Most Beautiful Catholic Churches in Mindanao

By: theteam@twomonkeystravel.com

WE’RE KACH & JONATHAN HOWE

We had both started out on the same path before we ever knew each other existed. We both decided to leave the nine-to-five career lifestyle, sell off our possessions and travel the world. Our paths first crossed in the small, historic town of Luang Prabang in Laos. I (Jonathan) was on a budget motorbike trip around Asia, while Kach was backpacking with her brother and sister.

We spent a lot of time together for a couple of days, visiting waterfalls and exploring the countryside on my motorbike, but then it was time to continue on our separate ways.

1. Caraga Church

Caraga Church, also known as San Salvador del Mundo Church, was built in 1884 and was known to be the oldest church in Mindanao and one of the few remaining Spanish colonial era churches in Mindanao. In 2012, it has been declared as a National Historical Site by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines. Not only an important cultural property, this church is significant not only in the province but to the whole country, since it is where Christianity began, in the Eastern part of the Philippines. This old stone church is made of coral and limestone blocks/rocks placed on top of each other, while the upper half is constructed mainly of wood. Main door has inscription of the symbol of Christ which dates the structure’s foundation in 1884. It also houses several artifacts including the two centuries-old giant seashells that serve as holy water font, a baptismal font used during the Spanish era, church bell that dates back to 1802 and an antique statue of San Isidro Labrador. Fascinating relics, a significant part of Christianity in the country, truly, this is one of the most beautiful churches in the Philippines.

Recommended Accommodation in Davao

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Pearl Farm Beach Resort

Pearl Farm Beach Resort offers guests with serene ambiance, excellent customer service – a true paradise, very highly recommended. It is a well situated property in a private beach, ideal for snorkeling. No doubt, this is one of the best and well recommended accommodation in Davao.

Read Reviews on: TripAdvisor

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Home Crest Hotel

With the secured location and the comfort of being just across the mall, this hotel is very much recommendable for travelers who are looking for simple elegance and comfort without the fancy accommodation from known five star hotels. Highly recommended, this is definitely one of the best  and well recommended accommodation in Davao.

Read Reviews on: TripAdvisor

2. San Juan Bautista Church

Jimenez by Project Kisame / CC BY 2.0

San Juan Bautista Church, or commonly known as Jimenez Church, was built in the second half of the 19th century by the Augustinian Recollects. This Baroque and Renaissance styled structure is known to be one one of the best preserved interior of a Roman Catholic church in Mindanao. In 2001, it has been declared as a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum and one of the 26 Spanish Colonial Era churches under the conservation program of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). An important heritage, and one of the chief attractions of Misamis Occidental, this is definitely one of the most beautiful churches in the Philippines.

Recommended Accommodation in Misamis Occidental

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Royal Garden Hotel

Royal Garden Hotel has a good location, in the middle of the city and within walking distance to mall, eating places and almost everything you need. A classy budget hotel, it offers guests with clean rooms, spacious convention hall and lovely interior decors. A pleasant surprise in the city, definitely one of the best and well recommended accommodation in Misamis Occidental.

Read Reviews on: TripAdvisor

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GV Hotel – Ozamiz

GV Hotel – Ozamiz is a convenient and affordable accommodation. In a good location, within walking distance from the pier and the ambiance is good as well. Staff is nice too, very helpful. Truly, this is one of the best and well recommended accommodation in Misamis Occidental.

Read Reviews on: TripAdvisor

3. St. James Church

Photo by Mejas Nikolas

St. James Church in Dapitan is a Baroque styled church built in 1871 by the Jesuits, in honor of St. James the Great. This magnificent creation, in the heart of Dapitan City, is made of  indigenous materials such as rocks, sea corals and lime, and is still still well-preserved up to this day. This old Spanish structure symbolizes the early Christianization of the city. Interior is quite fascinating, specially the ceiling and dome design, with amusing patterns, catchy to the eyes. Part of history, this church is where Dr. Jose Rizal attends mass during Sundays, during his exile in Dapitan. Truly, this is one of the most beautiful churches in the Philippines.

Recommended Accommodation in Dapitan

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Dakak Park and Beach Resort

A mixture of fun and relaxation, it’s a sure wonderful stay in Dakak Park and Beach Resort. White sand, clear waters, relaxing ambiance, definitely an excellent resort. Truly, this is one of the best and well recommended accommodation in Dapitan.

