THE QUEEN OF ALL PHILIPPINE FESTIVALS: DINAGYANG FESTIVAL (Iloilo City)

Dear foreign readers, allow Tita S to tell you 11 facts about a famous festival in the Philippines.

1.The Dinagyang Festival is an annual 3-day religious and cultural festival held on the 4^th Sunday of January, or right after the Sinulog Festival¹ in Cebu City², and the Ati-Atihan Festival³ in the municipality⁴ of Kalibo⁵, in the province⁶ of Aklan⁷.

2. It is held in Iloilo City⁸, the capital city of the province⁶ of Iloilo⁹ and a 1^st class¹⁰ highly urbanized city¹¹ in the Western Visayas¹² region¹³ of the Philippines.

3. This festival showcases the rich heritage, colorful history, religious devotion and fun-loving spirit of the local people called Ilonggos.

It is held to show reverence to, and as a thanksgiving celebration in honor of, the Santo Niño (the Holy Child Jesus). It also marks the arrival of the Malay immigrants, as told in the Legend of Maragtas¹⁴.

4. This festival was voted as the Best Tourism Event three times in a row (2006, 2007 and 2008) among any other festival in the Philippines by the Association of Tourism Officers in the Philippines.

It is also the most awarded festival in the Philippines because of its legacy, popularity, and innovation.

It is one of the few festivals in the world to get the support of the United Nations for the promotion of the Millennium Development Goals, and was cited by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) as Best Practice on government, private sector and non-government organization (NGO) cooperatives.

It has received other honors and awards as a world class festival so it is dubbed as the “Queen of All Festivals in the Philippines”.

5. In November 1967, Rev. Fr. Ambrosio Galindez, the first Filipino rector of the Agustinian Community and Parish Priest of the San Jose Parish introduced the devotion to Santo Niño after observing the Ati-Atihan Festival³ in the province⁶ of Aklan⁷, also in the Western Visayas¹² region¹³ of the Philippines.

A replica of the original image of the Santo Niño de Cebu was brought to Iloilo⁸ in 1968 by Fr. Sulpicio Enderez of Cebu as a gift to the Parish of San Jose. Members of the Confradia del Santo Niño¹⁵, Iloilo Chapter, led the faithful in welcoming the image at the Iloilo Airport, and paraded it down the streets of Iloilo City.

6. The said Confradia chapter started the observance of the festival patterned after the celebration of the Ati-Atihan³ of the municipality⁴ of Ibajay, in the province⁶ of Aklan⁷. The festival was only confined to the parish grounds. Natives covered their bodies with soot and ashes and danced in the streets, to simulate the Atis¹⁶ dancing to celebrate the sale of Panay¹⁷. These tribal groups were the prototype of the present festival.

Eventually, more and more groups participated, so the celebrations became more lively and elegant with each passing year.

7. In 1977, President Ferdinand Marcos ordered various regions¹³ of the Philippines to come up with festivals or celebrations that could boost tourism and development. The people of Iloilo City⁸ easily identified the Iloilo Ati-Atihan as its festival, to differentiate it from the original Ati-Atihan Festival³ of Kalibo⁵, Aklan⁷.

8. In 1977, Iloilo City⁸ officially named their festival Dinagyang, an Ilonggo word that means “to celebrate and have fun” and encourages revelry and merriment to capture the spirit of the Ilonggos. Henceforth, the Iloilo Ati-Atihan came to be known as Dinagyang.

9. This festival has the following major events:

* Religious Fluvial and Solemn Foot Procession (held on a Friday, with images of the Santo Niño carried on boats that sail along the Iloilo River, from Fort San Pedro to Muelle Loney Street, then carried by the townsfolk in a solemn foot procession passing by the Provincial Capitol, and ending at the San Jose Parish Church);

* Dagyang sa Calle Real (held on a Saturday prior to the main event the next day) – It is a religious street dancing activity called sadsad where everyone is welcome to join the energetic dances of the performers;

* Ati Tribe Competition (the main event, held on a Sunday) –

This consists of a number of “warrior” dancers in a tribe (locally called tribu) dancing in choreographed formations and patterns as well as chanting to the sound of loud drum beats and improvised percussion instruments innovated by participating tribes.

Dinagyang 2020 – Photo source: https://www.facebook.com/DepartmentOfTourism/photos/3330057480354434 

Performers must paint their skin black.

Photo source: https://www.facebook.com/dinagyangfestival.iloilo/photos/10151418986338883 

Indigenous and other kinds of materials can be used for the colorful costumes.

Photo source: https://www.facebook.com/DepartmentOfTourism/photos/3330057683687747 

Photo source: https://www.facebook.com/dinagyangfestival.iloilo/photos/10155141303598883 

All dances are performed to drum music.

Sources of photos (top-bottom, l-r): https://www.facebook.com/DepartmentOfTourism/photos/3330056710354511, https://www.facebook.com/dinagyangfestival.iloilo/photos/10151388443483883, https://www.facebook.com/DepartmentOfTourism/photos/3330053957021453 and https://www.facebook.com/dinagyangfestival.iloilo/photos/10151417987978883

At first, the tribes were created and organized by barangays²⁴ or communities within and around Iloilo City⁸. Eventually, high schools created their own tribes with new dancing patterns, formations, and choreography, soliciting sponsorship from private companies. In recent times, some tribes came from as far as the archipelagic province⁶ of Batanes (in the Cagayan Valley region¹³ of the Luzon group of islands in northern part of the country) and the landlocked province of Cotabato (in the Soccsksargen region in the Mindanao group of islands in the southern part of the country).

Tribes depict the way of life of the Atis¹⁶ who used bows, arrows, spears, and shields.

Photo source: https://www.facebook.com/DepartmentOfTourism/photos/3330047190355463 

This original ethnic group gave importance to nature, spirits, and animals which they believe were possessed by the omnipresent spirit that governs their environment. Courtship dances, chanting, and the use of huge ornamental articles, hunting, harvest offering, etc. are some of the aboriginal traits and characters that the tribes can utilize in their concepts.

Sources of photos (top-bottom): https://www.facebook.com/DepartmentOfTourism/photos/3330058030354379, https://www.facebook.com/DepartmentOfTourism/photos/3330060077020841 and https://www.facebook.com/dinagyangfestival.iloilo/photos/10152646406698883 

There are rules and regulations for this competition, and this includes reverence to the Santo Niño.

Sources of photos (l-r): https://www.facebook.com/DepartmentOfTourism/photos/3330044013689114 and https://www.facebook.com/DepartmentOfTourism/photos/3330043377022511 

The tribes receive a subsidiary from the Dinagyang Foundation Inc. and the city government of Iloilo. They also recruit private sponsors, with the best tribes receiving the most.

* The Kasadyahan Cultural Competition was added to the Dinadyang Festival from the 1980s to 2019. It is a dramatization of the life of the Atis16 as recounted in the Legend of Maragtas14. This competition showcases the talents of the students as well as the rich cultural heritage of the province6 of Iloilo9.  Initially, only students within the province of Iloilo participated, but eventually,  students from the Western Visayas12 region13 also took part in the event. Among other criteria, participants are judged on their level of dramatization (along with the color and beauty of the dancers’ costumes made of native materials), and dance skills to the accompaniment of drums.

* The annual search for Miss Iloilo Dinagyang is held on the week of the main Dinagyang Festival highlights.

Photo source: https://www.facebook.com/dinagyangfestival.iloilo/photos/10151415679103883 

10. But you know what? The current Ati¹⁶ population of Iloilo is not involved with any of the tribes nor is it involved in this festival, and does not benefit in any way. However, the original Atis from the hinterlands of Panay¹⁷, specifically those from the mountains of Barotac Nuevo and Anilao, have non-competitively participated in recent years, thereby gaining recognition and receiving importance as being the characters symbolically portrayed in the festival.

11. Would you believe that this festival has an official mascot? Yes! Dagoy is Dinagyang Festival’s official mascot and the first festival mascot in the Philippines. He is a young Ati¹⁶ warrior who stands 6 ft. and 9 in. tall, has a dark brown skin tone, and wears a headdress with an image of Santo Niño. He wears the camel-colored loincloth of a typical Ati. His hands and feet are adorned with multi-colored bracelets, like a warrior. He holds a drum made of fiberglass with the logo of the Iloilo City⁸ government at the center. He symbolizes the merrymaking of the Ilonggo people and a symbol of friendship between the Ilonggos and the tourists visiting Iloilo City to witness the Dinagyang Festival.

He was born from the promotional sketches of Dinagyang in 2002 and the caricature was later adopted as the official logo of the festival. Dagoy was introduced to the public on December 14,2004 in the Fort, Taguig, and December 18,2004 in Iloilo City⁸.

Dagoy is so popular among children that miniature versions called Dagoy dolls are sold.

The information was obtained from https://www.exploreiloilo.com/do/info/dinagyang-festival/, https://www.filipinopod101.com/lesson/culture-class-holidays-in-the-philippines-12-dinagyang-festival/, https://www.facebook.com/dinagyangfestival.iloilo/posts/the-essence-of-dinagyang-festival-as-a-cultural-festival-is-the-portrayal-and-de/10150506881523883/, https://expertworldtravel.com/philippines/dinagyang-festival/, https://philnews.ph/2019/11/20/summary-of-maragtas-the-legend-of-the-ten-bornean-datus/, http://www.iloilo.gov.ph/history and the Wikipedia page “Dinagyang”¹⁸.

