Planning a trip? Those who love to travel know the essence of all travel is about you and your enjoyment. Travelers know that the destination is a major part of planning a trip, experiencing and delving deeper into unfamiliar places, people and culture are paramount.

Expand your horizons and set your sight to the Philippines, an off the beaten path travel site! An undiscovered paradise made of thousands of islands and white sand beaches all around! A tiny dot in the map of the world, and yet a haven for travelers, backpackers, retirees and even passersby.

It offers awesome tourist attractions, magnificent beaches, hot spring resorts, colorful festivals, hundreds of scenic spots and world-class hotels and facilities. Not to mention the tropical climate, the affordable prices as well as the friendly and hospitable, English-speaking people! You will be glad you came, and we’re sure, you WILL come back for more FUN in the Philippines!

 

 

MIAGAO CHURCH

 

Photo from: http://doonposaamin.ph/articles/history-to-uncover/5-things-that-make-miag-ao-church-an-architectural-treasure-in-iloilo

 

This church is a must-see structure in the Province of Iloilo because of its historical and architectural value. Seeing the Miagao Church from afar was awesome. It’s overall architectural style falls under the Baroque-Romanesque architectural style. When compared from other old churches I have visited in the past, Miagao Church was quite different. The façade looked very clean and not mossy. Miagao Church was radiant with an ochre color due to the materials used in constructing the church which was adobe (materials used in some houses, even to these days), egg for binders, corals,and limestone.

The Miagao Church was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on December 11, 1993 together with San Agustin Church in Manila; Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion Church in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur; and San Agustin Church in Paoay, Ilocos Norte under the collective title Baroque Churches of the Philippines, a collection of four Baroque Spanish-era churches. Read More: http://www.thehappytrip.com/2015/11/unesco-world-heritage-site-miagao-church/

 

Photo from:  http://boyetstour.blogspot.com/2013/03/miag-ao-church-miagao.html#.WNXzw6K1taQ

 

The Miag-ao Church was built in 1786 by Spanish Augustinian missionaries and was declared as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Baroque Churches of the Philippines” in 1993. On the front facade, which is flanked by two watchtower belfries, one can see the unique blending of Spanish and native influences.

The central feature of the bas-relief facade is a large coconut tree which reaches almost to the apex. While an integral part of the Philippine landscape, the coconut tree is also the subject of lore. According to an old Philippine legend, the coconut tree was the only bequest from a loving mother to her two children, a tree which sustained them for life. On the church’s facade the coconut tree appears as the “tree of life” to which St. Christopher carrying the Child Jesus on his shoulder is clinging to. The lesser facades feature the daily life of Miagaowanons during the time. Also depicted are other native flora and fauna, as well as native dress.  Read More:  http://mayniladailyphoto.blogspot.com/

 

Photo from:  https://jehysworld.wordpress.com/2011/08/11/miagaochurch/

 

The Church of Santo Tomas de Villanueva (Miagao Church) in Iloilo is one of the 4 Baroque churches in the Philippines inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage list. The other 3 churches were as follows: (1) Church of San Agustin in Manila; (2) Church of La Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur; and (3) Church of San Agustin in Paoay, Ilocos Norte.

I can say that this church is one of the most beautiful I have seen so far. What made this church standout among the other Philippine churches is its facade with  carvings of the Pope, St. Christopher carrying the child Jesus Christ on his shoulder, and some Philippine ensembles like coconut and papaya. According to history, the church served not only as a religious building or institution but also as a fortress against Muslim raiders.  Read More:  http://www.mynomadichabits.com/2012/07/miagao-church-unesco-world-heritage.html

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

Have a Taste of Iloilo’s Culinary Specialties

Where is Iloilo and How to Get There

Discover Interesting Places in Iloilo

Join the Vibrant and Exciting Festivals of Iloilo

Have a Feast of Good Foods in Iloilo

Enjoy a Lot of Fun Times in Iloilo

Iloilo Photo Gallery

Iloilo Video Collection