Rough Groove

Around Mindanao, 7 - Jasaan Church

I have always been intrigued when centuries old churches are mentioned in Mindanao since its just rare. Of the four that I covered, one of these is the Immaculate Concepcion church in Jasaan, Misamis Oriental. Built by the Jesuits late 19th century, it is perched atop an elevated area in this municipality.

Architecturally, left, I wasn’t so impressed with this church. Except for the lower portions that still retained the original stonework, the upper part of the facade is already new but I think that it still follows the original design. In the NCCA website, it also mentions that this is a provincial attempt to follow an urban design that is the San Ignacio church in Intramuros which was totally destroyed during WWII.

Right, the neo-Gothic retablo of the church.

Left, what impressed me very much with this church though, is the intricate design of its wooden ceiling, like a complex weave on a native basket or a piece of traditional tribal cloth. Right, the massive convent entirely made of wood with big tree trunks for its post inside.

Around Mindanao, 4 - Jimenez Church

The Parish Church of St. John the Baptist in Jimenez, Misamis Occidental is considered the best preserved heritage church in Mindanao. This unique church (so much different compared to the typical Spanish era churches in the rest of the country) is listed as one of 26 colonial churches considered as National Cultural Treasure and one of two from Mindanao (the other is in Jasaan, Misamis Oriental). Constructed by the Augustinian Recollects in the second half of the 19th century. Conservation measures are currently done inside the church as part of the NCCA (National Commission for Culture and Arts).

When I entered this church, I just can’t help but gasp at its very beautiful interior. Paintings at the top of the church’s nave, as well as sides are just amazing. Right, the impressive colors of the dome. Left, the rather squat facade is rather simple but inside, its just awesome.

The gothic style altar is impressive, left. Holy water font, dating back to 1878 can be found a few feet from the door, right. This church has also a pipe organ that is no longer used located at the choir loft.

Left, at the upper part of the belfry can be found, still intact but no longer functioning, the church’s clock. Its almost the same clockwork device that I have seen in Tayabas, Quezon and Oslob in Cebu. Right, still original tiles of the church’s floor still intact.

Around Mindanao, 2 - Dapitan church

Left, the Church of St. James which was built by the Jesuits in 1883 where Jose Rizal goes to for Sunday mass. Its an imposing edifice with few embelishments on its facade and lords it over the plaza. Right, the interior of the church with its mesmerizing cieling.

Left, the place where Rizal usually stands during mass. Right, unlike other churches which hosts a population of bats, this one have swifts making there nests.

Baybay Church

Baybay ChurchOriginally uploaded by Mcforest.

Saw this church in the SIMBAHAN Flickr pool. Really a beautiful old church with a simple facade but god, its marred by an out of place portico! What’s with these priests anyway? Don’t they just have good taste? Don’t they respect history, cultural heritage?

Everytime I visit an old church and see this kind of defacement just makes me sad and shake my head in disappointment. Just like when on my way from Pagsanjan to Lucban and saw Luisiana’s old church. At first, I was ecstatic when portions of the facade came into view. Its really old, yet simple but when the whole front became visible, I gasped in horror! A very new portico with gaudy red roof was built!

So badly done, so out of place. And that’s just one of what’s befalling many centuries old churches in the country.

A trip to Vigan, 6

Left, a few meters from the Vigan Cathedral, Simbaan a Bassit, another centuries old religious structure in the city. This is actually a cemetery chapel known for its uniqueness as it is the only such kind with an espadana, bells placed at the top of the pediment.

Right, one of four UNESCO World Heritage site (baroque churches in the Philippines), the Church of the Assumption in Sta. Maria is another imposing structure. One need to have an ultrawide angle lens just to capture the facade.

Just outside of Vigan is Bantay with its impressive church of St. Augustine. The massive belltower located a few meters from the church overlooking a hill serves also as a watchtower against enemies.

Another town near Vigan, San Vicente is also a proud host to another beautiful church. Right, its centuries old fence still exists.

Related posts:

A trip to Vigan, 1
A trip to Vigan, 2
A trip to Vigan, 3
A trip to Vigan, 4
A trip to Vigan, 5