Iloílo & Panay Island Heritage Watch

[habagatcentral1]

The Many Faces of Iglesia de Santa Ana de Molo





Inside Plaza Molo and the Gazeebo


The towering Saint Anne's Church




Soaring to the heavens


An afternoon game




From a different angle


Neo-Gothic aspects


pediment and niche




Santa Ana y Maria


Convento de Molo


On the north side




An NHI marker in Convento de Molo


The Locsin Ancestral House...now gone (I also noticed that old building on the other side...tsk!)


And a very detailed look on the dome of Santa Ana Church

[habagatcentral1]

Anyway, here's a glimpse of the Locsin Ancestral house before and after;

Before...


After...

[johnmizer]

pakshit... well it shows how we love our histroy

[batang_makulit]

Hay naku ...tlga naman dito lang sa atin ginigiba ang mga historical buildings.

[habagatcentral1]

Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral Before and After

Before (2008)


After (2010)


Again, just watch out for the main altar retablo. It'll be back to its grand old baroque roots.

[habagatcentral1]

She'll get a facelift all right.

Elizalde y Cia/Ynchausti y Cia/COA Building

City releases P4M for repair of historic building
By Maricar M. Calubiran | The News Today

This century old Elizalde & Co. building in JM Basa St. is said to be a remnant of a progressive commerce and trade in Iloilo City during the time when it was still called the “Queen City of the South”. This century old Elizalde & Co. building in JM Basa St. is said to be a remnant of a progressive commerce and trade in Iloilo City during the time when it was still called the "Queen City of the South".

The Iloilo city government released P4 million for the repair of the century old Elizalde and Co. which houses the Commission on Audit.

Mayor Jerry Treñas said the city government has already turned over the check to COA officials.

Treñas said the P4 million is not considered as rental fee even though several offices of the city government occupy the building. It is the city’s help to the COA as the structure needs repair, said Treñas.

The old COA building used to house 11 city government offices such as the Local Civil Registrar, City Planning and Development Office, City Health Office, General Services Office, Population, City Local Government Office, Human Resource Management, City Tourism, Barangay Secretariat, PESO and city COA.

COA officials asked the city government to vacate the building since they are going to renovate the historic Elizalde building. The old Elizalde building is a symbol of a progressive commerce and trade in Iloilo.

[IMPRESARIO]

Discovering my mother’s hometown, Iloilo
Life
Written by Alex Pastor
Thursday, 25 February 2010 18:16


I HAVE always loved traveling, whether it’s here in the country or abroad. My last trip was courtesy of Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas, who was so gracious during our whole stay and, of course, Cebu Pacific, which has, time and again, brought us to many of the beautiful destinations around the country.

This was my very first time to visit Iloilo but I have always heard about it from my mom, who hails from there. She would always tell me about the different kinds of delicious food that was bountiful, fresh and a lot cheaper than the food in Manila. That was then. Fast-forward to the present, and it was my turn to see and experience for myself what Iloilo has to offer. As soon as our plane landed at the Iloilo International Airport in Cabatuan and Santa Barbara, roughly around 30 minutes outside of Iloilo City, I felt like I had gone through some time warp seeing all the old architecture, some of which have been well-preserved, while others had been reduced to ruins mainly by World War II.

Besides the old architecture, one thing readily apparent was the numerous restaurants in the city. It seemed like there was practically a place to eat, drink and simply dine with abandon everywhere you go. If you love eating amid rich architectural history, then you should come to Iloilo and enjoy everything that it has to offer.

My mom being an Ilongga herself, I came to realization that Ilonggos are naturally very gracious and welcoming to their guests. I also noticed how malumanay they are when they talk. I guess I’ve forgotten all about this quality of Ilonggos, since I haven’t seen my parents for quite some time. It’s just interesting to note how much different people here are from those I normally deal with back in Manila. For our first meal in Iloilo, they brought us to Al Dente Restaurant located in the compound of Sarabia Manor Hotel and Convention Center. Our chef for the night was no other than Chef Pauline Gorriceta-Banusing, the owner of the restaurant, as well as Freska Seafood Restaurant.

It was a nice restaurant, with an ambiance that was cozy and relaxing. They served us a whole assortment of food, including Baked Scallops, Lumpiang Ubod, Kinilaw na Tanigue, Chicken Binakol and, of course, the sweetest-smelling white rice. “Always leave room for dessert,” so goes the saying, and what followed was Butterscotch Gelato served in a coconut husk and further complemented by a barquillo, making the dessert a truly sinful delight.



