Church of St. Augustine (Bantay, Ilocos Sur)

The town’s restored 18th century church was built from 1691 to 1692 by Fr. Cortes. This served as a refugee camp for evacuees during the Basi Revolt in 1807. The church was rebuilt and restored by Fr. E. Navarro (parish priest 1870-1875) and was continued by Fr. L. Villanueva in 1892. Fr. A. Versoza patched the roof with galvanized iron. The church underwent another repair in 1950 due to the damage it incur during the 2nd World War.

The church’s facade is flanked by massive rectangular twin towers that has features of Baroque, Neo-Gothic and Pseudo-Romanesque features. The neo-Gothic is visible in the recessed main entrance, having a pointed lancet like arch flanked by blind pointed arcading. On the other hand, the decorative volutes around the second level window suggests the baroque feature and finally, the central window shaft with balustrade is considered to be pseudo-Romanesque in feature.

The facade’s only decorated parts are broken curves along the top of the triangular pediment and the inverted traceries below the eaves. A separate three-storey hill top, square bell tower, which served as a look out for an approaching enemy. It offers a fine view of an old nearby cemetery and the rest of the area.

The church is the home of the oldest Marian image in the Ilocos, Our Lady of Charity. The image is said to be miraculous and venerated by the Ilocanos. The 50-inch tall image is made of wood, except for the ivory face and hands (the ivory parts were stolen in 1928). The image was crowned by Egidio Vagnozi, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines on January 13, 1956.

Photos Courtesy of Mr. Ivan Mainar, R.N.

St. Augustine Church (Paoay, Ilocos Region)

The town’s most impressive landmark is the Aztech-like church, situated near the banks of the Wawa River. This church was included in the UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1994 and also declared as a National Treasure for its architecture. This fortress-like church is a premier example of Philippine Earthquake Baroque Architecture.  The construction lasted from 1699 – 1702 under the term of Fr. Antonio Estavillo and repairs were done in 1865 by Fr. Ruperto Rodriguez. A major restoration was supervised by Fr. Baldomero Real from 1889 -1898.  The official inauguration was on the 18^th of February 1896.

The only one in the country with a 24 2.5 meter (3 varas) thick massive stone buttresses that ballast the walls and two exterior stone staircases (near the main altar transept) on both sides that reached the roof of the church. Thick coral block walls (1.67-meter )  were faced with bricks and sealed with a particularly hard lime mortar with sugar cane juice.

Fourteen molave posts supports the main nave. Measuring 60 meters (72 varas) long, 15 meters (17 varas) wide and 5.10 meters (6 varas high). The transept is about 7 meters (8 varas) high.

A combination of gothic, Baroque and oriental’s Indian madjapahit designs adorn the church’s unique two-level triangular façade divided by horizontal string courses. Baroque features are seen in the elegant curving and flowing huge scrolled buttresses. On the other hand, the decorative pinnacles are of Gothic nature. Chinese and Javanese influence are also present with the gables and the crenellations and five niches respectively. The formerly molave-made arched main entrance door is now made of wrought iron. Plain with square pillars extending vertically to the pediment and capped pinnacles makes up the lower level. Rosettes, volutes, foliage, royal emblems, and coat of arms decorate the horizontal cornices that divide the huge pediment.

Twenty Seven oil paintings are hung in the interior walls supported by gold pointed wooden frames at least 1.25 meters wide. Thirteen paintings on the sacristy wall, represent the Passion of Christ while the four paintings of buen pincel represent the four evangelists. John the Baptist’s painting decorates the baptistery. The 3-storey main altar has almost life-size wooded statue and the secondary altars on each side are each fitted with golden retablos.  A large statue of Christ is found over the wooden rail of the choir loft. A majestically designed pulpit and a statue of the Holy family were imported from Spain in 1891. While the windows are still made of Capiz shells, the ceiling is covered with strangds of cana de boxo.

