We have a few hours left before our afternoon flight back to Manila, so, on our third (and last) day in Puerto Princesa we decided to do our own city tour. We did our Internet research the night before and we chose to visit only two spots, namely, the Immaculate Conception Cathedral and Plaza Cuartel. We also planned on going to Baker’s Hill but we weren’t able to do so because we had little time.
Puerto Princesa City doesn’t have plenty of historical sites like Cebu or Manila. The reason for this is that Palawan is one of last islands colonized by the Spaniards. In fact, the Spanish colonial government was just established in 1871 or almost at the end of Spanish rule in the Philippines.
Puerto Princesa City doesn’t have plenty of historical sites like Cebu or Manila. The reason for this is that Palawan is one of last islands colonized by the Spaniards. In fact, the Spanish colonial government was just established in 1871 or almost at the end of Spanish rule in the Philippines.
The Bishop of Jaro appointed Father Ezekiel Moreno (now a saint) as the military chaplain of Puerto Princesa in 1872. An expedition of 272 people went to Puerto Princesa and celebrated the first mass there.1 They chose Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception as the patroness of the new colony.
The Immaculate Conception Cathedral is impressive. I guess that it is the biggest church in the whole island of Palawan. Its blue color matched the color of Mama Mary the Patroness of Puerto Princesa.
The current semi-Gothic cathedral was built in 1965 during the reign of Bishop Gregorio Espiga. It was designed by Architect Mañalac and constructed under the supervision of Engineer Florencio Llacuna. The wooden elements of the church like the door, pews, and carvings were made by the Iwahig inmates.2
We were welcomed by the words “Haec Est Domus Dei” as we enter the cathedral. It means “This is the house of God”.
The current semi-Gothic cathedral was built in 1965 during the reign of Bishop Gregorio Espiga. It was designed by Architect Mañalac and constructed under the supervision of Engineer Florencio Llacuna. The wooden elements of the church like the door, pews, and carvings were made by the Iwahig inmates.2
We were welcomed by the words “Haec Est Domus Dei” as we enter the cathedral. It means “This is the house of God”.
Our visit to the Puerto Princesa Cathedral has two purposes. The first is to see the cathedral as a tourist and the second is to pray to God. Lei and I thanked God for blessing us during our wedding day. We asked Him to help us in our new journey as husband and wife.
The whole cathedral was deserted during our visit. This was an advantage because I can take photos without interference.
The cathedral’s altar is simple but elegant. The best part is that the tabernacle is located at the center, which is its proper place. Just above the tabernacle is the image of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception.
Some of you are possibly asking who is this lady and why we Catholics call her immaculate. Well, Our Lady of Immaculate Conception is the title of the Mary (the mother Christs) that signifies her being free from original sin during her conception. Her immaculate conception stems from the fact that Jesus is totally incompatible with sin. Thus, it is impossible for Him to be borne by a woman who is infected with original sin or made an actual sin.3
The two towers at the sides of Puerto Princesa Cathedral bear 8 bells which are dedicated to San Nicolas de Tolentino, St. Ezekiel Moreno, San Fernando Rey de España, San Jose, Maria Consolatrix Afflictorum, and Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception.2
Our visit to Puerto Princesa Cathedral was short but meaningful. We’re glad that we managed to visit Him in His house in Puerto Princesa. This completes our trip to Puerto Princesa.
---
Information included post came from the following sources:
1. Apostolic Vicariate of Palawan in CBCP Online.
2. A City of Paradise from the official website of the City Government of Puerto Princesa
3. Immaculate Conception from New Advent
---
Read more of our adventures in Puerto Princesa City:
7 Interesting Facts that Every Pinoy Should Know about Puerto Princesa
First Night in Puerto Princesa: Dinner Date at Haim Chicken Inato
Our Overnight Stay in Balay Inato, Puerto Princesa
Honda Bay Tour (Part 1): A Big Disappointment at Starfish Island
Honda Bay Tour (Part 2): Killing Time at Luli Island
Honda Bay Tour (Part 3): Finale in Cowrie Island
Second Night in Puerto Princesa: Sisig Night at Kinabuch’s
Marianne Home Inn: Our “Home” in Palawan
How We Obtained the Permit to Enter the Puerto Princesa Underground River
Puerto Princesa Underground River Adventure Part 1: Playing the Waiting Game at Sabang Wharf
Puerto Princesa Underground River Adventure Part 2: Our Boat Ride to the Underground River
Puerto Princesa Underground River Part 3: Hidden Wonders of St. Paul Cave
7 Important Tips for a No Hassle Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour
Buying Souvenirs and Pasalubong in LRC Mall, Puerto Princesa
---
Information included post came from the following sources:
1. Apostolic Vicariate of Palawan in CBCP Online.
2. A City of Paradise from the official website of the City Government of Puerto Princesa
3. Immaculate Conception from New Advent
---
Read more of our adventures in Puerto Princesa City:
7 Interesting Facts that Every Pinoy Should Know about Puerto Princesa
First Night in Puerto Princesa: Dinner Date at Haim Chicken Inato
Our Overnight Stay in Balay Inato, Puerto Princesa
Honda Bay Tour (Part 1): A Big Disappointment at Starfish Island
Honda Bay Tour (Part 2): Killing Time at Luli Island
Honda Bay Tour (Part 3): Finale in Cowrie Island
Second Night in Puerto Princesa: Sisig Night at Kinabuch’s
Marianne Home Inn: Our “Home” in Palawan
How We Obtained the Permit to Enter the Puerto Princesa Underground River
Puerto Princesa Underground River Adventure Part 1: Playing the Waiting Game at Sabang Wharf
Puerto Princesa Underground River Adventure Part 2: Our Boat Ride to the Underground River
Puerto Princesa Underground River Part 3: Hidden Wonders of St. Paul Cave
7 Important Tips for a No Hassle Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour
Buying Souvenirs and Pasalubong in LRC Mall, Puerto Princesa
Absolutely stunning! Breathtakingly beautiful! Love it!
ReplyDelete