Balay ni Tan Juan stands proudly in the heart of Bago City, Negros Occidental, as one of the most important symbols of the city’s rich cultural and historical heritage. This elegant ancestral home, built in the late 19th century, was once the residence of General Juan Anacleto Araneta—the visionary leader…
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The Grave of One of the First Talisaynon Priests: Fr. Pablo Hermosa
One of the lesser known facts of Spanish colonial-era churches in the Philippines are that prominent families, and priests, can be buried inside the church as can be seen in (Boljoon, Cebu; Carcar, Cebu) and in Talisay Church, Cebu – an unknown part of Talisay church history. Located in a…
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A Heritage of Faith: Good Shepherd Cebu’s History and Story
While more known as a favorite Holy Week Destination, the Good Shepherd compound located in Banawa, Cebu City, is has a story to tell: one of a call and dedicated service to a community in great need. The sisters of the Religious of the Good Shepherd were visited by the…
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History of Kota de Santa Fe, Bantayan island, Cebu
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…
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Vicente H. Garces Ancestral House – Talisay Cebu
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…
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The Beauty of Barili: Casa Pañares C. 1878
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…
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Boljoon’s Grand Defender: “El Gran Baluarte”
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…


