This new series focuses on church activities in Talisay City, Sibonga and Carcar (all in Cebu) during last March’s Holy Week when I was at home during that time. These are some of my favorite shots from the opening series image, to the candle vendor and boy outside of Carcar church as well as the the two men looking at a child at the back of the sacristy at Sibonga church.
I read one of Sassy Lawyer’s post on Bosoboso a few months back and when I just saw that ancient church of Bosoboso, I was just so captivated with it that I said to myself that I should go there and see it for myself. A month later, I was asking my officemates on how to go to that place but nobody can answer. I checked the map and its just too far. But I persisted.
Old Bosoboso (if you say it the wrong way, it might mean to peep, like a peeping tom) is part of Antipolo City. Its not such a big place and because of its distance, there is no mobile phone signal in this area. I couldn’t believe it that there’s still places near mega Manila that has not been touched with the cellular companies’ reach.
The church was first constructed in 1700 under the Jesuits but was destroyed by an earthquake in 1880. In 1930, it was abandoned when the town was moved to another location but the people later came back. In 1943, it was razed by fire. It was only in 1995 that it was restored back to its original design and construction.
Inside the church is a simple altar made of bricks.
Cashews, still attached to the fleshy part is sold at the streets or the seeds being dried along the road in Bosoboso is one of the major cash crop in the area. The shelled seeds are sold in the streets and markets of Antipolo City. I have only seen and tasted the bittersweet but aromatic fruits back in my father’s hometown in Tangub City, Misamis Occidental years back when we were still children. Tasting it again brought back these sweet memories.
My original plan was to go directly to Old Bosoboso, a remote town in Rizal province and a part of Antipolo City. However, there was a mix up in the jeepney that I took in Cubao that I was left with no choice but to stop by Antipolo City and visit its famous church, a pilgrimage site for the Our Lady of Antipolo.
The image of Mary as the Our Lady of Antipolo, said to be a miraculous icon that people visit and pay homage to for prayers, pleas and invocations.
A candle vendor outside the church selling these unusual man and woman wax figure. She said that devotees buy her candles including these to pray for blessings for the family. The man and woman eventually represents the husband and wife. These are included in lighting the candle.
A lady vendor across the street selling cashew nuts (roasted and salted), various kakanin (native delicacies) like suman, kalamay (various stuff made from rice) and other sweets.
While visiting these churches one afternoon, I was amused that in Tiwi, Bacacay, Malilipot and Tabaco had weddings rites being held.
Tiwi Church, Albay
Malinao Church, Albay
Malilipot Church, Albay
Bacacay Church, Albay
Sto. Domingo Church, Albay
Daraga Church, Albay which is made of volcanic rocks. Located at a hill, this elevated place offers great views of Mt. Mayon.
Home to devout Catholics, Bicol is rich in monuments and structures to the Catholic faith. Dating to the Spanish era, these are usually made of corals and some in bricks. I have always been fascinated with old churches and being in Bicol is an opportunity to visit and enjoy these houses of God.
While touring though, I can’t help but feel sad too that people just don’t value much their catholic cultural heritage. Old churches are refurbished, its facade coated with a layer of cement. Whole altars are replaced. To them, old is not beautiful.
The Naga City Cathedral
Legazpi City Cathedral
Barcelona Church, Sorsogon. Touted as one of the wel preserved church in Bicol, I was quiet disappointed when I entered the church with its new interior decorated with not so old stained glass.
Camalig Church, Albay
Tabaco Church, Albay. The belfry is one of the most beautiful that I’ve seen.
Langyaw EstanCabigas.com blog Simbahan
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