Churches « Valerie Caulin – freelance writer

Archive for the ‘Churches’ Category

Miag-ao Church: Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Parish Church

Thursday, January 21st, 2010

Miag-ao Church or Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Parish Church is one of the Baroque Churches in the Philippines that belong to the UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994. Along with the baroque churches of Intramuros, Paoay (Ilocos Norte) and Santa Maria (Ilocos Sur), Miag-ao Church is something that we should be proud of.

I first learned about this “yellowish” church ( due to its silt and clay material) when I was processing my college admission for University of the Philippines that has a campus in Miag-ao. And for four years, this church has been my place of worship as I stayed and studied in Miag-ao for my four-year college education. And through my class in Humanities, I learned more about how brilliant its designs and architecture are as European Baroque elements were impressively interpreted by local craftsmen.

Well decorated facade of Miag-ao Church

One of the striking feature of Miag-ao Church is its facade of a man carrying a child in the middle of a forest. As explained to me and to the rest of my classmate, it was St. Christopher carrying the Infant Jesus in the midst of local trees like papaya, coconut and guava.

Statue of the Spanish King

Pope's Statue

There are also three statues in its facade, namely that of St. Thomas de Villanueva, the Pope and a Spanish king who was then the ruling monarch of Spain during its construction in the 18th century.

Left tower showing its buttresses

Like Paoay Church, it also has buttresses which defends the church from earthquakes, making these type of churches as “Earthquake baroques”. Also if you are keen enough, its two towers are not of the same proportion.

Four-storey right tower

three-storey left tower

Its right tower has four storeys while the left only has three. The towers were built under two different parish priests with the other having his own preference on how many storeys the tower should have. Before, visitors can climb its belltower but lately it is now prohibited when one Korean tourist rang the bell and caused a commotion in the whole town. Keep in mind that ringing the church’s bell still means something from mourning, weddings even to alert the people of a disaster like fire, earthquake or flood.

Church's interior

Miag-ao Church is not plainly a place of worship but served military purpose as a fortress. It sits on a hill, and you can see a nice angle of this church as you cross the bridge going Miag-ao. The church served as a watchtower against raiding Muslims or Moros who attacked coastal towns in Panay and make the captured people as slaves. Hence, the Salakayan Festival of Miag-ao.

How to get there

You can take a jeepney going to Miag-ao from the Super Market in Iloilo City ( close to Robinson’s Place) or in Mohon Terminal in Villa.

Related Articles

Santa Barbara Parish Church and Convent

Paoay Church of Ilocos Norte

Santa Barbara Golf Course

El Dorado Water Park

Tags: Baroque churches, Iloilo, Miag-ao, Miag-ao Church, Miag-ao Parish Church, Sto.Tomas de Villanueva Parish Church
Posted in Churches, Iloilo, landmarks | 3 Comments »

Where have you been in 2009?

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

Revamping this site to feature destinations and travel in general as much as possible, I looked back for this year in terms of where I have set foot in. Turns out that I have traveled so much this year! Yipee! Take the fact that my son has become older that I can leave him for a night or two for some “me time” traveling. Likewise, he is bigger to bring along to further destinations.

I excluded Roxas City and the rest of Capiz province as well as Kalibo and Aklan since we always go there. So here are the places that I have been too this year:

1. Zamboanga del Norte

Dakak

I have been to Mindanao a thousand times ( my mom is from Lanao del Norte), it is still a path unknown to me. And to visit and explore the peaceful Zamboanga del Norte was amazing. We’ve been to Dakak ( I just love it), Dipolog and Dapitan. I love the unspoiled scenery of Zamboanga.

2. Misamis Occidental

Aki having fun with the monkey in Cotta

My husband hails from Ozamiz City and we visited their place during the Holy Week. I have been to Ozamiz City before I even met him and last Holy Week, we went to different places in the province like Jimenez with their old church and passed different municipalities along the way.

It was my first time to see real dolphins..haha!

For my baby who loves the water so much ( just like me), we visited the Misamis Occidental Aquamarine Park (MOAP) in the town of Sinabacan which is just 25 minutes away from Ozamiz City. I found this blog which has complete information about MOAP. Click here!

3. Guimaras

Alubijod, Guimaras

Oh, the romantic and tranquil island of Guimaras. I visited the island once again this year with my high school barkadas last June. And an interesting fact that one of the women I admire, Daphne Osena-Paez worked and lived in Guimaras for a year. We stayed in Villa Igang Resort and visited Guisi Beach, Guisi Lighthouse and Ruins, Trappist Monastery, etc..