I have not seen this festival and it is definitely in my travel bucket list. Heads up: Vehicles are not allowed to enter the parade route and nearby streets so we have to walk within Iloilo City⁸ proper during the festivities, and wear comfortable clothes and footwear. Hala bira, Iloilo!

I definitely have to block January to see 3 festivals: the Sinulog Festival¹ in Cebu City², the Ati-Atihan Festival³ in Kalibo⁵, Aklan⁶, and this festival!

This is not a sponsored post. I just want my readers to know more about the Philippines.

The photos featured in the cover photo-collage (top-bottom, l-r) were obtained from:  https://www.facebook.com/DepartmentOfTourism/photos/3330044013689114, https://www.facebook.com/DepartmentOfTourism/photos/3330047190355463, https://www.facebook.com/DepartmentOfTourism/photos/3330060077020841 and  https://www.facebook.com/dinagyangfestival.iloilo/photos/10151418986338883.

Did you find this post informative? I would like to hear your comment/s regarding Dinagyang Festival, especially if you were able to see it.

See other interesting places through other posts in this category and other categories of SCapades, Pinoy Delights, and Smart Travelers – Foreign Travelers Ask, Now You Know, and Say, Say, Say. Happy reading, and I hope that you will appreciate what I shared and some of the featured destinations will be part of your future travel plans!

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The following terms are defined for interested readers, especially those with “Senior-Moments”, those not familiar with Filipino terms, and those too busy or lazy to Google such terms:

¹The Sinulog-Santo Niño Festival is an annual cultural and religious festival honoring the child Jesus, the Santo Niño, held on the 3^rd Sunday of January in Cebu City², and on the 4^th Sunday of January in the municipality⁴ of Carmen, in the province⁶ of Cebu. It is the center of the Santo Niño (the Holy Child Jesus) Catholic celebrations in the Philippines, attracting lots of tourists worldwide, and is dubbed as Cebu’s grandest festival.

Its grand parade showcases a dance ritual that commemorates the Cebuano people’s pagan origin and their acceptance of Roman Catholicism. The information was obtained from https://www.beyondcebu.com/cebu/festivals/the-sinulog-festival and the Wikipedia page “Sinulog”¹⁹.

²Cebu City is a first class¹⁰ highly urbanized city¹¹ in the Central Visayas region¹³ of the Philippines. It is the regional center and primate city of the said region, and seat of government of the province⁶ of Cebu, but governed independently.

It is the country’s oldest city and the first capital of the Philippines. It was the first Spanish settlement so this city is considered the birthplace of Christianity in the Far East. It became a city on April 27,1594 through a Real provision of King Philip II of Spain, preceding all other Philippine cities, except Manila.

It is the capital city of the island province of Cebu. It is dubbed as the Queen City of the South due to its commercial potential and its beautiful attractions. It is also recognized by the British Council as the Creative Capital of the Philippines. In 2019, it joined the UNESCO Creative Cities Network as a City of Design.

The information was obtained from https://skyticket.com/guide/3620 and the Wikipedia page “Cebu City”²⁰.

³The Ati-Atihan Festival is a Philippine festival held annually in January in honor of the Santo Niño (Holy Infant Jesus) in several municipalities⁴ of the province⁶ of Aklan⁷, Panay Island¹⁷. The biggest celebration is held during the 3^rd Sunday of January in the municipality of Kalibo⁵, the province’s capital.

The name Ati-Atihan means “to imitate Ati¹⁶”, the local name of the Aeta²¹ people, the first settlers of Panay Island¹⁷ and other parts of the archipelago.

This festival consists of religious processions and street-parades, showcasing themed floats, dancing groups wearing colorful costumes, marching bands, and people sporting face and body paints. The street parade is called sadsad, which is also what the locals call their way of dancing, where the foot is momentarily dragged along the ground in tune to the beat played by the marching bands.

This festivity was originally a pagan celebration but was eventually given a different meaning by the church by celebrating the acceptance of Christianity, as symbolized by carrying an image of the Holy Infant Jesus during the procession.

The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Ati-Atihan Festival”²².

⁴A municipality is a small, single urban administrative division, or local government unit (LGU)²³, in the Philippines which has corporate status and powers of self-government or jurisdiction as granted by law. It is a unit under a province⁶, subdivided into barangays²⁴, and is called town, or bayan. In the Philippines, a municipality is headed by a mayor, a vice mayor and members of the Sangguniang Bayan (legislative branch). The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Municipalities of the Philippines.”²⁵

⁵Kalibo is a a first class¹⁰ municipality⁴ and capital of the province⁶ of Aklan⁷ in the Western Visayas¹² region¹³ of the Philippines. It has 16 barangays²⁴. It is located in the northwest of Panay¹⁷ and is the main transportation hub for the popular resort island of Boracay. Aklanon is the main language of the local residents.

The term Kalibo comes from the Aklanon word sangka libo (“one thousand”), reputedly the number of native Ati¹⁶ who attended the first Catholic Mass celebrated there.

This municipality is known for:

* the Ati-Atihan Festival³ held every 3^rd Sunday of January;

* the Bakhawan Eco-Park, the semi-urban and multi-awarded mangrove forest;

* piña-weaving, nominated by the Aklan government and the National Commission for Culture and Arts to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists.

The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Kalibo.”²⁶

⁶A province is the primary administrative and political division in the Philippines. It is the second-level administrative sub-division of a region¹³. There are 81 provinces (called lalawigan) in the Philippines. Each province is governed by an elected legislature called the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and by an elected governor. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Provinces of the Philippines.”²⁷

See a related post: Foreign Seniors Ask: WHAT ARE PROVINCES IN THE PHILIPPINES?

⁷Aklan is a province⁶ in the Western Visayas¹² region¹³ of the Philippines which occupies the northern third of the Panay Isand¹⁷ in the northwestern portion, facing the Sibuyan Sea and the province of Romblon to the north, and bordering Antique to the southwest and Capiz to the east. It has 17 municipalities⁴ and its capital is Kalibo⁵.

It is called the oldest province in the Philippines because it was organized in 1213 by settlers from Borneo, along with the province of Capiz. It was inaugurated as an independent province on November 8, 1956.

Aklan is famous for Boracay, a resort island 1 km (0.62 mi) north from the tip of Panay.

The information was obtained from https://ph.news.yahoo.com/aklan-philippines-oldest-province-061046849.html and the Wikipedia page “Aklan.”²⁸

⁸Iloilo City is a highly urbanized city¹¹ on the southeastern tip of Panay Island¹⁷ in the Philippines. It was founded in 1566, recognized as a city in 1889, and as a highly urbanized city in 1979. It is the capital of the province⁶ of Iloilo where it is geographically situated but, in terms of government and administration, it is politically independent. It is the regional capital of the Western Visayas¹² Region¹³ and the regional hub of education, healthcare, tourism, culture, industry and economy. It is also the regional center of government offices, financial institutions and government-owned and controlled corporations. It has 180 barangays²⁴. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Iloilo City”.²⁹ You may visit its website: www.iloilocity.gov.ph

⁹Iloilo is a province⁶ located in the Western Visayas¹² Region¹³ of the Philippines, founded in 1566. It occupies the central and eastern sections of Panay Island¹⁷, bordered by the province of Antique to the west, Capiz to the north, the Jintotolo Channel to the northeast, the Guimaras Strait to the east, and the Iloilo Strait and Panay Gulf to the southwest. Its capital is Iloilo City⁸. It consists of 42 municipalities⁴ and two cities (Iloilo City and Passi City). The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Iloilo”.³⁰ You may visit its website: www.iloilo.gov.ph

¹⁰A first class city in the Philippines is a city with an average annual income of at least PHP500,000, based on the previous four calendar years, according to the Wikipedia page “Cities of the Philippines”.³¹

¹¹A highly urbanized city (HUC) is a city with a minimum population of 200,000 inhabitants, as certified by the Philippine Statistics Authority, and with the latest annual income of at least PHP50 million or US$1 million, as certified by the City Treasurer. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Cities of the Philippines”.³¹

There are currently 33 such cities in the Philippines; see a related post: Foreign Seniors Ask: HOW MANY CITIES ARE THERE IN THE PHILIPPINES?

¹²Western Visayas is an administrative region¹³ in the Philippines, also known as Region VI, with a land area of 20,794.18 sq.km. (8,028.68 sq.mi.). It consists of 6 provinces⁶ (Aklan⁷, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo⁹ and Negros Occidental), 2 highly urbanized cities¹¹ (Bacolod City and Iloilo City⁸), 14 component cities³², 117 municipalities⁴, and 4,051 barangays²⁴. It is considered the most populous region in the Visayas group of islands in the central part of the Philippine archipelago. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Western Visayas”.³³

¹³A region is an administrative division based on geographical, cultural and ethnological characteristics. Each region is further subdivided in provinces⁶, composed of cities and municipalities⁴ (or towns), which in turn, are divided into barangays²⁴, formerly called barrios, according to Wikipedia page “Regions of the Philippines” ³⁴. 

