Iloilo's cemeteries as heritage tourism sites
The San Joaquin capilla restored to its
former glory (May 2006)
In Iloilo, there is now a growing awareness of the heritage tourism value of our colonial churches and the pre-war commercial buildings in downtown Iloilo. When guests come to visit, we bring them to these sites. Little do we know that here exists still another architectural genre that further confirms our rich Ilonggo cultural heritage.
Cabatuan's capilla with a Romanesque
touch (1995)
Perhaps, it is unthinkable to see cemeteries as tourist attractions. The description "Spanish-period cemeteries" sounds rather morbid to many. But yes, cemeteries and art do mix.
The unique brick-dome capilla of Miagao
Based on my intensive research many years back, not just one but eight colonial stone cemeteries of artistic significance have survived in Iloilo province.
An old photo of the famed stone cross
(already broken) with the capilla behind
it. (photo courtesy of Ayala Museum)
This implies that there was a conscious desire among the Augustinian friars of Iloilo to construct cemeteries of a distinct character.
These eight extant cemeteries are in Oton, Dingle, Janiuay, Sta. Barbara, Pototan, Cabatuan, Miagao and San Joaquin.
The restrained elegance of the
entrance archway of Pototan
cemetery.
Situated on elevated ground, the cemeteries of Janiuay and San Joaquin call attention to themselves. The rest, however, may seem boring to the uncritical eye. Only upon closer inspection will these cemeteries reveal their secrets.