4. Cebu

Aki swimming with his cousin, Boodie in Shangrila Mactan

Should I include this? I’m from Cebu and of course, Iloilo is just an hour away by plane. But this year is different since I came home many times, 4 times to be exact. Even as a local of Cebu it was my first time to visit Shangrila Mactan, the Parola in Lilo-an and the Museum of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Cebu.

5. Manila

"Can I feed them Ma?"

Manila as the capital city serves as the stoppver for many our trips and sometimes we stay for one night to check out this vibrant city. When we went to Mindanao last Holy Week, we treated our son to the Manila Ocean Park but it was not as impressive since we came from MOAP where we really touched sea animals in their own habitant.

When my husband went to Ilocos, we stayed for one night in Manila before going home. And a creepy thing happened, my husband saw a vision of a child burning in pain while we slept in our hotel room. Creepy! I won’t share what hotel it was..I don’t want to ruin their business..haha!

6. Ilocos Norte and Sur

Where is Simon Ibarra?

Our Ilocos trip was the best for this year. I have been dreaming of Ilocos in years and if I remember it right, I once said that I will marry the man that will take me to Ilocos. haha!

There was a storm, Santi hitting Luzon when we went there with some flights cancelled but we conquered them all and had a wonderful time in Ilocos. When we were in Vigan, we missed our son so much that we didn’t have much fun as we should have.

7. Boracay

ahh..unwind and relax..

I have been to Boracay six times and I shouldn’t put this on my list since I can always go here if I wanted to. But nevertheless, I include this since we spent our special Christmas day in Boracay and it turned out to be the best Boracay trip I ever had. Lessons learned- stay in Station 1 and avoid avoid the peak season during summer.

There is my list. How about you? Where were you in 2009?

Tags: Cebu, Guimaras, Ilocos, manila, philippine destinations, zamboange
Posted in Cebu, Churches, Guimaras, Ilocos Norte, Misamis Occidental, Zamboange del Norte, beaches | No Comments »

Sarrat Church

Saturday, November 28th, 2009

Sarrat Church

After we had our hearty breakfast of Ilocano longganisa dipped in their native vinegar (now I’m drooling) in Balay da Blas where we stayed, we headed to the quite town of Sarrat which a few kilometers from the city proper of Laoag City. There are two main attractions in this town – The Edralin-Marcos Museum and the Sarrat Church.

Sta. Monica Parish Church and Bell Tower

Sta. Monica Parish Church or simply Sarrat Church is one of the most popular destinations in Ilocos Norte not just for its heritage and cultural significance but it was this same church that one of the most lavish weddings in the country happened. It was in June 11, 1983 that then presidential daughter Irene Marcos wed a member of the scion clan of the Aranetas, Greggy Araneta.

The wedding was one of the ways that the Marcoses showed their indulgence as they built the Laoag Airport and the Fort Ilocandia Resort and Casino just for the wedding. The sleepy town was transformed into a bustling village during the Marcos-Araneta Nuptials that many people compared it to the royal wedding of Princess Diana and Prince Charles. And it doesn’t end there, for the church was badly damaged when a 7.6 intensity earthquake hit Sarrat which some say was a premonition of the inevitable downfall of the Marcos regime.

The town of Sarrat is important for the Marcos family since the president, Ferdinand Marcos was born in this town before they moved to Batac when he was eight. Fabian Ver who was also very active during the Marcos regime was from Sarrat. One of the guesthouses of Marcos is in Sarat which was abandoned for many years and now a government office.

Sarrat Church Bell Tower

Setting aside Marcos- Araneta weddings, Sta. Monica Church is no doubt a very lovely structure of Neo-classical and Baroque features. Its bell tower which was severely damaged during the earthquake is now fully restored. The façade of Sarrat Church is not intricate but is made of baked red bricks with some jars used as ornament. The church also faces a river in which during summer, huts were built for families along with balikbayans to have some nice picnic along the riverbank.

The river across the Church which also a preserved naure park.

The simple interior of the church

The interior of the church is also very simple, not a hint of glamor from the wedding that happened more than two decades ago. No tall pillar or sculptures inside, maybe the ornaments were all ravaged by the past earthquakes that the church succumbed to in the past.

Parish museum

Another structure that lies just next to the church is its Museum. It’s hard to miss this building for yet again, made of red baked bricks which always attract my attention. We missed the chance to visit the museum since it was a Sunday when we went there. I have read in one blog that the museum was once a trial court during the Spanish era.

