My First Blog

Panay is a third class municipality in the province of Capiz. The historic town was established by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi during the Spanish colonization period. The Island of Panay is home to centuries-old churches.  One of the heritage town's most popular attraction is the Sta. Monica Parish Church.

The Sta. Monica Parish Church was built in 1774 and it is one of the oldest in the Philippines. It's famous with its signature baroque architecture. The church is built of coral blocks and is approximately 70 meters long, 25 meters in width and 18 meters in height, the walls are about 3 meters thick. The well-known sixteenth-century church has a 5- storey belfry which houses a gigantic bell which is considered the "biggest Catholic Church bell in Asia."

Known to the locals as “Dakong Lingganay”, the famous bell was casted from 70 sacks of silver and gold coins donated by the townsfolk in 1878 during the time of Father Jose Beloso. The bell measures at 7 feet in diameter and 5 feet in height and with a weight of 10.4 tons. The sound of the bell can be heard within 8 kilometers from the church.

A spanish inscription is engraved on the bell's face which says Soy la voz de Dios que ilevarey ensalzare desde el principio hasta el fin de este pueblo de Panay para que los fieles de Jesus vengan e esta casa de Dios a recibit las gracias celestials. It means "I am God's voice which I shall echo and praise from one end to the other of the town of Panay, so that the faithful followers of Christ may come to this house of God to receive heavenly grace." From the belfry, one can also see the overlooking view of Panay town proper.

The church is made of coral stones, with a facade accentuated with pillars and decorated with statues of Augustinian saints St. Thomas de Villanueva and Sta. Monica flanked on niches. In fact, the church was declared a national historical landmark by the National Historical Institute. On the right side of the church is the Parish convent and museum. It is built in the tradition of Spanish colonial structure. Also various church memorabilia and artifacts are housed inside the museum.

A replica of the Dakong Lingganay is built outside the museum. The entrance door of Panay Church has a floral designs sculptured with complexity and hard wood. Inside the church is an impressive high-ceiling with chandeliers and a black and white marble flooring, forming a cross which leads to the altar.

Panay town holds one of the richest heritage and culture in our country. Visiting the place will give you a glimpse of what pre-twenty first century looks like. As the face of Panay, the Sta. Monica Church that houses the biggest church bell in Asia is a must-see attraction and will always be worth traveling for.