20 Things You Would Want to Know About Boljoon Church
When I got an invitation for a training engagement in Boljoon in Cebu I was very excited considering that it would be my first in the place. Out of excitement, I did a few research on the site and the possible attractions that I can visit. Unfortunately, nothing much that I can see from the net, except that Boljoon is said to be one of the oldest towns in southern Cebu. So, knowing its historical value, I thought that there would be some sites which I can explore.
Arriving at Boljoon made me realized that it’s not only one of the oldest towns but it is also the quaintest and picturesque village in Cebu. Its narrow coastal plains are bordered by cliff and green hills; which offers a beautiful view of the Bohol Strait. Boljoon, therefore, is hemmed in by tall mountain ranges with remaining natural forests. Thus the making the people of the place claimed it to be ” THE ONLY POSTCARD TOWN IN THE ENTIRE PROVINCE OF CEBU”.
One of the most imposing historical structure which I have discovered in Boljoon is their church, the Church of Patrocinio de Maria in Boljoon. While I am not a Catholic, I believe that this structure deserved to be featured and be given emphasis because of her participation and importance in our history.
Here are the 20 Things You Would Want To Know About Boljoon Church:
CHURCH HISTORY
1. Boljoon began as a small Christian settlement named Nabulho. It became a visita of Carcar, and a small chapel in 1599 was constructed in honor of the Virgin Mary.
2. On October 31, 1690, It was elevated to a parish as a result of the increasing number of Christians in the area. Father Nicolás de la Cuadra then was appointed as its first parish priest on April 5, 1692.
3. In 1732, the Augustinians planned to leave Boljoon, due to the shortage of priests; they eventually went on September 27, 1737. Administration of Boljoon was later transferred to the Jesuits.
4. In 1747, the Augustinians returned to Boljoon in exchange for Liloan, Cotcot, and Maraling from the Jesuits.
5. In 1782, early buildings of Boljoon Church was destroyed by the pirates. A new building which is still standing up to this time was built in 1783 under the Augustinian priest Fr. Ambrosio Otero.
6. In 1994, they continued completing the present church under Fr. Manuel Cordero but the church was only completed in 1841 under Fr. Julian Bermejo.
7. The last Augustinian priest of Boljoon was Fr. Leandro Moran who served the parish from 1020 to 1948; he also further restored the church.
8. In 1949, the Archdiocese of Cebu took charge of Boljoon.
9. In 1958, Father Zacarias Suñer was appointed as the first secular parish priest of Boljoon.
10. In 2007, with funding from the Cebu Provincial Government, some restoration work was performed through the Boljoon Heritage Foundation
11. The National Historical Institute declared Boljoon Church as a National historic Landmark in 1999, and it was listed as a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines in 2001, making it is the only church in Cebu listed as a National Cultural Treasure.
12. Boljoon Church is also a candidate for UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the Philippines under the Baroque Churches of the Philippines (Extension) nomination, along with the San Pedro Apóstol Parish Church in Loboc, Bohol, La Imaculada Concepción in Guiuan, Eastern Samar, San Matías in Tumauini, Isabela, and San Isidro Labrador in Lazi, Siquijor.
CHURCH FEATURES
13. The Bojoon Church Building. Made of coral stones and located on a hill near the sea, the Boljoon church formerly served as a watchtower and fortress for possible Moro raids.
14. Terracotta roof tiles and Filipino Baroque Art. The Boljoon church is known for its original terracotta roof tiles and its distinct folk art or Filipino Baroque style, predominantly on its choir screen and pulpit, a few roofing companies like the Commercial Roofers from Accent manage to do a similar design but since it is complicated it is very rare to see.
15. 2-meter Thick Walls. The church building has 28 pillars supported by the 2-meter (6.6 ft) thick walls made of mortar and lime. Its ceiling paintings are the work of Miguel Villareal, a native of Boljoon. The three gates and the fences of the church are made of coral stones and were constructed from 1802 to 1808 under the auspices of Father Bermejo.
16.The Church’s Altar. The main retablo is in pseudo-baroque rococo with gold leaf highlights and polychrome accents. Located on the central niche of the main altar is the image of Boljoon’s patron, Our Lady of Patrocinio, brought by Father Bartolome de Garcia from Spain in 1599.
17. Boljoon Convent and Museum. The first floor of the church convent houses a museum containing ritual objects such as record books, images of saints, vestments and other relics.
The Boljoon Bellfry
18. Boljoon Belfry. As part of the defense network of the church against pirates, Fr. Bermejo also built structures such as watchtowers and blockhouse. The rectangular bell tower used to have seven bells. The tower’s ground floor was used as a prison cell, probably for pirates as can be assumed from the drawings of ships on the walls. The Blockhouse which measures 120-by-80-meter (390 ft × 260 ft) has a two-story structure with a tile-covered parapet, built of coral stone with a tiled roof.
19. The Church Plaza. The church plaza is mainly used for most of the church activities. It is believed to be a former burial ground. Archaeological excavations undertaken by the University of San Carlos revealed several burial sites, antique jars and dishes, a necklace and a gold earring. It was concluded that the site could be an early Hispanic burial site. The gold earring, the first archaeological find of its kind in a Philippine burial site, is believed to have been worn by a person of high status and may have indicated “wealth, influence or great power.”
Entrance of the Cemetery beside Boljoon Church
20. Cemetery in the Boljoon Church. The first burials in Boljoon’s cemetery probably occurred in the 1760s. It was closed when a known grave was opened. Its gates might have been built in the 1700s, or in 1783 when the present church was constructed. Having some coral stones, the cemetery has a symmetrical stone arch gateway with a three-layer pediment, finials on both sides of the two lower layers and a stone relief of a human skeleton on top. The walls are also adorned with a design of a human skull and bones.
How To Get There:
From Cebu City: Go to the South Bus Terminal located along N. Bacalso St. near eMall and look for buses the ply the Oslob or Santander route. Tell the driver your destination, which is Boljoon. The fare is around P129 one way for an airconditioned bus. Travel time could take up to 2.5 hours.
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I loved the list Jojo, indeed a place I wish to visit someday. Thanks 🙂
I have been always fascinated at the beauty of our Churches. It speaks of faith and history. This is a very informative post for someone who haven’t been there.
Very pretty church though I must say some church looks kinda creepy right?
Wow another new church to visit, another wish hoping to be granted, 🙂 keep ’em coming.
This is a nice place to Visit in Cebu. I love heritage sites and old churches. I love how structures of churches were more than a religious structure during the Spanish times. It still amazes when I read about it.
The place will look beautiful if some of the houses nearby will be removed. Reading the trivia is nice. I am amused with the mention of pirates. Maybe there’s more about this church to garner a lot of titles.
I haven’t visited Boljoon Church yet. Looking at the interior, it was just like the same as Manaoag Church.
I haven’t seen this yet in Cebu but given the interesting info about the church. I’ll try to check this out on my next visit.
Wow! Such an amazing place. Hope I can go there someday. Anyway, how do I get there from Manila? It would be really nice if you could include how to get there. Hehe.
I love how old it looks! It looks a lot different from the churches I have seen so far. It looks like it may crumble anytime, but that only adds to the charm :::)
Sir, I will be in Cebu next month, thanks for sharing as I want to take photos of different churches and beaches there. Nice and informative write-up!
It’s my first time to hear about Boljoon Church. It has so much history.
The Escuela Catolika is the most interesting part of Boljoon Church for me. I just love the fact that iba ang daanan ng male and female sa stairs. ^_^
I love churches like this that have a rich history! Plus, it’s by the water, which I love too. 🙂
I’ve been here too Doc Jojo. 😊