The nightlife

FROM there, we went to a place called “Smallville.” No, it’s not Superman’s hometown but the gimmick hub in Iloilo City. When we arrived, it was alive and bursting with people. There were restaurants, bars, clubs and coffee shops, even a dessert place, all nicely designed in a row in one big area. We then proceeded to a fine-dining restaurant called Amalfi and, no, we didn’t have dinner again. We enjoyed drinks and were introduced to the owner, Johnny Que, who also owns the coffee shop Coffee Break, which stood a few meters away from the restaurant. We later proceeded to a bar, Bourbon Street, where we imbibed even more alcohol compliments of our very kind sponsors.



Careers and new tourism destination

THE next day, we called on one of the city’s newest employers which has given Iloilo’s young generation a modern workplace. Located within a mall, international BPO Teletech has set up shop. Consequently, more and more young professionals are opting to stay in Iloilo rather than transfer to Manila to carve out a career. The media party that flew to Iloilo numbered around 10, and to further showcase the thriving economy of Iloilo, our sponsors decided to book us in different hotels around the city. Some stayed in Grand Dame Hotel, others in Hotel del Rio and others still in Sarabia Manor Hotel.



Old architecture

THE next day was one of my favorites. We were off to see some of the city’s oldest surviving buildings and houses courtesy of our cultural tour guide, Eugene Jamerlan of Iloilo’s Heritage Council. He brought us to a few old establishments, like an old mansion whose frontage was still standing, some old buildings, plus some really old but beautiful churches.

The oldest one is Molo Church (also known as Santa Ana Church), which has a neogothic design and was built in 1831. There is also Jaro Cathedral (also known as the Sta. Isabel de Ungria Cathedral) built in 1874. The next place we visited was Nelly Gardens, built in 1928, a beautiful beau art mansion owned by the Lopez clan of ABS-CBN. The architecture of the house is unquestionably Spanish, and right in front of the mansion is a huge lawn typical of old European houses you could see in many history books.

Also, according to Jamerlan, architecture dating back to the 1920s, including Art Deco buildings, still stands along Calle Real. Other places that evoke the rich history of Iloilo are J.M. Basa Street, as well as Iznart Street. To give us a better idea of Iloilo’s cultural and historical past, we also dropped by Museo Iloilo.



Weaving industry

AND just when I thought that Iloilo was all food and old architecture, they brought us next to an old wooden two-story house where woven items like sinamay, jusi and piña are sold, the house founded by one of Iloilo’s pioneer weavers, Cecilia Villanueva.

Almost right beside the weaving house is Camiña Balay nga Bato, built in 1865 and owned by Don Fernando Avanceña. Although we were all still full from our last meal, there we were again treated to merienda and dessert. We were served authentic Iloilo hot chocolate, suman and puto.

Before calling it a day, our next stopover was again a dining place. A must-taste, especially when one is in Iloilo, is the ever-famous Deco’s La Paz Batchoy, the real honest-to-goodness article and not the instant version available in the market. They actually have an outlet at Alphaland Mall in Magallanes.



Beautiful island getaway: Guimaras

OUR final stop in our long itinerary and a truly fitting end was the beautiful and picturesque island of Guimaras. Just a 15-minute ferry ride away from Iloilo, Guimaras, besides being known for its delicious and ultra-sweet mangoes, is one of those places that has yet to be discovered, its beaches unspoiled and all natural.

Welcoming us with a short AVP about Guimaras, Gov. Felipe Hilan Nava told us of his vision for his constituents and their lovely island.

They then brought us to a beach and mountain resort, called La Puerta Al Paraizo, in Nueva Valencia. The resort is absolutely stunning. Surrounded by lush foliage and mountains, and everything connected to the exquisite sea, it is the perfect place for rest, relaxation and even romance. Unfortunately, we couldn’t stay there long but soon, I plan to visit that slice of paradise again.

Finally, our last stop in Guimaras was the still-being-developed 72-hectare Lombija Wildlife Park and Heritage Resort, owned by Henry Babiera. Once finished, it will be like the Midnight Safari ride in Singapore. Other things to do and experience while in Guimaras include dolphin tours, island-hopping, diving and even rappelling for the fearless.



Cebu Pacific flies daily to Iloilo from Manila, Cebu and Davao. To contact the Iloilo Heritage Council, Eugene Jamerlan can be reached at 0918-5064776 (mobile) or 033-3205612 (landline).

http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.p...life&Itemid=68

[METROPOLITAN_ILOILO]

Originally Posted by habagatcentral1

She'll get a facelift all right.