Tags: Ilocos Norte, Sarrat Church, Sarrat Ilocos Norte, Sta. Monica Church
Posted in Churches, Ilocos Norte | 1 Comment »

Paoay Church of Ilocos Norte

Wednesday, November 4th, 2009

paoay church

Traveling all the way up to the northern part of Luzon, to the province of Ilocos Norte is worthwhile once you gaze upon the Church of St. Agustine in the town of Paoay. More commonly known as Paoay Church, this Baroque Church belongs to the list of UNESCO Heritage Site.

Though the parish was first founded in 1593 by the Augustinians, construction only started almost 200 years later. With primitive tools in hand and technology, it was finally complete in 1896. Its bell tower is separated from the church and was used by Filipino fighters as an outlook post during the revolution against the Spaniards and during the Second World War.

paoay church

The facade of the Paoay Church is still in its original form with traces of Oriental, Gothic and Baroque architecture. Though not as intricate as those found in the facade of Miag-ao Church, in Iloilo ( another World Heritage Church), there is something special with its look. Not just due to its antiquity, but due to the different influences specially the Oriental side.

It is made of bricks ( the lower part) and coral stone( the upper part); coral stones are common materials during the Spanish era. But comparing it to old churchs specially in the Visayas, the bricks and stones were not glued with egg yolks but rather of stucco plaster and tree sap.

paoay church

The main distinction of the Paoay Church are its 24 buttresses which supports its walls three meters thick from earthquakes. The buttresses are even visible in satellite images. Though this church has suffered two massive earthquakes, the exterior and the facade were spared; damage was done to its interior. With this, columns were added to the church’s interior to support is ceiling from possible earthquakes.

paoay church

Tip:

If you are into photography, visit Paoay Church at dusk when the church gleams its orange hue.

Related Article:

Marcos Mausoleum

Tags: Baroque churches, Paoay Church, Paoay Church Ilocos, UNESCO Heritage
Posted in Churches | 3 Comments »

Baclayon Church: One of Bohol’s Ecclesiastical Treasures

Tuesday, October 13th, 2009

Baclayon Church's Facade 2

The Visayan island of Bohol is celebrated for its unspoiled beaches, it’s big eyed smallest lemur known as the tarsier and the chocolate hills – just to name a few. But this still and tranquil island is a great place to walking tours especially when it comes to old churches.

There are many old and well-preserved churches all over Bohol as this island was not badly damaged during the Second World War and was truly blessed not to have suffered calamities like earthquakes. From the Gothic church of Calape to the church in Dauis with miraculous water from its well - Bohol is one destination to go when it comes to old churches.

The church of Baclayon or the Church of Lady of the Immaculate Conception lies just 6 kilometers from the Bohol’s capital, the city of Tagbilaran. Constructed by Spanish clergy utilizing forced labor among the natives, this old church is made of coral stone with egg whites used to fasten the blocks together- very typical among Spanish colonial churches in the Philippines.

Tiered bell towers and coral stone materials are common in Philippine old churches but Baclayon church somehow differ in some ways- its lavish interiors. Most old churches have archaic and well-preserved facade with the interiors modern or less outstanding. But with this church, its interior is equally inspiring. Its altar have exquisite designs with its ceiling that can leave you in awe.

Baclayon Church's beautiful altar

Private institutions helped to fix this organ

Imagine the priest delivering his sermon on top of his lungs for more than 2 hours...

Second oldest church

Striking Baclayon Church at night

Promoted and written in some blogs that this church is the second oldest church is the Philippines next to the Church in Intramuros, it isn’t. Some claim that is was constructed in 1595 but what I remember in my class in Cultural History is that the said claim is based on the founding of the parish of Baclayon by Jesuit priests that came from the neighboring island of Cebu. But its real construction to a stone church started centuries after.

And to be more factual and reliable ( since I only got 2.50 mark from my Cultural History class ), here is the statement from the Heritage Conservation Society regarding this debate:

“Despite claims that the present stone church in Baclayon is the oldest in the Philippines, evidence places the construction of the church to 1727. The belief that the church was built in 1595 may have come because of a 19th century report by the Recollects that the mission was founded in 1595; but the same report lists two other dates 1593 and 1594. The date 1595 inscribed on the church façade is a later addition.”

Nevertheless, Baclayon church is still a heritage church that everyone should be proud of. The date of its construction is not the most important thing but rather its role on the lives of the people of Baclayon through the years.

How to get there

If you are not renting a van that can take you directly to Baclayon, cheaper alternatives are taxis and tricycles.

Taxi fare from Tagbilaran to Baclayon is 200-250 pesos.

