Way back in December 2018 we went to Iloilo to explore and experience being a tourist there.
Going around the place was not difficult at all. The Ilonggos were very accommodating, kind and would really make sure they are of help. When we went around the city, we always ask for directions, what to ride, how to go to this and that, where to find this place and things like that. And I noticed one thing, all of the people we asked for help did not hesitate to give us answers. They can even walk you to the exact place where you can ride the jeepney which goes to the route you are heading. Well, I guess, as Filipinos, this is one of our identity. If tourists need help, we are there to help.
QUICK FACTS
• A first class highly urbanized city in the Western Visayas
• Conglomeration of former towns, which are now the geo-political districts consisting of:
o Villa Arevalo
o Iloilo City Proper
o Jaro
o La Paz
o Mandurriao
o Molo
• The last capital of Spanish Empire in Asia and the Pacific before the Philippines was ceded to US in 1898.
This travel happened few years back but I still have a vivid memory on how those places we’ve visited looked like.
Let me first take you to the different churches we've visited there. I can only let you see how it looks outside because during the time we visited those churches, it's either close or there's an on-going wedding so we cannot enter and take a look inside the church.
P.S. : Description for each photos were grabbed online so you can have an idea on its history and to give you a proper description for each church.
**SAN JUAQUIN CHURCH, **
You'll literally say "WOW" upon seeing this church first hand. The place is very clean, well-maintained and just peaceful. No wonder it is one of the National Cultural Treasures in the country.
Despite the long travel going to this church due to its location on the Southern part of Iloilo, witnessing its beauty made up of raw materials will surely pay off all the efforts. The natural beauty if the building makes it even more beautiful in its ways. This may be one of the reasons why it is also hailed as one of the National Cultural Treasures. It has undergone some restoration a few months back and now; it is being criticized because it is already deteriorating. That is why now, any renovation or restoration plans should be approved first by the National Museum of the Philippines. (Source)
THE JARO CATHEDRAL
This is my favorite among all the Cathedrals I've seen. I can say this church has a unique accent, which is the long stairs just in front of church.
This building was built way back in 1864 is one of the oldest churches in the entire country. This is also locally known as the Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria Church. It was then destroyed by an earthquake, but it was eventually restored. It is the only cathedral situated in this district of Iloilo. It has a bell tower which is unusually located on the opposite side of the street rather than its side. With that unique architectural design, it is no wonder that this structure is one of the most visited churches in Iloilo. There is a stair in front of the church which leads directly to the Our Lady of Candles which happens to be the only female image in the whole building. (Source)
This is the bell tower across the cathedral. If you climb the stairs in front of the church, you will see the full view of this bell tower.
MIAG-AO CHURCH
If you see this church personally, you will surely appreciate how beautiful it is, especially its color.
The building was constructed in 1787 and is also known as the Church of Saint Thomas of Villanova. It also became part of the list of the UNESCO’s World Heritage list. The architectural design of the building following the Baroque and Romanesque style makes it positively famous. The structure is in between two bell towers, which way back in a time served as a watch over the area in defending the town against the Moros. Also, the entire structure was built that way so that it could have a strong foundation that can withstand the test of time as well as other natural calamities. It is made up of limestones and coral tones which makes the entire structure look natural with the hues of yellow. (Source)
MOLO CHURCH
This church was located very near the Molo Plaza. Very accessible to church goers. It kinda look like a castle for me.😁
This structure was built in 1831 using white corals rocks is also known as the Church of St. Anne. Way back in 1992, it was hailed as a National Landmark as well by the National Historical Institute. It is believed that the Filipino martyr, Pedro Calungsod, came from this town. Additionally, this church was labeled as the “feminist” church since all the images that can be found in the church are female images. Just in front of the structure are the varied Greek gods and goddesses’ figures, though the origin and reason for building these images here remain a mystery. (Source)
SAN JOSE CHURCH
This was the only colored church I've seen in our entire trip. The color is so bold compared to the others but it still looked beautiful outside.
The San Jose Church is located at Plaza Libertad, Iloilo City. The original building was constructed by the Jesuits in 1607 while the present-day building was erected at around 1873. Shaped like a Latin cross having a dome at the center. A renovation on the altar happened in the 1980s with marble stones from Romblon used to add grandeur to the design.
In 1968 a replica of Sto. Nino de Cebu arrived in the church as a gift. The arrival of Sto. Nino de Cebu replica started the annual celebration of the Dinagyang Festival. (Source)
ST. JOHN SAHAGUN CHURH
Parish of St. John of Sahagun has Latin American churrigueresque architecture. The building is made up of yellow limestones. The building was brought down by an earthquake in 1948 leaving only the bell tower and the facade intact. After reconstructing the interior of the church, it was then decorated with beautiful mosaic art in 1994 which tells various biblical events such as the expulsion of Adam and Eve from the garden of Eden, Jesus Christ and his disciples, crucifixion, the resurrection of Christ. (Source)
There are still a lot of historical and beautiful churches in Iloilo. Sadly, we were not able to complete our list due to some detours. HAHAHA
Travelling around and searching for these churches was not hard. Public transportation are readily available despite the long distance travel.
I wish we could have entered and seen what it looks inside in every church that we've visited. I'm quiet positive that it looks pretty amazing too.
Want to see more of Iloilo? Wait for my Exploring Iloilo part 2 for other places you can visit there.