Attempted to head north of Cebu for a Visita Iglesia but the heavy traffic starting at Liloan made me U-turn to go south instead.

The Catholic church throughout history has been lavish in depicting the different houses of God on earth.

In Cebu, centuries-old churches abound while some are just about 50 years old or younger.

The new Pedro Calungsod Chapel located at the upcoming SM City Seaside Complex at the Cebu South Road Properties (SRP) projects a modern feel with its wall upon wall architecture –far different from the usual churches we have.

Quite apart from the classical churches, the altar is subdued and without the gold glitters.

The church in Minglanilla, Cebu has had renovations to give its present look.

Gilded metals and fixtures dominate the interior of the Minglanilla Church.

The side altar of the chalice is guarded by angels cast from plaster.

The church in Sibonga, Nuestra Señora del Pilar, meanwhile, is well-preserved despite the passage of years. The construction of the present structure was commissioned starting 1866. The paintings on the ceiling were said to be done in the 1920s by Raymundo Francia of Cebu.

To add to the old feel of the architecture and paintings of the Sibonga church, the chirping of birds resonate freely inside the church as if the structure has become the birds’ home. The cool, breezy temperature is also a wonder as the design of the church keeps the early afternoon heat from eating away the cold.

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