If you want tricycle, you can rent if for 100-200 from Tagbilaran to Baclayon.

If you don’t want to rent, take a tricycle to Tagbilaran Provincial Hospital (fare is 10 pesos per pax) then take a jeepney to Baclayon ( 7 pesos per pax).

Photos and details by: Ace Francisco

Related Article:

Loboc River

Tags: Baclayon Church, Bohol island, church in Bohol, things to see in Bohol
Posted in Bohol, Churches | 2 Comments »

Santa Barbara Church and Convent

Sunday, October 11th, 2009

santa barbara

It was more than 6 years ago that I first seen and visited the historical church of Santa Barbara with its nostalgic convent owing it to my class in Local History which I don’t consider as local since I’m not Ilongga. I felt like a tourist and asked a lot of things to our professor who was more knowledgable about the church than the tour guide with my classmates just touring around obviously familiar with this church. And now that I am based in Iloilo I still admire this place and frequently drops by for a lazy Sunday afternoon drive.

The Santa Barbara Church and Convent has been a National Treasure since 1991 with its role not just as well-preserved religious structure but served as a headquarters for local rebels who fought against the Spaniards. Led by Gen. Martin Delgado, local soldiers with their primitive bolos proclaimed their rebellion against the Spanish rule – the first documented rebellion outside Luzon. Thus, this church is also known as the “Cradle of Ilonggo Revolution”.

Its facade is of neoclassical architecture but its convent is far more impressive with its preserved structures since it was built in 1855-1878.

santa barbara

The Santa Barbara Convent with its noticeable red bricks is of Hispanic Moorish architecture or what they call as the “mudejar” architecture. Using brick as its main material, these type of structures are common in Southern Spain like in Seville and Aragon.

santa barbara

Though I have visited the Santa Barbara Church and Convent many times, I only entered the convent’s interior once during my said trip more than 6 years ago. I can still vividly remember the errie feeling creeping in our bones as I pretended to be Maria Clara and another class clown as Crisostomo Ibarra. And true to its military purposes, there are many secret passages in the convent.

Lying just 16 kilometers from Iloilo City, a side trip to Santa Barbara Church and Convent is a nice idea if you are in Iloilo. And if you are in Santa Barbara, you can also visit the Santa Barbara Golf Course which is the oldest existing golf course in the country. You can also visit their local museum which is just across the church.

Did you know?

It is illegal in Santa Barba to use plastic bags. Instead, this use bags made from paper, buri and other prescribed non-plastic containers. Such move is obviously for the town to answer the call of Mother Earth.

How to get there

Santa Barbara is only less than 20 minutes from Iloilo City and lies close to the airport. From the city, take a jeepney bound for Santa Barbara in University of the Philippines campus fronting Iloilo Doctor’s Hospital or from SM City ( you have to cross the street from SM City).

Tags: churches in Iloilo, Santa Barba Church and Convent, Santa Barbara Iloilo
Posted in Churches, Iloilo | 3 Comments »

Pan-ay Church ( Sta. Monica Parish Church)

Monday, August 3rd, 2009

pan-ay church

The island of Panay specifically the city of Iloilo is home to centuries-old churches with the famous church in Miag-ao among others. But on the northern part of the island in the province of Capiz is another heritage church that everyone should drop by if you happen to be in Roxas City or from Boracay Island.

Built in 1774, it is one of the oldest in the Philippines with its signature Baroque architecture ( common during those times). At present, Sta. Monica Parish Church is famous for its bell. Yes, the bell of Pan-ay Church is its main attraction.

Pan-ay Church

Weighing a total of more than 10 tons, this bell was constructed way back in the early 19th century. From the 70 sacks of coins collected from the locals ( imagine the agony and so-called “Spanish cruelties), this bell is the biggest in the country, in Asia and the third in the world. The great bell is surrounded with 8 smaller bells which are also dated as early as 1822. What is more impressive is that these bells are still used until today .

The rest of the church is very striking with its designs courtesy of the Baroque architecture that it adheres.

Pan-ay Church

The entrance door of Pan-ay Church has a floral designs sculptured with complexity.

Pan-ay Church

I’m not sure who this persona is but my guess is that he is the Pope/ Bishop or any high church official during the construction of Pan-ay Church.

Pan-ay Church

The belfry of the Church with clocks sourrounding the 4th tier.

