THIS IS A 4-PART SERIES
1. Cebu City
Sto. Niño Basilica
Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral
2. Southeast of Cebu
Pardo: Sto. Tomas de Villanueva
Talisay: Sto. Niño de Cebu Church
Naga: St. Francis de Assisi Church
San Fernando: San Isidro Labrador
Carcar: St. Catherine of Alexandria
Sibonga: Mary of Simala
Argao: St. Michael Church
Dalaguete: San Guillermo Church
Alcoy: Sr Sn Jose Chapel of Lalin
Boljoon: N Sra Patrocinio de Maria
Oslob: Immaculate Conception
3. Southwest of Cebu
Dumanjug: St. Francis of Assisi
Alegria: St. Joseph Church
Malabuyoc: Sn Nicolas de Tolentino
Ginatilan: San Gregorio Magno
Samboan: San Michael Archangel
Santander: Santander Church
4. Northeast of Cebu
Camotes Is: The Holy Child
Liloan: San Fernando Rey Church
Danao: Sto. Tomas de Villanueva
Carmen: St. Augustine Church
Sogod: St. James de Apostle Church
Tabogon: San Isidro Labrador Church
Bogo: San Vicente Ferrer Church
Bantayan Island: Sts. Peter & Paul
_______________________________________
PART - 1
CEBU CITY
Santo Niño Basilica
The oldest catholic church in the Philippines. Built in 1565, but burned down a year later. It was completely rebuilt in 1626, burned down again two years later. It was then rebuilt again, this time, in stones and was completed in 1740. This church houses the oldest religious relic in the Philippines that makes it one very significant in Philippine's history, in turn, becomes a major tourist spot of the province. It was declared a National Historical Landmark in 1941.
(Update: This church sustained major damages from the earthquake of 2013.)
In queue to the image of Santo Niño
The image of Santo Niño de Cebu.
Metropolitan Cathedral
Just a few blocks away from the Basilica de Sto Niño. This cathedral was constructed in 1689 but it took many many years (220 years!) to complete due to financial restraints. Finally completed in 1909. It was then destroyed during WWII and was rebuilt in 1950.
(Update: This church sustained only minor damages from the earthquake of 2013.)
_______________________________________
PART - 2
SOUTH-East of Cebu
Most of the municipal churches in this southeast part of Cebu Province were built along the coastline, facing the ocean, giving it a different perspective with its scenic seaside location.
Map of Cebu Province - Southeast Churches
Road guide:
For a day, you can visit all these churches in one go. Please follow the directions below:
Start early like 6AM
Take the bus to Oslob (the farthest town in the southeast part of Cebu)
The trip takes about 3 to 4 hours.
Get off at the town of Oslob, and visit your first church.
Hitch a bus ride going back north.
Stop on the next town; enjoy the town and its church.
Repeat the drill, ride the bus going north, and make a stop on the next town.
Buses are a plenty, there’s one in every 30 mins or less.
Bus fare is cheap
By night fall, you would have seen them all, and you’ll be near Cebu City.
Oslob: Immaculate Conception
Oslob, a very quiet town by the sea. The location of the church couldn’t be more perfect. It’s facing the beautiful blue ocean. This bucolic church was built in 1830 but was never finished until 18 years later in 1848. It was burned down in 1945 and was then restored 10 years later in 1955. Recently in 1988, a fire destroyed its interior and then restored just recently.
Boljoon: Patrocinio de Maria
Declared as National Historical Landmark in 1999. The church of Nuestra Señora Patrocenio in Bojoon is the oldest remaining stone church in Cebu. This church was built in 1783 and was only completed in the mid 1800s. The image of our Lady of Patrocenio, which is housed in this church, is believed to be the original statue brought from Spain in 1599. This image has been attributed to many miracles over the centuries.
(Update: This church sustained only minor damages from the recent earthquake of 2013.)
church interior, an elderly devotee
church's unique watch tower
the old school building
church's playground
baywalk
Alcoy: Sta Rosa de Lima
The church of the quiet town of Alcoy was constructed with bricks originally, in 1889 but its present Spanish structure was built in 1893. The Santa Rosa de Lima church of Alcoy has this interesting 5-level bell tower built just recently in 1982.
Municipal hall
Dalaguete: San Guillermo Church
A town with a bucolic old church. The church’s interior was being repaired when I visited the place. Dalaguete’s church of San Guillermo was built in 1802 and was only completed 23 years later in 1825.
(Update: This church sustained only minor damages from the earthquake of 2013.)
church interior under-repair
Local scenes
Argao: St. Michael Church
The church of St Michael in the small town of Argao was founded in 1733, constructed in 1803 and it took 33 years to get completed. It was partially destroyed by typhoon in 1876. Its bell tower was constructed in 1830 with 8 bells and a clock on top.
(Update: This church sustained damages from the earthquake of 2013.)
