Iloilo « Valerie Caulin – freelance writer

Archive for the ‘Iloilo’ Category

Dingle Church

Wednesday, August 18th, 2010

Iloilo is home to many old churches and one these is the church of Dingle, a peaceful town in eastern Iloilo. Like other churches in the province, Dingle Church is of Baroque architecture with its interiors showing features of the Neoclassical style. The parish church of San juan de Bautista is simple yet elegant. It is not lavishly adorned but it is a real beauty. Take a photo of it and you will see.

I have been longing to feature this church in this blog and finally we took a turn to Dingle to visit its wonderful sight like its church.And when we got there, we were not dismayed. It is indeed a nice church and should one of the old churches in Iloilo that a traveler should visit. I felt a little dismayed why it took me so long as a freelance writer to feature and share this church to my dear readers.

Going back to Dingle Church, its main component is limestone and I find it unique. In this part of Iloilo, baked bricks is the most common material as seen in the churches of Santa Barbara, Cabatuan and even of Janiuay. Limestone is more evident in southern Iloilo like that of Miag-ao Church. For this church, limestone was quarried in the mountains of Bulabog-Putian which is now a national park.

Another thing that I noticed with this church is that it only has one belltower. I’m not sure if it is really built like that or it was burned some time in its history. For its facade, it is well decorated given its smaller size compared to other old churches in Iloilo. Its facade aside from statues has a circular stained-glass of saints. In its center is a dome-shaped canopy that I presume to be part of its recent renovations. To be honest, it looks very off-tangent; it is pretty obvious to be a new addition.

on top is "ano 1886", the year that this church was finished

So, the next time you are here in Iloilo and have plenty of time to spare for visiting old churches, head to the town of Dingle. Aside from its church, this town is home to the Bulabog-Putian National Park.

Going to Dingle

Going to Dingle is not very accessible especially if you don’t have your own transportation. The town center is not accessible from the national highway going to northern Iloilo or to Capiz and Aklan. You can either take a jeepney to Dingle from Tagbak Terminal or hire a tricycle from the national highway going to Dingle center.

Tags: dingl church, Dingle, old church, old churches in Iloilo
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Bulabog Puti-an National Park – Dingle, Iloilo

Sunday, August 8th, 2010

The island of Panay is not just home to many colonial churches but it is also rich in biodiversity. The province has been promoted as one of the country’s destinations for Philippine eco-tourism and one of these places is the Bulabog Puti-an National Park in the humble town of Dingle. The town of Dingle is located almost 40 kilometers from Iloilo.

I came to this national park a decade ago when we had our field trip for my class in Local History. You see, Bulabog Puti-an National Park is not just a nature reserve and a rain forest but is also a historical site. I remember the blisters and the stick I used to help me in walking to our ultimate destination- its historical caves used by Filipino fighters during the Spanish times. It was such a struggle walking on a 920-meter rocky trail but being surrounded with those trees, fresh air and the company of my dear classmates was the best.

My son, Akira catching some butterflies

Now I’m back with my own family after 10 years. Hahaha! For our trip, we didn’t have the intention of reaching those historical caves since we were tagging along two little boys- a 3 year-old toddler and a month-old baby. As a mother, I want to expose my kids to nature given how technology has conquered our lives now. And also a great place for my husband to relax and find another place to take some pictures.

I hope assistance and support will be given to this national park

True, ten years is a long time and there were some differences from my last visit with then college classmates. First, there were more trees now as I have known that many institutions have conducted various activities like tree planting. But one of the things that made this visit different is how obvious that this park lacks support from the local government which is expected from any government program.

more trees!!

Ten years ago, it was organized and very systematic. Someone greeted us, let us log in, etc. And I remember those little cottages were reserved for those who wan to spend the night in Bulabog National Park. Now, it is used as a shelter by local residents, maybe the caretakers. I hope the local government and DENR can give more support to this park. I was also hoping to drink in its cool spring water, but I can’t seem to find it there anymore. However, I saw many residents fetching some water in a big tank and faucets a few meters from the entrance but I still miss that small faucet that can quench any trekker’s thirst.