See a related post:  Foreign Seniors Ask: WHAT ARE THE REGIONS OF THE PHILIPPINES?

¹⁴The Legend of Maragtas recounts ten³⁵ chieftains, called datus, who escaped the tyranny of Sultan Makatunaw of the island of Borneo, sometime in the 12^th/13^th century when Indonesia and the Philippines were under the rule of Indianized native kingdoms.

Datus Puti and Sumakwel led 8 other datus and their wives, and sailed in boats called balangays. They ventured into the night across the ocean and landed at the mouth of the Suaragan River on the southwest coast of Panay called Aninipay, now known as the municipality⁴ of San Joaquin of the province⁶ of Iloilo⁹.³⁶ 

This place was ruled by Ati¹⁶ headman named Polpolan and his son, King Marikudo and wife, Queen Maniwangtiwang, and inhabited by the tribe called Aetas³⁷. The king was initially terrified of the datus but one of them, Datu Puti, assured him that they had peaceful intentions. The datus eventually befriended the tribe and wanted to settle there so they bartered the lowlands of Panay for a golden salakot (hat) and a manangyad (long gold necklace), and other assorted gifts. Both parties agreed, the datus took complete control of the area, and the Aetas went to the mountains. They are the ancestors of the Bisaya, and led to the birth of the precolonial Philippine culture and population. The Borneans and Aetas lived in peace, harmony and prosperity. The Spaniards came and established the provincial government in 1565.³⁶

¹⁵The Confradia del Santo Niño is a Roman Catholic voluntary association of lay people who are devoted to the Santo Niño (the Holy Child Jesus). This national body organized the devotees through local chapters, like in Iloilo City⁸. It promotes and propagates the devotion to the Santo Niño throughout the Philippines, as well as mutual assistance and cooperation among members. It sanctifies its members and their families through the devotion to Santo Niño, active practice of their faith, frequent reception of the Holy Eucharist and Communion, including Communion, charitable works and social apostolate.³⁷ 

¹⁶Ati is a Negrito³⁸ ethnic group in the Visayas, Philippines, principally concentrated in the islands of Boracay, Negros and Panay¹⁷. Ati is also known by different names – Aeta, Agta, Atta, Ayta and Ita. These names are usually based on their geographical location, history, or relationship with other people, and are spread over the islands of Luzon (northern part), Visayas (central part) and Mindanao (southern part) of the Philippine archipelago.

Atis are genetically related to other Negrito³⁸ ethnic groups in the Philippines such as the Aeta of Luzon, the Batak of Palawan, the Agta of the Sierra Madres, and the Mamanwa of Mindanao.

They are known to be among the earliest known migrants or inhabitants of the Philippines. They inhabited the remote and mountainous regions of Luzon (islands in the northern part of the Philippines) between 20,000 to 30,000 years ago, way before the Austronesian migrations of the Malays and Asian groups.

Atis have dark to dark-brown skin, curly hair, and are usually below 5 ft tall. They are hunting and gathering indigenous people. They are nomadic and build temporary houses made of sticks.

Over the years, the majority of their population managed to keep their cultural practices and traditions, and still face challenges such as displacement, marginalization and poverty.

The information was obtained from https://travelnoire.com/aeta-african-natives-philippines,  https://theculturetrip.com/asia/philippines/articles/the-aeta-the-first-philippine-people/ and the Wikipedia page “History of the Philippines (1565-1898)³⁹ and “Ati people”⁴¹.

¹⁷Panay Island is the 6^th largest, and 4^th most populous, island in the Philippines, located in the Western Visayas¹² Region¹³ of the Philippines, with a total land area of 12,011 sq.km. (4,637 sq.mi.). This triangular island is located in the western part of the Visayas and consists of 4 provinces: Aklan⁷, Antique, Capiz and Iloilo⁹. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Panay Island”.⁴²

¹⁸“Dinagyang,” accessed August 5, 2021, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dinagyang 

¹⁹“Sinulog,” accessed August 5, 2021, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinulog 

²⁰“Cebu City,” accessed August 5, 2021, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cebu_City 

²¹The Aeta (Aita, Alta, Arta, Atta, Ayta, Ita) Agta, or Dumagat, is a collective term for several Filipino indigenous peoples who live in various parts of Luzon, the island groups in the northern part of the Philippine archipelago. They are considered to be part of the Negrito³⁸ ethnic groups and share common physical characteristics of dark skin tones, short statures, curly to Afro-textured hair, and a higher frequency of naturally lighter hair color relative to the general population. They are thought to be among the earliest inhabitants of the Philippines, preceding the Austronesian migrations.

They were historically nomadic hunter-gatherers, composed of 1 to 5 families per mobile group. They are usually divided into 3 main groups: the Aeta from Central Luzon, the Agta of Southeastern Luzon, and the Dumagat (or Dumaget) of Eastern Luzon. These divisions are actually arbitrary and the 3 names can be used interchangeably. They are also commonly confused with the Ati¹⁶ people of the Visayas group of islands at the central part of the country.

The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Aeta people”.⁴³

²²“Ati-Atihan festival,” accessed August 5, 2021, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ati-Atihan_festival 

²³A local government unit (LGU) in the Philippines is divided into 3 levels: provinces⁶ and independent cities⁴⁴; component cities³² and municipalities⁴; and, barangays²⁴, according to Wikipedia page “Local government in the Philippines”.⁴⁵

²⁴A barangay is the smallest administrative division in the Philippines. It is headed by a barangay captain, aided by a Sangguniang Barangay (Barangay Council). It is the native Filipino term for a village. It was formerly called a barrio. In a metropolitan area, a barangay is an inner-city neighborhood, a suburb, or a suburban neighborhood. The word barangay originated from the term “balangay”, a kind of boat used by a group of Austronesian people who migrated to the Philippines. A number of barangays grouped together is called a district. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Barangay.”⁴⁶

²⁵“Municipalities of the Philippines” accessed April 2, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Municipalities_of_the_Philippines

²⁶“Kalibo,” accessed April 2, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalibo

²⁷“Provinces of the Philippines,” accessed April 2, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Provinces_of_the_Philippines

²⁸“Aklan,” accessed August 5, 2021, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aklan 

²⁹“Iloilo City,” accessed January 17, 2020, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iloilo_City

³⁰“Iloilo,” accessed January 17, 2020, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iloilo

³¹“Cities of the Philippines,” accessed April 2, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cities_of_the_Philippines

³²A component city is a type of city in the Philippines which does not meet the requirements of a highly urbanized city¹¹ and is under the jurisdiction of a province⁶. If such a city is located along the boundaries of 2 or more provinces, it shall be considered part of the province of which it used to be a municipality⁴. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Cities of the Philippines.”³¹

See a related post: Foreign Seniors Ask: HOW MANY CITIES ARE THERE IN THE PHILIPPINES?

³³“Western Visayas,” accessed January 17, 2020, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Visayas

³⁴“Regions of the Philippines,” accessed April 2, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regions_of_the_Philippines

³⁵Here are the names of the 10 datus and their wives (dayangs) if any, in alphabetical order:³⁷

* Datu Balensuela

* Datu Bangkaya and Dayang Katurong

* Datu Domalogdog

* Datu Dumangsil

* Datu Dumangsol

* Datu Libay

* Datu Paduhinogan and Dayang Tibongsapay

* Datu Paiborong and Dayang Pabilaan

* Datu Puti and Dayang Pinangpangan

* Datu Sumakwel and Dayang Kapinangan

³⁶https://philnews.ph/2019/11/20/summary-of-maragtas-the-legend-of-the-ten-bornean-datus/ post

³⁷https://santoninodecebubasilica.org/organizations/cofradia-del-sto-nino/ post

³⁸The Aetas (pronounced “eye-tas”) were called Negritos during the Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines (1565-1898). They are comprised of about 25 different ethnolinguistic groups, widely scattered throughout the Philippine archipelago, mostly as forest dwellers, hunters, and gatherers for thousands of years. They have small statures and frames, and are dark, to very dark brown,-skinned people with curly or kinky afro-textured hair. Although they speak Abellen, Amabala, Mag-antsi, Mag-indi and Mariveleño, they are also known to adopt the language of their neighbors.⁴⁰

The Negritos were the aboriginal, or first, inhabitants of the Philippine archipelago who arrived from Borneo 20,000-30,000 years ago, through what is thought to be an isthmus (remnants of which today comprise the island of Palawan) that in the prehistoric epoch connected the archipelago to Borneo via a land bridge. According to some oral traditions, they also predate the Bisaya, who now inhabit most of the Visayas.

The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Ati people”.⁴¹

³⁹“History of the Philippines (1565 – 1898),” accessed August 5, 2021,  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Philippines_(1565_-_1898) 

⁴⁰https://travelnoire.com/aeta-african-natives-philippines 

⁴¹“Ati people,” accessed August 5, 2021, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ati_people 

⁴²“Panay Island,” accessed January 17, 2020, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panay_Island

⁴³“Aeta people,” accessed August 5, 2021,  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aeta_people 

⁴⁴An independent city in the Philippines is no longer subject to review by any province’s Provincial Board (Sangguniang Panlalawigan), stops sharing its tax revenue with any province⁶, and is directly supervised by the President of the Philippines. There are currently 38 independent cities in the Philippines.

