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Above: The famous Belfry of Jaro Cathedral stands out against the Iloilo skyline

Tourists and locals never fail to flock to the Jaro Cathedral, one of Iloilo City’s attraction, to marvel at its unique historical and architectural value. The church’s belfry, distinctively unattached to the building itself and is just across the street, had once served as a lookout tower against foreign invaders many years ago. This Baroque style cathedral, combined with Gothic elements was destroyed by a quake in January 1948 but was restored in 1956.

Built in 1964, the Jaro Cathedral is the first and the only cathedral in Panay Island. Graciano Lopez-Jaena, a literary and oratorical spokesman for the cause of Filipino freedom who eventually became a Philippine national hero, was baptized here. The said event is stated on the church’s historical marker. Another major historical event that took place here was the mass officiated by Pope John Paul VI in 1982.

Above: View from the outside of Jaro Cathedral

The cathedral has a balcony at its front portion where a life-size icon of a Madonna and child is placed. Visitors can freely climb the balcony and gaze at the image which is believed to be miraculous. The local churchgoers say that the icon, dressed in cape and encased in glass, has grown larger through the years.

Above: A life-size statue of The Madonna and Child can be glanced at, at the balcony of Jaro Cathedral

Getting to Jaro Cathedral is easy and convenient. It only takes a taxi ride from Iloilo International Airport or from Iloilo Seaport or one could find “Jaro-bound” jeepneys from the main city area that make stops near the cathedral.

Above: Molo Church in Molo District, Iloilo City

One of the oldest and most fascinating churches in the country today is the Molo church. Built from corral rock, the church building stands out among the present landmarks of Molo district in Iloilo City. It faces the tranquil Molo plaza and is approximately ten to fifteen minutes by car or jeepney from the central portion of the city. Molo church has withstood natural calamities (earthquakes, typhoons) and wars since it was constructed in 1831. It is a popular tourist destination in Western Visayas because of its historical features and value, and its unique identity or characteristic. The edifice is valued by the locals as it symbolizes their strength and unity especially in difficult times.

Appearance

The church has two imposing belfries of almost the same height which depict a Gothic style. Such a style is also seen in the design of its confessionals, altars, and pulpits. The interior of the church used to have biblical paintings which eventually became extinct. Traces of the past wars in the country can still be noticed but in spite of that, Molo church still looks remarkably sturdy and will remain so for years.

Historical Highlights

Philippine national hero Jose Rizal visited Molo Church on August 4, 1886 to see its beautiful biblical paintings inside upon the recommendation of his friend Raymundo Melliza. He was on his way back to Manila from exile in Dapitan, Zamboanga.

On March 18, 1945, one of the original towers of Molo church was destroyed by the Unites States Forces as the belfry was used by the Japanese as a machine gun nest.

The National Historical Institute declared Molo Church a national landmark in 1992.

Feminist Church

Interestingly, Molo church features two rows of life-size images of female saints, and was built in honor of Santa Ana, the mother of the Virgin Mary.

Above: The interior of Molo Church