I love this shot...

Anyway, back to the program .The Bulabog Puti-an National Park occupies 847 hectares that also covers some parts of the neighboring town of Enrique. Aside from its diversified plants, it has 30 caves with some having inscriptions in Spanish written by the Katipuneros. This place should be one of the things that you should include in your list of what to do in Iloilo. Or if you want to short time-off during a holiday or a weekend, drive to Dingle and commune with mother nature.

Extra Challenge!

How to get there

- From the city proper, head off to Tabak Terminal in Jaro. The same terminal where you take a ride for Roxas and Caticland.

- Take the jeepney bound for Dingle.

-Upon reaching the town center of Dingle, hire a tricycle going straight to Bulabog Nationa Park

Entrance Fee

- People in charge didn’t ask for any fee from us but I read in some blogs that it costs P8 for locals and P180 for foreigners.

Helpful Tips

- Wear comfortable clothes. That is closed rubber shoes and jogging pants. Bring extra clothes too.

-apply insect repellants

-bring bottled water, face towel and a stick ( believe me, those rocky trail can stretch up to almost 1 kilometer)

- visit it during dry season. If its rainy or it rained the previous night, stones will be slippery which might cause accidents.

The perfect place for trekking in Iloilo!

Tags: Bulabog Puti-an National Park, Dingle
Posted in Iloilo, eco-tourism | 4 Comments »

Iloilo’s Old Houses and Mansions

Monday, July 12th, 2010

Iloilo is known for its Dinagyang Festival, La Paz Batchoy, colonial churches and old houses. And when we speak of this city’s old houses, they are are not just your typical ancestral houses or bahay na bato for this city is home to many mansions built by sugar barons way back in pre-war era. Some are still standing with some old people or caretakers residing while some are now used as schools.

If you are traveling or visiting the City of Love, bring your camera and wear your most comfortable shoes and discover these old houses and mansions in Iloilo. There are many of them in the city and what I have here are just a few of them. I am featuring those famous old houses and mansions but it is easy to spot many old abodes as you explore Iloilo.

Where to find them

If you don’t know where to start, just go to the main plazas in the city – Jaro, Molo and Libertad. In accordance to the Spanish status quo, those living close to the plaza are the most affluent ones. So aside from taking shots or visiting old churches, you can also check out these ancestral and heritage houses of Iloilo.

Those located around Jaro Plaza are the grandest and there are plenty of them. Still, you can see many old houses in Molo and even Arevalo. For this post, majority of these houses are located around the district of Jaro.

The Ledesma Mansion or "Eagle House"

This old house is located in Ortiz Street close to Plaza Libertad. If you are heading to Jordan, Guimaras Island, this should be your landmark to the wharf where you will be taking a boat ride to the island.

Old House fronting the Hall of Justice..anyone who knows who owns this house?

Old House close to the Hall of Justice

I don’t know who owns this house or what it is called but this house catches your attention as you pass by the center of the city. This well-preserved old house is located close to many government offices like the Provincial Capitol, Tourism Office, Atrium Mall, Hall of Justice and beside Castle Hotel.

Sanson-Montinola House or the "Antillan House"

Located in Graciano Lopez-Jeana St., Jaro beside Collegio de San Jose. It was in this house that the Araneta clan gathered during their family reunion years ago. The Antillan House was built by Don Emong Montinola.

The famous Nelly's Garden

I consider this as the queen of all old houses in Iloilo. Named after the daughter of its original owners ( Don Vicente Lopez y Villanueva and Donya Elena Hofilena y Javelona) in 1928. The structure is patterned after Tara, the estate house of the novel, ” Gone With the Wind”.

Montinola House

I’m not sure of it’s name, kindly correct me. This house is located close to Jaro Plaza beside a pet shop store.

