Heritage Cemeteries to Visit in the Philippines.

Sagada's hanging coffins (c) Arnie Iambuchock

The value to our departed love ones have been rooted long before the Philippines was colonized by Spain. It goes back during the pre-hispanic period where the departed members of the family were given great honor because of our ancestor's belief of afterlife.

Thus, the tradition of burying dead varies on different regions. One best example is the hanging coffins of Sagada, for the reason of bringing the bodies higher up closer to their ancestral spirits of gods. This practice continues up to this day but now in smaller scales. Then spanish changed our old tradition steadily that paved ways in creating grave sites.

In early times, the dead Catholic were buried within the church vicinity but not until the dramatic increase of population that requires larger space of internment. That system were the one we were following currently.

Tayabas - Lucban Trip | Pahiyas Festival Sidetrip Suggestion

LUCBAN-TAYABAS, Quezon Province -- I'm sure PAHIYAS FESTIVAL was already marked on your calendar. And now you can't wait to set your foot again on the road to see those colourful cladded  decorations of  kipings, fruits and vegetables. But, please don't let the festival contain your trip on a single town because Quezon province has more to offer.

Janiuay Cemetery | Ilongos' Value for the Departed and Artistry

Just like San Joaquin Cemetery and among other historical sites of Iloilo, Janiuay Cemetery can also be found along the main road. For numbers Ilonggos, the town of Janiuay is connoted with its grand Filipino-Hispano cemetery. This cemetery became part of the diverse Spanish colonial sites of this history-rich province.

Cabatuan Cemetery | Striving the Modern Times

My fascination on colonial cemeteries grows out more when I had my tour in Iloilo. Cabatuan was the last town I visited during my stay there and its aged cemetery was my last stop. The daylight  was starting to hide and darkness is prevailing fast when we reached this heritage marvel. 

Cabatuan cemetery was built with the leadership of Fr. Juan Porras and was inaugurated on February 4, 1894. It is the only cemetery in the Philippines that has perfect square and is enclosed on all four sides with intricately-designed steel railing.

San Joaquin Cemetery | Grandeur and Beyond

  

Heritage tour in the Province of Iloilo shall not only include churches and ancestral houses but also colonial cemeteries dated back in Spanish occupation. And one of these is San Joaquin Cemetery. 

Built in 1892, the Campo Santo of Town of San Joaquin, one of the Iloilo's farthest town, have catered deads of the province for more than a century.

Paco Park and Cemetery | Serving Life's Two Destinations

Among the historical sites in Manila, Paco Cemetery/Park must be the most accessible in our house. It's just one jeepney ride away from home. In about 15 minutes, I could be in the park already. Although it is very much accessible in my place,  I just reached it last June of this year and the second time was this month of September. 

Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery and Bunga Falls Sidetrip

May 26, 2013, Sunday

My first travel alone!

NAGCARLAN, Laguna -- From the gimik last night, I got  home at almost 2AM (that  was so late!!) eventhough I know that I have to wake up early for my weekend escape. Weeks before, I set up my mind and my self to my trip going to Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery in the Province of Laguna. I supposed to be with Dewi (an outdoor buddy) but unfortunately she wasn't able to proceed because she's not feeling well. However, that doesn't stopped me from pursuing this travel. I know in my part, I was also considering to cancel it because I'm not used to travel all by my self. Parang  ang boring lang kasi and I feel pity  to my self!!! 

I woke  up as early as 6 AM,  to prepare everything (camera, chicha, and water to drink) and leave at 7 AM. 

I was at the Jacliner bus terminal at 8 AM and departed at exact 9 AM. Hindi ganun kadami ang pasahero that's why I had a convenient travel  going in San Pablo City, Laguna (the city of seven lakes). The bus fare is P125. (still affordable)

San Pablo City Church. It is under  renovation that time. The dome of the church quite resembles the dome of Saint Paul's Cathedral designed by Sir Christopher Wren.