Molo Church, Ilo-Ilo

Molo Church or the St. Anne Parish is situated in front of the town plaza.  Molo is actually one of the seven districts of Iloilo City which formerly called Parian (Chinatown) because the residents here were mostly Chinese. Then it was changed into Moro because of the frequent arrival of Muslim pirates from Mindanao, but later evolved in this name – Wikipedia.com.

Jaro Cathedral, IloIlo

Jaro Cathedral is another example of the historical baroque architecture in the country. Built in 1864 by the order of Mariano Cuartero, who is the first bishop of Jaro. In 1948, this structure was destroyed by an earthquake and was restored in 1956 by the order of the first archbishop Jose Ma. Cuenco. The famous orator, Graciano Lopez Jaena was baptized in this church. In 1976, this church was proclaimed as Historical Landmark by the National Historical Institute.

Guimbal Church, Iloilo

Guimbal Church is situated by the highway of Guimbal, Ilo-Ilo, and can easily be recognized because of its unique facade. After my visit at Miag-Ao Church, I traveled around 30 minutes to Guimbal. According to my research, Guimbal Church or St. Nicholas of Tolentino Church doesn’t have any record to when I was erected or established, however, it was completed between 1769 and 1774 under Friar Juan Campos. In 1893, it was further enlarged but later destroyed by fire during the Revolution in 1896 to 1898.

Top 6 Best Tourist Spots in Ilo-Ilo; 2024 Itinerary, Places to Visit

1. Miag-Ao Church

Its construction of this church began in 1787 while Fray Francisco M. Gonzales. O.S.A. was the parish priest of Miag-ao and Domingo Libo-on  was the Gobernadorcillo. The Church was completed in 1797 and it served as the fortress against Muslim Raiders. In 1898, during the revolution, this church was destroyed but then it was rebuilt. In 1910, it was damaged by fine, and then it was badly damaged by earthquake in 1948. Restoration work began in 1960 and was completed in 1962. During the term of office of the Most Rev. Dr. Jose Ma. Cuenco, D.D. Metropolitan Archbishop of Jaro, of Msgr. Fernando S. Javillo, D.P., Parish Priest of this town and Dioscoro Mueda, Municipal Mayor.

Miagao Church, Iloilo (Santo Tomas de Villanueva)

Miag-ao Church or the Church of Sto. Tomas de Villanueva is an old baroque church in Miag-ao, Ilo-Ilo. It is one of the world-famous baroque churches in the Philippines and it became one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The construction of this church began in 1787 while Fray Francisco M. Gonzales. O.S.A. was the parish priest of Miag-ao and Domingo Libo-on was the Gobernadorcillo. The Church was completed in 1797 and it served as the fortress against the Muslim Raiders. In 1898, during the revolution, this church was destroyed but then it was rebuilt.

Solo-Backpacking: Tourist Spots in Negros Occidental, Iloilo

After my successful Cebu Solo-Backpacking, another solo-backpacking in the Visayas was planned - this is it, a solo-backpacking in Western Visayas. Language barrier wasn't a problem because Hiligaynon has similarity to our native language in Romblon. During my travel, I found out that the Negrenses are really accommodating and has a good sense of direction. In a simple question like: "where is it located?" they provided me a detailed instruction. In general, Negros Occidental and the province of Ilo-Ilo are Must Visit provinces in the Philippines. Sorted according to my itinerary, historical, heritage and tourist spots below were my destinations.

San Jose Church, Iloilo

San Jose Church is the first church in the city of Ilo-Ilo, built by the Jesuits around 1607.  But, on April 29, 1617, the Augustinians established San Jose, a house of the order. It was saved from being bombed by the Americans during World War II.  As the years goes by, some renovations were made.

Tigbauan Church, Iloilo

After Miag-ao and Guimbal, around 6 PM, we passed by the Tigbauan Church in Tigbauan, Ilo-Ilo. I already paid my fare to Ilo-Ilo City but I was amazed by the facade of the church, so I immediately got off the jeepney and had a very short visit in Tigbauan Church. In front is an open plaza and is just a few meters away from Tigbauan Municipal Hall.

Backpacking Guide: Tourist Spots in Capiz, Antique, Guimaras, Ilo-Ilo

From Roxas Airport, I rode in a tricycle to my first destination - Panay Church. Travel Time: 23 minutes. Fare: 200 pesos. ETA: 7:30 AM. Upon arrival, I easily felt the cool and fresh air blowing. Also, noticed an event banner hanging by the side of the church, thus, as a respect, I did not check the entire part of the Panay Church, including the largest bell on top. However, I stayed in the area for an hour and thirty minutes. Had my breakfast at 7-11, in front of the church, while starring on its gorgeous facade.

Centuries Old Churches in Negros Occidental and Iloilo

 This Lenten season, one of the cultural practices by some of the Filipinos is Visita Iglesia or visiting several churches. Here are some of the Centuries Old Churches in Negros Occidental and Ilo-Ilo. Let's start with Miag-ao Church, UNESCO World Heritage Site. Construction began in 1787 while Fray Francisco M. Gonzales. O.S.A. was the parish priest of Miag-ao and Domingo Libo-on  was the Gobernadorcillo. The Church was completed in 1797 and it served as the fortress against Muslim Raiders. During revolution, this church was destroyed but was rebuilt. Like other heritage churches, it was damaged by fire and earthquake. Restoration work began in 1960 and was completed in 1962.