See a related post: Foreign Seniors Ask: HOW MANY CITIES ARE THERE IN THE PHILIPPINES?

There are 2 kinds of independent cities:

* Highly urbanized city (HUC) – See footnote 11.

* Independent component city (ICC) – This is a city has a charter that explicitly prohibits its residents from voting for provincial officials. There are currently 5 such cities: Cotabato, Dagupan, Naga (Camarines Sur), Ormoc and Santiago.

The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Cities of the Philippines”.³¹

⁴⁵“Local government in the Philippines,” accessed April 2, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Local_government_in_the_Philippines

⁴⁶“Barangay,” accessed July 9, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barangay

WHEN IN ILOILO CITY, VISIT THE MOLO PLAZA COMPLEX

Tita S enjoyed her January 2020 visit to Molo Plaza Complex, as part of her 2-day Iloilo City¹ tour.

Here are the important facts and recommendations she would like to share with you.

Molo Plaza is located at Barangay San Pedro, in the Molo district² of Iloilo City¹, in the province of Iloilo³, on the island of Panay⁴, in the Western Visayas Region⁵ of the Philippines. It is one of Iloilo City’s most familiar attraction, what with Molo Church just in front of it.

Part of the Molo Plaza Complex (I also used this in the featured image of this post) – Photo by Allan Jay Quesada, own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, created 4 December 2016,  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Molo,_Iloilo_City#/media/File:Allan _Jay_Quesada_-_Molo_Church_Full_DSC_2279.jpg

It is about 3 kms away from Iloilo proper. You can simply take a jeepney of almost all routes with “Molo” or “Arevalo” on the signboard because for sure, it will pass by this place.

The 7-million-peso rehabilitation of the Molo Plaza was completed on August 2012, as part of the 40-day celebration of Iloilo City’s 75^th (diamond) Charter Day. Changes were made to improve this place, e.g., landscaping was upgraded to have a better view of the Molo Church and environs, new pathways were made for easy strolling or jogging, the statues in the gazebo were returned, the playground was restored, and lights were installed so that locals could appreciate the well-lit plaza at night.⁶

During the Christmas season, trees decorated with lanterns are so colorful at night. Freshly prepared bibingka (baked rice cake) is sold in front of this Plaza.⁶

My impression of Molo Plaza, during my visit to Molo Church, is that it is clean, well-maintained and seems to be safe for the whole family to unwind after hearing mass, or on cool nights, especially during the Christmas season.

Personally, I recommend that you visit three attractions within the Molo Plaza Complex:

1.The domed gazebo with six Greek goddess statues – This would surely attract a first-time visitor to the Molo Plaza.The Olympian beauties in the gazebo are Aphrodite, Artemis, Athena, Demeter, Hera and Hestia – Information from the Facebook account of the Iloilo City Government: https://www.facebook.com/iloilocitygov/posts/look-molo-plaza-gazebo-makeovermolo-plazas-gazebo-which-hosts-six-greek-goddesse/2732146086816923/

2. The famous St. Anne Parish Church, or simply Molo Church – It definitely beckons, just in front of Molo Plaza. Its Neo-Gothic⁷ architecture, with its twin bell towers, crowned with red pyramidal spires, will surely catch your eyes. My group entered the church, said our prayers, made our wishes, and took lots of pictures. See a related post to know more about Molo Church: MOLO CHURCH: THE FEMINIST CHURCH OF THE PHILIPPINES

3. Molo Convent (Convento de Molo) – This convent is located at the north side. It was the seat of the Revolutionary government during the Spanish times, according to https://iloilocity.gov.ph/main/attractions/. It now serves as the residence of the priests and the administrative office of Molo Church. Its bahay-na-bato⁸charm is enhanced by the sliding capiz⁹ shell windows at the second level. It has a National Historical Marker, dated 1988. Unfortunately, my group was not able to visit this historical building. Perhaps next time so I can also be able to see the marker honoring Pablo Araneta, a licensed medical doctor who was the commanding general of the revolutionary troops of the Federal State of the Visayas¹⁰, at the front wall of the convent.

So, dear readers, you definitely have to include a visit to Molo Plaza Complex as part of your Iloilo tour!

You can also proceed to the Molo Mansion, less than five minutes away. See my post: MOLO MANSION: A RESTORED HERITAGE MUSEUM

This is not a sponsored post. I just want my readers to know more about the Philippines.

Did you find this post informative? I would like to hear from you regarding your visit to Molo Plaza Complex, along with my three suggested attractions therein.

See other interesting places through other posts in this category and other categories of SCapades, Pinoy Delights, and Smart Travelers – Foreign Travelers Ask, Now You Know, and Say, Say, Say. Happy reading, and I hope that you will appreciate what I shared and some of the featured destinations will be part of your future travel plans!

Do share this post with your Facebook friends, follow me by clicking on the bottom right corner of your device, and do not forget to like this post. Thank you.

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The following terms are defined for interested readers, especially those with “Senior-Moments”, not familiar with the Philippines, and those too busy or lazy to Google such terms:

¹Iloilo City is a highly urbanized city on the southeastern tip of Panay Island⁴ in the Philippines. It was founded in 1566, recognized as a city in 1889, and as a highly urbanized city in 1979. It is the capital of the province of Iloilo³ where it is geographically situated but, in terms of government and administration, it is politically independent. It is the regional capital of the Western Visayas Region⁵ and the regional hub of education, healthcare, tourism, culture, industry and economy. It is also the regional center of government offices, financial institutions and government-owned and controlled corporations. It has 180 barangays. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Iloilo City”.¹¹ You may visit its website: www.iloilocity.gov.ph

²Molo is a one of the seven districts of Iloilo City¹, in the province of Iloilo³, on the island of Panay⁴, in the Western Visayas Region⁵ of the Philippines. It was a separate town before it was incorporated as a district of Iloilo City by virtue of Act No. 719 of 1903. It was originally the parian of Iloilo, the designated district where all Chinese residents must live, as required during the country’s Spanish Colonial Era (1521 – 1898). The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Molo, Iloilo City”¹² and https://wikivisually.com/wiki/Molo,_Iloilo_City.

³Iloilo is a province located in the Western Visayas Region⁵ of the Philippines, founded in 1566. It occupies the central and eastern sections of Panay Island⁴, bordered by the province of Antique to the west, Capiz to the north, the Jintotolo Channel to the northeast, the Guimaras Strait to the east, and the Iloilo Strait and Panay Gulf to the southwest. Its capital is Iloilo City¹. It consists of 42 municipalities and two cities (Iloilo City and Passi City). The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Iloilo”.¹³ You may visit its website: www.iloilo.gov.ph

⁴Panay Island is the 6^th largest, and 4^th most populous, island in the Philippines, located in the Western Visayas Region⁵ of the Philippines, with a total land area of 12,011 km² (4,637 sq mi). This triangular island is located in the western part of the Visayas and consists of 4 provinces: Aklan, Antique, Capiz and Iloilo³. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Panay Island”.¹⁴

⁵Western Visayas is an administrative region in the Philippines, also known as Region VI, with a land area of 20,794.18 km² (8,028.68 sq.mi.). It consists of 6 provinces (Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo³ and Negros Occidental), 2 highly urbanized cities (Bacolod City and Iloilo City¹), 14 component cities, 117 municipalities, and 4,051 barangays. It is considered the most populous region in the Visayas. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Western Visayas”.¹⁵

⁶https://www.iloilo.net.ph/molo-church-the-feminist-church/

⁷The Neo-Gothic architectural style started in the mid-18th century in England. Buildings are often tall, as if reaching upwards towards the sky. It is also characterized by flying buttresses, pointed arches, vaulted ceilings, large windows, and very decorative and ornate styles.¹⁶

⁸Bahay na bato, literally “house of stone”, is the Filipino term for a type of building originating during the Philippines’ Spanish Colonial period (1521 – 1898), with a rectangular plan, popular among the elite and middle-class. It is usually an elevated, overhanging wooden upper-story nipa hut – with balustrades, ventanillas (small windows), and capiz⁹ shell sliding windows – standing atop Spanish-style solid stone blocks or bricks and posts as foundation, and not wood, bamboo stilts, or timber posts. Roofing is either Chinese tiled roof or thatch (nipa, sago, palm or cogon), but many today have been replaced by galvanized, or other modern, roofing. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Bahay na bato”.¹⁷

⁹Capiz, or kapis, is the shell of the windowpane oyster (Placuna placenta), an edible, bivalve marine mollusk in the family of Placunidae. It is durable and translucent, so it is used as a glass substitute for windows, and even decorative items like chandeliers and lampshades. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Windowpane oyster”.¹⁸

¹⁰The Federal State of the Visayas was a revolutionary state in the Philippines during the Philippine Revolution period (August 23, 1896 – August 13, 1898) against Spanish rule. Visayan-based leaders proposed that an independent Philippine nation be a federation, patterned after the United States federalism and the Swiss confederacy, created following consultations with Emilio Aguinaldo.  The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Federal State of the Visayas”.¹⁹

¹¹“Iloilo City,” accessed January 17, 2020, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iloilo_City

¹²“Molo, Iloilo City,” accessed January 17, 2020, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Molo,_Iloilo_City

¹³“Iloilo,” accessed January 17, 2020, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iloilo

¹⁴“Panay Island,” accessed January 17, 2020, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panay_Island

¹⁵“Western Visayas,” accessed January 17, 2020, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Visayas

¹⁶https://londonhuawiki.wpi.edu/index.php/Neo-Gothic

¹⁷“Bahay na bato,” accessed March 8, 2019, https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bahay_na_Bato

¹⁸“Windowpane oyster,” accessed October 16, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windowpane_oyster

¹⁹“Federal State of the Visayas,” accessed January 17, 2020, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_State_of_the-Visayas

A UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE AND NATIONAL SHRINE: MIAGAO CHURCH (Miagao, Iloilo, Philippines)

Aside from grand mansions, the province of Iloilo¹ offers historical and beautiful churches to visit. I am blessed to have visited one of them – Miagao Church.

