Miag-ao Church Iloilo

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The Miag-ao Church was built in 1786 by Spanish Augustinian missionaries and was declared as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Baroque Churches of the Philippines" in 1993. On the front facade, which is flanked by two watchtower belfries, one can see the unique blending of Spanish and native influences.The central feature of the bas-relief facade is a large coconut tree which reaches almost to the apex. While an integral part of the Philippine landscape, the coconut tree is also the subject of lore. According to an old Philippine legend, the coconut tree was the only bequest from a loving mother to her two children, a tree which sustained them for life. On the church's facade the coconut tree appears as the "tree of life" to which St. Christopher carrying the Child Jesus on his shoulder is clinging to. The lesser facades feature the daily life of Miagaowanons during the time. Also depicted are other native flora and fauna, as well as native dress.The church and its watchtowers were also built to defend the town and its people against raids by the Moros. It therefore has thick walls and, reportedly, secret passages. Indeed stretching along the Iloilo coast are defensive towers, but none that equal the size of the Miag-ao. It is because of this defensive purpose that it is sometimes referred to as the Miag-ao Fortress Church. *history...From the city proper, we took a jeepney going to Super, a market place in the city near Robinsons place. There are terminal of jeepneys going to Miagao. A 45-60 minutes drive going south of Iloilo. Along the road, there are a lot of churches you can pass by like in Oton, Tigbauan and Guimbal. Miagoa church is glowing on shades depending on the sun’s position. The best time for me is afternoon going dawn because the church is shinig like a pillars of gold. Inside the church you can see the preserve structure. Made out of egg yolks and limestone, this 250++ years old church still stands after fires, earthquakes and typhoons hit on Panay Island. There is one chamber inside the church where the figure of Virgin Mary can be found and in the walls of it can be seen two images of Christ. A man whose keeping the church for his entire life took us a little tour and make the pictures for us. he’ll just ask you to put your camera in no flash mode and will be amazed that your pictures are clear and golden. Pictures taken with flash are dark. He said its because of the egg yolk and the limestone. Don’t worry of his voluntary tour, he will just ask you for a donation for the preservation of the church. Miagao is another heaven on earth. more photos here >>> (https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3286145639693.2154549.1449229051&type=3)

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