In Photos: Church and Convent of Santa Barbara, Iloilo

Among the best preserved church and convent complexes in the Philippines can be found in Santa Barbara, Iloilo. It is among the most visited tourist attractions of historical and cultural heritage significance.

Constructed in 1849 under Father Francis Aguerria, OSA, the church has a distinct Baroque-Renaissance Spanish colonial vintage architecture.

It became the headquarters of the "Ejercito Libertador" under Gen. Martin T. Delgado of the Filipino Revolutionary Forces against Spain in 1898.

Partly destroyed by an eartquake in 1948, it has undergone sevaral renovation and restoration works, the most recent of which was undertaken by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines for the 2015 Independence Day Celebration led by President Benigno "PNOY" Aquino III.

The church complex prior the restoration works

It was declared a National Historical Landmark in 1990 and a National Cultural Treasure in 2013 by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines and the National Museum,respectively.

Photos credits: Joemarie Bernas, Vincent Valencia, Malacañang FB Page

Comments

The Santa Barbara Centennial Museum

The Santa Barbara Centennial Museum was built in 1998 as part of the Centennial Freedom Trail Site Project of the Philippine Centennial Commission. The museum houses antiques, artifacts and photos that tell the story of Santa Barbara’s historical heritage. The museum has two wings: the left wing is the historical wing while the right wing has been designated as the changing museum. In the historical wing is Gen. Martin Teofilo Delgado’s Exhibit. The items on exhibit here are: Gen. Martin Teofilo Delgado’s Exhibit – the greatest revolutionary hero of the Visayas, and the first Filipino Governor of Iloilo under the American regime. 1. GMTD’s bed 2. GMTD’s backbone – spared by the Delgado clan for display to the museum with document of permission 3. Documents written in Spanish attesting of him as the first Filipino Governor of Iloilo 4. Photos of him with his family 5. Frames explaining the Cry of Santa Barbara and his biography 6. Revolutionary insignia o

Our Lady of the Smile in Jibao-an, Santa Barbara

In time for the Lenten Season, a new attraction has emerged in Santa Barbara particularly in Brgy. Jibao-an near its boundary with the town of Pavia. Called as the Our Lady of the Smile, the statue sits on top of a man made mound called the Hill of St. Therese of the Child Jesus. Located in a former ricefield, the "hill" is about 2-3 storeys high with snaking paths going all the way up. The winding path is dotted with the Stations of the Cross for simple pilgrimage along the way making devotees and tourists as well experience Via Crucis all year round. At first it may seem so near but as you follow the path, you feel like treading the path Jesus took along the road to Calvary. But it only takes around 15-20 minutes to complete the whole trek, even under the scorching heat of the sun. A brisk walk or a few jogs would make it even faster. The hill is photogenic from almost all angles but the best spot is marked with a selfie or posing deck which captures th

The Catmon tree

The living symbol of Santa Barbara is the only Catmon Tree growing in the entire town. Before the town was renamed after the saint, it used to be called catmon , as this variety of trees were landmarks in the route up Central Panay. Katmon (Family: Dilleniaceae , Synonyms: Dilenia speciosa , other names: Bihis, kulammbug, palali ) has thick foliage and distinctly big white flowers that eventually becomes round fruits. The fruit is sour but refreshing - my tastebuds likened the taste to kamias with hints of green apple and like the pomelo it becomes sweet at some certain points. The only surviving in the whole town which was previously named after it is right next to the police station - safely guarding it like a treasure. After all it is the only living symbol of the town of Santa Barbara. Read more.

Discover. Experience. Enjoy STA. BARBARA, ILOILO

Search This Blog