Baclayon Church, Bohol

The second oldest church in the Philippines stood beautifully in the wonderful island of Bohol. Baclayon Church, which was built during the Spaniards regime here in the Philippines, is 10 minutes away from the city of Tagbilaran. It was the second stop of our Countryside Tour availed from Kuya Tatsky and Ate Kathy.

on our way to the Baclayon Church

the church facade

History: 

A lot of historians said that almost 200 native laborers constructed the church using coral stones from the sea. The stones were cut into big square blocks and piled together to build the sturdy walls and main foundation of this landmark. In addition, millions of eggs were used as cement to strengthen the structure. The original church was completed in 1727.

before we got inside the church, Kuya Jojo took a picture of us

Inside the church, you will really appreciate how the people of Bohol gave importance in preserving this place. The original limestone walls are in its good state. The hardwood doors are still intact and functional. Although the altar was almost covered with colored cloth due to the Lenten Season, the beautiful altar was still captured perfectly. Next to the church is the old covenant which now houses a museum where some religious relics and artifacts pertinent to the history of the church can be found.

this is not the museum... this is an area were they put some of the Saints' replica

during the Spaniards invasion in the Philippines, this long chair was used by the high ranking officials and the "majarlikas" (elite group)  when they attended mass

 the architectural structure of the altar

another picture with our driver/guide Kuya Jojo...

Outside the church, there are wall markings which were believed to be portraying the faces of Father Pio and Mama Mary.

wall marking of Father Pio (inside the pink circle)

wall marking of Mama Mary carrying Baby Jesus (inside the pink circle)

Additonal Information:

• FREE ENTRANCE

• P50 – IF YOU WANT TO ENTER THE MUSEUM. BUT PICTURE TAKING IS NOT ALLOWED INSIDE

• PROPER DRESS CODE: all ladies who wear sleeveless shirt, skirt or something that shows a lot of skin are required to used the “tapis” or a piece of cloth to cover the area. This is used to show respect to the holiness of the place, and also to avoid distracting the worshipers who are inside the church.

i love the color of their altar... it's really beautiful...
oh btw, the cloth (yellow, blue and purple) we wore was the "tapis"