Read Reviews on: TripAdvisor

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Travelbee Heritage Inn

Travelbee Heritage Inn provides guests with a homey ambiance, clean rooms at affordable prices. Food is excellent too and it is well located in a quiet area. Definitely, this is one of the best and well recommended accommodation in Dapitan.

Read Reviews on: TripAdvisor

4. Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral

Built in 1894 by the Spanish friars, Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral (or also known as Dipolog Cathedral), was made in honor of Our Lady of Holy Rosary. It was believed that the original altar of the cathedral was designed by Dr. Jose Rizal, the country’s national hero, during his exile in Dapitan. Like other churches, it has undergone several renovations, with the latest, in 2009, rebuilding the facade of the cathedral with marbles. Interior is just simply astounding, with ceilings made of Narra wood. Authentic grandeur, this is definitely one of the most beautiful churches in the Philippines.

Recommended Accommodation Near Dapitan

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Ariana Hotel

Ariana Hotel is a stone’s throw away from the airport and is a reasonably priced accommodation. Rooms are spacious, has a swimming pool with sun lounge and good quality food. Service is excellent, definitely one of the best and well recommended accommodation near Dapitan.

Read Reviews on: TripAdvisor

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Hotel Camila 2

Hotel Camila 2 is a comfortable place to stay in Dipolog, with a good location, accessible along the highway. Rooms are clean and has comfortable bedding, plus they have this cute Mickey Mouse shaped swimming pool. A quaint hotel with efficient service,definitely one of the best and well recommended accommodation near Dapitan.

Read Reviews on: TripAdvisor

5. Immaculate Concepcion Church

Immaculate Concepcion Church is the first church of Jasaan, built between 1723 to 1830. This Barn Style Baroque architecture was a provincial attempt to mimic the famous San Ignacio Church of Intramuros in Manila. Significant features of this structure  includes the original brick paving, neo-Gothic retablo, and ceiling woodwork. It also has two bell towers, with an old bell dated back in 1807. With it historical and cultural value, the church was declared to be a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum in 2001. Truly, this magnificent creation is considered to be one of the most beautiful churches in the Philippines.

Recommended Accommodation Near Misamis Oriental

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Pearlmont Hotel

Pearlmont Hotel is an accessible budget hotel. Rooms are very spacious, staff and room service are very accommodating. Location is great, just few steps away from shopping malls and restaurants. This is definitely one of the best and well recommended accommodation near Misamis Oriental.

Read Reviews on: TripAdvisor

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Conchita Hotel

Conchita Hotel is an accessible accommodation, situated in the middle of the market, nearby the Centrio Mall, the famous White Water Rafting River and the beaches of CDO. Rooms are comfortable and spacious, staff is attentive and friendly. This is definitely one of the best and well recommended accommodation near Misamis Oriental.

Read Reviews on: TripAdvisor

6. Saint Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral

Saint Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral is located in Cagayan de Oro, was founded in 1624, in dedication to Saint Augustine. History tells that the church was previously settled in an area called Huluga or Himologan, and was later on moved to Cagayan de Oro, founded by the Augustinian Recollects. It was moved to its current location to their belief that it would be easier to defend the church from marauding pirates and enemies. It was attacked several times by Non Christian soldiers from the areas of Mindanao, not spared by fire, due to its light materials. It has undergone renovations due to these instances, rebuilding the church from wood to stone. This Neo Gothic styled structure boast its magnificent interior, of Raphaelite-inspired stained-glass windows. The church is said to be part  of the destinations for Cagayan de Oro Heritage Walk Tour, a simple evidence that it is one of the most beautiful churches in the Philippines.

Recommended Accommodation in Cagayan de Oro

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LOHAS airport hotel

LOHAS airport hotel has a strategic location in Cagayan de Oro, 5 minutes away from the airport, and they can arrange guest’s airport transfer which is very convenient. Beach is located 10 minutes away from the hotel and they also offer aqua sports activities. Cosy and relaxing pit stop, definitely one of the best and well recommended accommodation in Cagayan de Oro.

Read Reviews on: TripAdvisor

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GC Suites

GC Suites offers guests with spacious and properly lit rooms. Bathroom is big too and room design is very fancy. The interior design of each room is quite hip plus snack bar items are all reasonably-priced. Staffis very attentive too. Truly one of the best and well recommended accommodation in Cagayan de Oro.

