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Published: April 25th 2016
Bantay Belfry
view from the belfry's groundsMoving on ladies and gentlemen, on to the next part of the journey. This time let me take you to another Ilocandia treasure, the Bantay Bell Tower. The church where the belfry is situated is know with different names by- St. Augustine Parish Church, Shrine of Our Lady of Charity, or Bell Church. The tower was built in 1591 which served as a watchtower to fend of attackers from World Wars I and II and the Spanish colonial period. The tower is strategically situated on a hill giving a 360-view of the town. Locals claim that it serves as an excellent vantage point of the entire Ilocus Sur. Certainly a place for travelers to visit not only for its historical significance and grandeous architectural design but also offers a invigorating panoramic view of the beauty the Ilocandia region has to offer.
The tower is accessible for tourist and you can actually climb to the highest section where you will be greeted by the old bell. Take into consideration of steep and sketchy flight of wooden stair closely regarded by my travel buddies as a ladder not a stairs, don't worry hard work comes with a reward. Once you reach the
Bantay Belfry
Getting up close top be ready to be thrilled with the view. A lush of green patches and a clear contrast of blue sky is there to greet you. Never mind the eyesores brought about by modernization and industrialization just endlessly gaze as far the eye could reach and enjoy the view. Breathe in the cool breeze of air and relax. it might seem scary for people with a faint heart of heights but it is rewarding.
After appreciating the view from the belfry you can make your way to St. Augustine Parish Church which is a meters' away from the base. The church was built in 1590 to commemorate St. Augustine of Hippo Regius (Modern-day Annaba, Algeria). The façade greets worshipers with a neo-gothic look with a rustic deep brown color from the symmetrically stacks of bricks. It was restored in 1950 from its misfortunes during the World War II and now maintained by the Agustine Order. The churches' interior is as plain as it gets with a plain white finish on its walls and exposed beams atop but the blandness makes up for substance.
Take time to digest all of the beauty this sight has to offer and feel
the patriotism and nationilasm on every footstep you take because this place serve as a silent witness to Diego Silang's uprising against the Spanish regime in the country and served as a safe haven for troops during the second world war. The place also had its share of fame in the silver-screen when the first Panday starring the late Fernando Poe Jr. was filmed.
Before you can enter the tower you need to register at visitor center which is located at the entrance to the belfry's grounds, the church is open for public viewing though. The site is located near the center and you won't miss it by the signs and directions along the .
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