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TBTK loosely translated is : "A Gathering of Boholanos from all over the world"

TBTK is not an umbrella organization that would gather Boholano organizations under its fold neither does it exist as a regular socio-civic organization. Rather, TBTK works as a steering committee that would handle activities related to the international homecoming and reunion of Boholanos.

Involved Organizations:

• Confederation of Boholanos, United States and Canada, Inc. (CONBUSAC)
• Bohol Association of Metro Manila, Inc. (BAMMI)
• Boholano Organizations from other Countries
• Boholano Organizations from Philippine Provinces

During the sixth biennial CONBUSAC convention, held in Houston, Texas, the then Governor Rene Relampagos, as an invited guest, took the opportunity to invite the CONBUSAC to hold its Seventh Biennial Convention in Tagbilaran City.

Seeing the convention as a venue where the showcase province can be presented, the Bohol officials at that time, headed by Governor Rene Lopez Relampagos, laid out the much-needed base for the convention to materialize.

On the part of the CONBUSAC, the plan was finalized when a cultural and investment group led by Gov. Rene Relampagos and a select Bando-Bandilyo Bol-anon was sent to the USA in early 1999. This sealed the agreement for the Boholanos to come home and re-experience Bohol. The Tigum Bol-anon sa Tibuok Kalibutan (TBTK), a global convention of Boholanos surfaced from that trip.

"The TBTK is also seen as the retracing of the roots of Boholanos who have long left the land and are now bound on that long journey towards home."

Presenting Bohol now is a rather challenging job, especially when the province has just completed its initial steps in batting for a showcase of its tourist spots, preserved traditions, historic landmarks, beaches, dive spots, diverse flora and fauna, unique landforms, and daily unfolding of the arts.

TBTK: A Phenomenon Whose Time Has Come

Like most everything about it, the acronym developed and evolved naturally, by itself, taking an identity of its own then catapulting itself onto the global arena by the sheer force of its self-propelled dynamism and the amorous embrace of its subjects-cum proponents.

That is TBTK - Tigum Bol-anon sa Tibuok Kalibutan. Translated into English, literally or otherwise - a gathering of Boholanos from around the world. But more than a gathering - TBTK is an abstract, more of a movement, but still , a movement still suggests something more physical.

Intrinsically, TBTK is a state of mind. A phenomenon whose time has come.

TBTK was spawned by the convergence of likeminded province mates and their offsprings who have expatriated themselves from Bohol to all parts of the globe.

This dispersal provided a breeding ground for staying in touch - a desire driven by the cohesive nature of the Boholano - for isn't it said often enough that every natural born Boholano knows, really knows every other Boholano?

And here we are, more than six years and hundreds of local reunions, parties, balls and meetings later, TBTK is alive and well and living in every Boholano expatriate's heart. Waiting to spring into the next TBTK - in July, 2006 in Bohol.

You can wait … but better still - dwell in the gathering anticipation that is sure to build into a crescendo and bask in its euphoric realm.

Mamauli ta sa Bohol ! It's an event one should not miss.

Bohol Time