Elizalde y Cia/Ynchausti y Cia/COA Building

City releases P4M for repair of historic building
By Maricar M. Calubiran | The News Today

This century old Elizalde & Co. building in JM Basa St. is said to be a remnant of a progressive commerce and trade in Iloilo City during the time when it was still called the “Queen City of the South”. This century old Elizalde & Co. building in JM Basa St. is said to be a remnant of a progressive commerce and trade in Iloilo City during the time when it was still called the "Queen City of the South".

The Iloilo city government released P4 million for the repair of the century old Elizalde and Co. which houses the Commission on Audit.

Mayor Jerry Treñas said the city government has already turned over the check to COA officials.

Treñas said the P4 million is not considered as rental fee even though several offices of the city government occupy the building. It is the city’s help to the COA as the structure needs repair, said Treñas.

The old COA building used to house 11 city government offices such as the Local Civil Registrar, City Planning and Development Office, City Health Office, General Services Office, Population, City Local Government Office, Human Resource Management, City Tourism, Barangay Secretariat, PESO and city COA.

COA officials asked the city government to vacate the building since they are going to renovate the historic Elizalde building. The old Elizalde building is a symbol of a progressive commerce and trade in Iloilo.

When will they start the renovation?
This is good so that we can compare the 'before' and 'after' pictures.

[IMPRESARIO]

Guimbal Church, Miagao Church & Anhawan Beach

[habagatcentral1]

Iglesia de San Nicolas de Tolentino (OSA)
Cabatuan, Iloilo
















Ang komersyal nga distrito sang Cabatuan

[habagatcentral1]

Recently, the facade underwent a renovation funded by NCCA--the same thing that happened in San Agustin Church in Manila.

Church of Santo Tomas de Villanueva
Miag-ao, Iloilo
UNESCO World Heritage Site*
image hosted on flickr


Here she was three years ago (before the renovation):

[habagatcentral1]

Iglesia de San Joaquin
Known for the relief of the Rendicion de Tetuan (Surrender of Tetuan)



We go on the details of this seemingly quite sophisticated wall relief of the surrender of Tetuan. The said battle resulted in Spanish victory against the Moors of Morocco. Probably a reflection of the moro-moro mentality of the Spanish-colonial Philippines.























The reliefs remind me of those found in the Persepolis in Persia or the Mesopotamian civilisations. Although I bet these relifs are of a 19th century vintage, however, it somehow feels like it has been as ancient as the mythical Ten Bornean Datus.

I hope it would be maintained properly. This is San Joaquin church's crowning glory.


The church facade

[habagatcentral1]

Iglesia de Santo Tomas de Villauneva
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Miag-ao, Iloilo

We do all know that since 1994, Miag-ao Church has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From its construction more than 200 years ago as a fortress church, built to defend the constituents from the frequent Moro and pirate raids of the past, it became a manifestation of Filipino ingenuity and fruits of labour of our ancestors.

Known for having a baroque-rococo architecture, somehow it stands as a clash of civilisations. The lush tropical motif of the church's facade describe the tropical environment of the islands. San Cristobal Colon (Christopher Colombus) is seen carrying the Santo Niño (Christ Child) in his back while holding to a coconut tree trunk.

The belfries, which are uneven in design and height, adds to its uniqueness. The yellow sandstone used is one of its kind in southern Iloilo. Massive walls and seemingly incorporation of Aztec architecture, made this church an architectural marvel.



Southern belfry - In fairness, it has now a carillon.


The massive belfries


The church and the UNESCO marker


In front


Let's go with the details

Just recently, NCCA had the facade cleaned, as part of the UNESCO WHC perks. How I wish all of our heritage sites would have the budget too.


San Cristobal Colon y Santo Niño


Guayava, Papaya, Coconata...




The pediment somehow reminds me of anything Aztec. Include that the belfries--most especially the northern belfry.

La puerta mayor


A more squat north belfry


In fairness with the restoration, they have this saint's hand fixed.


I guess this is the king of España


In the middle of the rococo-shell niche is the statue of Miag-ao's patron saint, Santo Tomas de Villanueva


Rococo-Baroque and Azteca mixed in one facade


From a different perspective






The motifs




Resembling ancient Mexica


Santo Tomas de Villanueva, ig-ampo mo kami!


A closer look at the faces of Cristobal Colon and Santo Niño



Inside the adoration chapel. The Holy Eucharist

[buho]

AWESOME pictures of San Joaquín and Santo Tomás churchs, they are something unique in the world.

[habagatcentral1]

Gracias buho!

