Fresh Ideas

After our short stint at the Blood Compact Shrine, we went to Baclayon church. It is considered as one of the oldest church in the Philippines. The Jesuits started the construction in the 1717 but the current building was completed in 1727. The exterior of the church is undeniably very old but is well preserved. According to historians, coral stones are dragged from the sea and skillfully made into blocks of stones and a ton of egg whites are used to reinforce it. The walls are mossy, and this is because of the coral stones and this added character to the architecture.

One of the attractions of this church aside from its striking architecture and historic aura is the image of Padre Pio in one of its pillars. I will not elaborate on who this Padre Pio is and you can look it up in the Internet yourself.

The church strictly implements its dress code. My girlfriend was wearing a sleeveless top and a skirt and she was given a shawl to cover.

The gold plated main altar is splendidly stunning as well as the side altars!

But what really strike us are the stained glasses that provided a dramatic lighting in the interior. It even has a sermon pulpit for the priest. There are also some secret balconies for those who do not want to be seen hearing mass.

The church also housed a small museum at the second floor, which houses antiquated artifact and other sacred items. The entrance fee to the museum is P25 and any form of photography is prohibited. As much as we would like to tour the museum but the weather is not cooperative and it looks like rain is imminent. We then head off to our next stop, take our lunch while cruising at the Loboc River.

Things you need to know:

• Dress appropriately. But if you cannot, the church provide shawls; however, it sucks on the pictures like you were attending a wedding and you are one of the bridesmaid.

For details on the trip, you may read on these related posts:

• Day 1 Cebu trip
• Day 2 Bohol Experience
• Blood Compact Shrine: Day 2 Bohol Tour
• Dine at the Loboc River Cruise: Day 2 Bohol
• A Day with the Tarsiers: Day 2 Bohol
• The Magnificent Chocolate Hills: Day 2 Bohol
• Butterfly Center and Man Made Forest: Day 2 Bohol
• Crossing the Hanging Bridge: Day 2 Bohol
• Pasalubong galore at Aproniana Souvenir Shop: Day 2 Bohol

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