| Visits to Bohol's churches are a common activity in | | | | be 20 feet tall and very wide, grace the front |
| Bohol especially during the Lenten season. The most | | | | facade. Coming directly from the brightly lit outside |
| visited is the Baclayon Church which is the oldest | | | | world and going through the huge door at the centre, |
| church in the province and one of the oldest in the | | | | the church interiors looked dull, dark and gloomy. |
| Philippines. It is the town's main attraction! | | | | It was the first impression I got although that |
| Ever since I was small and at every visit to Bohol, I | | | | changed after my eyes adjusted to the interior light |
| passed by the Baclayon Church on the way to my | | | | and slowly noticed the sunlight streaming from the |
| Dad's place in Guindulman or to my Mom's at | | | | stained glass windows. The varied colourful reflections |
| Mahayag, San Miguel. You would hardly miss the dark, | | | | filled the church and were breathless to behold. |
| imposing structure looming at the side of the road in | | | | From the door, one sees the rows of pews |
| the municipality of Baclayon. | | | | obviously made from hardwood and a tiled floor. Afar |
| Only recently was I able to visit or enter the | | | | off, the altar looks magnificent with multiple levels |
| Baclayon Church and now my mind set was different. | | | | reaching up to the ceiling. At a closer look, it was the |
| I have grown, and I now appreciate art, artefacts | | | | more beautiful! The six arches of the altar with one |
| and their value. So the chance to visit this famous | | | | at the top displays some saints that I cannot identify. |
| church in Bohol was a go-go and a cause for | | | | Surmounted on the main altar though is the Jesuits' |
| excitement. | | | | emblem and motto "Ad majorem Dei gloriam." |
| At close quarters, the church is huge, blackened by | | | | A pipe organ that dates back to the 19th century is |
| centuries of moss and dirt. It is made of blocks of | | | | high up on one side yet it is not functioning anymore. |
| coral stones said to have been hauled by 200 slaves | | | | The choir and organ loft though have intricate |
| thru forced labour and cemented together by millions | | | | designs and looks attractive. |
| of eggs and lime. | | | | Come to think of it, why not visit the church |
| Lying alongside the road is the bell tower, likewise | | | | yourself? At your own perspective, a visit to the |
| made of coral stones with a rooftop. Although it | | | | Baclayon Church and its museum would be more |
| adjoins the main facade of the church, it is a | | | | rewarding. Besides, Bohol is loaded with heritage sites |
| separate edifice and does not cover the front | | | | and home to one of the world's wonders: the |
| facade. | | | | Chocolate Hills. Yet it has more! Come and see for |
| Three arches with huge wooden doors, estimated to | | | | yourself! |