Actually, this is already becoming a heritage trail trip nowadays. Mostly tourists bypass these landmarks simply because its not interesting nor it will only give you the creeps! Hindi nga nakasulat sa Lonely Planet so why bother pass by it when you have a UNESCO World Heritage Site Church sitting prominently at the top of a hill, looking like a giant yellow sentinel guarding the town of Miag-ao, some 40 kilometers away from Iloilo City.
What am I referring to? Actually amateur heritage buff would miss this jewel hidden within the place of the dead. The Camposanto of Miag-ao. Yes, Miag-ao has one of those Spanish colonial era cemetery chapels like the one in San Joaquin. But the difference is, its not that quite imposing, but it is made up of red bricks. Interesting fact here is that it has the only red-brick dome in Western Visayas that is still intact…well almost.
Settled again in the very end of the main avenue of the cemetery or the so-called Millionaire’s row, the camposanto gives a simple yet elegant baroque art executed. The stones were quite similar to those used in Miag-ao Church but the utilization of red bricks is more evident. Right now the dome still stands but vegetation seeped in through cracks has made it hazardous for a total breakdown. I heard that there is a team of conservationists that have been injecting some sort of poison to these plants that has seeped through in the camposanto’s dome in order for it to be painstakingly restored to its old grandeur.
How to get here:
Miag-ao is along the main highway so getting there is not a hassle. Just take the Miag-ao jeepneys in which they could even bring you at the cemeteries doorsteps upon request. The fare ranges from P35-P40 from Iloilo City…You may opt to go to the Terminal Market near Robinson’s Mall or wait at Molo Plaza. If you find jeepneys uncomfy, just take buses bound for Antique.
Okay, I think we have enough of southern Iloilo…our next stop would be two cemeteries in Central Iloilo. Padayon ta sa pag-bisita sang mga patyo sa tyempo pista minatay! (Let’s continue to visit some more cemeteries this Halloween)
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