churches

Culion Island, Palawan: The Legacy of Leprosy

Posted on May 14, 2013

Culion Island was once the site of the world’s largest leper colony. After three days in Coron with Coron EcoLodge, I took a side trip to Culion Island in Palawan. During the American Occupation, people across the Philippines afflicted with leprosy, then an incurable disease and once thought to be highly contagious, were separated from their families and forced to live in isolation in leper colonies. In 1906, the biggest colony was established in Culion Island, Palawan. By 1931, thereRead More→

Siquijor Hotspots: Siquijor Church & Bell Tower, Lazi Church & Convent, Salagdoong Beach, Enchanted Balete & Cambugahay Falls

Posted on May 16, 2012

Salagdoong Beach in Maria is the most popular choice, complete with water slides and cliff-diving platforms For an island its size, Siquijor – the third smallest province in Philippines after Batanes and Camiguin – packs a punch with its surprising variety of attractions. During the Spanish period, the island was called Isla de Fuego or “Island of Fire”, because of the massive colonies of fireflies that lit up its coastline at night. Today, like moths drawn to a flame, touristsRead More→

Camalaniugan, Cagayan – Home of the Oldest Church Bell in the Far East

Posted on April 21, 2012

Sancta Maria Bell, forged in 1595 From the Spanish church ruins of Pudtol, Apayao, we continued northeast of Cagayan province. Just off the national highway en route to the busy trading town of Aparri is the riverside municipality of Camalaniugan, which – as proudly heralded on the town’s welcome arch – is the home of the oldest Catholic church bell in the Far East. After having seen the largest church bell in Asia at Pan-ay, Capiz, I was looking forwardRead More→

Pathways to the Past: Boljoon’s Heritage Trail

Posted on January 5, 2012

The Patrocinio de Maria Church (1783) of Boljoon is the oldest remaining original church in Cebu. Established between 1598 and 1600, the town of Boljoon (pronounced Bol-ho-on) along the southeast coast of Cebu island is one of the most scenic in the Visayas. After a sharp curve around a large boulder called Ilihan Rock along the coastal road, the seaside settlement appears in its tranquil beauty, centered around an austere church, convent and watchtower, set next to the mountains. Having beenRead More→

Bolinao: A Perfect Beach Weekend

Posted on March 22, 2011

Golden sands of Patar Beach Maybe it was last Saturday’s supermoon – a full moon that coincides with the closest approach to Earth. The cosmos seemed to conspire to make our excursion to Patar Beach, Bolinao in northern Pangasinan the best weekend getaway by far. All the elements seemed to perfectly fall in place: cloudless skies, long stretches of golden sand, cool waters, golden sunsets, good food, cheery locals and crazy, crazy company. Unlike Puerto Galera, Bolinao makes for aRead More→

San Joaquin’s Colonial Treasures

Posted on January 26, 2011

San Joaquin Church Detail of facade bas relief depicting the Battle of Tétouan San Joaquin Cemetery Detail of cemetery archway The southwestern towns of Iloilo boasts of exquisite colonial architecture. While Miag-ao Church gets all the limelight as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the religious edifices of neighboring San Joaquin deserves equal admiration, and are one of best examples of Spanish colonial architecture in the Philippines. Built in 1869, San Joaquin Church is the only military-themed church in the Philippines.Read More→