Caleruega’s Church of the Transfiguration (Nasugbu, Batangas)

The Church of the Transfiguration:

The Church of Transfiguration

Don Bosco’s Chapel on the Hill (Batulao, Batangas)

Little Souls Sisters Chapel (Tagaytay City)

Adoration Chapel of the Holy Spirit Adoration Sisters-Pink Sisters (Tagaytay City)

Ina Ng Laging Saklolo Parish Church (Tagaytay City)

Shrine of Our Lady Mother of Fair Love (Tagaytay City)

The National Shrine of La Virgen Divina Pastora/ Three Kings Parish Church/ Church of Gapan (Gapan, Nueva Ecija)

Saint Roche Parish Church/ Parokya ni San Roque/ Church of Cavite (Cavite City)

The Church in the News: Inquirer-San Roque Church in Cavite being reconstructed in time for ‘Soledad’ fiesta

Saint John of Sahagun Parish Church/ Parokya ni San Juan Sahagun/ Church of Toledo (Toledo City, North West Cebu)

The Church of Toledo:

Church of Toledo

The Church is Under the Archdiocese of Cebu, Vicariate of Saint John of Sahagun

About the Church: The Bishop of Cebu, Romualdo Gimeno, a Dominican Friar, issued a Decree for the erection of the Parish of Toledo on the 24th day of February, 1863.

However, this decree was only executed on the 8th of July, 1863 and the Parish of Toledo was de Facto “canonically erected”. It’s official Patron was St. John of Sahagun. According to other sources, the town was previously named Hinulawan because of the nearby Hinulawan river situated in the Daanlungsod. But due to the influence of the Alcalde Mayor in Cebu who happened to come from Toledo, Spain, the town and parish was renamed Toledo.

The nearest existing Parish to Toledo was the Parish of St. Francis of Assisi of Balamban erected in 1857. Thus it was but logical that Toledo (Hinulawan) was under the “spritual tutelage” of Balamban and was regularly visited. It was termed “visita” then by the priests of this neighboring parish. It could also have been that Hinulawan was part and parcel of the large parish and town of Balamban, though this is not for many, a comfortable thought to dwell on.

On the other hand, at the far-south side of the Toledo was another existing Parish of Sta. Monica in Pinamungajan which was established in 1850, even earlier than Balamban. For one reason or another, we don’t know why it was not this Parish who took care of the spiritual needs of Toledo. It could have been because of the great difficulty for the travel and its accessibility that prevented this to happen.

It seems that the FIRST Parish Priest of Toledo was REV. FR. SERVANO SEONE. The First marriage that he solemnized was that of Pedro Conahap and Fabiana Mara on August 26, 1863.

With this information, we can conclude that Toledo Parish from the beginning of its founding was administered by the Diocesan Clergy of Cebu. (Sourced from the Website of the Archdiocesan Shrine of Saint John of Sahagun)

Other Sites to Visit: The Official Website of the Archdiocesan Shrine of Saint John of Sahagun. Aside from the Official Website, not much Sites or Blogs worth mentioning about the Church. If you do find any, please email me the link to pinoybyahero@gmail.com so i can include it.

My Visit to the Church: My Visit to the Church of Toledo was very short. We were in a hurry to get back to Cebu so I just spent a few minutes in the Church. When i went there there was a group of Women reciting the Rosary and it was rude to take pictures of the inside but i did manage to take a few (2012).

Last December 2013 we stayed overnight in Toledo City and from the Hotel we stayed in the Church was just a few minutes walk. It was a beautiful morning when i went to the Church and a mass was ongoing when i arrived. I spent a few minutes inside the church and quietly went out to buy something to eat. When i went back the mass was soon going to end. I took more pictures of the Church and it was then i realized how beautiful the Church was.

Address and Contact Number of the Church: The Church is Located in Toledo City, Cebu 6038. Contact Numbers of the Church Tel. (032) 322-5658, 467-8143

Other Ways to Contact the Church: Facebook Page of Saint John of Sahagun Church

Map Showing the Location of the Church:

Map of Toledo City

Where to Stay in Toledo City: We Stayed at Days Inn Toledo City (Rate: P2,400 up) which is near the Port. The Rooms are Standard, with Television and Hot and Cold Shower. The Rate includes Breakfast.

Where to Eat: Near Days Hotel is a Cafe (in the same Building previously occupied by Travellers) and beside it you can find Jollibee and Armando’s Pizza. Along the highway and around the port you can also find Eateries and BBQ Stalls.

Other Pictures of the Church:

Church of Toledo

Church of Toledo

Bell Tower

The Image of Saint John Sahagun

The Church Altar

Images of Saints found at the Entrance

Images of Saints at the Entrance

Map of Toledo City

Saint Francis Parish Church / Church of Balamban (Balamban, North West Cebu)

The Church of Balamban:

Church of Balamban

The Church is under the Archdiocese of Cebu, Vicariate of Saint Francis Of Assisi

About the Church: The Balamban Church or the Saint Francis of Assisi Parish Church was founded in 1857, Its patron is Saint Francis of Assisi and its feast day is every 4th day of October.

News About the Church: A Landmark in Balamban Undergoes Renovation

Other Sites to Visit: Not Much luck finding other Sites or Blogs featuring this Church. If you do come across any, please email me at pinoybyahero@gmail.com

My Visit to the Church: The Church of Balamban is an imposing structure in the town of Balamban. It is hard not to take notice of this beautiful building. The Church was being renovated. The left bell tower reveals the former color of the Church, a Yellow and Light green combination which looked very pleasant but the new color, an all white (or maybe not really all white) color scheme gives the Church an ethereal glow. And makes it stand out.

Map Showing the Location of the Church: The Church of Balamban is located just in front of the Market of Balamban. After visiting the Church, you can sample Kristian’s Liempo (Called Johnny’s now) the Original Balamban Liempo. 

Church Map

Other Pictures of the Church:

Church of Balamban

Church Map