A separate three-storey  coral stone bell tower was primarily built with 3.5 meter high wooden posts and three bells and enlarged from 1759 to 1759 by Fr. Torres using chopped coral stones and molave braces glued together. In 1793 and 1818, the main entrance doors as well as five bells were installed by Fr. Jose Nieto correspondingly. The katipuneros used it as a watch tower during the Spanish war at the same time the local guerillas used it during the Japanese regime.

* photos compliments of Mr. Ivan Mainar, R.N.

St. Paul’s Cathedral (Vigan, Ilocos Region)

St. Paul’s Metropolitan Cathedral was built by the Augustinian clergy around 1790 and like the St. William’s Cathedral, it has features a design intended to minimize earthquake damage that was referred to as “earthquake baroque”.  Furthermore, it also features the Neo-Gothic and pseudo Romanesque motifs. There are brass communion handrails copied from China, complete with Chinese characters scribbled by its makers.

In the south of the cathedral lies the eight-sided bell tower used as a safety measure of the church. It was said to be built separately so that in any event of an earthquake, it would not topple into the church. The design said to have a Chinese Feng Shui influences. Lies inside the church is a tombstone of the great Ilocano poet Leona Florentino.

It is also in this church where Vigan’s Beloved late Governor Floro Crisologo was gunned down while he knelt on a pew inside the Cathedral in 1970.

*PHOTOS: Courtesy of Mr. Ivan Mainar

St. William the Hermit Cathedral (Laoag City, Ilocos Region)

In 1580, the Augustinian Clergy founded the parish and made a  church out of wood and tactched nipa palm chapel. It was then turned into a magnificent mixture of an Italian Renaissance Design and Baroque-style that was said to build between 1650 and 1700.  It was seriously damaged during an earthquake in November 17, 1707, partially destroyed by fire in 1843. It was Fr. Vicente Barreiro who had completely restored it then.

Again, the church succumb to another damage in July 18, 1880 earthquake and it was Fr. Santiago Muniz and Engineer Antonio de la Camara who took charge of the repairs.

The church served as sanctuary for Pedro Almazan in 1661, the revolutionaries in 1896, American forces in 1899 and Aglipayans in 1901. The 1932 diocesan Marian Congress was held here as well. Further, the church suffered from another earthquake in September 7, 1983 which caused some statues from the altar and niches plummet into the floor.

This church made of brick and stone has a unique, newly-plastered, two-storey façade with a main arched entrance flanked by four pairs of over scaled, twin-engaged pilasters,  with the absence of pediments, adorned by a series of coupled urn-motifs finials and pseudo- Corinthian Capitals with its rosettes and acanthus leaves. Five sets of mini-columns with pseudo-Doric Capitals arise from the architrave and decorated the choir loft level. Columns in each storey follow their patterns ending abruptly without reaching the next level. Capiz windows with wrought iron grilles and two-exterior stone staircases, one of it was converted into a grotto. The chandeliers donated by the late President Ferdinand Marcos hang gloriously in its barrel-vaulted ceilings. Over the altar lies the Augustinian emblem of a transfixed heart and a tasseled hat. The image of their Patron Saint San Guillermo is placed in a deeply recessed niche.

*PHOTOS: COURTESY of Mr. Ivan Mainar

San Diego Pro-Cathedral (Silay City)

This beautiful church, built n 1920 by Italian Architect Verasconi was elevated to pro-cathedral on December 1994, the second in the country to be declared so. Behind it are the ruins of the city’s original church, now a grotto. Silay is located 14.4 kilometers (a 20 to 30 minute drive) north of Bacolod City.