Related Articles:

St. John the Baptist Church of Misamis Occidental

Visita Iglesia

Tags: Baroque churches, Capiz, Pan-ay Church, Philippine old churches, Roxas City, Sta. Monica Parish Church
Posted in Capiz, Churches | 2 Comments »

Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral

Sunday, July 26th, 2009

Cebu has many things to offer to its guests particularly its world-class beaches, entertainment and good food. But the Queen City of the South is also home to old churches with its Basilica de Sto. Niño as the most visited place but just a short walk is the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral.

The Cathedral is less crowded and chaotic ( during feast days and Sundays) compared to the Basilica del Sto. Niño and I love hearing mass this in cathedral when I had the chance.

cebu cathedral

Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral is the seat of the Archdiocese of Cebu and was built way back in early 19th century. The plan to build a cathedral in a newly “conquered” city by the Spaniards happened way back in the 17th century. And like the rest of old churches in the country, the cathedral witnessed many natural and man-made mishaps like fires and world wars. The Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral was reconstructed in the 50s, just after the war.

cebu cathedral

At present, the cathedral is wearing a new face with recent renovations specifically its interior. If you have visited the cathedral many years ago, you will notice its new look by looking at it from the outside. I used to see the cathedral with its usual Spanish- era coral-made church but during my last visit, from afar it seems that it is made of cement. The interior of the Cebu Metropolitan Church also made some changes like some additions to its altar, restored pipe organ and lighting of the big chandelier.

Whether old looking or modern, I still consider the cathedral as a must-see in Cebu. Like other churches and landmarks in Cebu, the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral is a bearer of Cebu’s rich history, heritage and culture created for many centuries.

Tags: Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, Churches in Cebu, Philippine cathedrals, Things to do in Cebu, Where to go in Cebu
Posted in Cebu, Churches | 1 Comment »

St. John the Baptist Church of Jimenez, Misamis Occidental

Tuesday, July 14th, 2009

I came to know about this centuries-old church when we visited my husband’s hometown during the Holy Week. While on our way to Dakak in Dapitan, we passed by the town of Jimenez and my brother in-law Matt, mentioned about its very old church – he knows that the mere mention of something of the antiquity can ring my bell…and so when we left Dakak and before going back to Ozamiz City ( my husband’s hometown), we made a short stop in St.John the Baptist Church in Jimenez, Misamis Occidental.

Unlike most parish churches, you can’t see the church along the national highway, you can to take some turns to reach the town center of Jimenez. Old and silent – these words welcome us as we drive towards the church. There are some old houses and you don’t have to be clever that the town is really old. Finally, the church is there….St. John the Baptist.

The church's ceiling

One look and I know that is has been around for a very long time – the structure and the coral stones used in the construction. Entering the dim interior, you will be surprised to see the old wooden pillars that supports the church. and when you look up at the ceiling with its painting –it’s really old. My companions that time who are not into my addiction of heritage were even impressed on how old the church is.

When we came, some men were doing some repairs of its altar. And when we came, we met an old woman who was friendly enough to give me some first-hand information about the church. One of the interesting tales she mentioned was that how the parish priests ordered that each churchgoer must bring one block of coral stone for the church. The result? The locals diverted into another religion.

St. John the Baptist Church of Jimenez in Misamis Occidental needs more support from the local government since you rarely see this colonial church is Mindanao. I love how the church was preserved by the whole community, the way it is.

Tags: colonial churches, Jimenez Misamis Occidental, old churches, Philippine Churches
Posted in Churches, Misamis Occidental | No Comments »

Visita Inglesia

Thursday, May 14th, 2009

A tradition among Catholics in the Philippines during “Holy Week” is to perform “Visita Inglesia” which is to visit nine churches. And for the first time, my family did this tradition and it was a very spiritually satisfying expereince. Here are two of them:

1. San Joaquin Church. It has impressive details like the Miag-ao Church depicting one of the battles between Christians and Muslims…

2. Miag-ao Church. A World Heritage Church that was used a fortress again invading Moro. This church sits high on a hills and is renowned for its “yellowish-golden” sheen.

Tags: Iloilo, Philippine Churches
Posted in Churches, Iloilo | 2 Comments »

Valerie Caulin

Archive for the ‘Churches’ Category

Miag-ao Church: Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Parish Church

Where have you been in 2009?

Sarrat Church

Paoay Church of Ilocos Norte

Baclayon Church: One of Bohol’s Ecclesiastical Treasures

Santa Barbara Church and Convent

Pan-ay Church ( Sta. Monica Parish Church)

Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral

St. John the Baptist Church of Jimenez, Misamis Occidental

Visita Inglesia

Download My Resume

Client Testimonials

Recent Blog Posts

Recent Posts

Recent Comments

Categories

Blogroll