Liloan`s Parola: A Lighthouse Story
Catarman is one of the largest barangay in the municipality of Liloan it has more than twenty thousand (20,000) individuals living in the area. Almost half of the place is surrounded by bodies of water, thus, it is not surprising that the barangay has been known for its historical lighthouse which was called by the locals "Parola" or Bagacay Point Lighthouse. The lighthouse or "Parola" is a tower (with strong lights on top) built near the shore to guide the sailors and fishermen at night, warn mariners of the possible hazards in the sea, and assist them in the right direction using its light. Hence, the "Parola" has gained so much popularity in the entire Cebu due to its peculiar history, festival (to honor the founding of the historical structure), and ambiance.
The "Parola" or lighthouse in Catarman, Liloan, Cebu has been standing for more than a century already and guided countless mariners in the right direction in the middle of the night. The historical lighthouse was built on July 28, 1903, under the official order of William Howard Taft- an American governor-general of the Philippines during American times. According to the natives that I speak to, the "Parola" is not only built to guide the fishermen and mariners in the sea but also a lookout place for the American soldiers against the Spanish enemies.
Moreover, the locals added that it is not the first lighthouse built in the area, the "Bantayan sa Hari" was considered by the locals as the pioneering lighthouse in the place and was constructed by the Spaniards before the arrival of the Americans. The "Bantayan sa Hari", based on the natives' narrative was destroyed during the battle between the Spaniards and Moro Raiders. The "Parola" is one of the most significant historical sites in Liloan, Cebu since it is the primary reason why the municipality was called "The Light of the North" since "Parola" in Catarman is the most prominent lighthouse in the entire Cebu Province due to its historical value.
Source: Click here for reference.
Aside from the historical background of the Bagacay Point Lighthouse which makes it renowned, the festival and ambiance of the place contributed also to its popularity. Every 1st of May the Barangay Catarman celebrates the "Parola Festival"- a festival honoring the founding of the Bagacay Point Lighthouse or "Parola". You might ask, why the festival is celebrated on the 1st of May and not on the 28th of July?
Source: Click here for reference.
Well, according to the officials in the Barangay, they chose to move the celebration to the 1st of May since it is a holiday (Labor Day) to make sure that people/tourists would come to the place and celebrate. The festival does not only highlight the historical formation and foundation of the said lighthouse.
Source: Click here for reference.
It also honors the life of the native fishermen in the area who have been assisted by the lights of "Parola" for so long. Moreover, during the festival, a lot of tourists including celebrities (e.g., Mateo Guidicelli and Sarah Geronimo) will come to the place to celebrate and witness the astonishing structure of the lighthouse. Apart from that, the ambiance also makes tourists repeatedly visit the area. According to their feedback on the place, the ambiance of the area is so relaxing and refreshing due to the many trees and overlooking view of the Mactan Channel.
Indeed, the Bagacay Point Lighthouse not only contributes to the rich history of Barangay Catarman but also shapes the entire identity of the Municipality of Liloan. The "Parola" is the testament that a place cannot be renowned without its backbone, the history, since it is the one that shapes a place and makes it worthy to visit. The strong lights that the "Parola" produces every night, symbolize that no matter how old a structure or place is, it will keep shining because it is embedded with a vibrant history, that lights up endlessly.
That's all for today Hive Fam, I hope you enjoyed reading. Thank you and have a nice day ahead.😊