* Benjamin Locsin Layug, A Tourist Guide to Notable Philippine Churches

The Cathedral of San Sebastian (Bacolod City)

Fr. Mauridio Ferrero, O.A.R., the parish work of Bacolod (1871-1898; 1902-1910) was responsible for the striking structure of the Cathedra of San Sebastian. In 1825, the original church was constructed by Fr. Julian Gonzaga (parish priest 1818-1836). The ancient church was made of wood and galvanized roofing. It had one medium-sized bell until Fr. Roman Manuel Locsin donated a large bell and another priest, Fr. Mariano de Avila gave one when he became the parish priest in 1863 after the death of Fr. Locsin. The bell of Fr. De Avila was installed in the tower when the Cathedral was constructed in 1876, but lowered in 1969 when the towers were built. It was never returned there until 1976 when the Sugarlandia Lions Club of Bacolod constructed a special belfry where it hangs today with Fr. Ferrero’s small bell.

When Fr. Mauricio Ferrero took over in 1871, he initiated plans for the building of a bigger church made of coral stones. The plan was submitted to Bishop Mariano Cuartero of Jaro. It was on April 27, 1876 when the foundation stone was laid. Fr. Mauricio made an agreement with the politico-military governor, Roman Pastor for the use of the prisoners in the church construction. The governor agreed provided that Fr. Maurico also design and supervise the construction of a stone prison. The coral stones of the cathedral were cut from the deposits of Guimaras and brought by barge and lurches to Bacolod. The wooden parts were made from hardwood cut in Palawan.

On the eve of the feast of San Sebastian, January 19, 1882, Bishop Cuartero blessed the biggest church in the province. A pontifical mass was celebrated by the bishop the following day before a packed audience composed of government and church officials of the province and Iloilo. Parish priests and leading citizens of other towns joined the festivities.

The two towers that is present today were set up three years later. The right tower of the church was constructed first. Don Luis Ruiz de Luzurriaga, donated a huge clock that became the main keeper of the town. The left tower was constructed later. Both towers were made of aluminum sheet with hardwood framings. It was also in 1885 that the big organ was installed on a nave just above the church entrance. The organ was disassembled during the reconstruction of the church in 1969 and never returned.

In 1969, the two towers were demolished as a public hazard upon orders of the Bacolod City Engineer’s office. The rector of the cathedral, Fr. Antonio Santes raised funds to build the towers. A cathedral tower reconstruction committee engaged in fund raising activities.

The San Sebastian Cathedral was declared the cathedral church in 1933 when Bacolod became a diocese. In 1956, the second bishop of Bacolod, Bishop Manuel Yap, increased the prestige of the church when the consecrated it in solemn ceremonies after it was reconstructed. The main altar was simplified and a life-size statue of San Sebastian was enshrined. In the bosom of the Cathedral are the remains of Bishop Casimiro Lladoc, the first bishop of Bacolod and Bishop Manuel Yap, the second Bishop, as well as the remains of generous benefactors of the past decades.

The parish rectory, now the Bishop’s house was also constructed by Fr. Ferrero. The construction started on May 21, 1891 and was finished in 1894. The materials were taken from Palawan, while the coral stones were from Guimaras. Some of the bricks were locally made, masonry was mostly by Chinese artisans.

Visita Iglesia’s Top 5 Churches for Weddings

It may be grand or solemn – a family affair or the talk of the town. The motif may range from black to white – and the budget… Let us not talk about money. The aisle may be long or some may prefer it short because their beautiful new shoes are killing them. The altar may be simple or elaborate as the church may be big or just a small chapel up on the hill side. At the end of it all, it will all come down to the will you’s and I do’s.

The church hosts one of the blessed sacraments in the lives of two individuals bound to spend the rest of their lives together — the holy matrimony.

Iloilo is sorrounded with wonderful houses of worship where couples could choose where to held the momentous occasion. Visita Iglesia picks five among over a dozes beautiful churches over Metro Iloilo on where to speak your vows and start forever with the man or woman of your dreams.

St. Joseph Parish (Jaro, Iloilo City)

This beautiful modern church found in Jaro has been one of the top choices of Visita Iglesia. It is situated in the section of the city that is moderately busy. With a function room found inside the premises, reception is not a problem. The altar offers a drama that no photgrapher can refuse, a sole cross in the middle and a well-elevated altar proved to be an interesting backdrop for wedding photos.