The Grand Ledesma Mansion ( Jaro)

Owned by Rosario Lopez Javelona and Don Luis Ledesma. I love this house but it was hard to find a perfect angle since in its front gate is a bibingka stand and there are some flyers of a review center hanging on its terraces. This mansion is located across Jaro Plaza.

Lopez-Vito House

Located right across Jaro PLaza, beside the Ledesma Mansion. Its windows are opened during the annual Jaro fiesta.

Locsin House ( beside Jaro Cathedral)

The Locsin House faces the exit of the Jaro Cathedral and right next to the Vito-Lopez House. I don’t have any information about this house. I would appreciate it if someone can enlighten me..:-)

Casa Mariquit

The house built for Maria Javellana-Lopez or Mariquit, wife of former vice-president Fernando Lopez Sr. This house also served as a bank during its time.

I don't know that name of this old house but it used to house "Tienda Antigua"

Located in Benedicto St. in Jaro beside Tibiao Bakery approaching Tabuc Suba Bridge. The antique store, “Tienda Antigua” is no longer housed inside but I still prefer to call it as the “Tienda Antigua” House.

Villa Lizares

When I decided to study in Iloilo, my dad asked me to look for Villa Lizares. When he was a yong boy in Negros, he heard stories about the haunted mansion of the Lizares in Iloilo. But this mansion is not just famous for its horror stories but for its design and architecture. Built in 1937 by Don Emiliano Lizares, this mansion is the perfect competition of Nelly’s Garden. Located in Tabuc Suba, this is now a school, Angelicum School of Iloilo. During Christmas season, Villa Lizares holds a festival of lights. Click here for the article.

Tags: heritage homes in Iloilo, mansions in Iloilo, old houses in Iloilo
Posted in Iloilo, ancestral and heritage homes | 14 Comments »

Janiuay Church Ruins

Tuesday, June 29th, 2010

The province of Iloilo has a lot to offer and for me one of its gems are its old churches. From the Gothic church of Molo to the UNESCO Heritage Church of Miag-ao, Iloilo’s old churches are something that its locals should be proud of. Another church that you can visit while in Iloilo is Janiuay church or shall we say, the Janiuay Church ruins.

During the holy week, my family went on a road trip around Panay Island and visit churches that I can feature in this blog as part of my gig as a freelance writer. And finally we stopped over in Janiuay and took photos of its old church’s ruins.

The old belltower

The old Janiuay Church was built on baked bricks and corals with its Neocalssical architecture as seen in its arches and openings. Sadly, it was destroyed during the Second World War and I assume that the damage was so great that the people of Janiuay, Iloilo didn’t bother to repair or renovate their beloved church.

This church is located on the hilly part of the town which gives it sort of a pedestal location for those who pass by to Janiuay. Many times, I look at this church when we pass by as we travel to Roxas or to Boracay wishing to visit it one day.

When visiting old churches of Iloilo, include the Janiuay Church Ruins in your itinerary as this town is not that far from the city. This town is only 30 minutes away from the city by jeepney.

Tags: churches in Iloilo, janiuay church ruins, old churches in Iloilo, old Philippine churches
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Cabatuan Church

Friday, June 25th, 2010

My last post was about Cabatuan Cemetery and it is expected from me as a freelance writer to also feature the town’s parish church. The parish church of Cabatuan or the Parish of St. Nicolas de Tolentino is one of the most beautiful churches in the island and those visiting the province of Iloilo must come and marvel at this edifice. First built during the 1800s, it is a very artistic and highly decorated church in Iloilo and was given the title “Iglesia Primera El Centro de Iloilo”.

one of the church's belltowers with its cream-colored dome

The first thing that you will notice upon seeing this church is how it is made of brick and it is one of its main characteristics that sets it apart from other colonial churches in the country. The man behind this church is Fr. Ramon Alquezar who served as its parish church for more than three decades and built many infrastructures in Cabatuan like roads. As he was the one who introduced brick manufacturing to this town, it is not a surprise when he built a church made of baked bricks for Cabatuan.

