If you are headed to the south of Cebu, to the Whale sharks in Oslob perhaps, you might pass by the Cliffs and scenic town of Boljoon.
Beside the magnificent 400 year old Boljoon Church (Nuestra Señora del Patrocinio de Maria Parish Church) stands an interesting structure – The Escuela Catolica Building.
There’s a lot of buzz about this small building because no one talks about it or only very few knew this structure exists or what was its real purpose. However when you see it in person, many folks are left with more questions than answers. Due to its antique and classic design, the Escuela Catolica is a definite eye catcher and a rather topic of interest for many tourist and passers by. A lot of the comments we got ranged from “beautiful”, “elegant” to an awesome set for a “horror movie”.
Today we are gonna reveal what the Escuela Catolica was all about and what is its current state in 2019.
Here’s 5 things you might not know about the Escuela Catolica Building in Boljoon.
01. The Escuela Catolica was built in 1940 by the Spanish clergy in Boljoon, according to the Cebu Heritage Foundation, which documented and mapped historical structures and sites in this town and four others in southern Cebu. The Escuela Catolica is just one of the structures built by the Spaniards to meet the religious needs of the people of Boljoon. Boljoon was a small town and a significant portion of the population resided in the upland communities and barangays. Transportation to this uphill communities was time consuming and challenging during the 1930s and 1940s. The building conveniently served as a dormitory for children from different areas in boljoon who were about to take their first holy Communion. Children and families would not miss the significant religious event as they were housed days and even weeks prior to their first holy communion.
02. The structure was also used as a venue for religious teachings and was also used as a primary school at one point. The Escuela Catolica was in a strategic location in the town of Boljoon. It was just beside the Boljoon Church and it was near the town plaza facing the coastline. The structure become a convenient place to hold religious instruction and academic lessons for the population.
03. What made Escuela Catolica unique from other buildings at that time was its influence of American Architecture . In an era dominated by buildings like the Bahay na Bato – massive houses made of a Coral Stone base, resembling a giant and sturdy Nipa Hut. The Escuela Catolica was unique at that time as its main construction material was wood and concrete. The two level structure had an exterior double staircase made of concrete, clearly influenced by the American Colonization of the Philippines during the early 20th century / pre-world war 2. The structure also used bricks and concrete for the ground floor, while the second level used the traditional wood construction materials and methods for the floor and roofing. Detailed wooden carving designs can be seen from the ceiling exteriors.
04. A highlight of the building was the symmetrical facade with double staircases using concrete balustrades, rather than the usual use of wooden staircases at that period. Concrete was relatively new at that time as it is a by product of the mixture of Cement, Sand and water. It was believed that the double staircase was used to separate boys and girls when going up and down the building.
05. Today, It is now serves as a meeting place for the Parish’s various religious groups and a surprising tourist and group picture “stop” for travellers going south. The Escuela Catolica building forms part of Boljoon’s Rich cultural heritage together with the town’s strong colonial past of Spanish and American influence.
For Reference World War II started when the Japanese Invaded the Philippine Islands During December 8, 1941.
Nowadays, the Escuela Catolica remains an interesting topic of conversation or “selfie” stop whenever travellers passby Boljoon due to its interesting design and history.
Boljoon is a town, south of Cebu, 110 km+ away and about a 3 hour ride to be exact from Cebu City.
It is a frequent destination for travellers as it is the town before Oslob, home of the world famous Whale Sharks of Cebu.
BONUS : INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT BOLJOON CHURCH
Beside the Escuela Catolica is the Majestic The Nuestra Señora del Patrocinio de Maria Parish Church (Our Lady of Patronage of Mary Parish Church), commonly known as Boljoon Church which originates as early as 1599.
- Boljoon (also spelled Boljo-on) began as a small Christian settlement named Nabulho. It became a visita or chapel of ease of Carcar in 1599, with the small chapel being dedicated to the patronage of the Virgin Mary. It was elevated to a parish on October 31, 1690, by Father Francisco de Zamora, Provincial of the Augustinians, as a result of the increasing number of Christians in the area.
- The Boljoon Church was made of Coral stones, typical of the construction method during that era and was located on a hill near the sea. The church’s originally served as a watch tower and fortress for possible raids by Moro Pirates.
- The Church had 2 Meter Thick Walls made of Mortar and Lime. These massive walls were designed to support the heavy structure as reinforced concrete / steel bars did not exist yet at that time.
- The Church Ceiling was an elaborate masterpiece of a Boljoon native, an artist with the name of Miguel Villareal.
- The Boljoon Bellfry was part of the church’s defense plan. The town was vulnerable to attack from Invading pirates and Moros. The rectangular bell tower used to contact seven bells. The Blockhouse which measures 120-by-80-meters (390 ft × 260 ft) has a two-story structure with a tile-covered parapet, built of coral stone with a tiled roof.
HOW TO GET TO BOLJOON FROM CEBU CITY
01.PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION – Take an Boljoon Bound Bus from the South Bus Terminal beside Elizabeth Mall along N. Bacalso Street Cebu City. Tell the bus attendant to drop you off at Boljoon Church or Plaza for the which is just along the highway. It is estimated a 3-hour drive from South Bus Terminal. Bus fare more or less PHP 135.00 per passenger (2019 rates).
02. VAN RENTAL / CAR RENTAL SERVICES with DRIVER – If you want an affordable, hassle free-trip and make the most of your time in your vacation, our Van / Car Rental services can accommodate up to 14 passengers which includes a driver. For convenience, safety and time saving this is one of the best options. Maxwell Cars Cebu prides itself as having the most affordable rates in the industry. To Book with us or check out our services/rates click here – Rent a car rates
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