Allow Tita S to tell you a dozen facts about Miagao Church:

1. Miagao Church, or the Santo Tomas de Villanueva Parish Church, is a Roman Catholic church located in the town of Miagao², in the province of Iloilo¹, in the Western Visayas Region³ of the Philippines, consecrated in 1581 and founded in 1731 by Spanish Augustinian missionaries.

2. It was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site⁴ on December 11, 1993, together with San Agustin Church in Manila, Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion Church in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur, and San Agustin Church in Paoay, Ilocos Norte, under the collective title Baroque Churches of the Philippines, a collection of four Baroque Spanish-era churches in the Philippines. See a related post: Seniors, Now You Know: WHAT ARE THE WORLD HERITAGE SITES IN THE PHILIPPINES?

3. This church is dedicated to Saint Thomas of Villanova (1488 – 1555), a Spanish friar of the Order of Saint Augustine, who was a noted preacher and religious writer of his day. He became an archbishop who was famous for the extent of his care for the poor of his See. He is also called Saint Thomas of Villanueva, named after Villanueva de los Infantes, a municipality in the province of Ciudad Real, Castile-La Mancha, in Spain, where he grew up and was educated. He was canonized on November 1, 1658 by Pope Alexander VII.

Old master print of St. Thomas in Portraits of Illustrious Spaniards (Madrid, 1791) – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_of_Villanova#/media/File: Tom%C3%A1s_de_Villanueva.jpg

4. The current location of this church is at the highest point of the town of Miagao² to guard against invaders, with the first building constructed in 1787 and completed in 1797. After severe damage during the Spanish Revolution in 1898, a fire in 1910, World War II, and an earthquake in 1948, the current church is the third church built since it was founded in 1731. It underwent restoration in 1960 and was completed in 1962.

5. It was declared a National Shrine⁵ through Presidential Decree No. 260, along with other shrines, monuments and landmarks, by President Ferdinand Marcos on August 1, 1973.

6. It has a Baroque Romanesque architectural style. This fortress-looking church has thick walls with sturdy pillars, large towers, and decorative arcading of semi-circular arches in windows and doorways.

The barrel vault concept is used in the ceiling, from the entrance of the church up to the altar, with antique hanging chandeliers over the pews. The church has also earned the distinction of being one of the best examples of Baroque churches in the country.⁶ 

7. Its unique ochre color is due to the materials used in construction – adobe, egg whites, coral and limestone.

Yes, egg whites, dearest readers! The coral was pulverized and formed into a durable mortar, mixed with natural lime as well as egg whites as emulsifier. Inquisitive readers, you might ask, what do they do with all the egg yolks? Obviously, these are not thrown away. Instead, the egg yolks were used to make wonderful sweets and desserts, like yemas and flans!⁷

During my January 2020 visit, I noticed the restoration made in this church, colored ochre too.

8. The church’s foundation is 6 meters deep and the massive stone walls, 1.5 meters thick, are intensified through the use of 4-meter thick setback buttresses as protection against the Moro⁸ invaders, as stipulated under Royal Decree 111 of 1573 (Law of the Indies)⁹. The Moros repeatedly invaded Miagao² sometime during the middle of the 18^th These features fortified the church, and with its location at the highest point of the town, and reportedly, secret passages, this church became so secure, almost like a fortress, thus it was sometimes referred to as the Miag-ao Fortress Church.

9. Its facade consists of an ornately decorated bas-relief in the middle of two huge watchtower belfries on each side. The unique bas-relief is a mixed influence of Medieval Spanish, Chinese, Muslim and local traditions and elements. A prominent part of the facade is a large coconut tree which reaches almost the apex. An integral part of the Philippine landscape, the coconut tree is depicted here as the tree of life to which St. Christopher¹⁰, dressed in local and traditional clothing, clings on to, as he carries the Child Jesus on his shoulder. The rest of the facade features the daily life of the people of Miagao² in their native dress during the time, including native flora (e.g., coconut, palm tree and papaya) and fauna.

I could not help but admire the fusion of four cultures in the bas-relief, quite unique indeed! No wonder Miagao church was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site⁴!

10. Above the wooden door entrance, at the center of the facade, just below the image of St. Christopher¹⁰, is a carved image of the town’s patron saint, St. Thomas of Villanueva. At each side of the door are the images of St. Henry of Bavaria¹¹ on the left and Pope Pius VI¹². Above these images are their respective coats-of-arms.

11. The two huge unequal bell towers are directly attached to the main church to serve as watchtowers in defending the town against Moro invasions then. These have two different designs since they were commissioned by two different priests. On the left side is the older belfry, the taller west belfry, with four levels. Originally, the east belfry was constructed with only two levels. It was in 1830 when Father Francisco Perez decided to add another story to the east belfry. Until now, the east belfry (three levels) is one level shorter than the west belfry (four levels).

I personally found the uneven and different bell towers to be interesting – creating a unique architectural feature, and adding to the charm of Miagao Church!

12. The original late 1790s images of St. Thomas of Villanova can also be found enclosed in a glass case in the rear side of the church. Unfortunately, I did not have time to go to this part of the church.

To summarize, this National Shrine and UNESCO World Heritage Site³ church is worth the visit, what with its history as well as its unique architecture with local designs and features that I described above. And why not set a schedule to hear mass in this historical church during your visit, like we did? Just check the schedule of masses with your tour guide.

The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Miagao Church”¹³ and “Miagao”¹⁴.

Did you find this post informative? I would like to hear from you regarding your visit to Miagao Church.

See other interesting places through other posts in this category and other categories of SCapades, Pinoy Delights, and Smart Travelers – Foreign Travelers Ask, Now You Know, and Say, Say, Say. Happy reading, and I hope that you will appreciate what I shared and some of the featured destinations will be part of your future travel plans!

Do share this post with your Facebook friends, follow me by clicking on the bottom right corner of your device, and do not forget to like this post. Thank you.

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The following terms are defined for interested readers, especially those with “Senior-Moments”, not familiar with the Philippines, and those too busy or lazy to Google such terms:

¹Iloilo is a province located in the Western Visayas Region³ of the Philippines, founded in 1566. It occupies the central and eastern sections of Panay Island¹⁵, bordered by the province of Antique to the west, Capiz to the north, the Jintotolo Channel to the northeast, the Guimaras Strait to the east, and the Iloilo Strait and Panay Gulf to the southwest. Its capital is Iloilo City¹⁶. It consists of 42 municipalities and two cities (Iloilo City and Passi City). The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Iloilo”.¹⁷ You may visit its website: www.iloilo.gov.ph

²Miagao, also written as Miag-ao, is a coastal town in the province of Iloilo¹ in the Western Visayas Region³ of the Philippines, politically subdivided into 119 barangays. This first-class municipality is considered the “Onion Capital of the Visayas”. After the recognition of the Miagao Church as a UNESCO World Heritage Site⁴, the entire town was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage City¹⁸ and became a member of the Organization of World Heritage Cities (OWHC)¹⁹.

³Western Visayas is an administrative region in the Philippines, also known as Region VI, with a land area of 20,794.18 km² (8,028.68 sq.mi.). It consists of 6 provinces (Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo¹ and Negros Occidental), 2 highly urbanized cities (Bacolod City and Iloilo City¹⁵), 14 component cities, 117 municipalities, and 4,051 barangays. It is considered the most populous region in the Visayas. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Western Visayas”.²⁰

⁴A World Heritage Site (WHS) is a unique landmark, or geographically and historically identifiable place, which is selected by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as having cultural, historical, scientific, physical or other form of significance, and is legally protected by international treaties. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “World Heritage Site”.²¹ See my post about the WHSs in the Philippines – (place link here)

⁵A national shrine is a Catholic church, or other sacred place, that has met certain requirements and is given this honor by the national episcopal conference²² to recognize the church’s special historical, cultural and religious significance. There are 26 national shrines in the Philippines, and Miagao Church in Iloilo is one of them. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “National shrine”.²³

 ⁶https://business.inquirer.net/238620/church-hopping-iloilo#ixzz6C2oYj4Iq

⁷https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/151867/do-spanish-colonial-structures-need-steel-reinforcement/#ixzz6Bkoh2PJ1

⁸The collective term Moro people, or Bangsamoro people, refers to the 13 Islamized ethnolinguistic groups of Mindanao, Sulu and Palawan: Badjao, Iranun, Jama Mapun, Kalagan, Kalibugan, Maguindanao, Maranaw, Molbog, Palawanon, Sama, Sangil, Tausug and Yakan.

