landmarks « Valerie Caulin – freelance writer

Archive for the ‘landmarks’ Category

Jaro Belfry

Sunday, January 22nd, 2012

I think it is not a secret anymore why I fell in love with Iloilo. From its old grand houses to heritage churches, Iloilo continues to amaze me with its landmarks that are well preserved to remind us that indeed it was the “Queen City of the South.

Calling Jaro ( one of the districts of the city) home for almost half decade now, one of the structures that I can’t afford not to admire is the Jaro Belfry. Locally known as campanario, a Spanish word for “bell tower” ( Hiligaynon has plenty of Spanish words), it one of the few of its kind in the country that is separated from the main church. The other one that I have seen in the sinking belltower in Laoag, Ilocos Norte.

Jaro’s belfry is massive, grand and visually exquisite even for the less artistic eyes. It is hard not to literally look up whenever we pass by. It is one of the oldest structures in the city built in the 18th century. Serving not just to house the adjacent church’s bell to “call” residents for Mass, it was also used as a watchtower and a clock ( like Big Ben?).

Through the centuries, it experienced massive damages mostly earthquakes like in 1787, 1881 and 1948. In terms of style, I read that is is Neoclassical but I take the word of an architect I know that put it under the umbrella of “mestizo” architecture. As he explained, it is a mixture of different architectural styles which I think is very possible since Jaro belfry underwent different renovations.

Made mostly of terracotta and limestone, this 3-storey tower stands 29 meters. It faces the Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral and stands just outside Jaro Plaza.

To get here, you can take jeepneys bound for Jaro or take a taxi.

Tags: belfry, belltower, jaro, jaro belfry
Posted in Iloilo, landmarks | 2 Comments »

A Japanese Tunnel in Davao

Sunday, November 27th, 2011

When I told my friend Rey ( who is currently enjoying his tea at the University of Manchester -gasp!) that I’ll be flying to Davao, he told me that Davao has the largest Japanese population in the entire country during WWII. Oh, a sweet way to insult my history blood, what I only knew was that there are many sakuras in Davao. haha!

Urging me to check for any temples or Zen gardens in the city, I then turned to my best friend Agnes who took Law in Davao. And she told me that the city has a Japanese tunnel. In a snap I was on a rush to fly to Davao.

If you have been reading my freelance writer blog ( thank you by the way) then, you know that I love writing about old houses and the likes. And this is something new…

I was with a group and tourist traps in Davao means visiting its various activity parks offering endless outdoor activities. Sadly, they are not my cup of tea.

The Japanese tunnel that most tourists visit while in Davao is part of the D’Japanese Tunnel Family Resort and Restaurant. When I learned about it, I was a little skeptical. You see, I can be a vagabond and I “hate” crowds.

For a fee of 50php per person, you can have a guided tour. I forgot our guide’s name but she was very sweet and patient with us. Here is the entrance of the tunnel with these Japanese soldiers figures. Yokoso?

As she narrated, it was presumably built in 1942 ( that is 3 years before the Japanese surrendered) and was unearthed by the current owner during the 70s. This tunnel spans up to 300 meters but there are more of them throughout Davao with some intersecting with one another.

As Japanese forces were on the brink of failure, they built tunnels where they can hide and still continue their daily operations as underdogs. They built this structure and I assume with a little help from Filipino prisoners.

To make this tunnel a little bit interesting, the management tried to depict what it is like to spend some time inside a tunnel.

In one of their chambers, they have their Buddhist altar..

It reminded me of Kamakura’s Daibutsu ( Great Buddha). Sorry Mom, I have to humiliate you here.

Even a prison. Gosh! Living underground in a tunnel is already a prison! Oh, that”s me, looking like a fattened cow for a banquet. haha!

Our guide said this is the chief’s quarter (?). And it is the dead end for tourists. And I was thankful. I was no longer comfortable. You can see it in my dorky smile.

There are installed lights to illuminate your navigation. See that ditch? Its from a natural spring inside the tunnel. (FYI, Davao has the best water in Asia in terms of safety).

Our guide proudly shared that Kuya Kim ( ang buhay ay weather-weather lng) featured this place on TV show.

As you traverse back hoping to see sunlight again, nature is still creating wonders in this rather gloomy place..

On its roof…

On one of its walls…

A few inches from its entrance are swallows’ nests, a.ka. bird’s nest ( yeah, the soup) hanging above us. I think we saw like 6 nests. Felt safe little bird?

