Lambunao Church | On Balance and Symmetry

The Town of Lambunao was the second town we visited after Calinog. This is for my visita iglesia, together with Sir Estan Cabigas of Langyaw.

I haven't have a thorough research 'bout the Town of Lambunao on the time we visited there. Might have due to limited time.  But according to little information gathered, the town is consider as the Summer Capital of Iloilo because of its location on higher ground nearing the mountains of the north. It is also said that the town is haven of numerous waterfalls to explore and hidden lakes as they call it "Tinagong Dagat". I remember that a church staff mentioned to us its whereabouts and lead us to a painting of it done on portion of wall of church's hall. Only if we had so much time to explore this wonders thus, it gave us reason to go back there primarily for it.

Moreover, if you want to trace back its core origin,  its beautiful 18th century Spanish Colonial Era Church has a lot of stories to tell. That caramel-ish look that was accented with maroon edges made this church as if it is in European and Latin American setting. Lambunao used to be part of Duenas Parish until became an independent church in 1573. The costruction began in 1880 and totally finished after 10 years.

It's façade was so striking that it was designed with high consideration of balance and elements of symmetry. The façade was with ornate decorations such as intricate finials on each corners of square towers, balusters on towering belfry, and massive Tuscan columns near main door. A little Baroque style can be noticed and a bit of Romanesque for its pilasters.  However, in whole essence, grows out of the Neoclassic of the structure.

With flanking twin belfries, design proportion and dominating colour in front of wide town plaza, St. Nicholas de Tolentino Church is truly a beautiful structure that can best describe the beauty of classical architecture.

While its exterior was given more focus, its interior seems a little neglected. The thick sandstone wall became so plain that was smooth plastered and painted. In has 2 rows of pews, central aisle and both side aisle. Windows are steel casement.

Its ceiling has expose steel trusses and G.I. Roof sheets. Hopefully, in soonest time, it could afford to have decent ceiling with magnificent painting on it like other churches we have.

This pergola was more of Art Deco in styles.

This church is another treasure to keep and a priceless heirloom that must be took care of and must be preserved. Because more than religion, lies stories of town that she's the only one who can tell.

How to get there

If one has to go directly to Lambunao,  the nearest way to get there is thru the National Highway going to Iloilo International Airport. One has to board on jeepneys bound to Cabatuan-Janiuay-Calinog Town in Iloilo Central bus and Jeepney Terminal in Ungka, Jaro Distrcict.

In our case, we traveled thru Iloilo-Capiz Road since we were visiting first Calinog Town. We boarded on jeepney that brought us in Tagbak Transport Terminal and afterwards we rode on bus bound to Calinog. From Calinog, another jeepney ride bound to Badiangan passed thru Old Capiz-Iloilo Road. Just always remind the driver to where you are going and tell him to drop you by in your destination. The Town core and plaza was located not along the national road so it requires one more tricycle ride going there. After 10 minutes, we witnessed these charming town and its crowning glory--- their Lambunao Church.