They form the largest non-Christian majority population in the Philippines, which is about 5 million people. Most Moros are followers of Sunni Islam of the Shafi’i madh’hab. The Muslim Moros originally had an independent state known as the Sulu Sultanate, which once exercised sovereignty over the present-day provinces of Basilan, Palawan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, the eastern part of the Malaysian state of Sabah (formerly North Borneo), and North Kalimantan in Indonesia.

Today, the Moro people mostly live in southwest Mindanao, Sulu and Basilan. Small communities can also be found in most large modern cities of the Philippines, including Manila, Cebu, and Davao. Some emigrated to Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei in the late 20^th century due to the Moro conflict in Mindanao.

The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Moro people”.²⁴

⁹The Law of the Indies refers to the entire body of law promulgated by the Spanish crown during the 16^th, 17^th, and 18^th centuries, for the government of its colonies outside Europe.²⁵

¹⁰St. Christopher (unknown – c.251) is widely known as the patron saint of travelers (especially long distances) since legend tells that he carried a child, who was unknown to him, across a river before the child revealed himself as Christ. But, dearest Seniors, did you know that he is also revered by athletes, mariners, ferrymen, archers, bachelors, boatmen, soldiers, bookbinders, fruit dealers, gardeners, market carriers, motorists, drivers, sailors, surfers, transportation workers, and mountaineers, and is recognized as well as the protector against lightning, pestilence, epilepsy, floods, storms, and toothache? Wow, so many! The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “St. Christopher”.²⁶

¹¹St. Henry of Bavaria (973 – 1024), also known as St. Henry the Exuberant, was the son of Duke Henry II, Duke of Bavaria, and Gisela of Burgundy. Through his father, he was grandson of Henry I, Duke of Bavaria, and the great-grandson of King Henry I of Germany. By his mother, he was the grandson of King Conrad I of Burgundy, and the great-grandson of King Rudolf II of Burgundy. He was canonized in July 1147 by Pope Bl. Eugenius III, and is the patron saint of the city of Basel, Switzerland.

He became an oblate of the Benedictine Order, and today, is venerated within the Order as the patron saint of all oblates, along with St. Frances of Rome. He was crowned by the Pope as the Holy Roman Emperor (1014 – his death in 1024) and was the last member of the Ottonian dynasty of emperors as he had no children. He reigned as Duke of Bavaria from 995 – 1004, and was crowned King of Germany in 1002 and King of Italy in 1004.

The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Henry II, Holy Roman Emperor”.²⁷

¹²Pope Pius VI (1717 – 1799), born Count Giovanni Angelo Braschi, was head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States²⁸ from February 15, 1775 to his death in 1799. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Pope Pius VI”.²⁹

¹³“Miagao Church,” accessed January 17, 2020, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miagao_Church

¹⁴“Miagao,” accessed January 17, 2020, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miagao

¹⁵Panay Island is the 6^th largest and 4^th most populous island in the Philippines, located in the Western Visayas Region³ of the Philippines, with a total land area of 12,011 km² (4,637 sq mi). This triangular island is located in the western part of the Visayas and consists of 4 provinces: Aklan, Antique, Capiz and Iloilo¹. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Panay Island”.³⁰

¹⁶Iloilo City is a highly urbanized city on the southeastern tip of Panay Island¹⁴ in the Philippines. It was founded in 1566, recognized as a city in 1889, and as a highly urbanized city in 1979. It is the capital of the province of Iloilo¹ where it is geographically situated but, in terms of government and administration, it is politically independent. It is the regional capital of the Western Visayas Region³ and the regional hub of education, healthcare, tourism, culture, industry and economy. It is also the regional center of government offices, financial institutions and government-owned and controlled corporations. It has 180 barangays. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Iloilo City”.³¹ You may visit its website: www.iloilocity.gov.ph

¹⁷“Iloilo,” accessed January 17, 2020, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iloilo

¹⁸A UNESCO World Heritage City is a city chosen by, and a member of, the Organization of World Heritage Cities (OWHC). It must possess two characteristics: (1) It is a location of a living urban fabric of historic or contemporary interest. Its outstanding universal value has been recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and has been registered in the World Heritage list. (2) It has to adhere to the values of the OWHC and ensure the protection of their natural and cultural heritage. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Organization of World Heritage Cities”.³²

¹⁹The Organization of World Heritage Cities (OWHC) is an international non-profit, non-governmental organization of 250 cities in which sites of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage list are located. It was founded in 1993 in Fez, Morocco, during the second International Symposium of World Heritage Cities. Its headquarters is located in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. Since its first General Assembly, the member cities have been meeting every two years. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Organization of World Heritage Cities”.³²

²⁰“Western Visayas,” accessed January 17, 2020, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Visayas

²¹“World Heritage Site,” accessed January 17, 2020, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Heritage_Site

²²An episcopal conference, sometimes called a conference of bishops, is an official assembly of the bishops of the Catholic Church in a given territory. It is generally defined by geographic borders, often a national one, with all the bishops in a given country belonging to the same conference, although they may include neighboring countries.³³

²³“National shrine,” accessed January 17, 2020, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_shrine

²⁴“Moro people,” accessed January 17, 2020, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moro_people

²⁵https://www.britannica.com/event/Laws-of-the-Indies

²⁶“St. Christopher,” accessed January 17, 2020, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Christopher

²⁷“Henry II, Holy Roman Emperor,” accessed January 17, 2020, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_II,_Holy_Roman_Emperor

²⁸Papal States refers to the series of territories in the Italian Peninsula, under the direct sovereign rule of the Pope, from the 8^th century until 1870. At their zenith, the Papal States covered most of the modern Italian regions of Lazio (which includes Rome), Marche, Umbria and Romagna, and portions of Emilia. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Papal States”.³⁴

²⁹“Pope Pius VI,” accessed January 17, 2020, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Pius_VI

³⁰“Panay Island,” accessed January 17, 2020, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panay_Island

³¹“Iloilo City,” accessed January 17, 2020, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iloilo_City

³²“Organization of World Heritage Cities,” accessed January 17, 2020, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organization_of_World_Heritage_Cities

³³“Episcopal conference,” accessed January 17, 2020, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Episcopal_conference

³⁴“Papal States,” accessed January 17, 2020, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papal_States

GARIN FARM: YOUR HEAVENLY PILGRIMAGE IN ILOILO AND THEN SOME

Dearest travelers, raise your hand if you want a break from your community quarantine! Are you fond of going to pilgrimages with family and/or friends and have not been to Iloilo?

Well, I went to Iloilo and, boy, do I have a “heavenly” trip for you! Aside from enjoying the awesome grand mansions and churches as well as the yummy food treats of Iloilo City¹, you definitely need to go to Garin Farm to experience a unique spiritual journey!

Source: Official Facebook account, GarinFarm Pilgrimage Resort – profile picture: https://www.facebook.com/GarinFarmInlandResort/photos/a.294880927229393/799835836733897/?type=1&theater

Personally, I can describe it is as a pilgrimage similar to Kamay ni Hesus² in Lucban, (in the province of Quezon), but one that promises more – a glimpse of heaven –which Senior Citizens/PWDs can easily visit!

Photo Source: Official Facebook account, Garin Farm Pilgrimage Resort – https://www.facebook.com/GarinFarmInlandResort/photos/p.2817647424952718/2817647424952718/?type=1&theater

Interested? Let Tita S tell you about it.

Garin Farm is a 14-hectare, inland resort-pilgrimage-farm located in Barangay Purok 2, in the town of San Joaquin³, in the province of Iloilo⁴, in the Western Visayas Region⁵ of the Philippines.

Yes, it is a three-in-one destination: it combines a farm, a resort, and a pilgrimage site – all in one location! It is open daily, from 8 AM – 6 PM. Hours may vary during holidays so better check online beforehand. You may also call (033) 314-7555.

Garin Farm is about 1-1.5 hours ride from Iloilo City¹ where most tourists stay. You could schedule your visit after seeing Miagao Church⁶ (see my post about it: THE MIAGAO CHURCH: A UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE AND NATIONAL SHRINE), almost 14 km away (about 20-25 minutes ride). I am sure your tour guide can plan your itinerary with you ahead of time.

Anyway, the star attraction of Garin Farm is Pilgrimage Hill with 456 steps till the Divine Mercy⁷ Shrine (480 steps up to the foot of the giant cross). Well, what did you expect? It is not that easy to get to heaven, right?

Photo source: Official Facebook account, Garin Farm Pilgrimage Resort – https://www.facebook.com/GarinFarmInlandResort/photos/a.309751675742318/1420978767952931/?type=3&theater

On your way up, you initially pass through three Biblical scenes (Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, Noah’s Ark, and the 10 Commandments with Moses), before the 9 major ones.Photo source: Official Facebook account, Garin Farm Pilgrimage Resort – https://www.facebook.com/GarinFarmInlandResort/photos/a.309751675742318/1009561575761321/?type=3&theater  and  https://www.facebook.com/GarinFarmInlandResort/photos/a.309751675742318/979981715385974/?type=3&theater

The nine Biblical scenes with life-sized figures follow. Not only do these show your spiritual journey from Creation to Ascension, but these also serve as reflection and rest stops too, at different points along your way to a heavenly scenario. It would be an opportune time for elders to recall these major Biblical milestones with grandchildren.