Mortuary & the Old Arch
Sibonga: Mary Simala
This shrine/church of Mary of Simala is located inland from the highway near the center of the sleepy town of Sibonga, about 15 mins on a tricycle. This fortress-like church/shrine is built on a hill side. Very elaborate with paths & a twin bridge leading to the shrine. Huge structure with 4 or 5 levels and several pointed towers on top.
It houses the miraculous statue of Mary. It also showcases cabinets of testimonies from people who were cured or granted their wishes. Wall to wall, from wheelchairs, crutches, to diplomas, uniforms, to notes, and letters from celebrities. Lots of things to see. This is the wall of testaments.
collection of Marys
devotees
the Miraculous Image, Mary of Simala
Carcar: St. Catherine
Carcar is a crossroad town. Heavy traffic and busy. One of the few heavy commercialized small towns south of Cebu City. This town has an imposing church that stands on a hill-liked plaza. One of my favorite churches in the country. St. Catherine of Alexandria Church in Carcar struck me as a Greek-Roman structure with a huge high arch entrance, framed by two bell towers on both ends, topped with a Muslim-inspired curvy pumpkin-colored dome. Its most distinguished features are the 12 statues of the apostles in front. This church was built in 1860.
(Update: This church sustained major damage on its belfry from the earthquake of 2013.)
church interior
Carcar scene
San Fernando: San Isidro Labrador
The San Isidro Labrador church in the small town of San Fernando was built in 1870 and was completed 16 years later in 1886. The same architect who designed the church of Pardo. Its current two bell towers were only added much later after WWII.
Pitalo: San Vicente Ferrer
A charming chapel built in 1925 in Barangay Pitalo in the town of San Fernando, Cebu.
Little devotee
Naga: St. Francis of Assisi
What grabbed my attention about this church of Naga is its belfry. It looks like a giant tin can shaped like a pyramidal tower. The fact that this belfry was only added in 1979 probably the reason why it’s a bit off from the church. Its minaret-like structure reminds me more of an Islam architecture. Its original belfry was destroyed during WWII. The old church, on the other hand, was built in 1839.
Talisay: Sta Teresa de Avila
While the church of Pardo has its belfry in the middle, this church in the town of Talisay has two belfries on both ends on its façade. A construction of this church started in 1836, and was completed in 1848. It was destroyed by a typhoon in 1877 and was again rebuilt in 1881.
Pardo: Sto. Tomas
The Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Church of Pardo looks really charming from the outside. Among the first churches, you’ll see as you leave the big city of Cebu heading south. It has a unique architectural style, different from other catholic churches in the country. The only (or maybe just two) church(es) I’ve seen, with a belfry in the middle of its façade. It’s between two cylindrical shorter towers. This semi-elongated church was built around the 1870s.
(Update: This church sustained damages from the earthquake of 2013.)
_______________________________________
PART - 3
SOUTH-West of Cebu
Much like in the southeast part of Cebu Province, the southwest part (on the opposite side) is also dotted with historical Spanish-era churches. These churches are equally adorable and the highway leading to each municipal church is as picturesque as it can get. The coastlines are just beautiful. When you take the bus, take a non-aircon bus, so you can open your window and take the cold wind rushing over your face.
Map of Cebu Province - Southwest Churches
Road guide:
Start early like 6AM
Take the bus to Santander (the farthest town in the south part of Cebu)
The trip takes about 4 hours.
Get off at the town of Santander, and visit your first church.
Hitch a bus ride going back north on the west part of Cebu.
Stop on the next town; enjoy the town and its church.
Repeat the drill, ride the bus going north, and make a stop on the next town.
Buses are a plenty, there’s one in every 30 mins or less.
By night fall, you would have seen them all, and you’ll be near Cebu City.
Santander:
Santander is the southernmost municipality of Cebu. It’s a sea port town. Although it has an old established parish (1897), the current church doesn’t resemble an old church any longer due to many reconstructions over the years.
Samboan: San Miguel Archangel
San Miguel Archangel Church is a very unassuming stone church in the equally unassuming town of Samboan. It was built in 1842. Aside from having a beautiful belfry, it also has a watchtower, just a few meters from the church, which overlooks the sea. Below this watchtower is a coral stone stairway that leads down to the highway road. It is called the Jacob Ladder.
(Update: This church sustained damages from the earthquake of 2013.)
Jacob's Ladder
Ginatilan: San Gregorio Magno
The San Gregorio Magno Church of the quiet town of Ginatilan is another cruciform church built in 1854. Completed 12 years later in 1866. The simple yet beautiful belfry was added later in 1883 and it took 7 years to finish.
