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.
Tag: Philippines
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.
Miss Bibimbap Korean Restaurant in Tacloban
Every corner of Miss Bibimbap felt like a hand-drawn dream. The chairs, tables, walls, even the picture frames were all painted in striking monochrome outlines, giving the illusion that I had stepped into a two-dimensional sketch. It was playful and surreal, the kind of place where you can’t resist taking photos because it blurs the line between reality and art. The design was clever and cohesive, whimsical but not overdone, immersive but relaxing.
Hotel Alejandro Tacloban
Built in 1932 as the ancestral house of Dr. and Mrs. Alejandro Montejo, Hotel Alejandro in Tacloban once stood witness to the turbulence of World War II. During the Japanese occupation and the liberation of Leyte, its rooms were filled not with guests, but with officers and soldiers, strategies and uncertainties. To this day, that sense of history lingers, gracefully preserved in the hotel’s polished wood, framed photos, and timeless air.
Archdiocesan Shrine of Sto. Niño in Tacloban
The Archdiocesan Shrine of the Santo Niño in Tacloban traces its beginnings to 1770, when it was founded by the Augustinian missionaries. On June 30, 1889, the image of the Santo Niño, once believed to be lost at sea, mysteriously arrived at the Port of Tacloban. The timing of this miraculous return coincided with the sudden end of the epidemic, which the people gratefully attributed to divine intervention. From that day on, the Santo Niño was venerated as the city’s patron, and Tacloban’s annual Sto. Niño Fiesta has continued to celebrate this miracle with heartfelt devotion and vibrant cultural expression.
Bert Monterona’s “All Out Peace Not War” Art Exhibit
During my visit to Zamboanga City, I was fortunate to experience “All Out Peace Not War: Kalinaw Hindi Digmaan,” a powerful traveling exhibition of large-scale paintings by Norberto “Bert” Monterona, currently on display at the National Museum Western-Southern Mindanao inside the historic Fort Pilar. The centuries-old fortress, once a sentinel of colonial history, now serves as a symbolic space for reflection and renewal — a fitting venue for Monterona’s stirring call for peace, justice, and cultural preservation
Curacha and Alavar Sauce
When the platter arrived, I was instantly impressed. It was a colorful spread of prawns, squid, fish, and the famed Zamboanga curacha, all glistening under a generous coating of Alavar’s special sauce. The curacha, a spanner crab unique to Zamboanga’s waters, was the undeniable star of the meal. Its meat was tender and naturally sweet, perfectly complemented by the rich, savory sauce that carried a balance of spice, creaminess, and a subtle hint of garlic. Every bite felt indulgent and deeply satisfying, the kind of dish that makes you pause just to savor the flavors and the care behind them.
Rainbow Mosque of Zamboanga City
Repainted sometime after the Marawi Siege in 2017, the Rainbow Mosque stands as a living tribute to the fallen heroes who fought for peace in Mindanao. The decision to cloak its walls in radiant hues was not merely aesthetic, it was deeply symbolic, a visual prayer for harmony and coexistence in a region long shaped by diversity. The mosque’s vibrant palette, visible even from a distance, has turned it into a cultural landmark, an emblem of hope shining brightly for both locals and travelers.
Nuestra Señora del Pilar Shrine in Zamboanga City
Standing proudly within the historic walls of Fort Pilar in Zamboanga City is the Nuestra Señora del Pilar Shrine, one of the most revered Marian pilgrimage sites in Mindanao. Facing the sea and open to the sky, the shrine is both a spiritual sanctuary and a living symbol of the city’s deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, known locally as Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Zaragoza, the patroness and protectress of Zamboanga.
Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Zamboanga City
The Zamboanga City Cathedral, now standing along La Purisima Street, was originally situated at the front of Plaza Pershing, where the present Universidad de Zamboanga is located. Built in 1870, the first cathedral was made of wood and concrete, featuring a main altar dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, flanked by statues of Jesuit saints Ignatius of Loyola and Francis Xavier. When the Diocese of Zamboanga was established in 1910, the church was formally elevated to the status of a cathedral.
Plaza Cuartel
In December 1944, something tragic happened in Plaza Cuartel. More than a hundred American prisoners of war were locked in an underground tunnel inside the fort. The Japanese soldiers poured gasoline into the area and set it on fire. Only eleven men managed to escape by jumping into the sea and swimming all the way to Iwahig.
Amoj In Wanderland 