The Beauty and Antiquity of Ilonggo Churches

As the world evolves to modern civilization, so do man and his work. In the process of this evolution are the tenacious traces of man’s marvelous creations – the ancient and beautiful antiques.

Today’s generation cannot help but stand in awe to our ancestors a legacy of their life in the dawn of time. We visit museums and historical places to get a glimpse these seemingly remote, if not captivating existence.

My native Iloilo, being the leading province during the Spanish Colonial Era, is famous for its beautiful old world architecture similar to that of Latin American countries. Scattered in the province were enormous artifacts, traditions, and places that help us see the past through these still “living” things. They are profiles of yesterday’s art for today’s generation.

Among them, and certainly the most favorite tourist attractions, are the Spanish colonial churches that are a must in your next visita iglesia in Iloilo. Here are some of the ancient and beautiful symbols of Christianity in the island:

Cathedral of Molo (St. Anne Parish) - Constructed on 1886, this cathedral cost about a hundred thousand pesos at a time when laborers were contented to receive a daily wage of ten centavos. The left belfry is a new construction, the old one having been demolished American fell in 1945. The earthquake of 1948 left  untouched while it leveled several other churches of the island of Panay including that of Oton, Tubungan, and the bell tower of Jaro Church. Built in the Roman-Corinthian style, it is dedicated to the patron saint of Molo, Saint Anne. This house of worship prides itself with the most collection of female saints among all churches in the island. This is said to be the most beautiful church in the whole of Western Visayas. Sixteen almost life-size images of female saints adorn the sides of its walls. On the right side stood: Sta. Juliana, Sta. Lucia, Sta. Rosa de Lima, Sta. Teresa, Sta. Clara, Sta. Cecilia, Sta. Margarita, Sta. Marta and on its left side: Sta. Marcela, Sta. Apolonia, Sta. Genoveva, Sta. Isabel de Ungria, Sra. Monica, Sta. Felicia, Sta. Ines, and Sta. Maria Magdalena. In 1992, St. Anne Parish Church of Molo was formally declared as a national landmark by the National Historical Institute.

Church of Miagao (Santo Tomas de Villanueva Parish) – Located 40 kilometers away from the city Iloilo is the Church of Santo Tomas de Villanueva in the town of Miag-ao. The construction of this imposing solid structure had begun in 1786 and finished 11 years after. Build along characteristically in its façade – a pyramidal stone wall dominating the center, together with other native florae on the side. The church is characterized as eclectic in style - a selection and conglomeration of different selected architectural styles, motifs and ornaments.  This edifice had undergone several constructions. Proving itself as the most beautiful and mystifying work of ancient Ilonggo hands, it was declared as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Baroque Churches of the Philippines" in 1993.

Church of Tigbauan (Parish of St. John Sahugan) – The exceptionally ornate façade of this church which was carved in Hindu and Malayan style counts among its features the coat of arms of the Augustinian Order. The Sto. Nino is the Patron Saint of Tigbauan. A niche in the center is occupied by a large wooden image of San Nicolas Tolentino. The Tigabauan parish was established in the year 1575, but it was not until after 1617 that the construction of the present church was commenced.

Church of San Joaquin (Parish of San Juan)  – a large pyramid structure in the upper part of this church predicts a battle scene between Christians and Moors, perhaps, during the crusade or that phase in the history of Spain in which soil in Christian and Moors have cut each others throat. This tableau has been gratuitously attributed to the battle of Tetuan in Morroco in 1859 – an all too recent event to acquire the glow of legend deserving t be carved in the facades of churches built just ten years later.

Church of Oton (The Immaculate Conception Parish)  – Built in the year 1880 and shaped like a Red Cross, this beautiful and multi-spired cathedral with large basilica style dome in the center was totally demolished by the great earthquake of 1948 that also toppled the belfry of Jaro Cathedral. It was the only church planned as a Greek cross, that is, all four wings were of equal lengths and came together at the center. The center was marked by a cupola with arched windows as clerestory and a lantern as its finial. The four ends of the cross were decorated by flanking spires, lancet windows, and a pediment shaped as Gothic arch pierced by a rose window.

Church of Sta. Barbara (Parish of St. Barbara)  – Imposing in its austere simplicity, the façade of Santa Barbara Church is dominated by a well- unified design of broken churches, columns, and top finials. Santa Barbara is of Baroque Renaissance architecture. The whole structure imposes simplicity and beauty. Its facade is neoclassic, proven by twinned neoclassic pilasters and finials. But in 1855, it was largely damaged in the war. Adjoining the church is a large bulding built together with it to house the parish priest where General Martin Delgado of the Visayan Revolutionary Government convened the junta that raised the first Cry of Revolution against Spain outside Luzon.

Church of Pavia (Sta. Monica Parish) – The construction of this brick church commenced in the year 1886 and was never finished. The jade motif prevails throughout in the main doors and windows. Large stepped rosette windows with colored glass look at the front upper sides. A sunken balcony above the main is constituted with six equal arches. The top of which is occupied by the town patron-saint Santa Monica.