Originally Posted by Haldir07

HISTORIC MOMENT. National Historical Institute (NHI) Chairman Ambeth Ocampo (2nd from left) and Gov. Niel Tupas Sr. unveil the historical marker establishing the Old Capitol of Iloilo as a national historical site. Ocampo says installing the marker is a first step in the preservation of the building as a landmark. Looking on are Atty. Joenar Pueblo (extreme left), executive director of the Iloilo Provincial Council for Culture, Arts, History and Tourism; and NHI Executive Director Ludovico Badoy (extreme right).

Hmmm, how come this piece of plaque is inconsistent in the usage of language? If the title is Filipino, the body of the text should be Filipino. Same goes with the usage of English.

Anyway, its a good development for Casa Real de Iloilo. I hope more heritage structures and sites would fall under the national government thru NHI and NCCA. I guess, the next is to declare the whole Calle Real Heritage CBD as the Heritage and Historic City Centre of Iloilo by the NHI (wishful thinking, hehe! But in reality, the area has already been declared as a heritage centre by a local ordinance). That means, more funding for research and restoration efforts--more chances of it being enlisted in the UNESCO World Heritage List. But reality is, welcome to the Philippines, wahehehe!!!

Anyway, here's the Casa Real (Old Iloilo Provincial Capitol) today. Now that it is recognised by NHI, I hope the provincial government has the guts to have it renovated.





Casa Real and Arroyo Fountain

[Hawili Hurom]

ST. CLEMENT'S CHURCH IN LA PAZ, ILOILO CITY

[habagatcentral1]

Peek Into Spanish Ways
Philippines-Spanish Friendship Week celebration
By Anna Razel L. Ramirez | The News Today

A PEEK into the colonial Spanish life–this was how everyone felt as historians and cultural workers gathered to celebrate the Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day at UP Visayas last September 17, 2010.

Republic Act 9187 in 2002 by Sen. Edgardo J. Angara declared every June 30 of the year as the Philippine – Spanish Friendship Day. This year, however, because of the inauguration of President Benigno Aquino III as the 15th President of the Philippine Republic which happened on the same date, the organizers moved this year’s celebration to September 17 and 18. According to Dr. Ma. Luisa DL. Bolinao, Chair of the Department of History of UP Diliman, June 30 was selected to commemorate the event as this was the date when Pres. Emilio Aguinaldo commended the besieged Spanish soldiers in the church of Baler for their loyalty and gallantry. The celebration aims at strengthening the relationship between the Philippines and countries with which it has shared history, values, and traditions.

The National Historical Council of the Philippines (NHCP) was designated to oversee the yearly celebration of this event with the assistance from other inter-agency committees. The event is simultaneously celebrated and organized in different locations of Spain, such as Madrid, Barcelona, Palencia, and Almonte.

Chancellor Minda J. Formacion of UP Visayas welcomed the participants mostly coming from Luzon and Western Visayas. An audio-visual presentation anchored by Dr. Vic Villan, showed the historical milestones of the Spanish colonization of the Philippines for more than three centuries. Despite the current adverse perception of the Spanish occupation of the Philippines, history traces the remarkable advancement of the country under the Spanish reign in terms of education, religion, the written language (publication), structures and culture. Iloilo, was a recipient of the Spanish benevolence as manifested by the presence of such magnificent churches and colonial houses that dot its landscape.

Two surviving 19th century institutions were given citations during the event. These are the La Panayana Printing Press, which produces Roman Catholic novenas and Almanaque and the Panaderia de Molo, which produces Ilonggo delicacies and pastries since 1860’s. The citations were given to La Panayana Printing Press owner Mrs. Milagros Perfecto Sanchez and Dr. Kristin Treñas of Panaderia de Molo.

Four papers were presented in the afternoon. These where “La Muy Leal y Noble Iloilo: Spain’s Last Capital in the Philippines” by Hon. Demy Sonza, local historian and Board Member of the 2nd District of Iloilo; “Visayans in 17th Century Marianas Islands: Their Role as Colonizers and Sowers of Christianity” by Dr. Augusto De Viana, Chair of the Department of History of the University of Santo Tomas; and From Tupas to Gaston Fornier: On the Nature of Land Ownership in the Visayas” by Dr. Jaime Veneracion, retired Professor of the Department of History in UP Diliman.

Mr. Rey Carlo T. Gonzales and Prof. Tomasito T. Talledo of the Division of Social Sciences of UP Visayas, and Mr. Jigger L. Latoza, Director of the University Coordinating Center for Research and Publication of the University of San Agustin served as discussants of the papers presented. The moderators of the open forums that followed the paper presentations and discussions were Dr. Ma. Luisa Mabunay of the UPV Division of Social Sciences and Director of the Graduate Program Office, and Prof. Kristoffer Esquejo of the Department of History of UP Diliman.