St. Clements Church (La Paz, Iloilo City)

This white church under the Redemptorists sits in the heart  of the busy La Paz district. Not only that this church is accessible – but the altar provides a view that enchants photographers and people alike. The ventilation is good since both sides are open for air to pass freely inside the church.

San Agustin Church (Sambag, Jaro, Iloilo City)

One of the newest church to be built and already gained so much popularity because if its commendable modern design.

Parish of St. Thomas of Villanova (Miag-ao, Iloilo)

The interiors of the Miag-ao Church is as breathtaking as its façade. Found in the outskirts of the city and one of the coastal town in Iloilo, the church is one of the island’s most treasured ancient structure that has been preserved not just for tourists but for special occasions such as weddings. A wide array of beach resorts offer a great venue for an after party.

Jaro Cathedral (Jaro, Iloilo City)

This majestic structure in the center of Jaro is the only cathedral found in Iloilo City. Although the church is undergoing major renovation, the glorious aura of this citadel ramins with its long aisle and wide nave. A function hall found inside the premises can cater to your reception needs.

*administrators of this website have asked permission from the administrator of iloiloonline.blogspot.com & exploreiloilo.com (THANK YOU!)

Parish of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage (La Paz, Iloilo City)

Location          : La Paz, Iloilo

Feast Day        : May 24 (Annual district fiesta)

History            : This neo-classical church was made of stone and bricks with Greek pediments. The parish was organized in 1870 under the leadership of an Augustinian priest, Fr. Candido Gonzales. The church was composed of red bricks, stone, cement and wood. It was damaged during the Second World War and the infamous 1948 earthquake. The only thing that with stood the forces of men and nature is its façade. The convent was immediately renovated after the war ended. Major restorations were done through the years but mostly during the incumbency of Msgr. Melicio Fegarido. The inauguration of the fully restored church was done on May 24, 1995 during the celebration of the town fiesta.

Parish of St. Martin (Dumalag, Capiz)

An indication that the first church and convent were constructed between 1600 and 1720, a record of an exemption of payment for the rent was found in Manila.

Fr. Agustin Duran in 1883 constructed the present church which was a reconstruction of the previous one that was damaged.

Between 1866 and 1881, Fr. Angel Abasolo build or rebuilt the present church. The construction began with a fund of P300.00 and the expenses reached up to P50,000.00 by 1873. However, the church and convent were both destryoyed in 1875.

Measuring 70 meters long and 18 meters wide, the church is made of yellow sandstone. It has a front door and two side doors, massive buttresses supported six arched windows between columns reaching up to the roof.

The façade wall is decorated with small pilasters. At the left side of the church is a 5-story bell tower. The five bells found inside the belfry was brought by Fr. Ledesma Perez in 1881.

The interior resembles the pattern of a Latin cross. It had been retouched considerably and in the process, the magnificant paintings of Fr. Juan Carlos peeled off.

Rising up to the rectangular pediment are six rectangular pilasters that initiated a vertical movement and stressed by a slender, tapering six story octagonal bell-tower which offers elegance to the otheriwse dull surface façade.

Sta. Monica Parish (Pan-ay, Capiz)

The famous Baroque Church of Pan-ay Capiz was probably built around 1700 and reconstructed  in 1714 and 1875.

According to Fr. Lopez, the population of Pan-ay alone could not possibly afford the building until an agreement with the alcalde mayor made it possible with a donation of P288.00 from the community treasury.

Another reconstruction took place under the incumbency of Fr. Miguel Murguia in 1744. The church was heavily damaged due to a typhoon on January 17, 1875 and again renovated in 1884 by Fr. Jose.

The citadel , a big structure made of sandstone, measuring up to 70 meters long and 25 meters wide by 18 meters high. It follows the pattern of the latin cross with a large central altar and four lateral ones, each of which has a gorgeously decorated and retables made of hardwood covered with gold, it is adorned with a variety of polychromed statues of high artistic quality.

