Bolinao is located on a cape of the western tip of Pangasinan in the island paradise Philippines. It is situated in western part of Lingayen Gulf. It is bounded by the China Sea on the north and west. On the east by the Kakiputan Channel, this channel separates Bolinao from the only island town of Pangasinan, Anda, on the south by the rolling hills of Bani. It is approximately 40 kilometers away from Alaminos, the center of commerce and trade of the First District of Pangasinan. It is 79 kilometers from Lingayen, the capital town of Pangasinan and 274 kilometers from Manila via Camiling, Tarlac.

Topography is generally flat to rolling with some steep areas specially near the seashores in the western part near Kakiputan channel and some portions of Santiago Island.

Historians have no exact record on the date Bolinao was created. It was presumed that the town was created by virtue of Royal Decree of Spain. Available record showed that it was the year 1575 when Spanish Captain Pedro Lombi founded the first settlement with more or less 100 settlers. The Municipal Council by virtue of its Resolution No. 104 dated September 19, 1988 adopted July 25, 1575 as the Foundation Day of Bolinao in honor of the Patron Saint of the town, St. James the Great.

The word "Bolinao" may be derived from three (3) sources. Legendarily speaking, the name of the town could have been derived from the "Pamulinawen" tree which grew in abundance along the beaches during the exodus of Ilocanos to te place. The second legend can be attributed to the specie of fish which the Tagalog called "Bolinao" which were in abundance in the past. The third one is associated by the famous couple named Bolido and Anao.

Other Historical Dates:
1585 - The year evangelization started in Bolinao by Fr. Esteban Marin.
1607 - The the year catholic church was constructed and still existing as one of the historical landmarks of Bolinao
1609 - The year the old site of Bolinao was transferred from Binabalian (located at Santiago Island) to its present location located at the mainland of the town.
1788 - The year the Catholic Church tower was destroyed by strong earthquake
May 2, 1880 - the first cable was established in Bolinao linking Hongkong and Spain
November 3, 1903 - Bolinao and the rest of the western towns of Pangasinan was transferred from Zambales to Pangasinan by virtue of Philippines Commission Public Act No. 10004
1925 The Municipal Hall was started and completed in 1925 under the administration of Mayor Agustin Cacho
1935 - Construction of the roadline connecting Bolinao to the other towns of Pangasinan and Manila.
June 11, 1973 - The Bolinao School of Fisheries was established
May 11, 1980 - NEA and Panelco I with 100 farmers started planting ipil-ipil trees covering about 1,000 hectares for the Dendro Thermal Project inaugaurated on February 14, 1985 but stopped its operation during the Aquino administration.
July 20, 1982 - Completion of the First Socio-Economic Profile of Bolinao with DILG trainees supervised by the MLGOO
August 7, 1996 - The ECC of the proposed multi-billion Cement Plant Complex Project was denied by Secretary Victor Ramos
March 21, 1997 - Inauguration of the 2 storey Public Market dubbed as the "People's Market" under the administration of Mayor JESUS F. CELESTE
January 30, 1998 - The first fire truck arrived in Bolinao givern by the Bureau of Fire Protection, DILG as requested by Mayor JESUS F. CELESTE
November 22, 1998 - Christ the King Celebration in Bolinao under the Alaminos Diocese
March 26, 1999 - The energization of Barangay San Roque bringing 100% total electrification of the 30 Barangays of Bolinao by PANELCO I and the National Electrification of Mayor JESUS F. CELESTE
January 24, 2000 - An oil tanker and Singaporean Vessel MV NOZ SHEDAR agrounded to a shoal off Santiago Island causing oil spill around Santiago Island. Bolinao filed 200 M damage suit against the vessel owners.
May 14, 2001 - The National/Local Election Day eleceted the first Congressman from Bolinao, Congressman Arthur Celeste who assumed office June 30, 2001 as Congressman of the first District of Pangasinan.
February 1-2, 2002 - Massive fish kill hit Bolinao, about 600 million damaged to agriculture industry and coastal environment
February 8, 2002 -Awarding of Gawad Pangulo sa Kapaligiran, Balingasay River as one of National Finalists under River Category at Heroe's Hall, Malacanang Palace, Manila

Paradise Philippines' Reference:
http://elgu2.ncc.gov.ph