Revealing the History and Heritage of the Philippines: One Post at a Time
Sites with historical significance
Bantayan island, Cebu is well known for it’s beaches and resorts, but what many are unaware of is the island’s rich history. Along the shores of Santa Fe on the southern coast of the island — where the majority of the beach resorts are owing to the white sand sandbar…
Among the many wonders, both historical and natural, of the enchanting island of Siquijor is one chapel by the river located in Barangay Sabang, Larena, Siquijor. The Chapel itself is of simple make; however, the location of the chapel is what makes the place unique. The small chapel is located…
A Moment in history: Construction of the Garces Ancestral House Circa 1952. The Garces ancestral house is one of the grandest ancestral houses in the City of Talisay, Cebu. It was built from 1951-1955 by Don Vicente Hermosa Garces, a notable Cebuano writer and politician and a native of Talisay…
Schools of the Past – 1940 Boljoon Escuela Catolica This structure is one of the important buildings within the Boljoon Church Complex, which has been acclaimed as a National Cultural Treasure of the Philippines. Constructed in 1940, as indicated by the relief found at its center, this historic building once…
Bantayan Island, Cebu, is known for its rich natural wonders and abundance in white-sand beaches constantly being flocked to by locals and foreigners alike; however, not many take the time to appreciate the even richer cultural heritage hidden in plain sight. One of the treasures of Bantayan Island is the…
The town of Argao, Cebu, is the home of many heritage sites, one of which is the Capilla Mortuario and the Puerta Marina. Argao’s Spanish period history was partly influenced by Moro pirate raids from Mindanao. Located within the confines of the once walled-in church complex, the two structures share…
The Panares House or Casa Pañares, one of the largest ancestral homes in Barili, Cebu, was constructed around 1878 by Don Duterte Pañares . The first floor, crafted from finely cut coral stone, initially served as a copra storage area for Pedro Cui and the Pañares family’s ancestors. The arched…
This is the Watchtower or Baluarte or Bantayan Sa Hari of Alegria, Cebu. The town, located 110 kilometers southwest of Cebu City, is a sleepy seaside one with a peaceful character. In contrast to the calm atmosphere of today, this structure once stood vigilant against threats from the sea. The…
Among the many treasures of both tangible and intangible heritage of such a storied and celebrated place such as Boljoon is a room which has seen its own fair share of history. A baptistery, as the name suggests, is where people are baptized, in this case, to become Roman Catholics.…
Upon the arrival of Fray Julian Bermejo, O.S.A – Otherwise known as the “Warrior Priest” or “El Padre Capitan” of Boljoon, he initiated the construction of static defenses in the town to guard against the scourge of Moro pirate raids that had previously destroyed the town in 1782. He, alongside…
