Visit Bohol, Philippines - Baclayon Church

Views Bohol Churches are a common activity in Bohol, particularly during Lent. The most visited church, Philippines Baclayon is the oldest church in the province and one of the oldest in. It is the main attraction in town!

Since I was small and any visit to Bohol, I went through the Baclayon church on the way to my Dad's Place in Guindulman or my mother in Mahayag, San Miguel. Would almost miss the dark, threatening massive structureside of the road in the town of Baclayon.

Just recently I was able to attend or enter the Baclayon Church and now my head was fixed in a different way. I grew up and now appreciate works of art, artifacts and their value. So the chance, visit this famous church in Bohol was a Go-Go and a reason for excitement.

In the melee, the great church, blackened by centuries of moss and dirt. It 'been said of coral stone blocks, from 200 slaves through forced labor areand cemented together with millions of eggs and lemon.

Lying next to the road of the bell tower, is also made of coral stones with a roof. Although he followed the main facade of the church, is a separate building and not extend to the front facade.

Three strings with large wooden doors, estimated at 20 meters in height and width, the grace of the facade. Directly illuminated from the outside world and go through the huge gate in the middle saw the rooms of the churchdull, dark and gloomy.

It 'was the first impression I had, even if finally, after my eyes to the inner light and slowly noticed the sunlight streaming through the windows adjusted. The variety of radiant colors filled the church and were to look out of breath.

From the door you can see rows of hardwood and apparently made a tile floor. From afar, the altar looks more levels, up to the ceiling great. On closer inspection, it was theeven more beautiful! The six arches of the altar with a show at the head of a saint, I can not identify. Dominated on the main, however, the emblem of the Jesuits' and the motto "Ad Majorem Dei gloriam."

An organ, until the 19th Century and is up first, no longer works. The choir and organ gallery where intricate designs are attractive and looks.

Come to think, why not visit the church itself? To your point of view, a visit toBaclayon Church and Museum would be worth. Moreover, Bohol with cultural sites and the home of one of the wonders of the world: The Chocolate Hills is loaded. However, it is more! Come see for yourself!

Sambat Mascara Y Regatta Festival in Bohol, Philippines

     The Sambat Mascara Y Regatta Festival is one of the main festivals in Bohol, specifically celebrated at Loay.

     Here is the typical location of the Loay Sambat Mascara Y Regatta Festival. Loay is in the south west coast of Bohol and at 18 kilometers away from the city of Tagbilaran. Loay is at the mouth of the Loboc River where the regatta takes place. The Loay town is established in the year 1740 and as early as that, the Sambat Mascara Y Regatta Festival has been celebrated.

     Although the town celebrates its feast day in May (the exact date is movable within the month), the main attraction in Loay is the celebration of the Sambat Mascara Y Regatta Festival, which is celebrated amidst that colors of activities such as the agricultural-industrial market fair, musical instrument competitions as the drum and bugle competition, and of course the grouped masquerade street dancing and the boat races along the river. The event is also highlighted by the fabulous display and parade of the image of Saint Francis Xavier, the Loay town's second patron to whom the Sambat Mascara Y Regatta Festival is celebrated in honor.

      The Sambat Mascara Y Regatta Festival is celebrated in his honor every first Saturdays of the month of December.

     Since the festival is a religiously originated one, you might want to stop over at the Loay Chruch located just over on a plateau overlooking the sea on the upper part of Loay called Ibabao.

     Another prominent feature of Loay that you might notice upon festivities visit is the Loay plaza. The sheer simplicity of the Plaza takes from its Spanish colonial roots with only a wide open stretch of space without any landscaping or decorative embellishments. The only distinctive features amidst the grassy area are the two coral stone buildings which are very simplistic yet classical to look at. One of the buildings is a one-story being used as a public school, whicle the other one is a two-story emblemed with the Virgin Mary. The second one is under renovation to be converted as an archdiocese Spanish period archive for church documents coming from all 38 parishes from the diocese of Loay.

     Other sites that you don't want to miss upon visiting during the Sambat Mascara Y Regatta Festival are the Clarin Ancestral House, Rio Vista Heights, the Clarin Beach Resort, Himontagon Hills, Punta Baluerte, and the Spanish watchtower located at Villalimpia.

Experience this winter festival. Don't wait till Christmas to experience all the fun and sightseeing you can get.