An Afternoon in Boljoon

From the side of the church

Yesterday, I was finally able to tick Boljoon off my list of towns to visit in Cebu. With my sister and our ever supportive father, we walked around town and even got to see a waterfall!

The Nuestra Señora del Patrocinio de Maria Parish Church  or better known as Boljoon Church was built in 1599 and served as a visita of Carcar until it was declared a parish in 1690 by the Augustinians. Administration of the church was transferred to the Jesuits in 1737 but the Augustinians returned in 1747 and claimed the church from the Jesuits. The church was declared as a National Historical Landmark by the National Historical Institute in 1999, and was listed as a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines in 2001.  It is the only church in Cebu listed as a National Cultural Treasure. 

Escuela Catolica. The 4 PM sunlight gave the former school an eerie look

A few meters from the church was the Escuela Catolica. Built in 1940, it served as a dorm for children receiving instructions on taking their first communion. It served as a place for religious teaching and as a school. Currently, it served as a meeting place for various religious  groups of the parish. 

The door to El Gran Baluarte

Across Escuela Catolica is the El Gran Baluarte, the largest extant Spanish watchtower in the Philippines. Built in 1808, the watchtower served as command center of Fr. Julian Bermejo, OSA while he defended the Visayan seas.

After walking around the parish complex, we looked for Ili Rock as we read on one of the markers that Ili Rock can be seen looming over the horizon. When we found out where Ili Rock is, we were saddened by the damage done to the natural fortress in an effort to make better roads. :(

Driving deeper into Boljoon, we got to Sitio Ylaya, where the waters of Dayhag Falls refreshed our bodies after a long day of trekking, driving and getting lost. 

It was great seeing my sister and my father having fun. With our busy schedules, we don't go out together these days but I am glad that we made time to actually push through this short trip, rain or shine. :)