Castle, Cagayan Churches and Suspension Bridge—A Prelude to Aparri

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One of the oldest churches in Cagayan Valley, the Lalloc Nueva Segovia Church

Our plan a day after we toured Callao Caves, and its river, is to visit my friend’s uncle in Aparri—a town at the tip of northern Luzon. It is one of the farthest destinations by bus when coming from Manila. Our motorcycle diary from Tuguegarao, Cagayan’s Capital up to Aparri is an innate experience I felt because we thumped a chain of churches in Cagayan, a “castle” and the oldest suspension bridge in the Philippines.

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Short Stop at Tuguegarao Cathedral in Cagayan

Saint Peter Metropolitan Church in Tuguegarao or simply Tuguegarao Cathedral

It was Amihan season when I decided to join my officemate who hailed from the capital city of Cagayan in his journey back home. He told me that he seldom visits his hometown Tuguegarao because well, the distance from Manila to Tuguegarao is hundreds and hundreds of kilometers. Since I do not have much to do in Tarlac for the Christmas season, I joined him in his trip back to Cagayan. It was Callao Cave back then that I really want to visit and of course, the ever famous flavors of pansit batil patung.

Short Glimpse Inside the Small Baler Church

Baler Catholic Church (Baler, Aurora)

One of the distinct structures built during the Spanish colonial times is the church. The church is believed to be the center of settlement and if you will visit most of the towns built during this era, you will get to see a church most likely in the middle of the downtown. Baler in Aurora is not an exception, with its small Baler Catholic Church in the middle of this capital town of Aurora.

Revisiting Paoay Church: That Old Piece of Awesomeness in Ilocos Norte

One of the earliest baroque churches in the Philippines is the Paoay Church in Ilocos Norte.

So that ala Amazing Race kinda tour in Vigan prompted us to further reach the north of the North—Ilocos Norte. Our last destination in Ilocos Sur was a zooey walk inside Baluarte. I said this was an Amazing Race-like of tour because this was my first ever, most haggard trip of the year (would I have an award?) because, imagine, we have to see many tourist spots in Ilocos Region that extends up to Pagudpud. In one day. Ilocos in one day. So just be it—at least for the next leg, I saw for another time the grandeur architecture of Paoay Church.

Bantay Church and the Belfry: Reminiscent Structures of Ilocos

 

Bantay Church in Vigan, Ilocos Sur.

When you hear the place “Vigan”, your mind automatically thinks of a place where old structures rest. Pieces of jigsaw are likened to the deep-rooted buildings and towers of this northern city which make up a heritage site. One reason of visiting Vigan City is to see its antique structures, such as the St. Augustine Church in Bantay District (or simply Bantay Church) and its famous Bantay Belfry. Who will forget a scenic bell tower that rose from a hilly part in Vigan?

Vigan Cathedral: Another Church Story

Inside the Cathedral of Vigan, Ilocos Sur.

And so a few steps from Plaza Salcedo is one of the older churches in Ilocos Region—the Vigan Cathedral (St. Paul's Metropolitan Cathedral). I eagerly checked the church out because we did not have so much time to explore the city. Besides, I wasn’t able to recall already what it was like when I was still young. I once visited this church more than 10 years ago, and another visit about six years ago and all I remember was, it was just a part of the itinerary. Missing the church is a big mistake as it is in the center of the heritage city.

Bell Church: Baguio Version of the Temple

Bell Church is Baguio's version of the temple.

For the past years, I have never been to the so called Bell Church. This year around, I got a chance to visit this tourist spot, I must say, the version of Baguio when it comes to temple. It’s not a doubt that Baguio is indeed also rich in Chinese culture, and many Chinese people were already living in this city. As a matter of fact, Baguio City also celebrates the Spring Festival, or the Chinese New Year ala Kung Hei Fat Chai.

Bolinao Church—Mystery and History

More than 400 years old and still standing, Bolinao Church.

After we reached the bus terminal in Bolinao, we took a glimpse of the posted map with tourist spots. It was already noon time when we arrived in this westernmost part of Pangasinan and we decided to eat for lunch in a nearby carinderia. Ulam cost P30 per order, and P20 for half of it. One cup of rice was P10. Enough energy has been restored for us to move forward to our first destination—the Bolinao Church.

