The Philippines is the only country in Asia where majority of its residents are Roman Catholics. The Spanish colonization of the Philippines for 333 years brought about the Spanish influence to the Filipinos, including religion. And to this date, there are still a lot of centuries-old churches in the Philippines which are reminiscent of the Spanish regime.

One of these churches exist in the town of Argao, Cebu. The 200-yr old church of St. Michael the Archangel is a beautiful rococo-baroque church structure which can be found at the center of Argao.

one of the many Ceres Bus liners going south

In order to get to Argao, you can either take a Van for Hire or V-Hire at the Citilink Terminal along N. Bacalso Avenue if you want to reach the place faster than the normal bus ride. Since you’ll be riding a van, it is less likely for the driver to pick up passengers along the way unlike buses. You can also take a non-airconditioned bus or an airconditioned bus from the South Bus Terminal if you are not in a hurry. The price difference between an airconditioned bus and the V-Hire is not that big though. You can also hire a taxi but this one’s gonna be costly. Travel time is around 2 hours.

You can then tell the bus conductor to drop you off on the road leading to the Argao church. Once you arrive, all you need to do is cross the street and start walking 2 blocks and you’ll see the back portion of the church.

There’s a small passageway in between the church and the convent to get to the front area. The main front doors of the church are usually closed when there are no scheduled masses. If you are lucky and the side doors of the church are not padlocked, you can get inside and check out the interiors of the church. If the doors are locked, you can try to get inside through the sacristy. Just make sure you don’t take away stuff inside the church.

scenes from the Bible are painted all over the ceilings of the church

the altar

the tabernacle and a crucifix

the statues at the altar

looking over the alter; view from the altar

side altars

at the sacristy

the pulpit; pipe organ

Back in the olden days, priests say their sermons on pulpits at the side of the church. Nowadays, their sermons are delivered in front. As for Argao’s mass service, this one has yet to be checked whether they make use of the pulpit shown on top.

the confessional booths on each side of the church

church door and a symbol

The landmark says: The construction of this beautiful baroque-rococo church was begun in 1734 – A year after the parish was established by the Augustinian order – and was compelted in 1788.

a chapel for all the unborn children in the town

Outside the church grounds, small chapel can be seen which was said to built for all the unborn children in this tow.

St. Michael the Archangel Church in Argao is located south of Cebu.

About the Author: Doi

Doi is a certified zombie. After being introduced to the world of blogging, social media and online marketing, she has used all the means necessary to enhance this new found passion and use it to her advantage. Her nature to explore new places and share it with the rest of the world is what keeps this wanderer going and seeking for more exciting trips and adventures.