Let's Travel and Discover the Secrets of ILOILO

WELCOME to Iloilo, A Province that dances with the rhythm of the past and the promise of the future. HALA BIRA!!!

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

The Ruins of Fuerza de San Pedro

During the early Spanish period, La Punta or the downtown city was ocassionally attacked by Moro Pirates and Dutch Invaders. The Spanish government in Iloilo therefore initiated the construction of a fortress that will protect the thriving trading centre . It became one of the best fortresses in the country, a model of medieval Spanish architecture. However, the only problem with the fortress is that it was built close to the sea where it was too exposed to the strong waves. Because of this, the walls of the fortress deteriorated as time passed by.
After the devastating bombing of Iloilo, Fort San Pedro was completely destroyed. The only remnants of this known spanish fortress are the large pieces of limestone blocks which were used to build its once massive walls. Even if the century old fort was ruined, it was never removed from the hearts of every ilonggo. It has been converted into an esplanade where one can simply watch over the sunas it sinks behind the long silhoutte of Guimaras Island.

Wednesday, August 1, 2007

Miagao Church, A World Heritage Site

According to History, the present church of Santo Tomas de Villanova was the fourth one to be constructed in Miagao. Earlier churches were said to be burned by the Moro Pirates who ocassionally raided the seaside town. The poblacion was then transfered on top of Takas(Tacas) Hill where a fortress was built to protect the people from the raiders.
Aesthetically, the church isn't just any ordinary structure, it's an explosion of art and extraordinary beauty. The facade is said to be one of the best in the Philippines. Here, elements of Rococo, Churisguresque and Neoclassicism were combined to form a baroque masterpiece. It is noticeable that the artist used different types Filipino Botanicals supported by heavily carved balusters and intricare rococo carvings.
Aside from the facade, the unsymmetrical belfries contribute to the baroque roundness of the fortress. The pyramidal structure of the belfries are distinct features based from Mayan and Aztec Architecture. The church is now recognized as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.