Sagada Stone Church: An Anglican Fossil

The Stone Church of Sagada was established by early Anglican missionaries.

Sagada, a small uphill village in the Mountain Province, was like any other towns in the Philippines. It has a church nearby the town hall. But the church, more commonly known as the Stone Church of Sagada, was not of any Spanish descent. Instead it was an Anglican convent, meaning it is of relation to the Episcopal churches of the English people. So after our cool down from walking, we eventually proceeded with our Echo Valley tour which commonly starts with the church of Sagada.

Camiling Church and Ruins | Photos

Camiling Church ruins.

Here are other photos of Camiling Church and ruins.

Camiling Church and Ruins

Camiling Church inside. (Camiling, Tarlac)

Camiling Church or the Church of Saint Michael the Archangel is one of the historical landmarks of this north western town of Tarlac. The old church was built according to Spanish plans, where the church must be the center of the community, adjacent to other key structures of a town. It was built long decades ago, out of bricks and stones, and served as a worship place to Camileños who are devoted to Catholicism. Came 1997 and the old church was burnt down into ruins, a very tragic event in the history of the town.

World’s Largest 10 Commandments Tablet in Baguio

Go to Dominican Hill in Baguio and stare at the world's largest 10 Commandments tablet.

Late last year (2011), Guinness World Records certified a building-sized edifice (152.90 square meters) carved with the Bible's Ten Commandments as the world’s largest 10 commandments tablet. This new tourist attraction in Baguio is located at the Dominican Hill, right beside the Diplomat Hotel ruins, where the rest of the horror stories were kept. The city government of Baguio told the news that the world’s largest Ten Commandments tablet cost around P5.5-million. Now, the Ten Commandments tablet serves as a symbol that drives away evil spirits. 

Stairs to the Lourdes Grotto in Baguio

Get ready to train and flex your leg muscles as you will have to climb more than a hundred steps to the Lourdes Grotto in Baguio.

One of the most popular Baguio attractions was Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto, or simply the Grotto (or Lourdes Grotto). The Lourdes Grotto in Baguio was a replica of the Lady of Lourdes in France (Lourdes is a place in France). To go to this Baguio attraction, one has to climb hundreds of steps—stairs that will require you to flex your muscles (especially your legs!). Catholic devotees lit candles upon reaching the Grotto.

The Baguio Cathedral

Baguio Cathedral

The church of Our Lady of the Atonement or commonly known as the Baguio Cathedral, is an old church constructed at the middle part of Session Road. It was established through a catholic mission by missionaries of CICM (Congregatio Immaculati Cordis Mariae) from Belgium in 1907. The Baguio Cathedral became an evacuation center during the Second World War thus saving thousands of lives. Now, the Baguio Cathedral serves as a worship place for Christian communities living in Baguio City. Its preserved architecture also paved its way to becoming one of the must see landmarks of Baguio. It is also one of the many unique churches of the Philippines because of its distinct pinky rose color as an overall exterior design aside from its two towers which is similar to an old castle.

Church of Our Lady of Atonement (Domina Nostra Adunationis)

On the Spot! Camiling, Tarlac

Doon sa nayon ng Camiling, Tarlac

Part 3 of Camiling-Clark-Subic Getaway

Camiling is a first class municipality located at the north tip of Tarlac, adjacent to Bayambang in Pangasinan. Most of the locals here speak Ilocano, so if you know how to speak in Ilocano, you are good enough to go. Though if you will be able to figure out, Ilocano accent here is different from the accent of Ilocano in Baguio. Life in Camiling is simple, just like any other towns, but is very accessible and houses some cheap hotels and establishments like Jollibee and Chowking. There are no big malls, only supermarkets which can cater enough your basic needs. If you want to experience the best of Camiling, go here by third/fourth week of October, when the annual Chicharon and Iniruban Festival (iniruban = green sticky rice) is being held. Or go to Camiling on May 6-8 for fiesta. :)

A Visit to Manaoag Shrine

Manaoag Church in Pangasinan

Part 2 of The Pangasinan Escapade

There are not much spectacular sights in Manaoag town except for the Church of Manaoag, the Shrine of Our Lady of Manaoag and the park adjacent to it. Though not preferable for a very long stay at the Shrine itself, a short glimpse is already good enough in the place. It is one of the more popular churches visited by Catholic devotees in Northern Luzon.

Manaoag Church