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SAN JOAQUIN CHURCH IN ILOILO
So what makes San Joaquin Church worth a visit despite its far far away location?
San Joaquin is actually the southernmost town of the province of Iloilo. The town borders the province of Antique.
What really makes this church stands out is its bas relief facade. It is one of a kind. And probably the only one of its kind in the Philippines. The Church of San Joaquin has a militaristic theme on its facade, celebrating the Spaniard's victory at the Battle of Tetuan. If you will notice closely, there are no Virgin Marys, nor saints, or angels in the facade. You will see horses, Moors, Spanish Armies, and Rifles. Violent scene you may say.
When the church was still constructed during 1869, news came to this small town that the Spanish Forces have finally defeated the Morrs at the Battle of Tetuan. Overjoyed, the Parish Priest asked the church builders to portray the Battle of Tetuan in the church's facade. The Bas Relief Masterpiece entitled "Rendicion de Tetuan" is made with limestones quarried from the town of Igbaras and white coral stones which is abundant in the town's shores.
Many people have been mesmerized by this unique artistry. Something that you normally do not see in churches. It even has gained the attention of the National Historical Institute, which has then bestowed it the title "National Cultural Treasure".
Commuting going to the town of San Joaquin is possible. One needs to take a jeepney ride from Molo Plaza in Iloilo City. Travel time is approximately one hour by jeepney. Fare is about fifty pesos.
Do you know that San Joaquin Church was built in 1859 and finished in 1869? Ten years of hard labor of our forefathers. According to my great grandmother the stones use for this church was quarried in Igbaras and the coral stones quarried in Brgy. Igcadlum. During the construction pupils taking Latin subject were required to contribute one egg per day. Egg whites was used to paste blocks of coral stones.
Waypoint narrative by: JoJang_Aguas 2012 follow JoJang_Aguas on Facebook