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This blog is an amateur photographer's attempt to show how beautiful the world really is. He is drawn to the colors of nature like a moth to a candle light. What are showcased here are nature's grand display of colors at sunrise and sunset, beautiful beaches and off-the-beaten track locations in his beloved Philippines, waterfalls and some of nature's great sculptures, architectural gems, and other views from around SE Asia that he was fortunate to see at one point.

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November 1, 2010

iloilo: sidetrip to jaro, miagao, and guimbal for the churches


Jaro Cathedral New front yard
Jaro Cathedral right after sunrise, the garden at the front was removed

A trip to Iloilo is not complete without dropping by a church or two to marvel at their beautiful forms. Iloilo has of lots of these architectural gems, each town has its own iconic and historical church or cathedral - a reminder of the rich Roman Catholic influence brought about by almost 400 years of Spanish rule.
I visited a few on my last trip there, beginning with Jaro Cathedral. I went straight to the cathedral after arriving on an early morning flight. There are vans that conveniently pass by Jaro plaza where the church is located, so it was my first stop before breakfast.

Roof paintings
ceiling paintings

The cathedral is still ongoing renovations/restoration. The last time I visited it, there were scaffolding all over the church interior, and as of this writing, the altar area is still being worked on.

After spending some quiet time in Concepcion, I made it a point to visit Miagao church. Just like Jaro Cathedral on my last visit, Miagao church was undergoing maintenance. This time I'm hoping to take photos of the facade sans the scaffolding.

Miagao Church
the best time to visit Miagao is after sunrise.

I took a jeep heading south to San Joaquin before sunrise and got off in Miagao plaza near the church. The 45-minute trip was uneventful and air was cool from last night's heavy downpour. The sky was overcast but I was optimistic the sun will come out. And it did, after almost 2 hours of waiting.

Miagao Church bas-relief 2
Miagao church's famous bas-relief

This UNESCO Heritage Site (Baroque Churches of the Philippines) is worth the visit every single time. Its cream colored coral stones and intricate bas-relief glowed in the early morning sun.

Church Facade
beautiful baroque architecture

On the way back to the city, a dropped by Guimbal's small church. Officially known as Church of San Nicalas of Tolentino, it was built in 1774 under the supervision of a Spanish priest named Fr. Campos.

Guimbal Church Facade 3
Guimbal Church

The church design is evidently baroque, but one can see Oriental and Corinthian elements such as the columns, pillars, and rosettes. The current belfry is not the original structure but the replacement was made to complement the look of the church.

Guimbal Church Facade Up Close
facade up close

I was not able to take photos of the church interior as it was close to noon already, and I have to hurry back to my hotel, pack my stuff, and catch an afternoon flight back to Manila.
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Lantaw
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7 comments:

escape said...

as for guimbal church ayos lang ang interior not much to see. yung miagao malas ko nung pumunta ako dun talagang hindi nagbukas kahit naghintay ako ng dalawang oras.

ganda ng ceiling paintings bai.

shengmarie said...

I have only been to Miag-ao Church, and was able to witness the interiors, Jaro Church, though very near our place was one thing we have always suspended whenever we are there. well, there's still some chances in going back, maparenew liwat eh, hehehe.

The Explorer said...

grabe, panalo na naman mga kuha mo, saka ang pakiramdam ko sobrang ganda ng bansang Pilipinas, salamat sa mga ganitong kuha mo

Las Islas Filipinas World

Unknown said...

very nice place. i'm hoping that someday we will reach this place also like what you did lan. A beautiful architectural form of old churches is a very nice subject. I am a beginner in photoblogging. I also would like to cover churches and heritage category....Lantaw also made me inspired to pursue another career in my life - photography...Thanks lan.

Reena said...

i can't remember if i've visited the jaro cathedral. but we've definitely been to miag-ao. unfortunately, we weren't able to step inside. they were doing preservtaion works kasi that time. sayang. :)

dodong flores 도동 플로오리스 said...

I had visited all the churches in Iloilo and almost all the churches in Panay Island and I won't get tired visiting these structures over and over again.
Nice photos, bai. I hope to be visiting these places again in the future...

Anonymous said...

beautiful photographs! the details are so crisp. keep up the great work.

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