Jimenez, Misamis Occidental Church

Right after our excursion to the Misamis Occidental Aquamarine Park, Marc, Sinjin and I decided to travel further north to the nearby town of Jimenez. What’s in store for us? The San Juan Bautista Catholic Church!

Looking from the outside, my first impression was its-just-one-of-the many-churches-I-have-been-to. But my impression quickly changed immediately after I got inside. I was totally blown away.

The church of Jimenez is like a jewel box. It’s gems are all safely tucked inside, waiting to give surprises to those who would take a peek.

Probably the highlight of Jimenez Church is its ceiling painted inTrompe L’oeil fashion. But what really amazes me is that, unlike other churches, the paintings on the ceiling is not directly done on the wood, but on a canvass plastered all over the ceiling.

I always love trompe l’oeil. The San Agustin Church’s ceiling in Manila was also painted using this style. The artwork gives you an impression that the it is three dimensional, when in fact, everything is flat. It gives so much life to the ceiling.

During our short visit, we also got to visit a small room behind the altar where it was converted into a small museum, where old church vestments, images of saints, monstrances and other objects used during Mass are on display.

We were also told that the National Commision for the Culture and the Arts (NCCA) has led the rehabilitation of the ceilings and the pillars. Although, I still think the piilars still need more rehabilitation.

The tiles in the church are still original. I love it so much. Good thing they were able to maintain it and had not replaced with it the cheap-looking mass produced tiles.

It is really good that the Church of San Juan Bautista (St. John the Baptist) in Jimenez has been rehabilitated and is well maintained. The church in Jimenez probably the best preserved heritage church in the whole of Mindanao.

Because of its outstanding cultural and heritage value, the National Historical Institute (NHI) has declared this as a National Cultural treasure

Tip: If you wish to visit Jimenez church, I would suggest you do so in the morning, since the church is against the sunlight during the afternoon.