National Cultural Treasure Series - SAN JOAQUIN PARISH CHURCH, San Joaquin, Iloilo - PH-06-0001-NCT

The Church of San Joaquin is the Roman Catholic parish church of the town of San Joaquin in Iloilo Province. Built in 1869, the church distinguishes itself from other churches in the Philippines because of its militaristic theme. Carved on a disproportionately large pediment on the facade is an intricate sculptural relief depicting the Spanish victory over Moroccan forces in the Battle of Tetuan.

The San Joaquin Church is made of limestones quarried from the mountains of Igbaras and gleaming white coral stones abundant in the shores of San Joaquin. The facade is decorated with rosettes and divided vertically by engaged columns. A plaque above the arched portal displays the Augustinian seal flanked by cherubs.

The unique features of the San Joaquin Church has received the admiration of its onlookers including the National Historical Institute, which has listed the church as a National Cultural Treasure. The declaration was made in support of the state policy to preserve and protect important cultural properties and safeguard their intrinsic value.

The church magnificently stands on a plain overlooking the sea and is located beside San Joaquin’s town plaza.

Source: exploreiloilo.com

Visita Iglesia 2015 - National Cultural Treasures of the Philippines

The Philippines is home to hundreds of centuries-old Spanish colonial churches which continue to play important spiritual roles in the lives of millions of Filipino Catholics. Built during the height of the Spanish colonization  in the 1500's, these churches have remained largely intact for centuries. However, natural calamities, the ravages of pollution, and urban development has taken its toll on these priceless edifices.

The National Commission for the Culture and Arts (NCCA) identifed these 37 churches as National Cultural Treasures for their cultural significance and distinctive architecture. Most of them I have already visited. The rest, will be part of my next travel agenda.

LakbayLoyd Fiesta Series : The Battle of the Tribes at the DINAGYANG FESTIVAL

The Dinagyang Festival is Iloilo City's version of the famous Ati-Atihan Festival held Kalibo and other parts of the country. It started way back in 1967 when the image of Sto. Nino was brought to IloIlo City from Cebu. Since then, the Dinagyang Festival was celebrated and the grand celebration is held every fourth week of January, a week after the Sinulog celebration. It may not be as old as the Ati-Atihan but definitely much much more impressive in terms of costume design, a display of Ilongos' artistry, ingenuity and craftsmanship, exquisite choreography and original musical scoring. The production numbers were very well-kept secrets and were only revealed during the competition itself, that's according to production insiders.

There are two major events during the festivals final weekend of the festivity. The Kasadyahan Regional Cultural Competition, held on the fourth Saturday, is participated by visiting tribes from different towns and provinces all over the Visayas and Mindanao. The most attended, much awaited and highly-anticipated Ati Tribe Competition is held.

I was able to witness Dinagyang Festival for the past three consecutive years, and like most of the festival's aficionados, I am very much convinced that the Dinagyang Festival is the best tourism event in the Philippines for all time.

In photos, the grand winner for three consecutive years - Tribu Panayanon.

Tribu Panayanon in 2013

Tribu Panayanon in 2014

Tribu Panayanon in 2015

Highlights of the Dinagyang Festival 2015

LakbayLoyd Lighthouse Series 18: EL FARO DE ISLAS CALABAZAS, Calabaza Island, Ajuy, Iloilo

Another historical lighthouse built during the Spanish era is the El Faro De Islas Calabazas located in the northeast part of Panay Island, off the shore of Ajuy, Iloilo Province. Due to growing maritime activity along the Guimaras Straits going to Port of Iloilo, the lighthouse was built though Islas Calabazas was not the first choice as site for the lighthouse. Work began in 1892 and the lighthouse was made operational in 1895. The lighthouse is one of the 27 major lighthouses built to illuminate the Philippine archipelago during the Spanish reign.

Faro De Islas Calabazas was built above a small hill overlooking the Guimaras Strait leading towards the Port of Ajuy with housing pavilion and service buildings for the keeper and his family. The tower was that of the tourelle type. The top of the lighthouse was a dome, similar to that of Cape Bojeador Lighthouse's dome. The original tower has collapsed over the years and replaced by a modern light tower similar to Islas Gigantes and Islote Manigonigo.

The entire structure were abandoned for long time now. It was a daunting sight to see the tower was gone, the buildings are abandoned and in ruins, rich fauna has grown uncontrollably everywhere since no one tenders the buildings. The lack of maintenance budget from the local government of Ajuy is preventing the locals of Barangay Nasidman in Ajuy to maintain the lighthouse and clean its surroundings.

My First Visit - November 3, 2014

My objective to add more lighthouses to my list lead me to Ajuy, Iloilo where the Faro de Islas Calabazas is located. After my visit to Faro De Islote Manigonigo, Ms. Vema (owner of Chateau De Aow in Carles) referred me to Engr. Roy Latap (09275226031), a resort owner and an advocate of tourism development in Ajuy, to help with my Ajuy itinerary.

Heading to Ajuy from Carles was very easy. Following the instructions of Engr. Roy, I took the bus for Iloilo City and asked the conductor to drop me off near Ajuy Municipal Hall where we shall meet. It was a 3 hour bus trip and before I arrived, he arranged my accomodation at the El Jardin Inn located near the town's center and along the national highway. 

It was a complete delight to finally meet Engr. Roy. Using his brand new motorcycle, he took me around Ajuy immediately upon my arrival. Along the way, I learned from him how they managed to rebuilt after Yolanda's devastation and how positive he feels about Ajuy's tourism success.

For our first stop, we visited the Tierra Verde Eco-farm where the earliest sugar mill in Ajuy was established. The old tower, large kawa, and other obvious remnants of how muscovado was produced can still be found lying around. 

Now it's time for my Ajuy tour highlight, the visit to Islas Calabazas Lighthouse. A quick lunch then we headed back to Barangay Barrido where I will catch the boat Engr. Roy earlier arranged before my arrival in Ajuy.

My Second Visit - August 24, 2017

While I was on a short trip to Carles, Iloilo, I decided to drop by Ajuy before heading to Iloilo City for my flight back to Manila. Called Engr. Roy's number and fortunately, he was available at that time for a quick lunch and small chat. Again, of course, he helped me arranged a boat to Islas Calabazas for another visit to the lighthouse.

Nothing has changed in the structures since my last visit to the island. The sun was shining so hot but the wind was blowing so cold during that time - I felt so free from agitation and disturbance. I stayed in the island for an hour being in a state of serenity and calmness, something that you can only experience on this island.