Artisans as far from Manila, according to the clapards, designed the Baroque decorations, settin the main altar in silver. Jose Bergamo or Sarhento Itak, the town’s greatest sculptor, did most of the retablos, bass relief and other religious images. The church was completed in 1771.

Unlike its elaborate Baroque interior, the exterior is simply embellished with pillars and horizontal ledges with life-size statues of the Augustinian saints St. Thomas de Villanova and Monica flanked in a niche. The five-story belfry is the house of the very large bell cast in the 19^th century from the donation of 70-sack coins of the townfolk. It measures seven feet in diameter, five feet in height and weighs 10,400 kilograms. The people of the town referred to it Dakong Lingganay or Big Bell.

The bell was cast by Don Juan Reina who settled in JM Basa St, Iloilo City sinnce 1898 and established his blacksmith and casting shop. Fr. Jose Beloso sent for him when the belfry was being constructed. With a few basic tools, Reina set up a temporary shop at the foot of the town and hurried up with the casting of the bell. The moment the bell was tried during the Angelus, the sound was too loud that it could be heard in every nearby town. After he was paid by the parish priest, he returned to Iloilo. The bell cracked in a month’s time. From that time, the bell sounded more like a frying pan than a bell. The priest summoned the blacksmith furiously and demanded he should recast the bell for free. Don Juan, who had the temper of a baturro (countrymen from Aragon) would have none if it. No less stubborn, Fr. Beloso, appealed to Bishop Cuartero, after a heated discussion with the blacksmith, sent a circular to all priests in the island, prohibitng them fron contracting any job to Don Juan.

In the very strange manner, the deadlock was broken. Bishop Cuartero would spend long sleepless nights duue to a chronic toothache. Iron ically, the only dentist who could help him is no less than Don Juan, the blacksmith. He was sent for and the bishop meekly submitted himself to have his tooth pulled out.

The blacksmith was delighted in this great opportunity. As he got ready to apply the hook, he asked the bishop in genuine insolence, “Your excellency, is there any job for a bell caster?” and came the reply of the bishop, “Of course Don Juan, there is.” A big pull and the tooth went out. After this moment, it was not longer difficult for the blacksmith to find work.

The insciption in the bells states: Soy la voz de Dios que Ilevarey ensalzare desde el principio hasta el fin de este pueblo de Panay para que los fieles de Jesus vengan e esta casa de Dion a recibit las gracias celestiales (I am God’s voice which I shall echo and praise from one end to the other of the town of Panay, so that the faithful followers of Christ may may come to this house of God to receive heavenly graces.) The bell was cast in this town by Don Juan Reina to the glory of God and the Virgin Consolation while Fr. Jose Beloso was the parish priest of the town of Panay, 21^st of December, 1878. Another bell reads: Josepus (sic) Beloso fecit and laudem Sanetissimi Tritatos, B.M. Consolationis Huius oppido de Panay patrona et advocada. Anno domini 1867. It weights 183 arrobas. The small bell dated 1721.

The typhoon of March 5, 1874 destroyed the roof of the church and another typhoon in January 1875 toppled the transept. It was repaired by Fr. Lesmes Perez in 1895. On the other thand, the destroyed convent was never been rebuilt.

The fortress have been called an excellent example of the Filipino Colonial Baroque style that has blended well with the neo-classic influence. The imposing façade is massive and solid in appearance, with the blending of its lines and volume. Shallow paired pilasters with narrow groobes in between divide the façade into rectangular carving portraying the Agustinian emblem. The second level has an ornate niche and a rose window complemented by a relief sculpture at the center of the pediment above it. The vertical movement of the pilasters counterfoiled by the sharp projectibf architrave and curvelinear indulation of the pediment. The dark open spaces of the entrance and the windows create a closer relationship between light and shadow. The finials shaped as pineapple on the top most part of the pediment wall add to the local exotic color of the church. The neoclassic look blends excellently with the Baroque influences.

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