Saint John the Baptist Belfry

2009-10-27T00:50:00.000-07:00

Like the Duomo is to Florence, the bell tower is a focal point in Tabaco’s landscape. Being visible from almost anywhere in the city, it is constantly used as a point of reference when trying to locate places within Tabaco. Despite the rising heights of modern buildings, the church belfry remains an imposing structure in Tabaco. One can only imagine how much more impressive it was centuries ago, in a bare landscape.

During those ancient times, the belfry might have been a dependable warning device against attacks from pirates. It is said that the tower once had a mystical bell whose powerful tolling could be heard even in distant lands. Because the bell’s thunderous tolling invariably spoiled their attacks, pirates supposedly removed it from the tower and buried it under a river where it is guarded by an unbreakable spell. Old folks say that on quiet nights, the bell’s ringing, though softened by age, can still be heard.

Tabaco's Saint John the Baptist Church

2009-10-27T00:43:00.001-07:00

You know you are already in Tabaco when you see a domed and dark tower looming above the buildings in the horizon. The tower is the belfry of the St. John the Baptist Parish Church, or commonly known as Daculang Simbahan (Big Church).

According to the National Historical Institute (NHI), the church, a classic Earthquake Baroque structure was erected under the pastorship of Fr. Fermin Llorente who was a priest, an engineer, and a soldier. Built from 1864 to 1879, the Tabaco Church is made of adobe blocks held together by molasses and lime.

The NHI describes this classic architectural gem thus:

Broken pediment, arched windows and doors, balustrades outlining

the edges of the pediment and the corners of the bell tower, paired

pilasters, the scrolls topping columns, and spires terminating the two

edges of the triangular pediment - are its great architectural forms.

For an Earthquake Baroque the huge buttresses, blind windows,

and the visible belfry separated from the main church building are

characteristics of the said style in Philippine architecture.

Upon careful scrutiny, one will see mysterious insignias etched on the surface of most of the stones. It is believed that these initials, are the abbreviations of the names of the very artisan-masons who crafted the blocks.

Another interesting feature is the carving in the belfry of a person resembling that of a native royalty or datu, side by side with the likeness of the King of Spain. There are many speculations about what this image might mean A popular interpretation is that it symbolizes the Spaniards’ high regard toward the local pre-Hispanic government. Very rare in Philippine church embellishments, this makes the Tabaco church a national cultural treasure.

Tabakenyo

Saint John the Baptist Belfry

Tabaco's Saint John the Baptist Church