Iloilo Travelogue#5: Jaro Cathedral and the old belfry tower

One of the most famous churches in Iloilo is the Jaro Cathedral. It is the parish home of the Archbishop of Jaro and  has also became the home of  the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Candles. This church, like the many churches across Iloilo, also served as a fortress against the Moro pirates who kidnap locals and sells them off at Mindanao. The old belfry that is actually separated from the original church served as a watchtower that will send alarms to the Jaro people in case of piratical raids. The church has lived through earthquakes, fires, and wars but the Ilonggo's love and faith in the Catholic church led on to the continuous rebuilding and effort to preserve this historical landmark.
What I love about this church is that even if you can see the obvious renovations done at some of its parts, you can still see the old church that has been there since 1874. 

The sky blue ceiling and the yellow painted walls actually makes the church airy and fresh looking, it reminds me of summer. And, those vintage brass-looking chandeliers really looks grand ^_^. The statues on the pillars are actually saints, one of them is St. JoseMaria Escriva, the founder of Opus Dei.
In 1976, the National Historical Institute proclaimed Jaro Cathedral a historical landmark.
I wanted to get closer but I feel awkward walking up to the altar when there are people praying. I guess, the Catholic in me somehow always stops me from being too intrusive whenever I visit a church. It is after all considered His house and a sacred place ^_^.

The ceiling murals are really worthwhile to see.  Just looking at the details put into them, it seems that whoever made these works of art really put a lot of effort and time creating them. It's just really beautiful.

ceiling mural - Jaro Cathedral, Iloilo City

The old belfry tower of the church can be seen right across the church, just outside the crumbling Graciano Lopez Jaena Park formerly known as Jaro Plaza.

Unfortunately, the Graciano Lopez Park really needs a big makeover to complement this beautiful historical landmark. I have seen a banner that is seeking support to improve the park, I hope that it will get done. It is a shame to see it in this state.

How we got there:

Crossing SM Iloilo, we rode a Jaro Liko jeepney and got off a couple of blocks from the church and Jaro plaza. We paid around PHP14 or PHP7/person.