San Joaquin Church, Iloilo
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Posted on December 26, 2008
The last church I visited in Iloilo before I finally cut short my itinerary due to extreme heat and dehydration is the church in the sleepy town of San Joaquin.
This is actually my second visit. But my first visit was a major fail. Camera battery went pfft!
So what makes San Joaquin Church worth a visit despite its far far away location?
San Joaquin is actually the southernmost town of the province of Iloilo. The town borders the province of Antique.
What really makes this church stands out is its bas relief facade. It’s one of a kind. And probably the only one of its kind in the Philippines.
The Church of San Joaquin has a militaristic theme on its facade, celebrating the Spaniard’s victory at the Battle of Tetuan.
If you will notice closely, there are no Virgin Marys, nor saints, or angels in the facade.
You will see horses, Moors, Spanish Armies, and Rifles. Violent scene you may say.
When the church was still constructed during 1869, news came to this small town that the Spanish Forces have finally defeated the Morrs at the Battle of Tetuan. Overjoyed, the Parish Priest asked the church builders to portray the Battle of Tetuan in the church’s facade.
The Bas Relief Masterpiece entitled “Rendicion de Tetuan” is made with limestones quarried from the town of Igbaras and white coral stones which is abundant in the town’s shores.
Many people have been mesmerized by this unique artistry. Something that you normally do not see in churches. It even has gained the attention of the National Historical Institute, which has then bestwoed it the title “National Cultural Tresure.”
Commuting going to the town of San Joaquin is possible. One needs to take a jeepney ride from Molo Plaza in Iloilo City. Travel time is approximately one hour by jeepney. Fare is about fifty pesos.
You like the blog post? Check out the other half of this adventure at Sugarloaded!
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» Filed Under Churches, Heritage Watch, Road Trip
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4 Responses to ”San Joaquin Church, Iloilo”
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Thanks for the awesome pictures and commentary. I now have a better reason for going and staying longer in Iloilo – aside from Molo soup.
i am quite impressed with the facade when you first showed me these photos. the militaristic facade indeed portrays what really happened in the old times.
how the facade was constructed is very similar to that of miagao church. do you think the same people constructed the two church?
Iloilo has a lot to offer. the beaches in san joaquin are equally great, too. been there many times. and boy do they have sumptuous seafoods.
san joaquin is a nice place for snorkelling, been snorkelling in the corals of tambi tambi just a few meters away from the shore,located in purok 1 opposite the san joaquin cemetery, thanks to sandig family