Kris Crismundo
Iloilo’s Churches: Old but gold
The recent meeting of the Asia Pacific Economic Community (APEC) in Iloilo City brought me to one of the most promising cities in the Philippines. Of course, as someone who loves to travel and have an adventure, I never let this opportunity pass without seeing what Iloilo can offer.
And what I found out are treasures. Iloilo’s treasures are its churches.
Churches in Iloilo are not just ordinary church structures; they are old but gold. The older the structure, the more precious it is. I am not a history geek, but I was quickly amazed at the structures of churches in Iloilo, even without hearing their stories.
Jaro Cathedral in Jaro, Iloilo City
Popularly known as Jaro Cathedral, the National Shrine of Our Lady of Candles (Nuestra Señora de Candelaria) is one of the oldest churches in the Philippines. It was built in 1864.
Jaro Cathedral is an iconic structure that deviates from the norm with its Romanesque Revival architecture, staying away from the semi-circular arches commonly used in churches.
It also has a bell tower which is commonly attached to the church and was not connected to the church, while the shrine of Our Lady of Candles, which is commonly not connected to the structure, was attached over the cathedral’s main entrance.
And what makes Jaro Cathedral more special? It is the first and only cathedral on Panay Island.
Don’t forget to light candles that come in different colors depending on your prayers, as stories told that the Lady of Candles also prays for your blessings for them to come true.
Molo Church in Molo, Iloilo City
Known for being a “feminist church,” St. Anne Parish Church, or Molo Church, is one of the favorite tourist destinations in Iloilo City.
Molo Church is unique, built by the Dominicans in 1831 since it is the only Gothic church in the Philippines.
It was called the “feminist church,” as all statues in Molo Church represent female saints.
Miagao Church in Miagao, Iloilo
Some 40 to 50 kilometers away from Iloilo City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies the Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Parish or the Miagao Church.
The Baroque Romanesque-structure Miagao Church is one of the four churches in the country declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site along with San Agustin Church in Manila, San Agustin Church in Paoay, Ilocos Norte, and Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion Church in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur.
Visiting the Miagao Church will give you some bragging rights for visiting a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Miagao Church was built in 1787.
Going there
Coming from Iloilo International Airport, and if you are staying in a hotel within the city proper, it’s best to go first to Jaro Cathedral, then to Molo Church, then to Miagao Church.
After visiting Miagao Church, you may choose to stay in one of the beach resorts along the way to Miagao.
Take note that the Miagao church possesses exceptional universal value
The three churches are accessible via taxi. But since Miagao Church is far from the city, you may ride jeepneys to Miagao at Molo Terminal.
San Joaquin Church, Iloilo
San Joaquin Church is a historic church in San Joaquin in Iloilo province, Philippines. It is a beautiful example of Baroque architecture and is considered one of the country’s cultural treasures.
The Augustinian friars built the church in the late 18th century, using coral stones from the nearby Panay Gulf. It was completed in 1797 and has since been a prominent landmark.
The exterior of the San Joaquin Church is adorned with intricate carvings and decorations, including statues of saints and angels. Its bell tower stands 60 meters high, making it the tallest church bell tower in the Philippines.
Visitors can see the beautiful ceiling paintings and frescoes that depict religious scenes inside the church. The main altar is also a work of art, with its gold-plated retablo and the image of the Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, the patroness of San Joaquin.
The San Joaquin Church has been declared a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines. It is a popular tourist destination for those interested in history and architecture. It is also an active place of worship for the local community.
Guimbal Church (Saint Nicolas of Tolentino Church)
Guimbal Church, also known as Saint Nicolas of Tolentino Church, is a Spanish colonial church in Guimbal, Iloilo province, Philippines. It is one of the country’s oldest and most well-preserved churches and is considered a National Cultural Treasure.
The church was built by Augustinian friars in the 18th century using limestone and coral stones. It was completed in 1774 and has since been a prominent landmark in the town.
The Guimbal Church features Baroque-inspired architecture, with intricate carvings and details on its facade. Its bell tower stands 26 meters high and has a dome-shaped roof. Visitors can see the beautiful ceiling paintings and frescoes that depict religious scenes inside the church. The main altar is also a work of art, with its gold-plated retablo and the image of Saint Nicholas of Tolentino.
The Guimbal Church has been declared a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines and is a popular tourist destination for those interested in history and architecture. It is also an active place of worship for the local community, with daily masses in the church. The church is also known for its yearly celebration of the Feast of Saint Nicolas of Tolentino every September 10, marked by a procession of the saint’s image around the town.
Tigbauan Church (St. John of Sahagun Church)
Tigbauan Church, also known as St. John of Sahagun Church, is a historic church in Tigbauan in Iloilo province, Philippines. It is one of the country’s cultural treasures and a masterpiece of Spanish colonial architecture.
The Augustinian friars built the church in the 18th century using coral stones and adobe. It was completed in 1796 and has since been a prominent landmark in the town.
The Tigbauan Church features Baroque and Neoclassical architecture, with intricate carvings and details on its facade. Its bell tower stands 24 meters high and has a hexagonal shape. Visitors can see the beautiful ceiling paintings and frescoes that depict religious scenes inside the church. The main altar is also a work of art, with its gold-plated retablo and the image of St. John of Sahagun.
The Tigbauan Church has been declared a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines and is a popular tourist destination for those interested in history and architecture. It is also an active place of worship for the local community, with daily masses in the church. The church is also known for its yearly celebration of the Feast of St. John of Sahagun every June 12, marked by a procession of the saint’s image around the town.
San Jose Placer Church
San Jose Church, formally known as San José de Placer Church, is a Roman Catholic church in Iloilo City, Philippines. It was built in 1607 by the Jesuits and is considered the first-ever church in Iloilo City. The church houses the replica of Santo Niño de Cebú, the patron saint of the Dinagyang Festival. It is located in what was once known as Plaza Alfonso XII, now Plaza Libertad, a historic plaza in Iloilo City.
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