Th single nave of the church's interior which is currently undergoing renovations

For the interior decorations, Fr. Manul Guetierez adorned Cabatuan church making it truy beautiful especially during its time. The exterior of the church is shaped like a cross.

its garden with stain-glass windows, notice its topmost part which is a result of recent renovations

Like other Philippine colonial churches, Cabatuan church was badly destroyed during the Second World War as well as during the 1948 earthquake that hit the town. At present, through the efforts of many individuals and groups particularly those Cabatuanuanons living abroad renovations and repairs has been done and still on going.

Getting there:

The town of Cabatuan is 24 kilometers away from Iloilo City and can easily reached by taking a jeepney bound for Cabatuan for less than 20 minutes. Those coming outside the province and flying via the Iloilo Airport will find this town more accessible since the airport is located in this town. In fact, as a freelance writer I highly suggest that you visit this church the moment you land in Iloilo.

Tags: Cabatuan Iloilo, Cabatuan Parish Church, Church of Cabatuan, Parish church of Cabatuan
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Cabatuan Cemetery

Friday, June 18th, 2010

I first went to Cabatuan when my college classmate who hailed from this town invited me and another friend for their town fiesta. And I can still remember that when the jeepney passed by the Cabatuan Cemetery, it really caught my attention and no matter how crowded that jeepney was, I looked outside and was amazed with this old structure.

It has this certain grandeur amidst its simplicity and one look of it, you know that it was once a very well decorated and beautiful structure. Little did I know that years after, when I become a freelance writer,I would feature and promote this place.

The town of Cabatuan in Iloilo is known as the “Pilgrimage Town” with its colonial church and cemetery. For the modern-day travelers, this town is known as one of the towns closest to the new Iloilo Airport. Nevertheless, this town is worth visiting especially if you are into photography.

Cabatuan cemetery is one of the colonial cemeteries in the country and one of the most beautiful and well preserved in the province of Iloilo. It was built way back in late 19th century by Spanish friars who used to dominate the Philippine Catholic Church. Like other Spanish projects, this cemetery was well decorated with rosette designs using gray stones and limestones.

Its mortuary chapel is the center of this cemetery with its unique octagonal shape. With some intricate designs adorning the chapel, its original dome was destroyed during the Second World War. It was replaced with a flat roof which we see today.

from the main gate leading to the chapel

The whole Cemetery has designs and features from various elements like Classical, Baroque and Romanesque. The Heritage Conservation Society mentioned that this Cabatuan cemetery was “built on a rise and approached through a flight of stairs” similar to other cemeteries in Iloilo like that of San Joaquin, but the present cemetery lies on a flat surface along the road.

Fence of gray stones and wrought iron

The cemetery of Cabatuan should be one of the places that travelers check out when coming and visiting Iloilo. The next time you visit Iloilo, include Cabatuan as one of the towns that you will visit with its colonial church and cemetrey. Much more, this is very close to the airport making this place very accessible. And I hope in my own little way as a freelance writer, I promoted this heritage and the town of Cabatuan as well.

For old photos of the Cabatuan Cemetery, click here.

San Joaquin Cemetery

Tags: Cabatuan cemetery, Cabatuan Iloilo, colonial cemetries in the Philippines, Philippine cemeteries
Posted in Iloilo | 2 Comments »

UP Visayas Iloilo Campus’ Main Building

Tuesday, June 8th, 2010

To celebrate the start of Philippine school year and my resurrection from my blogging and “life as a freelance writer ” hiatus ( I gave birth ), I have decided to feature something that is related to school and academics. There are some landmarks and historical structures that are left unrecognized by most people and one of these is the neoclassical-art deco building inside the UP Visayas Iloilo campus.