Here are the nine major scenes: the Nativity or Birth of Christ, the Baptism of Christ, the Triumphant Entry of Jesus Christ to Jerusalem, the Last Supper, the Agony in the Garden, Scourging at the Pillar, the Crucifixion, the Resurrection, and the Ascension.

Photo source: Official Facebook account, Garin Farm Pilgrimage Resort – https://www.facebook.com/GarinFarmInlandResort/photos/a.309751675742318/1351211758262966/?type=3&theater, https://www.facebook.com/GarinFarmInlandResort/photos/a.309751675742318/1419921238058684/?type=3&theater and https://www.facebook.com/GarinFarmInlandResort/photos/a.309751675742318/1412750825442392/?type=3&theater

Photo source: Official Facebook account, Garin Farm Pilgrimage Resort – https://www.facebook.com/GarinFarmInlandResort/photos/a.309751675742318/1406417456075729/?type=3&theater  and https://www.facebook.com/GarinFarmInlandResort/photos/a.309751675742318/1428119237238884/?type=3&theater

The steps end at the peak, and as a reward, you will know how heaven could look like. I will tell you more about that later.Photo source: Official Facebook account, Garin Farm Pilgrimage Resort – https://www.facebook.com/GarinFarmInlandResort/photos/a.309751675742318/1444949222222552/?type=3&theater

Now, dearest religious Seniors and PWDs, I know what is in your minds – more than 400 steps? I cannot be able go there. Well, no worries! Recall that I previously mentioned that the pilgrimage is Senior Citizen-PWD-friendly. Why? Because you do not have to climb all those steps. Garin Farm offers golf carts starting from the entrance to the pavilion where you get tickets for your ride all the way up to the summit, as well as back to the pavilion for food and drinks, then back to the entrance where vehicles are parked nearby. Now, is that not a wonderful incentive for you to visit this place?

My all Senior-group, in mid-January 2020, did not go up using the cemented steps. Instead, we availed of the golf cart ride. Three persons are allowed per trip.Source of left photo: Official Facebook account, Garin Farm Pilgrimage Resort – https://www.facebook.com/GarinFarmInlandResort/photos/a.472980046086146/472980986086052/?type=3&theater

However, we were not able to see the 9 Biblical scenes along the way. Nonetheless, we were able to pray and reflect in the Divine Mercy⁷ Dark Meditation Tunnel (which I will describe later), meditate, as well as take a lot of solo and group pictures in the heavenly scenario at the summit.

You and your family/friends may opt to just stay for the day and return to your hotel in Iloilo City¹, or stay (at least) overnight in this place, what with all the activities you can enjoy here together. Besides, all rooms are air-conditioned and equipped with Wi-fi. Breakfast and the use of the hilltop pool are included in the room rates. There are three types of rooms:

• Hilltop Family Room (for 4 pax): PHP3,500/room/night;
• Hilltop Twin Room (2 pax): PHP2,500/room/night; and,
• Hilltop Single Room: PHp1,500/room/night.

An extra bed for twin and family rooms is charged at PHP350 (with breakfast) and PHP200 (without breakfast).

     Photo source: Official Facebook account, Garin Farm Pilgrimage Resort – https://www.facebook.com/GarinFarmInlandResort/photos/a.309751675742318/1032912586759553/?type=3&theater

Garin Farm also offers conference rooms for large groups, all air-conditioned too. The Executive Conference Room, good for 15-20 pax, costs PHP2,500.

The Farm offers the following recreational facilities and activities: hilltop swimming pool (PHP80), (300 meters x 2) zip line (PHP250 sitting position or PHP350 Superman position), buggy car, kayaking (PHP40 single, PHP90 double), pedal boating (PHP90 for 2 pax), fishing (PHP30/kilo), horseback riding (PHP60), rubber boat (PHP120 for 4 pax and PHP240 for 8 pax), all-terrain vehicle (PHP200 for 20 minutes), and, billiards (PHP60/hour).

Photo source: Official Facebook account, Garin Farm Pilgrimage Resort 

The farm features different crops, livestock, and agricultural practices. Products are either sold to visitors, used as ingredients in the restaurant, or even sold to other buyers. For city-dwelling Seniors, why not bond with your grandchildren by walking around the farm, asking them to read the labels and signs, and identifying the plants and animals. Just be aware of areas with a foul odor due to the nature of the crops/animals.Photo source: Official Facebook account, Garin Farm Pilgrimage Resort 

So, here is my experience of Garin Farm.

This resort-pilgrimage-farm was part of the Iloilo tour of an all-Senior group of my college buddies. We arrived around 10 AM, after coming from a short visit of Miagao Church⁶, almost 14 km away (about 20-25 minutes ride).

It was hot and a bit humid. As expected, there were many people everywhere. I could just image how crowded this could be during Holy Week, so it would be best not to visit this place at that time.

A Senior/PWD who does not want to walk from the entrance to the pavilion can ride a golf cart for PHP60. Three passengers are allowed per ride.

For those willing to walk, they pass under a trellis with vines, and get to see the farm’s crops and animals (like chicken, goats and carabaos).

Photo source: Official Facebook account, Garin Farm Pilgrimage Resort – https://www.facebook.com/GarinFarmInlandResort/photos/a.309751675742318/1288787001172109/?type=3&theater

By the way, outside food and drinks not allowed so bring money.

The entrance fee is PHP150 per adult. Seniors, PWDs and children can avail of a discount. So, do not forget your IDs.

Upon reaching the pavilion, we were immediately split into groups of 3, and we patiently waited for our turns to ride the golf cart to the summit. It costs PHP90 for a golf cart ride from the pavilion to the top, with three passengers per ride.Photo source: Official Facebook account, Garin Farm Pilgrimage Resort – https://www.facebook.com/GarinFarmInlandResort/photos/a.309751675742318/1324368560947286/?type=3&theater

We also purchased cold mineral water beforehand in the nearby kiosk of the pavilion, just to be sure that we will be hydrated when we go around the top.

Some members of my group who were a bit hungry were enticed by the newly delivered empanadas⁸ at the kiosk while buying their cold mineral water. I tried tasting two kinds – pork, and ham-and-cheese; both were tasty and satisfying. There is also a vegetable empanada, for those who do not want to eat meat.

It would also be advisable to bring a fan and sunglasses at this time of the day.

On the day of our visit, there were only two golf carts in service, so we had to wait a bit. However, that mid-morning, it was pleasantly windy, and it was cool under the tree where monobloc chairs were provided for those waiting for a ride.

Our turn finally came. The golf cart driver was very accommodating and answered all our inquiries. He showed us the beautiful view below as the cart went on upwards.

Thin metal bars were improvised to fit on both sides of the golf cart for our protection. He told us that there were a total of seven golf carts, but due to the repetitive use of the carts and the influx of devotees, some got busted and some were undergoing maintenance checkup.

We finally reached the top and we thanked our driver. We then walked upward a bit to meet with the others in our group who went ahead. They were already seated comfortably in designated and shaded waiting areas. 

There was a life-sized statue of Christ, enshrined as Divine Mercy⁷ in a small enclosure with the inscription “Jesus, I trust in You” at His foot. Radiating rods emanate from His heart, lined with rosaries of different colors. You can have a picture taken on this spot, if you like.   

We then walked towards the Divine Mercy Dark Meditation Tunnel which would lead us to the Heavenly Scenario. 

It looked like the entrance to a cave and we read the messages on the wall.

The top of the entrance to the cave states that we are entering a spiritual area and that humility is the key to eternity. To remind us of this virtue, all of us had to stoop low to enter the structure, but easily stood straight upon entry.

It was now time to be serious and meditate. Join us through the pictures which follow.

Signs reveal that the dark tunnel represents our hardships and challenging earthly lives, and in our journey, if we have faith, love, kindness, and generosity, at the end of the tunnel, we will see the light (representing Christ as Divine Mercy⁷).

We slowly and carefully walked through the dark passageway, allowing our Senior eyes to adjust to the darkness.

The small blue LED lights on the sides guided us and led us to a small enclosure with a lighted Divine Mercy⁷ wall. There were black monobloc chairs for about 8 people so the rest of us stayed at the sides while one of my companions led a prayer.

We reflected and contemplated a while, then veered to the right and the symbolic light at the end of the tunnel appeared. We lined up and eagerly looked forward to what we will see at the end of the tunnel.

Lo and behold, everything was white, and it was like the gates to heaven, with St. Peter waiting for us further up ahead, beyond the gates. We were in the Heavenly Scenario. Yes, it was white all over, shiny and almost glowing even. I was told that we were about 200 meters above sea level.

We were drawn to the imposing gigantic cross beyond the gates, but our group decided to pose first at the steps. Giant angels blowing their trumpets lined both sides leading to the gates of Heaven.Photo source: Official Facebook account, GarinFarm Pilgrimage Resort – https://www.facebook.com/GarinFarmInlandResort/photos/a.309751675742318/1334292856621523/?type=3&theater

You could really feel that you are in Heaven because there was a solemn Hallelujah song playing in the background. See the video below.