Read Reviews on: TripAdvisor

7. San Pedro Cathedral

Photo by Jason Concepcion

San Pedro Cathedral or Davao Cathedral is a city’s premier landmark, built in 1847 by the first Spanish settlers in the area. This Neo-Gothic styled architecture serves as as the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Davao and is considered as a National Cultural Treasure. Special features of the oldest cathedral of Davao include the frontal-curved roofing, designed to resemble the prow of a vinta, gliding over waters, carrying a Cross at the helm. Vinta, representing the Muslim Mindanao and the Cross representing Christianity. Another notable feauture is the Bell Tower which houses the image of Pieta, a statue depicting the Virgin Mary cradling the dead body of Jesus, and the tablets of the Ten Commandments of God. A true historical landmark, definitely one of the most beautiful churches in the Philippines.

Recommended Accommodation in Davao

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Seda Abreeza

Seda Abreeza is a great modern style hotel with clean spacious room, furnished with an elegant modern touch. Facilities and accommodations are great with exemplary service. Excellent value for money, this is definitely one of the best and well recommended accommodation in Davao.

Read Reviews on: TripAdvisor

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Park Inn by Radisson Davao

The service and facilities in the hotel are first class and the location via a covered walkway to the shops and restaurants of the SM mall make it a great all-round place to stay. Room is clean, pool and food are great! High quality service in great location, definitely one of the best and well recommended accommodation in Davao.

Read Reviews on: TripAdvisor

8. Christ the King Cathedral

The Christ the King Cathedral in Tagum City, was built in 1993, solely from donations, and was completed along the the celebration of the silver anniversary of the Diocese of Tagum City in 2005. In this cathedral is where you can find the largest and longest wooden rosary in the world. This magnificent art work is made of magcono (iron wood), which is native to the mountains of Davao Oriental and Surigao del Sur. The giant rosary was a project of the Knights of Columbus to commemorate the silver anniversary of the Catholic diocese of Tagum City. A combination of modern and traditional design, the biggest basilica in Mindanao serves as a chief attraction for tourists. Truly, it is one of the most beautiful churches in the Philippines.

Recommended Accommodation in Tagum

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Big 8 Corporate Hotel

Big 8 Corporate Hotel is a nice place, with spacious and clean rooms, basic amenities included and a good selection of breakfast. Excellent service, well-trained and courteous staff. Truly, this is one of the best and well recommended accommodation in Tagum.

Read Reviews on: TripAdvisor

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Heroben Hometel

Heroben Hometel offers guests with comfort with their huge bed, yellow lights and ultra quiet air conditioner. Bathroom is decent and clean too, with shower heater, and a countertop to provide space for your toiletries. A fairly priced place to stay, definitely one of the best and well recommended accommodation in Tagum.

Read Reviews on: TripAdvisor

9. Tamontaka Church

Tamontaka Church (Cotabato City) by Shubert Ciencia / CC BY 2.0

Tamontaka Church in Cotabato City was built in 1872 and is the first Christian church in the city. In 1879, the church has been relocated in its present location. Like other churches, it has been damaged as well by earthquake and even fire, with only the facade spared with its original structure. It also has an interesting underground passageway leading you to a catacomb, which is a part of the network of caves from which the name of the city was derived. A Spanish influenced architecture, with relics of the living past, truly one of the most beautiful churches in the Philippines.

Recommended Accommodation in Cotabato

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Butlers House at Koronadal

Butlers House at Koronadal has a convenient location, an easy access to most of the must-see in the city. Excellent service and superior facilities, accommodation tastefully furnished. Truly, this is one of the best and well recommended accommodation in Cotabato.

Read Reviews on: Agoda

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My Home Trio Dormitel

My Home Trio Dormitel is well situated hotel conveniently located in Koronadal City. It offers guests with comfort and convenience with their many facilities. Professional service and quality rooms, definitely one of the best and well recommended accommodation in Cotabato.

Read Reviews on: Agoda

10. San Nicolas de Tolentino Cathedral

Photo taken by MEJAS NIKOLAS

San Nicolas de Tolentino Cathedral can be found in the isolated community of Tandag, in the eastern side of Mindanao, part of Surigao Peninsula. It was built in the 1950’s and was expanded during the 80’s, adding improvements and extensions to the structures and interior. It is said that the  church started as a “kamalig”, made of Nipa leaves, on the same spot where it is standing now. A cathedral with a very grand design, truly one of the most beautiful churches in the Philippines.

Recommended Accommodation in Tandag

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Villa Maria Luisa Hotel

Villa Maria Luisa Hotel offers guests with luxurious amenities, wonderful views and clean spacious rooms. Staff is courteous, always smiling and very accommodating. Great deal, definitely one of the best and a well recommended accommodation in Tandag.

