Visita Iglesia: Iloilo IV Guimbal and Tigbauan

Two other unique churches in Iloilo are those found in the town of Guimbal and Tigbauan.


The San Nicholas of Tolentino Church in Guimbal is a yellow sandstone church is made from adobe stones called igang and coral stones quarried from Guimaras. It goes against the usual Baroque style churches in the Philippines, which is emphasizing its massiveness and sturdiness. Guimbal Church gives more attention to its artistry. The edifice is an explosion of ornate designs combining Oriental and European art. Twinned Corinthian pillars, ornamental rosettes of Asiatic styles, Moorish spires and classic finials are the most imposing facets of the facade.




The church of Tigbuan is the only church in the Philippines with Churriguesque-plateresque style until it was altered with an additional two unrelated towers. Built in 1578 during the time of Fr. Pedro Chirino and reconstructed during Fr. Fernando Comporendondo’s time. The facade design is simple: a rectangle surmounted by a triangular pediment, the whole hemmed by thick pillars on either side. What makes Tigbauan Church unique are that the walls of the interior. It is built with beautiful mosaics depicting important events in the life of Christ.


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Visita Iglesia: Iloilo III (San Joaquin Church)

More than 50 kilometers from Iloilo city is town of San Joaquin. Two of the historical tourist attractions in the area are the church and the cemetery.

The San Joaquin Church, which was built in 1859, is made of coral stones and limestone. What makes it unique is the design of its façade. Usually church façade has murals of angels, saints and other religious objects, but not San Joaquin. The façade depicts the Spanish victory over the Moors in the Battle of Tetuan.


It is said that the church is half-way finished when the news of the victory reached Fr. Tomas Santaren. As a means of remembering the great victory, he commissioned the change in the design of the façade. The mural shows the drama of victory where the cavalry and infantry is shown tearing down the Moors defense.


As with other churches in the region, San Joaquin also served as a fortress against raiding Moors invaders. When the Japanese occupied the Philippines, the church was also used as an evacuation center. The national government declared the church a historical landmark in 1974.


Not far from the Church along the National Highway stands the old San Joaquin cemetery. Built in 1892, the cemetery is made of coral stones. A baroque style gate with a statue of Jesus that stands on top welcomes visitors. A sculpted heads of a cherubs and two skull representing death marks the entrance of the cemetery. A 20-stepped stairway supported by balustrade led into a small chapel.


More photos at http://mj527.multiply.com/photos/album/102/San_Joaquin_Church_and_Cemetery

Visita Iglesia: Iloilo II (Miag-ao Church)

Amongst the old churches in Iloilo, Miag-ao is simply majestic. It’s massive façade and unique design is something to marvel at.


Built in 1786 by the Augustinian missionaries, it is one of the four Baroque churches in the country which was inscribed in 1993 on the World Heritage list Site pursuant to the 1972 Unesco convention concerning the protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage.


The Miag-ao Church or Church of Santo Tomas de Villanueva was built from sandstone or igang, which were quarried in nearby San Joaquin town. On the front facade, one can see the unique blending of Spanish and native influences. The façade has a coconut tree which reaches to the top of the church. The artistic facade of the Miag-ao Church is decorated with a relief sculpture of St. Christopher carrying the Christ child amidst coconut, papaya and guava shrubs. It also shows the daily life of the people of Miag-ao and other native flora and fauna.


A large stone image of St. Thomas of Villanueva, parish patron saint, dominates the center.


The church and its watchtowers were also built to defend the town and its people against raids by the Moros. It is because of this defensive purpose that it is also referred to as the Miag-ao Fortress Church.
The present Church of Miagao is actually the third church constructed in the town. The first two churches were built in Ubos, due to frequent piratical raids; it was transferred to Tacas, the highest elevated area in the town.
While Miagao Church stood the test of time and calamities, it did not escape the ravages if war. The church was burned during World War II. What remained was the walls, facade and bell towers.


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Visita Iglesia: Iloilo

As a leading province during the Spanish Colonial Era, the province of Iloilo is widely known for its beautiful old world architecture particularly the old Spanish colonial churches. Within the city proper alone and within a radius of 4 KM, there stood 3 churches worth visiting.

Jaro Cathedral.

The seat of the Jaro Archbishop, the Cathedral is also known as Nuestra Senora de la Candelaria.


It is home to the miraculous Virgin Mary which is prominently located outside and above the main door. It is the only religious icon personally crown by the late Pope John Paul II. The statue is made of limestone, it is said that the limestone is continuously growing.


Another feature of the cathedral is its bell tower which is actually located across the street on the Jaro Plaza. The belfry was used as a lookout tower for sea raiders. One will notice that only male statues that stands inside the Cathedral. The church was built 1874 by the first bishop of Jaro his Excellency Mariano Cuartero, O.P.

Molo Church

The Molo Church is the opposite of the Jaro Cathedral. The church is also known as a feminist Church. It earned the name because of the presence of images of women saint. It is also known as the church of St. Anna. Looming above the old Chinese district of Molo, the church distinguished itself by being one of a kind Gothic architecture in a baroque influence churches in the area. Built in 1831, it was made into an evacuation center for the civilians during WWII.

La Paz Church

One of the red brick structure in Iloilo, La Paz church is a neoclassical roman catholic church in the district of La Paz. Also known as the Church of St. Clement, the present church was constructed in 1870 and completed around 1895.

More Photos at http://mj527.multiply.com/photos/album/100/Church_hopping_in_Iloilo#