When this was “discovered”, they were able to collect bombs, coins and even a truck. Our guide said, all items are now housed in the Japanese Museum. Our driver had no idea ( was not shocked) where it is so I guess I will drop by to that museum on my next Davao trip.

It was a nice stop! Domo arigato gozaimasu onee chan!

Tags: davao, historical, japanese tunnel
Posted in Davao, landmarks | 1 Comment »

Miag-ao Cemetery

Sunday, May 22nd, 2011

Call me morbid but since I was a child, I love visiting cemeteries. It never gave me any creeps and my eyes would shine whenever my mom or anyone in our family would announce that we will be visiting our beloved parted ones as courtesy calls during vacations. I love looking at tombstones, the angels and check those dates of birth and deaths. Same with names, I love them all. I’m not a freak (haha) but I think those were just indications that I’m a history buff by nature. More than 2 decades after, I got a History degree from UP.now working as a freelance writer.

This blog generally covers my travel stories and led a career in travel writing. Along with heritage churches, ancestral homes, my favorite subject matter are cemeteries. And Iloilo is one of the places in the Philippines where these well-preserved burial grounds can be found.

The town of Miag-ao, 40 kilometers south of Iloilo is famous for its Baroque church but one of its off-the-beaten path destinations is their cemetery. And I’m very familiar with this city of the dead. I used to enter and pass this cemetery to reach a Cebuano community who were my respondents for my thesis. I walk alone even during dusk. Frankly, our last visit was very surreal. Yikes! Now, you will think I’m eccentric. haha!

Just look at my smile here…tabi tabi po.

An urban legend has it that a tunnel from the church ( on a hill) leads to this capilla (chapel). Also known as Campo Santo ( Holy Camp), these chapels are the center in any cemetery where last rites for the dead were performed.

The chapel of Miag-ao’s cemetery is greatly influence by the Classical and Romanesque styles. The church is more of lime stones but this structure uses bricks all the way from La Paz, Iloilo ( home of the famous batchoy) and La Castellana, Negros Occidental.

Arched doors and circular windows. It is unique throughout the province with its circular shape including its cone-like dome. Other cemeteries are octagonal.

Since it was built by the Augustinians in 1857, I can’t imagine the struggle in transporting these bricks. It was destroyed during the Second World War so I’m not sure if these bricks on its dome are the original.

Skull over crossed bones are typical motifs but it is inside circular spires which means that death is universal. Brilliant eh?

Old walls of the cemetery ( with a new statue of Christ)

If you are looking for a unique place to visit for your heritage trail in Iloilo, then include this in your itinerary.

Thanks for reading!

Related Articles

Cabatuan Cemetery

San Joaquin Cemetery

Tags: local secret, Miag-ao iloilo, old cemeteries
Posted in Iloilo, landmarks | 1 Comment »

Liloan Lighthouse: Bacagay Light Point

Saturday, February 19th, 2011

Lighthouses are good subjects for photographers and travel writers. I have featured the old Spanish lighthouses of Guimaras and Ilocos Norte and I think it is time to feature something close to home – the Bagacay Light Point in Liloan, Cebu.

Whenever I take the ship going home to Cebu from Iloilo ( where I studied History in UP Visayas), this lighthouse was my signal that I’m almost home. And it was a wonderful sight, just before the Mactan bridges. It took me years to visit this lighthouse on location.

It really doesn’t look that striking at first glance. But the longer you stay, you will fall in love with its demure charm.

During our vacation in Cebu for Christmas, I brought my whole family and for hubby to take some shots. Located more than an hour away from Cebu City in Barangay Catarman, Liloan, this lighthouse has been standing since 1904. It was constructed during the American regime to replace and old Spanish-built Lighthouse.

I’m wondering if there are some remnants of that old Spanish lighthouse butI think this calachuchi tree has been standing for centuries now..

While Dad and I were talking about enchanting stories like Mt. Kanlaon and that of Kumpang Beach in Opon ( with a similar tree nga taw-an), hubby was busy capturing these shots…

Liloan’s parola is made of concrete, stands 72-feet and has its unique octagonal shape. Its location is very serene with a posh subdivision righ by its side. Two years ago, there were small stores for visitors to eat and drink while at the parola but during our last visit, there were gone. Still, it is a favorite place for couples to have their pre-nuptial photos. And when we were there, one couple had their photo opt. I was shy to take their pictures since Dad was so busy looking at their team’s photo gadgets. hahaa!

Here is our souvenir photo..

