When we arrived at Banton Island, Romblon at around 4:42PM last May 17, 2012 we first looked for a lodging then a place to have our dinner. When we were finished looking for the things we needed and it was still 5:42PM, we decided to waste no time for a few minutes of the sunlight left. We asked people around on what we could visit in the shortest time possible and they pointed us to the Banton Church.
Banton Church
The church in Banton Island was quite near the A & A Lodging House, it took us less than a minute or two to reach it. We entered a high gate with a high wall to get to where the church is located. We saw the church and on the other end of the road was another gate with a high wall. I think the church is located inside Fuerza de San Jose, or known as kuta or a Spanish Fortress.
Gate of Fuerza de San Jose
According to the locals the church was built in the 16th century. The structure does not seem to be built on the 16th century due to many modernized renovations.
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Before entering Banton Church, I saw a bell on the left of the entrance. The plaque says that the church foundations was build in 1635 but many renovations were already made to it.
We went inside and luckily there was a yellow light on the end. If not then we would have little light to take a picture with.
The inside of the church was lined by rows of wooden chairs and at the end was an altar with statues of different saints.
Inside the church
When I was satisfied with the inside of the church, we moved to a gate on the right and saw Agua de San Nicolas. I do not know whether it was known for having healing effects but based on the rules provided I think they would refer to the water as something holy.
Agua de San Nicolas comes out from the faucet
Agua de San Nicolas rules and regulations on how to get water from it.
Outside the front of the church had an activity center with a stage.
We finished what we had to do inside the church and went through the other gate to find a small sari-sari store. We had coffee until we decided that we felt the need to eat dinner.
The next day we had our Motorcycle Tour around Banton Island.
Follow my Banton Island, Romblon Series
- Boat from Banton Island to San Agustin, Tablas Island
- Motorcycle Tour around Banton Island
- Banton Island Church
Follow my Romblon Province Series