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LOOK: Historical Bohol churches over 3 years since earthquake

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Text and photos by Shiela Reyes, ABS-CBN News

<p>Bohol is not only known for its natural wonders like the famous Chocolate Hills but also for its heritage churches.</p><p>These historical structures, however, were among those that were badly damaged in the 7.2-magnitude earthquake that struck the Visayan province in October 2013.</p><p>Almost four years later, Bohol has already recovered economically but is still in the process of restoring the damaged churches which date back to the early Spanish years.</p><p>Last January, ABS-CBN News did an early Visita Iglesia organized by AirAsia and the Bohol Provincial Tourism Council and saw how these churches in Bohol are being rebuilt.</p><p>Here are six historical churches in Bohol that we visited.</p><div><strong>1. St. Joseph Cathedral in Tagbilaran City</strong></div><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2017/life/04/13/stjoseph.jpg"/> <img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2017/life/04/13/stjoseph-1.jpg"/></figure></div><p>St. Joseph Cathedral is located along the principal street of Carlos. P. Garcia in Tagbilaran City. According to the province’s <a href="http://www.bohol-philippines.com/tagbilaran-cathedral-of-san-jose.html" target="_blank">website</a>, the parish which sits in front of the city plaza “is one of the first six parishes founded by the Jesuit missionaries who came to Bohol in 1595.” After it was razed by fire in 1798, the church was reconstructed and enlarged some years later until it has become what it is today with heritage features and modern touches.</p><div><strong>2. Church of the Immaculate Conception in Baclayon</strong></div><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2017/life/04/13/baclayon.jpg"/> <img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2017/life/04/13/baclayon-1.jpg"/> <img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2017/life/04/13/baclayon-3.jpg"/></figure></div><p>Baclayon Church is the oldest coral stone church in the region. It was also one of the heavily damaged churches in Bohol when the earthquake struck the province in 2013. While its bell tower has already been rebuilt, there is still a lot of fixing that needs to be done with respect to the interiors. During our visit, people reconstructing the church said they are targeting to finish the repairs by the end of the year.</p><div><strong>3. Santa Monica Church in Alburquerque</strong></div><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2017/life/04/13/sta-monica.jpg"/> <img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2017/life/04/13/sta-monica-1.jpg"/></figure></div><p>Sta. Monica Church, which was partially damaged during the 2013 quake, is located in the municipality of Alburquerque. The church was established in 1869. One of its distinct features are the pillars made from unfurnished tree trunks. Its ceiling also attracts attention as it is made of tin with beautiful paintings all over.</p><div><strong>4. San Nicolas de Tolentino Church in Dimiao</strong></div><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2017/life/04/13/san-nicolas.jpg"/></figure></div><p>The <a href="http://www.bohol-philippines.com/dimiao-church.html" target="_blank">San Nicolas de Tolentino Church</a> is located in Dimiao, Bohol. Its interior is quite simple but with an eye-catching, dominantly blue ceiling. The church proper is connected to a convent but the facility is now being used as a school. Behind the church are the Ermita Ruins which was used as a military fortress in the past.</p><div><strong>5. Holy Trinity Church in Loay</strong></div><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2017/life/04/13/holy-trinity.jpg"/> <img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2017/life/04/13/holy-trinity-1.jpg"/></figure></div><p>The Loay Church was one of the badly hit structures during the 2013 earthquake after its façade collapsed. It is located west of Tagbilaran City with a bell tower built separately from the church. During our visit, its reconstruction is almost finished with its façade already rebuilt.</p><div><strong>6. Church of Our Lady of the Assumption in Dauis</strong></div><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2017/life/04/13/our-lady.jpg"/> <img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2017/life/04/13/our-lady-1.jpg"/></figure></div><p>The Dauis Church is said to be “one of the sophisticated and complex structures of its kind in Bohol.” Although damaged by the 2013 earthquake, its reconstruction is already underway to redeem the church’s beauty. According to the province’s <a href="http://www.bohol-philippines.com/dauis-church.html" target="_blank">website</a>, the church was “built according to a plan for basilicas, with a high central nave flanked by lower aisles.” The church also has a well at the foot of its altar which water supposedly heals the sick.</p>

<p>Bohol boasts not only of its environmental wonders but also of its heritage churches.</p>

Bohol boasts not only of its environmental wonders but also of its heritage churches.

LOOK: Historical Bohol churches over 3 years since earthquake

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LOOK: Historical Bohol churches over 3 years since earthquake

Text and photos by Shiela Reyes,

ABS-CBN News

Published Apr 13, 2017 01:27 PM PHT

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