In the heart of Palawan’s capital stands the Immaculate Conception Cathedral. But beyond its pointed arches and Neo-Gothic towers lies a deeper story—one rooted in missionary zeal, colonial history, and the unwavering devotion of a man who would one day be canonized a saint: Fray Ezequiél Moreno.
Tag: Philippines
Palawan Crocodile Farm
Visitors begin their tour at the hatchery, where baby crocodiles are raised before being transferred to larger enclosures. The highlight is meeting the two species cared for at the center: the Philippine crocodile (Crocodylus mindorensis), a rare freshwater species found only in the country and now critically endangered, and the Saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), the world’s largest reptile, thriving in coastal and brackish waters but often feared for its size and territorial behavior.
Nom Nom Palawan: More Than Just a Meme
What made Nomnom stand out was the experience rather than the food alone. The cheerful staff, the lighthearted atmosphere, and the sense of being in on the restaurant’s online humor all added to its appeal. It may not have been a gourmet burger destination, but it was more than just a meme, it was a fun and memorable stop, especially as the closing note to our Puerto Princesa trip.
Vietnamese Refugee Village in Palawan
Tucked away in Sta. Lourdes, Puerto Princesa City, lies a place that tells a story beyond the turquoise waters and limestone cliffs that Palawan is known for. Viet Ville, or the Vietnamese Refugee Village, is a quiet community built in the late 1970s as a haven for thousands of Vietnamese “boat people” who fled their country after the Vietnam War. Palawan became their sanctuary, and with the support of the Philippine government, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and the Catholic Church, the settlement thrived as a temporary home until the refugees could be resettled in other parts of the world.
Kidlat Tahimik’s Oh My Gulay
Hidden atop the old La Azotea Building on Session Road, Oh My Gulay is not your typical restaurant. Owned by National Artist Kidlat Tahimik (Eric de Guia), it merges art, nature, and vegetarian cuisine into a unified experience.
Laoag Cathedral
The story of St. William’s Cathedral, more commonly known as Laoag Cathedral, began in 1580 when the Augustinian missionaries established a parish in Laoag. The original structure was made of wood and thatch, typical of early mission churches. As the town grew, a more permanent church was planned. The stone foundations of the current structure were laid in 1612, marking the start of what would become a central feature of the city for centuries.
Sta. Monica Church of Sarrat
In the town of Sarrat, Ilocos Norte, the Sta. Monica Church stands as one of the most notable landmarks in the province. Known as the largest church in Ilocos Norte, it is especially recognized for the remarkable length of its nave. Built of red bricks in a mix of Earthquake Baroque and Neoclassical architecture, the church complex also includes a convent, a belfry, and a unique brick bridge staircase called the curillo, which connects the church and convent.
Who is Gregorio Aglipay?
Gregorio Aglipay was born in 1860 in Batac, and it is here where his journey began, ultimately leading to the establishment of a national church that would challenge colonial religious dominance. Originally a Roman Catholic priest, Aglipay became known not only for his religious calling but also for his nationalist ideals. He was appointed by Emilio Aguinaldo as Military Vicar General during the Philippine Revolution, serving as a voice for Filipino clergy who had long suffered under Spanish control.
Ferdinand E. Marcos Presidential Center in Batac
The Ferdinand E. Marcos Presidential Center is housed in what was once the ancestral home of the Marcos family. The center is more than just a museum; it’s a walk-through of a highly influential—and controversial—chapter in Philippine history. As I stepped inside, I was welcomed by portraits, personal memorabilia, awards, documents, and even handwritten notes that offered a closer look at Marcos’ rise from a topnotch student and decorated World War II soldier to becoming the 10th President of the Philippines.
Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Assumption in Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur
Perched atop a hill overlooking the town of Sta. Maria in Ilocos Sur, the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption stands as one of the most remarkable heritage churches in the Philippines. Tt was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, included in the Baroque Churches of the Philippines, a collection of four Spanish-era churches noted for their adaptation of European Baroque architecture to local conditions, particularly earthquakes.
St. Anne Church of Piddig
The architecture of the St. Anne Church of Piddig is inspired by the Jesuit Church of Il Gesù in Rome, built in 1568. The baroque-style façade features massive buttresses that serve as columns and volutes adorning the pediment. Inside, the original wooden pulpit remains intact, along with the central retablo displaying an image of St. Anne cradling the young Virgin Mary. Though the bell tower now stands partially in ruins, it continues to add a sense of grandeur to the site.
Chavit Singson’s Baluarte in Vigan
Vigan’s Baluarte is known primarily for its zoological park, which houses a range of animals like ostriches, camels, zebras, ponies, and deer, as well as birds, reptiles, and big cats like lions and tigers. Some of the animals are kept in enclosures, while others roam in more open areas or are featured in scheduled animal shows.
Amoj In Wanderland 