Read Reviews on: TripAdvisor

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Donelles Haven Pension House

Donelles Haven Pension House is conveniently situated in Tandag City, offering guests with high quality room facilities. It’s a great base for exploring the city, an easy access to the city’s must-see places. Truly, this is one of the best and well recommended accommodation in Tandag.

Read Reviews on: Agoda

Compostela Valley helps quake-hit areas...

... of North Cotabato and Davao Del Sur

Compostela Valley Province--- It is now time for the people of Compostela Valley to help and show their support, this time in the earthquake-stricken areas of North Cotabato and Davao del Sur.  Gov. Tyron Uy,  himself, visited the affected areas on November 3 and met with the local officials there. 

Employees from the different departments of the Provincial Capitol of Comval Province extended their services in preparing for the relief operations. Among the distributed goods were packed meals, boxes of mineral water and rolls of tent that would be of great help for the affected residents.

“We will device a mission nga makatabang ta didto in one way or another, being a Dabawenyo and also as our brothers and sisters of Mindanao.” said Governor Uy. “Kita mismo naka experience ug calamity ug very thankful pod ta kay ang mga ubang taga laing probinsya nitabang pod sa atua ug maoy  nagsagop sa atua sa pila ka weeks nga lisod ug pait gyud ang supplies sa pagkaon, tubig ug uban pa.” he added.

The Province of Compostela Valley experienced the wrath of Typhoon Pablo way back in the 2012 bringing the whole province into its darkest days. Neighboring provinces and cities of Comval helped the Comvaleños to rise up in all possible ways they could offer.

Now is the time for Comval to return the favor and help its Mindanaoan brothers and sisters to rise and recover. (Jasteen P. Abella, ID COMVAL)

 Photocaption relief 1 & 2- Governor Jayvee Tyron Uy together with other government officials and government employees in Comval Province gave relief operations to the quake-hit areas of North Cotabato and Davao del Sur. Comval helps Mindanaoan brothers and sisters to rise and recover.

The ASEAN summit

My column in Mindanao Daily

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THE Asia trade bloc deal is being  'expected' in February 2020. Plans to sign the world's largest free trade pact at a regional summit in Bangkok have been thrown into doubt after objections from India. But China, hurt by its trade war with the US, is keen to see the deal finalized.

An agreement to create the world's largest trade bloc will be signed by Asian countries in 2020, the Thai government said today Monday, November 4, 2019 while writing this piece.

Thailand, which is hosting the three-day Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Bangkok, had previously said it hoped to conclude negotiations on the trade deal by the end of the year.

One thing is for sure: China's foreign trade has shrunk more than expected.

The new trade area, known as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), involves the 10 ASEAN members, plus China, Australia, New Zealand, India, Japan and South Korea. If implemented, it would be the world's largest free trade bloc, comprising nearly half the world's population and about a third of GDP.

The trade war between China and the United States has taken a toll on export-dependent Southeast Asian countries. Economic growth in the region is projected to slow this year to its lowest level in five years, making the signing of the deal more pressing for many ASEAN members.

Speaking at the summit's formal opening, Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha called for a swift agreement "within this year to stimulate economic growth as well as trade and investment."

"The early conclusion of RCEP negotiations will lay the foundation for East Asia's economic integration," a statement from China's Foreign Ministry said on Sunday.

RCEP negotiations had stalled over India raising concerns about the impact a flood of cheap Chinese goods could have on local businesses.

Some countries have also raised the possibility of moving ahead without India. Discussions on the deal will resume when member states meet on this Monday afternoon.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) celebrated its 50th anniversary last year. Since its founding, the bloc has emerged as a beacon of unity in Southeast Asia, although it has often struggled to find consensus among members over key policy issues affecting the region's politics, security and the economy, among other things.

Tensions over the contested South China Sea were also on the agenda at the ASEAN gathering. After meeting with leaders, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said Beijing was ready to work with countries in the region to ensure long-term peace and stability.

Li said significant progress had been made on a legally binding code of conduct, which is due to be completed by 2021. The document has long been an aim for ASEAN countries, which reject China's vast maritime claims and accuse Beijing of encroaching on their territory.

ASEAN is made up of Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei, Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos.

Leaders were also due to discuss air pollution, illegal fishing and further economic cooperation before the summit ends today on Monday. All very important topics. I wish and pray this summit wouldn't end up with empty words.