Tags: lighthouses, Liloan
Posted in Cebu, landmarks | 1 Comment »

Cebu’s Taoist Temple

Thursday, January 13th, 2011

If you are from Cebu and you are reading this blog, you might ask why on earth would I write about this place. Why of all things to feature, a freelance writer like me would take her time to write about Cebu’s Taoist Temple? Don’t worry, I won’t hate you for feeling that way. I for one was “shocked” when I was assigned to write about this old structure in the mountaintops of Cebu. I already filed this temple under “outdated”…please forgive me.

And it hit me, Toaist Temple is an integral part of Cebu’s tourism. That long before all those attractions in Cebu, Taoist Temple has been a well-visited place in the city. But how can I write about a place that I haven’t been to since I was a sophomore high school student?

I have been to Taoist Temple twice, the first time was when I was in kindergarten ( mom, where ‘s the pic? ) and the second was for our class activity in second year high school in UP High. I wont tell you my age but it was hard to describe and “feel” this temple once again. Unless, we pay it a visit….

The iconic gate of the temple which also houses their parking lot. We had a hard time looking for the entrance.haha!

Finally, we reached the top. Panting! haha! We had our class picture here.

So surreal that the first time I came here was with my mother when I was about 5. Now, I’m a mom and with me is my four-year old son. Still, it looked just the same..

We Cebuanos looked down on Taoist Temple,branding it as “baduy” and a place for probinsyanos to check out once they reached the city of Cebu but I realized that it is not Cebu’s main attraction for nothing. Shame on us right? I was happy that there were many tourists around when we were there, mostly Chinese. When we left, there were two tourist buses coming.

If you are a Cebuano, try going back to this place. Its like bringing like old times. Trust me, we shared the same thoughts, flashing how our Reading teacher Ms. Ligaya Rabago brought us here. Again, how I wish I have that pic. haha!

Here we are 12 years after our last visit to Cebu’s Toaist Temple..oh, the kiddos are busy roaming around.

Tags: Cebu, taoist temple, temples
Posted in Cebu, landmarks | 4 Comments »

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
Posted in Iloilo, landmarks | No 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
Posted in Iloilo, landmarks | 4 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 | 5 Comments »

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.

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Tags: Baroque churches, Iloilo, Miag-ao, Miag-ao Church, Miag-ao Parish Church, Sto.Tomas de Villanueva Parish Church
Posted in Churches, Iloilo, landmarks | 9 Comments »

Baluarte: Chavit’s Animalandia

Friday, January 15th, 2010

The word “baluarte” means “fortress” and for a country with distinct political culture, the word connotes political control over a territory. And in Vigan City, Baluarte is a popular tourist destination which houses various animals. And it may not be a surprise that is is owned by Luis “Chavit” Crisologo Singson, the incumbent governor of Ilocos Sur and one of Philippine’s controversial politicians (remember his role in Erap’s downfall and his live-in partner accusing him of almost killing her and her new lover).

Anyway, Baluarte is just ten minutes fro Calle Crisologo and you can’t leave this place out when you’re in the city. Situated on hills, it offers a nice view of Vigan City. As a whole I love Baluarte and it somehow changed my perspective about Chavit…he really loves animals and they say people who love animals are kind (lol).

I have been to many zoos and private zoos- big or small but what I like about Baluarte is how they treat animals. I noticed how the animals have plenty of space to roam around in their fences..while some are really uncaged..take these pics for example.

Likewise the whole property is very clean and a nice place to take some rest after some walking in Calle Crisologo. Some of my favorite animals in Baluarte:

An alpaca, differs with the llama in terms of their ears ( the llama's are standing)

For a decent price, you can take a souvenir shot riding this camel

She looks tamed and friendly, but I wouldn't dare to pose with her..

She looked tamed and friendly, but I didn't dare to pose with her..

There are many animals like his orangutans, ostriches, bird, snakes and other animals. You can also take a free pilomino ride ( small horse) around the zoo but we even skipped the kalesa in Calle Crisologo..we pity the poor horses! haha..

Baluarte is open from 7am till 6 pm and it is free. Chavit has many employees in his zoo to assist you and they were genuinely friendly. Outside, there are many stalls selling souvenir items.

For more information, visit their website..Baluarte

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Northbound to Ilocos Norte

Tags: Baluarte, Chavit's Baluarte, Vigan City, zoos
Posted in Ilocos Sur, landmarks | No Comments »

Valerie Caulin