round dining table guarded by a piece of ancient The Last Supper artwork on the wall.

Ancient long dining table we just see in movies is present in the palace. A literally wide veranda or terrace can give you a chance to view almost half of the city. Gigantic doors will usher you to see untouched wooden floors and ceilings. With all these ancient surroundings, a giant flat screen television set blends silently with the legacy of the ancient times. All these and more are manifestations that Bohol is undoubtedly a land of history and natural beauty.