We visited the National Shrine of St. John Paul II in Hermosa, Bataan as it was one of the stopovers of the pericardium heart relic of Saint Carlo Acutis during its first visit to the Philippines. The relic arrived in the country on November 27, marking the start of an 18-day pilgrimage that would bring this first-class relic to more than 30 churches in 16 dioceses across Luzon.
Category: Wandering
Immaculate Conception and the Philippines
The devotion to the Immaculate Conception has been deeply woven into the fabric of Filipino Catholic life for centuries. It is a title that does not simply belong to theological discourse, but to the nation’s heart, history, and identity. Every December 8, the entire country pauses to honor Mary as the Immaculate Conception. She is the Patroness of the Philippines.
Molo Mansion: Caught Between Preservation and Commercialization
The Yusay Consing Ancestral House, originally known as the Lacson Yusay Ancestral House and now popularly called the Molo Mansion, rises with quiet grace at the heart of Iloilo’s historic district. This neoclassical art deco heritage house stands as one of the finest architectural treasures in the region. Built in 1926 by Doña Petra Lacson, a respected matron of the Lacson clan, together with her husband Estanislao Yulo Yusay, a prominent lawyer and judge from Molo, the mansion embodied the social stature and refined taste of the family who lived within its walls. The couple raised ten children in the mansion, filling it with life, music, family gatherings, and the everyday rhythms of an elite household in early twentieth century Iloilo.
Molo Plaza
Between the Molo Church and the Molo Mansion lies the Molo Plaza. Built in the 1920s as the center of the then-municipality of Molo, the plaza reflects the district’s long-standing reputation as the “Athens of the Philippines”, a title earned through its deep association with influential Filipino intellectuals, Ilustrados, and political leaders. Throughout history, Molo has been home to many of the country’s chief justices, senators, governors, generals, congressmen, and cabinet officials, solidifying its status as a cradle of leadership and thought.
The Feminist Church of Molo
Molo Church, officially dedicated to St. Anne, is one of Iloilo’s most iconic heritage structures and the only Gothic church in the Philippines outside Metro Manila. Its origins trace back to 1831, when the first structure, made of tabique pampango with a chalk roof, rose in the heart of Molo District of Iloilo City. As the community flourished, plans for a more permanent stone church were drawn up in 1866, approved in 1869, and finally completed in 1888 through the efforts of the parish and local leaders.
The Monuments at the Jaro District Plaza
Jaro District Plaza was designed in the late 19th century and was built under local supervision. By the 1930s, it was celebrated as one of the most beautiful plazas on Panay Island, known for its graceful arch, manicured hedges, elegant bandstand, and inviting benches. Its cultural significance led to conservation initiatives under the Heritage Law, which designated Jaro Plaza and several nearby landmarks as part of the city’s Cultural Heritage Tourism Zones. In the 2020s, a ₱20-million restoration project further revitalized the area, highlighted by the major repair of the iconic 29-meter Jaro Belfry, which was formally turned over to the local church and city government in 2022, marking a key milestone in preserving Jaro’s architectural heritage.
Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral
The Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral traces its beginnings to March 3, 1575, when it was established by the Augustinians as a visita of Oton. It became a visita of Arevalo in 1584 and was elevated to a parish in April 1587 under the advocation of Our Lady of the Nativity. In 1636, the población moved from Alanga to its present location due to better weather conditions and protection from Moro attacks. On October 31, 1636, the parish changed its patron to Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria.
Balagtas Church
In the early 1960s, the Balagtas church underwent further renovations to strengthen its structure and adapt it to contemporary liturgical needs. Despite these updates, it has preserved its earthquake Baroque character, with thick adobe walls, simple ornamentation, and a functional design suited to the region’s seismic activity. Inside, the church features wooden ceiling beams, antique retablos, and religious images that continue to be objects of devotion.
Patar Beach
The moment we arrived, we were greeted by a long stretch of creamy white sand meeting the clear, turquoise waters of the West Philippine Sea. Patar Beach is located in Barangay Patar in the municipality of Bolinao, Pangasinan.
Bolinao Church
The St. James the Great Church of Bolinao, also known as Bolinao Church, stands majestically in the heart of Bolinao, Pangasinan. Built out of black coral stones, the church exudes a commanding presence, its weathered walls telling stories that span more than four centuries. It was canonically erected in 1609, when the Augustinian Friars took over the mission territory that had earlier been entrusted by the Spanish Colonial Government to the Dominican Friars in 1594. The Dominicans eventually left in 1607 due to the vastness of their mission territories and the limited number of missionaries, paving the way for the Augustinians’ return and the church’s formal establishment.
Cape Bolinao Lighthouse
Perched high above the scenic cliffs of Barangay Patar in Bolinao, Pangasinan, the Cape Bolinao Lighthouse stands as a timeless sentinel overlooking the vast expanse of the West Philippine Sea. It was built in 1903 through the collaboration of Filipino, American, and British engineers.
The Three Waterfalls of Bolinao
The Bolinao Waterfalls in Pangasinan are a breathtaking trio of natural wonders that perfectly capture the beauty and calm of the province’s hidden landscapes. Nestled deep within the forested interior of Bolinao, these waterfalls, simply called Bolinao Falls 1, 2, and 3, each offer a different experience, from thrill-seeking jumps to serene dips in cool, crystal-clear pools.
Amoj In Wanderland 