Malabuyoc: San Nicolas
The San Nicolas de Tolentino Church in the small town of Malabuyoc was built around 1832. It is a cruciform church made of coral stones, lined with defensive buttresses on the side.
town images
Alegria: St. Francis Xavier
The inconspicuous town of Alegria is dotted with a number of colonial houses. The church of St. Francis Xavier was built in 1857. You will see the what-remained of the historic watch tower in front of the church.
the interior, through the grills
goodies vendor in Alegria
Dumanjug: St. Francis of Assisi
The present day stone church of this quiet town of Dumanjug was built in 1854 and it took all 10 years to complete. This one has a really beautiful façade with a few touch of ornamentations. Its belfry has a clock on top that adds to its rustic character.
church door & window
town images
Yes, we were church hopping on jeeps, mini-buses and tricycles.
_______________________________________
PART - 4
NORTH-East of Cebu
This is all together different from the churches in the South. While churches in the south are mostly rustic and built along the coastlines. Churches in the north are mostly newly reconstructed with cement, but the road leading to theses churches offers verdant mountainside views which make it a different kind of adventure.
Map of Cebu Province - Northeast Churches
Road guide: (except Bantayan Island and Camotes Island). Bantayan and Camotes are island trips.
PART - 4
NORTH-East of Cebu
This is all together different from the churches in the South. While churches in the south are mostly rustic and built along the coastlines. Churches in the north are mostly newly reconstructed with cement, but the road leading to theses churches offers verdant mountainside views which make it a different kind of adventure.
Map of Cebu Province - Northeast Churches
Road guide: (except Bantayan Island and Camotes Island). Bantayan and Camotes are island trips.
Start early like 6AM
Take the bus to Bogo (the farthest town in the north part of Cebu)
The trip takes about 2 to 3 hours.
Get off at the first town, Bogo, and visit your first church.
Hitch a bus ride going back south.
Stop on the next town; enjoy the town and its church.
Repeat the drill, ride the bus going south, and make a stop on the next town.
Buses are a plenty, there’s one in every 30 mins or less.
Bus fare is cheap
By night fall, you would have seen them all, and you’ll be near Cebu City.
Bantayan Island: Sts. Peter & Paul
I wasn’t really expecting an old church in this remote island of Bantayan, much more, two of them. I have the habit of asking the locals if there’s an old church in their area. I was told, yes, but only mentioned one. The other one, I learned long after. The town of Bantayan has this beautiful rustic tough-looking church standing in its very center. It was built from 1839 to 1863. It’s made out of corals and stones endemic to the island. And, it is the oldest parish in Cebu, established in 1580
the interior
Bogo: San Vicente Ferrer
With its rainbow arch gate, (as you can see) this gorgeous church of San Vicente Ferrer Church is not your typical rustic old church of Cebu. This church was built after WWII though the parish was established way back in 1850.
Tabogon: San Remegio
In the sleepy town of Tabogon, one unique church stands in front of the beach. This church made me wonder one thing: Is a priest assigned to a particular parish has the full authority to do whatever he pleases to a church he’s assigned to? This church was originally facing the sea, but in 1972, a priest renovated it by closing its façade and made a new entrance at the back of the church. So now, the front door of the church is the old back of the church. The idea just drove me a bit woozy. I guess I'm more concerned of its preservation than the slight convenience of its parishioners.
This is now the front of the church (previously the back).
And this is now the back of the church (previously the front).
The beach at the back of the San Remegio Church.
Sogod: Santiago Apostol
This church is built on an elevated ground. You sort of walk up your way to either the front steps or the curving road path leading to its door. It looks more like a small white chapel than of a church. Although it doesn’t have that historic look, this parishioner was mentioned as having an old history going back since 1886. Damaged during WWII and the great typhoon of 1951. A few remnants of the past still stands today, like the ruined watch tower right in front of it.
An elderly devotee is almost always present in every church I go to.
Carmen: St. Augustine
Carmen is another sleepy town fronting the sea. The present Church of St. Augustine is one I would usually ignore because, first, it’s not old, it’s not rustic, and it does not look historic. But, it’s unusual dome caught my eye, jutting above the church in the back. Admittedly, it’s a beautiful dome, like one out in Morocco or in Italy. And it was built in 1971 (as inscribed on a plaque on the wall).
town images
Danao: Sto. Tomas
Danao’s Church of Santo Tomas de Villanueva is one of the bigger churches in the north of Cebu. It was constructed with stone in 1755. It was heavily damaged in WWII, and only its façade & wall survived the destruction. A cruciform church much like many churches in the south. A major renovation was done in 1981, and it took 4 years to complete.
Liloan: San Fernando
Liloan is a bit busier than the usual sleepy towns in the south. The San Fernando del Rey Church was constructed in 1859 and it took 21 years to be completed.
Camotes Island: The Holy Child
This church in this hushed sleepy town of Poro, in the island of Camotes, has a subtle beauty that somehow reminded me of Lazi church in Siquijor. The Church of the Holy Child has a pale pastel-color belfry. It was built in 1849, the very first in the island of Camotes. Its façade and walls remained intact after hundreds of years of existence.
Church of the Holy Child, Poro, Camotes Island
Click here later to return to the >>> MAIN MENU
Click here for more of >>> CEBU