The campus’ main building is quite striking with two larger-than-life statues sitting on its side and the figures on its facade. Currently the main building of the campus, this historical building is actually the old city hall of Iloilo City. Built more than a decade before the Second World War, this building served the city of Iloilo as its city hall from 1936 till the 50s. The city government donated the building to the university and is still used up to this day.

When World War II erupted, the city hall was then used as the Japanese’s headquarters. My late history mentor, Dr. Henry Funtecha, once shared that many skeletons were discovered when the city government donated the building to the university. Now that’s eerie isn’t it? Likewise, this building designed and built by Juan Arellano also has a court house and it has a cell or dungeon.

At present, the building houses many important parts of the campus. Inside this building is the library, the UPV Art Gallery, the Center for West Visayan Studies and many more. Behind its walls are narrow stairs leading to small rooms used as offices for various research works; reminds me of those secret chambers.

Law and Order

Ask any student who these two statues sitting at the entrance and they would say, they are Plato and Socrates. Well, they are wrong and I was wrong. And as a freelance writer, I think it is my duty to provide accurate information.

Blame to it to the fact that the building is part of a university hence most of us assume they were the great philosophers.

But these statues sculpted by famed Italian sculptor, Francesco Riccardo Monti are actually symbols for Law and Order. After all, this edifice was a government office. But which one is Law and which one is Order, that I don’t know. Does anyone know? Enlighten me please..

Tags: Francesco Riccadro Monti, Juan Arellano, old city hall Iloilo city, UP main building
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St. Anne Parish Church of Molo, Iloilo

Tuesday, April 27th, 2010

Visiting old churches is one of the things that you can do in Iloilo with the presence of old colonial churches in this province. The most famous is the Miag-ao Church which is more than an hour away from the city but if you don’t want to go beyond Iloilo City, then visit St. Anne Parish Church or simply, Molo Church.

Church's towers and Dome as seen across Panay River

Molo is one of the districts in Iloilo City and used to be a local Chinese community. The word “Molo” came from the word “Moro” which means, “Muslims” who used to attack the coastal areas of Panay for slaves. Locals said that the Chinese find it hard to pronounce the word “Moro”, hence the word “Molo”. Of course, Molo is also famous for “Molo soup”.

Molo Church is famous for its Gothic-Renaissance architecture with its distinct red towers making it one of the Gothic churches outside Manila ( e.g. the church of Calape, Bohol). Its Gothic features are its towers, its altar and the pulpit while its Renaissance features are with its dome and other designs in its interiors.

The Gothic inspired altar and pulpit of Molo Church

Aside from its architecture this church is also famous and dubbed as a “feminist” church with the presence of 16 statues of female saints inside. Built in late 19th century, it was in 1866 that the first foundation to build a church out of stone was laid. Molo Church is made of coral stones just like most churches in Panay Island. This church is named in honor of St. Anne which is also the mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary hence, the maternal grandmother of Jesus Christ.

Its nave

On his way back to Manila from his years of exile in Mindanao, Jose Rizal visited this church and was impressed with some biblical painting adorning the church. Unfortunately, you can no longer see these paintings. During the Second World War, it became an evacuation center and its towers were even used by different forces as an advantage point in shooting at the enemies. In 1992, St. Anne Parish Church of Molo was formally declared as a national landmark by the National Historical Institute.

Statues of Saint Juliana, Lucia, Rosa de Lima, Teresita, Clara, Cecilia, Margarita and Marta

Dome with paintings of four evangelists on each corner

To get there, just take any jeepney bound for Molo in the city proper.

San Joaquin Church

Panay Church

Tags: churches in Iloilo, gothic church, Gothic churches in the Philippines, Molo Church, St. Anne Parish Church
Posted in Churches, Iloilo | 1 Comment »

The Militaristic Colonial Church of San Joaquin

Thursday, April 15th, 2010

I have visited the church of San Joaquin and usually for Holy Week’s Visita Iglesia. More than a hour from the city of Iloilo, the town of San Joaquin is also a great escape for those who want to go on a road trip. And with a better camera, a freelance writer like me won’t miss writing about this historical church even with the threat of a heat stroke

The whole church is quite similar to that of Miag-ao Church as it also uses limestone and coral stones as its main materials. Intricate carvings of different figures and oriental designs like flowers adorn this unassuming church in southern Iloilo.

