Ram Felix Rengel, Jr.

Baclayon Church, The Philippines Oldest Stone Church

The town of Baclayon, Bohol, a 20-minute ride from the City of Tagbilaran is where the oldest stone church in the Philippines is nestled—the famous Baclayon Church.

The Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Baclayon is obviously very old, yet stays in original condition. It is one of the best persevered Jesuit-built churches in the region, although in the 19th century, the Augustinian Recollects added a modern façade and a number of stone buildings that now surround the church.

Tracing Baclayon's well-preserved history would show that the church, then a very small chapel, was built sometime in the 16th century upon the orders of a Jewish priest. Subsequently, the religious priests and residents built a bigger church made of corals taken from the sea, which is located a few meters from the structure.

The Baclayon Church's ancient, massive edifice still retains its centuries-old architectural design. Church relics and artifacts from this early period can also be viewed at an adjacent museum where a rich collection of religious art wrought by Boholanos, ecclesiastical vestments embroidered in gold thread, and librettos of church music printed in Latin on animal skin are housed.

Also included in the collection is the ivory statue of the crucified Christ looking towards heaven; a statue of the Blessed Virgin, said to be presented by Queen Catherine of Aragon; relics of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the cuadro paintings made by the Filipino painter Liberato Gatchalian in 1859 also caught my attention.

The seashore just across the Baclayon Church was even more enchanting. With fresh air and sands untainted by commercialism, the picturesque Laya beach was so inviting that I settled down for a few minutes to enjoy the scenery and its crystal clear waters.

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