Visita Iglesia in Southern Heritage Trail of Cebu

The province of Cebu Philippines is so blessed with pretty everything. From its pristine beaches, bustling commercial districts as well as its preserved heritage sites. And this Holy Week 2010, one of the best places to do the Visita Iglesia is in Southern Cebu.

Oslob Church facade

Southern Cebu is lined up with a lot of beautiful churches (maybe except for one ). The route leading to these churches is very scenic. Sometime you get to pass by a beach, or drive under the thick foliage of acacia trees, or pass by the old houses.

Boljoon Church ceiling

Visita Iglesia is a unique Filipino tradition observed during the Holy Week,especially during the Maundy Thursday. And the practice of Visita Iglesia is especially revered in Cebu. The Cebuanos are highly religious and tradition-oriented people. After all, the province is known to be the birthplace of Catholicism in the Philippines.

Visita Iglesia normally entails visiting of seven churches, do some prayers and reflect on the life of Jesus before he was put to death.

San Fernando Cebu Church

The churches that we visited were:

1. Church of San Isidro Labrador in San Fernando Cebu

2. The Church of Santa Catalina de Alejandria in Carcar

3. Nuestra Senora del Pilar de Zaragoza in Sibonga

4. The Church of San Miguel Arcangel in Argao Cebu

5. The Church of San Guillermo Ermitanio in Dalaguete

6. Nuestra Senora del Patrocinio in Boljoon Cebu

7. Nuestra Senora dela Imaculada Concepcion in Oslob

We really had a good time checking out these churches. The churches are all beautiful and a perfect place for some quiet moments. Except for the Church of Argao where it literally covered its retablo and the images of saints and angels with gold leaf! It was really really horrible. I just can’t understand what came into the mind of the priest and he covered everything with gold leaf. It doesn’t look good.

Horrible-looking retablo of Argao Church

The artwork in the ceiling of the church in Sibonga is really breathtaking. It is known to be the Sistine Chapel of Cebu. The paintings on its ceiling is still on its original state and has never been restored yet. Some areas have already shown some damage. I just hope that the ceiling can still be maintained.

The Church in Oslob was also gutted by fire just a few days after Easter Sunday of 2008. What remains of the church today is its facade, coral stone walls, belfry, and the image of Our Lady. Everything was turned into ashes, including its convent. Right now, the people are starting to rebuild the church again.

Hats off to our Tour Guide Bino Guerrero. He’s not the boring type of guide. You’ll definitely enjoy your Visita Iglesia and learn a lot from him. Ka Bino also does other tours around Cebu, for inquiries call or text him at +63.919.380.5853