As you go past the statue of St. Peter, positioned to the right of the gate, you go nearer the cross with radiating rods all over which are well-lighted at night. Below it is the interpretation of the Holy Trinity – to the left is God the Father, God the Son at the center, and God the Holy Spirit at the rightmost, all atop floating-like clouds since there was space above the floor.

Everyone wants to have a picture; you just have to wait for your turn. However, there are devotees who stay below said clouds, perhaps meditating, but most of them were resting and talking with one another, oblivious of other devotees who would like to have their solo pictures in that spot, preferably without anyone at the background.

Figures of angels and saints are found to the left and right of this central cross, facing the center, as if paying homage to the Holy Trinity and the Cross. I tell you, you cannot have enough of poses everywhere, just properly time your pose when there are no people near you for that perfect shot. For Seniors who want to sit down, there are provisions, you just have to find these spots among the figures.

Basically, you feel a sense of spirituality, resolving to be a better person as you leave this place.

Once you and your companions have taken all the pictures you want, you veer to the right of the cross where there is an arrow which says: back to the real world. Perhaps, you sigh, after a euphoric experience of Heaven, with a resolve to be a better person. Am I right? Well at least I did. Tell me if you did too.

A gate leads to the waiting area and main steps for those who opt to walk downward, back to the pavilion.

We, Seniors, decided to sit and talk in the waiting area until the arrival of the golf cart that will bring us back to the pavilion for lunch since it was almost noon. The service golf cart arrived soon after, and off we went, by threes, to have our lunch in the pavilion. It costs PHP60 each for the golf cart service.

By now, we were all hungry. Here is the menu in the restaurant: 

After almost non-stop eating for a couple of days, my group just ordered a light meal: two kinds of noodles – Pancit Canton Guisado⁹ and Bihon Guisado¹⁰, Grilled Liempo¹¹ and Kamote Fries¹². Cold drinks were ordered. Overall, the said dishes were served hot and were satisfactory in terms of appearance, taste and serving portion. All cold drinks were well-chilled and hit the spot.

Those with a sweet tooth went outside to the kiosk, to order ice drops in different flavors like ube¹³ and chocolate, and enjoyed this treat. I did not do so, so I cannot comment.

The pavilion is very spacious and well-ventilated. There are also tables, al fresco, overlooking the swimming pool and a small lake for fishing/boating, bordered by houses for the doves. Such a refreshing sight, with doves flying nearby. 

It was time to leave this place, so off we went to the restrooms that were outside the pavilion. They were clean and had water for flushing.

Indeed, this was a special and unique journey that I shared with my college buddies –our “thirst for immortality, a taste of heaven, and a glimpse of the eternal.”

Now, dearest Seniors, will you also embark on this journey with your family or friends sometime soon? It would be best to time your visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat walking all those steps, if you so desire. Bring cash to buy food and drinks.

For those who prefer to walk, it might take you 30 minutes to almost one hour going up since you might opt to take pictures of each of the Biblical scenes along the way. Wear light clothes and comfortable footwear. Do not forget to apply sun block, and bring a hat/cap, umbrella, fan, and change of shirt/blouse. Pass by the kiosk of the pavilion beforehand to buy cold mineral water.

For Senior couples, or those with PWDs and families, avail of the golf cart service. You might also consider staying overnight if you do not have a tight schedule.

Bottomline, there is something for your soul (the pilgrimage), your body (the food and drinks in the pavilion) and your relationship with your family (bonding in the farm, other resort facilities and leisure activities, and overnight stay).

It is also a chance for city-dwelling kids to personally see an operating farm, complete with animals and common crops, together with its foul odor (that is reality!).

Not bad for at least a half-day’s stay! Try it!

For more information, you may call (033) 314-7555 or 09166676851, or send a PM to its Facebook account – https://www.facebook.com/GarinFarmInlandResort/.

Did you find this post informative? I would like to hear from you regarding your visit to Garin Farm, especially those who stayed overnight since I was not able to do so.

See other interesting places through other posts in this category and other categories of SCapades, Pinoy Delights, and Smart Travelers – Foreign Travelers Ask, Now You Know, and Say, Say, Say. Happy reading, and I hope that you will appreciate what I shared and some of the featured destinations will be part of your future travel plans!

Do share this post with your Facebook friends, follow me by clicking on the bottom right corner of your device, and do not forget to like this post. Thank you.

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The following terms are defined for interested readers, especially those with “Senior-Moments”, not familiar with the Philippines, and those too busy or lazy to Google such terms:

¹Iloilo City is a highly urbanized city on the southeastern tip of Panay Island¹⁴ in the Philippines. It was founded in 1566, recognized as a city in 1889, and as a highly urbanized city in 1979. It is the capital of the province of Iloilo⁴ where it is geographically situated but, in terms of government and administration, it is politically independent. It is the regional capital of the Western Visayas Region⁵ and the regional hub of education, healthcare, tourism, culture, industry and economy. It is also the regional center of government offices, financial institutions and government-owned and controlled corporations. It has 180 barangays. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Iloilo City”.¹⁵ You may visit its website: www.iloilocity.gov.ph

²Kamay ni Hesus is a popular religious destination in the town of Lucban, in the province of Quezon in the Philippines. One has to climb more than 300 steps (one way) till devotees reach the top of a hill with a 50-ft. Statue of the Ascending Christ. Devotees flock to this place especially during Holy Week not only for the pilgrimage but also for the healing masses.

³San Joaquin is a town located in the southern tip of the province of Iloilo⁴, in the Western Visayas Region⁵ of the Philippines. It is 53 km (33 mi) from the provincial capital, Iloilo City. It has 85 barangays. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “San Joaquin, Iloilo”.¹⁶

⁴Iloilo is a province located in the Western Visayas Region⁵ of the Philippines, founded in 1566. It occupies the central and eastern sections of Panay Island¹⁴, bordered by the province of Antique to the west, Capiz to the north, the Jintotolo Channel to the northeast, the Guimaras Strait to the east, and the Iloilo Strait and Panay Gulf to the southwest. Its capital is Iloilo City¹. It consists of 42 municipalities and two cities (Iloilo City and Passi City). The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Iloilo”.¹⁷ You may visit its website: www.iloilo.gov.ph

⁵Western Visayas is an administrative region in the Philippines, also known as Region VI, with a land area of 20,794.18 km² (8,028.68 sq.mi.). It consists of 6 provinces (Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo⁴ and Negros Occidental), 2 highly urbanized cities (Bacolod City and Iloilo City¹), 14 component cities, 117 municipalities, and 4,051 barangays. It is considered the most populous region in the Visayas. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Western Visayas”.¹⁸

 ⁶Miagao Church, or the Santo Tomas de Villanueva Parish Church, is a Roman Catholic church located in the town of Miagao, in the province of Iloilo⁴, Philippines, consecrated in 1581 and founded in 1731. It was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on December 11, 1993, together with San Agustin Church in Manila, Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion Church in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur, and San Agustin Church in Paoay, Ilocos Norte, under the collective title Baroque Churches of the Philippines, a collection of four Baroque Spanish-era churches. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Miagao Church”.¹⁹ See a related post: THE MIAGAO CHURCH: A UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE AND NATIONAL SHRINE

⁷The Divine Mercy is a devotion to Jesus Christ associated with the apparitions of Jesus to Faustina Kowalska (1905 – 1938), a Polish Roman Catholic nun and mystic. The image of Christ was based on the paintings in her diary, with the right hand of Jesus outreached in blessing and the left hand holding His heart where two rays of light flow, signifying water and blood. Three in the afternoon is known as the hour of Divine Mercy, the hour at which mercy is best received. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Divine Mercy”.²⁰

⁸Empanada is the Filpino version of a baked or fried turnover, consisting of a crescent-shaped crimped pastry with a variety of fillings, ranging from savory to sweet.

⁹Pancit Canton Guisado is the Filipino version of the Chinese chow mein.

 ¹⁰Bihon Guisado is a popular Filipino noodle dish, similar to Pancit Canton Guisado⁹ but uses bihon which are very thin rice noodles. Chinese sausage is a regular ingredient.

¹¹Grilled Liempo is a popular grilled pork dish in the Philippines made of thick slices of pork belly marinated in soy sauce, calamansi (local version of lemon), garlic, salt and pepper for several hours.

¹²Kamote Fries is a popular Filipino fried snack similar to French fries but made of sweet potato.

¹³Ube is the term for purple yam in the Philippines, used to flavor sweets, ice cream, etc.

¹⁴Panay Island is the 6^th largest and 4^th most populous island in the Philippines, located in the Western Visayas Region⁵ of the Philippines, with a total land area of 12,011 km² (4,637 sq mi). This triangular island is located in the western part of the Visayas and consists of 4 provinces: Aklan, Antique, Capiz and Iloilo⁴. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Panay Island”.²¹

¹⁵“Iloilo City,” accessed January 17, 2020, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iloilo_City

¹⁶“San Joaquin, Iloilo,” accessed January 17, 2020, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Joaquin,_Iloilo

¹⁷“Iloilo,” accessed January 17, 2020, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iloilo

¹⁸“Western Visayas,” accessed January 17, 2020, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Visayas

¹⁹“Miagao Church,” accessed January 17, 2020, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miagao_Church

²⁰“Divine Mercy,” accessed January 17, 2020, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divine_Mercy

²¹“Panay Island,” accessed January 17, 2020, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panay_Island