HP Heritage Rating: 
for more details click here
Friar Martin de Rada
1533 – 1578
Martin de Rada brought religion to the Philippines, initially with only 4 other Augustinian Friars who arrived with him from Mexico in 1566. They set about evangelizing and converting the native population they found in this land. He was a noted linguist and mathematician who introduced Christianity not only to the Philippines but also to China.
That’s right, it is perhaps the oldest church in Panay. The first church there was said to have been built by the Augustinians as early as 1774, but the missionary Friars had arrived there more than 200 years earlier in 1572.
St. Monica Church, Panay
This massive church is also known as the “home” of the largest church bell in both the Philippines and Asia and the third largest in the world…
A display replica of the 10+ ton Bell
You can view the real thing if you are brave enough to climb the 5 story Bell Tower by a rickety fire escape style stairway/ladder…it’s a real adventure… you can read the full story on both the Church and its famous bell here.
After a few days away over the Easter break, we were back to “work” yesterday. We were “On the Road Again” trying to discover new areas and churches for the website. And did we luck in!
“what the …. is dat?”
Iloilo Time
Ottawa Time