The Agricultural Town of Janiuay

After a leisurely walk at the beautiful Iloilo Promenade, we hailed a jeepney back to SM Iloilo to ride another one but this time, going to my friend’s hometown of Janiuay.

This town is known for cultivation of rice, corn, sugar, copra, coffee, banana, abaca fiber, fowls (and gamefowls), goat and cattle raising as the main sources of livelihood. Verdant mountains and great rivers of Suage and Magapa nurture the plains of Janiuay.

Aside from being a main agricultural town, Janiuay takes pride of its two famous heritage structures: the Catholic Church and the cemetery a kilometer away from town center.

We alighted at the at the town center before the main junction. I left my things at my friend’s house and started to walk toward the church’s ruins.

Saint Julian of Cuenca Parish is a heritage church made of sandstone, limestone and bricks that stand prominently adjacent to town plaza. It used to be a large church but was destroyed on World War II. The ruins of monastery attached to main nave of old church was made a meeting hall for church officials. Half of the brick belfry was still attached to old monastery ruin, and my friend told me that it was turned to a prayer hall. An-all new structure was built beside it.

Lea June, my friend, told me a story about Saint Julian as to why he was chosen as the patron of their town. It turned out that he was the patron saint of basket-weavers and provoking rain. The connection between the two signifies that rain is needed for crops to grow and baskets to use for harvesting them. Amazing!

St. Julian of Cuenca holding a crosier at right hand, wearing a mitre, and a basket on the left hand.

I took a picture of the old town hall and the plaza. Since it was getting dark already, we went back to their house to have a dinner of grilled chicken Visayan-style (brushed with achuete oil) and some Ilonggo dishes. Her mom is a great cook.

Someday I would visit the cemetery when I get back here. I bid farewell to them as I rode on a tricycle leading me to bus stop in Pototan.

GUIMARAS: Mango Capital of the Philippines

The province of Guimaras is a 15-minute boat ride away from Iloilo City. This mango-rich island used to be a sub-province of Iloilo until 1992, when it became full-fledged. At Jordan passenger port, you'll be welcomed by the yellow fruit, that is, mango!

Alighting at the port, you can visit the tourist center where officers can give you maps to explore the island, and utmost assistance to visitors who want to avail their services. Since I'll visit the island for a day, I asked for a map and the terminal where jeepneys are. 

I walked few kilometers until I reach the Jordan municipal hall currently under renovation. 


Flagging a jeepney bound to Brgy. San Miguel, finally I reached the vast grounds where pasalubong center, capitol building and museum are located. 

Capitol building

Museum

Lunch selfie with mango pizza and shake at Pitstop

After taking lunch at The Pitstop, I flagged a tricycle leading me to Trappist Monastery, the sanctuary of Benedictine monks in Visayas. It was like they're the counterpart of Good Shepherd Sisters in Baguio City. Trappist is also known for producing quality mango-based products manufactured within their property. They do have a vast mango plantation where they pick the raw ingredients.

Local parish of Jordan was under the patronage of Saint Michael the Archangel. Hence, the namesake of Brgy. San Miguel.

I had to leave to meet my friend at SM Iloilo. It was a quick yet fulfilling visit in a Visayan island. Surely, I didn't forget to buy some mango-inspired products. Maayong biyahe!  

See my post here: GUIMARAS: Food Trip and Pasalubong

The pasalubong center at capitol grounds

San Joaquin and Miagao's Heritage Landmarks

It was a sunny morning when I decided to visit the two southwestern towns of Iloilo, San Joaquin and Miagao. These two share famous historical landmarks worth visiting. Starting with the farthest one:

San Joaquin is the southernmost municipality of Iloilo, home of National Cultural Treasure church Saint Joachim Parish. It is recognize by National Historical Institute as a remarkable church with unique pediment depicting Spanish victory over Moors in the Battle of Tetuan.

The intricate bas relief was carved out of limestone surface. Main entrance is flanked by statues of Saint Peter and Saint Francis of Assisi. 

Patron saint stands in the main altar made of marble pillars.

The church stands before the town plaza, where municipal hall and central school stand adjacent to each other.

Few kilometers from the town center, you can see the camposanto or San Joaquin Cemetery along the highway. Its grand jewel is the baroque mortuary chapel standing above the flight of steps.

It was a great work of art, seeing that these heritage structures stood the test of time for us to appreciate its beauty. That’s what we call, dark tourism. This has been defined as tourism involving travel to places historically associated with death and tragedy, like cemeteries. 

Hailing a jeepney from San Joaquin, I went to the next town famous for its fortress church, Saint Thomas of Villanova Parish. This massive church is one of the four Baroque Churches of the Philippines, which was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The main altar in gold paint complements the yellowish limestone walls similar to San Joaquin’s. 

Asymmetrical belfries flank the main gate with bas relief of Saint Christopher carrying the Child Jesus on his shoulder, with coconut tree in the center of pediment. It exudes a mix of Spanish and native influences.

On the other side of the highway is the spacious town plaza with old canons and plant of Miagao’s origin.

Going back to Iloilo City, I rode a jeepney parked at a terminal near the plaza. I passed by colonial churches of Tigbauan and Guimbal but I need to catch up on exploring Villa Arevalo district. Maybe someday, I'll pay them a visit.

What I didn’t know is that hit the road so fast that you need to grip the handbars or else, you’ll fly away. I couldn’t sleep. 

Anyways, what a joyful ride indeed! Maayong biyahe!

Eastern Visayas Trip

Map of Eastern Visayas (Region VIII)

Three years ago, most provinces of Eastern Visayas were struck by Typhoon Haiyan (locally Yolanda). Many lives were lost and structures were badly damaged. I got curious on the present situation there since I’ve never set foot there. Good thing I booked a promo fare from budget airline last year. I knew this would be my chance to visit the historic places on that region.

The day finally came as I found myself preparing my backpack that morning for a 4-day journey. I did web check-in to make sure I have a designated seat so I can go directly to boarding hall. Unfortunately, my flight was delayed for 2 hours due to technical difficulties. This was the first time I got delayed this long enough to make me sleep as I came from graveyard shift. I bought some siopao and water to calm my hungry tummy.

Finally we got boarded and after an hour, we arrived at Daniel Z. Romualdez airport located at a peninsula jutting out of Tacloban City. Adventure starts now! Adi na ak ha Tacloban! 

I immediately got out of the airport to catch up a jeepney leading us to downtown.

In my 4-day stay in Eastern Visayas, I was able to visit three provinces: Leyte, Southern Leyte and Samar. 

Kindly click below links for details of my adventure:

LEYTE: Town-hopping from Northeast to Southwest

SOUTHERN LEYTE: Day Tour at the Capital City

SAMAR: Catbalogan City and Basey

Visita Iglesia in Leyte Island and Samar

The One-Hour Walk to Remember in San Juanico Bridge

Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival Photoblog

Leyte Island: Foodtrip and Pasalubong

Samar: Foodtrip and Pasalubong

Travel Itinerary, Accomodation and Budget