VISITING LEON, ILOILO: I just can't fail to visit old churches in places I've visited here in Iloilo.

The Municipality of Leon was formerly known as Camando which was founded in the year 1730 with Mr. Bernabe Buncag as Gobernadorcillo. In 1866, the town was transformed to Sitio Capan, a vast rice region. Two years after, the town was given the name Leon in honor of the City of Leon in Spain, the place where Fray Agustin Castro, the Parish Priest came from. However, the inhabitants retained their surnames beginning with letter “C” which was given them through the order of Governor Claveria in 1849, in lasting memory of the former town of Camando.

Leon has a prominent place in the annals of Ilonggo history. Records show that the only Civil Resistance movement that did not fall into the hands of the Japanese, the Free Government of Panay and Romblon was established by Senator Tomas Confesor in Bucari area in May 1942. Every time I visit a certain municipality in Iloilo I always see to it to take a photo of their century old churches. It's quite fascinating to see a lot of great and old churches here in the Province of Iloilo.

Leon Church FACADE: The Neo-classical styled Leon Church stands in front of a beautiful and well-maintained plaza. It was planned to be one of Iloilo’s biggest and grandest church but for some reason it was left unfinished.

The right side detail of the church.

The right side entrance detail.

INSIDE: (beams & columns)

Inspection of the present building reveals that that the original length of the building was shortened, evidenced by ruins of the original structure found at the behind the present altar. Also, the belfries needs proper rehabilitation because the currently installed belfries look too crude and are ruining the other side of the beautiful façade.

The grandeur of San Joaquin Old Cemetery

San Joaquin Old Cemetery was built at the twilight of Spanish rule, San Joaquin cemetery was initiated by Fray Mariano Vamba, the last Augustinian parish priest of the town. Terraced stone steps culminate at the cemetery’s crowning glory—its capilla, sumptuously decorated with stone carvings of a distinct floral and leaf pattern.

The CapillaThe capilla also, known as “Campo Santo,” is made of coral rocks and baked bricks.That's me under the scorching heat of the sun, enjoying the grandeur and the monumental of this edifice.