When visiting the parish church of San Joaquin, take note of its unique facade and it’s facade is in fact its main attraction. Contrary to most baroque churches wherein facades would show saints and other religious themes, San Joaquin Church depicts a military scene – the Battle of Tetuan. This battle is part of the Spanish-Moroccan War and during the church’s construction, the news of the Spanish victory came to the parish priest’s knowledge. Speaking of union of church and state.

Unfortunately, my husband/photographer failed to take a close shot to its facade ( we’ll go back there..:-) ), this is the closer look that I can give you. Here are also some links to famous bloggers with great shots of this facade. click here!

the church's facade depicting the Battle of Tetuan

Considered as a National Treasure, I hope that the local government and other organizations can give more credit and attention to this unique colonial church. I feel pity to this church as its glory is obviously overshadowed by the fortress church of Miag-ao which is also the town before San Joaquin.

the humble interior of San Joaquin Church

By featuring this church as a freelance writer, in my own little way I know I help in promoting this church. You can reach to town of San Joaquin from Iloilo City by taking a jeepney or a bus bound to Antique. Like most churches in the country, it is located in the town’s center and just a stone away from the plaza or town square.

Related Articles

San Joaquin Cemetery

Miag-ao Church

Santa Barbara Church

Tags: church of san joaquin, churches in Iloilo, san joaquin church
Posted in Churches, Iloilo | No Comments »

San Joaquin Cemetery

Sunday, April 11th, 2010

Iloilo is noted for its old churches and houses and a nice place for those who are into photography. But it is in Iloilo that you can also find and shoot old and colonial cemeteries like the San Joaquin cemetery. And if you are a freelance writer or blogger like me, then this is one interesting place to write about.

The town of San Joaquin is the last town of the province of Iloilo before entering the next province of Antique. This sleepy town also has a nice church ( my next post blog..) but I feel sad that only few have the energy to pursue visiting this town after dropping by in Miag-ao, which has a heritage fortress church.

The cemetery or patyo as the locals call it is just located along the road facing the coast. It is located just before you arrive in the town center of San Joaquin. Hailed as one of the most preserved colonial cemeteries in the province, San Joaquin cemetery is truly a work of art. In fact, its artistic attributes makes it famous and attractive to any artist’s eyes.

The whole cemetery has carved coral stones mostly of oriental designs like flowers and leaves. When entering its carved gate, there is a terraced stone steps (20 of them) leading you to the main attraction of this cemetery – its Capilla. The capilla or mortuary chapel is the place where the dead is blessed before being laid to rest. Known as the Campo Santo, it has a pointed dome and made of coral rocks and baked bricks that give a splash of color to this structure.

the Capilla

The walls leading to the Cailla is adorned with statues of saints

I’m not an expert in architecture and designs and as a freelance writer, I lost words to give justice on how I should describe this place. So the next time you visit Iloilo or looking for a nice place to take some photographs or a subject for those freelance writers, travel to southern Iloilo to this town of San Joaquin…

Tags: cemeteries, old cemeteries, San joaquin cemetery, san joaquin iloilo
Posted in Iloilo, landmarks | 1 Comment »

Valerie Caulin

Archive for the ‘Iloilo’ Category

Dingle Church

Bulabog Puti-an National Park – Dingle, Iloilo

Iloilo’s Old Houses and Mansions

Janiuay Church Ruins

Cabatuan Church

Cabatuan Cemetery

UP Visayas Iloilo Campus’ Main Building

St. Anne Parish Church of Molo, Iloilo

The Militaristic Colonial Church of San Joaquin

San Joaquin Cemetery

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