The book, “The Spain of Sancho Panza and the Don Quixote”, which was written by Dr. Jaime Veneracion was also launched after the paper presentations. Prof. Randy Madrid, Chair of the Steering Committee for UPV capped the day with his closing remarks. Prof. Raymundo Piccio and Prof. Robert Rodriguez served as Masters of the Ceremonies.

A tour of Spanish Heritage sites in the Iloilo Province’ Southern Stretch on the following day, September 18, was also one of the highlights of the celebration. The tour group visited the San Joaquin Church on the southern tip of the Iloilo province. The bas-relief on the façade of the church depicts the “Rendition de Tetuan” (Battle of Tetuan), which celebrates the victory of the Spanish forces under the spiritual leadership of Santiago Matamoros (St. James, the Moor-slayer) over the Moors in Tetuan, Morocco. The National Museum declared the church as one of the cultural treasures of the Philippines.

The group also passed by the Campo Santo, one of the surviving Mudejar–inspired cemeteries in Iloilo. On its way back, they dropped by the Miagao Church, the façade of which is a charming baroque explosion of botanical motifs that merged local plateresque elements (15th century Spanish Baroque architecture, done in very intricate manner) and Western iconography. The church was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. The tour group also passed by the Taytay Boni, which is one of the very few surviving Spanish stone bridges, and built in 1854; and the Sinamay House in Villa Arevalo, Iloilo City. The group learned that Arevalo was the 2nd capital of the Spanish colonial government in Panay after Oton. Along the way was the Mill Hill Missionary House, the site of the Colegio de Santa Ana – one of the first exclusive schools for girls in Western Visayas founded by the Avanceña sisters.

The afternoon route started at the University of San Agustin – the oldest Catholic University in Western Visayas. Their Museum and Archives boast of a historical collection that traced as far back as the Hispanic period. These are manuscripts and church collections of the Augustinians that include priestly vestments and vessels.

In Molo, Baluarte, the grouped visited the Mejica/Makinaugalingon Museum. The group also enjoyed the trip to the 17th century Spanish fortress; the ruins of Casino Español at Sto. Rosario, Muelle Loney, San Jose Placer Church, and Plaza Libertad – where the Spaniards peacefully surrendered to Ilonggo troops in December 25, 1898. The group then passed by the Elizalde/Ynchausti Building, the remnant of the Basque Enterprise and treaded the Calle Real – Iloilo City’s Central Business District. It then went through the Casa Real (the old capitol) and the Museo Iloilo.

In the District of Jaro, the group passed by the Lopez Boat House, the Nelly Garden, the Sanson – Montinola Antillan House, and Colegio de San Jose. They also went to the Jaro Cathedral and visited the miraculous statue of our Lady of Candles, passed along the old belfry, plaza, the Archbishop Palace and the St. Vincent Seminary while at the same time viewing the old houses of the prominent families of Jaro around the town square. The last stop was to Jaro’s aged-old tradition of Barquillos-making at the Deocampo’s Barquillos and the Biscocho House.

All throughout the two-day celebration, participants were treated to a gastronomic feast of Spanish food.

The Philippine – Spanish Week Celebration in UP Visayas was made possible through following working committees and partners: the Department of History, UP Diliman, UPV Center for West Visayn Studies, ADHIKA-Iloilo, Iloilo City Cultural Heritage Conservation Council, Museo Iloilo and Iloilo City. The Technical Working Group for this event is composed of the Office of Senator Edgardo J. Angara, National Historical Commission of the Philippines, Spanish Embassy in Manila, and the Instituto Cervantes. (With sources from Mr. Randy Madrid)

[bulabog jalaur]

Tangible Heritages of Iloilo Province that needs to be preserved.One of the only remaining suspension bridges in the country.

[overtureph]

Originally Posted by habagatcentral1

Iglesia de San Nicolas de Tolentino (OSA)
Cabatuan, Iloilo
















Ang komersyal nga distrito sang Cabatuan

The church facade but mostly the bell tower, in the lower right photo of this book, looks similar to the church photos above.



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[Pacific_leopard]

yes I've noticed the same similarity of Cabatuan church with the ones in Peru. Maybe Peruvian churches inspired the layout of Cabatuan church.

Here's another pic of Cabatuan Church looming over the town's square.
image hosted on flickr