The three Balangiga Bells, seized by the American troops in 1901 as war trophies during the Philippine-American war were finally returned to the parish church of Balangiga, Eastern Samar, Philippines on December 15, 2018.  After 117 years of persistent efforts by the Philippine government, the Catholic Church, private individuals and people of Balangiga, the bells were finally returned by the United States government. This study explored on the experiences of Balangigan-on who witnessed the turn-over ceremony of the bells within the context of socio-cultural, political and economic aspects using thematic analysis which include historical remembrance, emotional reactions, cultural preservation, dynamics of tourism and collaborative governance. The return of the bells made a significant reconnection of the historic past of Balangiga,  its local  heroes and the Balangigan-on.  The bells are living pieces as part of cultural heritage, resilience, bravery and unity espoused by the grandparents of Balangigan-on.  Its repatriation provided economic opportunities for Balangigan-on in the tourism industry particularly in the product and service sectors. The Local Government Unit of Balangiga is on its way in coming with a better tourism development plan to assist the heritage tourism industry of the place including the construction of pasalubong center and preservation of Capt. Valeriano Abanadors house.  The Balangigan-on   fostered pride, unity in the preservation of heritage, cooperation between people in the church and the local government.