MY TOP FIVE MOST-ADMIRED ARCHITECTURES

Aside from mountains, falls, lakes, caves and seascapes, I am also appreciative of architectures in the country. My years of traveling finally let me decide to rate the architectures I’ve visited to. I just don’t see their beauty but also their uniqueness, historical value and cultural relevance. Here’s the list of the TOP 5 structures that stunned me.

But, hey, before moving on to my 5 top favorite structures, here’s a bonus:

Bonus: THE RUINS, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL

The Ruins in Talisay City is the remains of the mansion built by Don Mariano Lacson for his first wife, Maria Braga.

Tagged as the Taj Mahal of the Philippines, the Ruins is now a tourist destination. Others question of the possibility of reviving the structure but I see it better this way. People are more interested of visiting the ruins rather than the complete one.  The entrance fee to The Ruins, however, is overpriced.

Talisay City can be reached by jeepney from Bacolod. Tricycle and trisikad can bring you to The Ruins

TOP 5. TAOIST TEMPLE, CEBU

The overlooking view of the Taoist Temple of Cebu dominates the structures around it. The design is purely oriental. This sacred temple is very significant to Chinese belief.

Top 4. OLD CHURCHES

Honestly, I find the old churches more intricately designed compared to modern ones.  Many churches in the country do not only serve as worship areas but also tourist destinations. 

One of the most famous is in Paoay, Ilocos Norte. Other stunningly designed churches are in Ilocos Sur, Palawan, Laguna, Samar, Leyte, Cebu, Siquijor and many more…

TOP 3. PROVINCIAL CAPITOL, SULTAN KUDARAT

The structure never fails to catch the eyes of every passer-by entering Isulan from Tacurong City. 

The mosque at the top suggests its Arabian inspired design. The center is furnished with expensive chandeliers.  Its intricately designed interiors manifest royalty.

 

I really appreciate the architectural design, but frankly, the names engraved in its front view are so (epal) distracting. The names can be written in a marker but some people just badly need recognition.

Isulan, the province’s capital is just around 10 minutes away from Tacurong City.

TOP 2. THE ISLANDER’S CASTLE, DINAGAT ISLAND

The view of the Islander’s Castle in San Jose reminds me of a castle in fairy tales or in Disney films. It is situated in the highest point of Dinagat Province.

This is the house of former congresswoman Ecleo. It’s not easy to go to this castle since total security is so sternly practiced. The castle is designed by Arch Gerry Galido of CIT University, Cebu.

Dinagat Island can be accessed via chartered boat from Surigao City or nearby islands.

TOP 1. THE GRAND MOSQUE, COTABATO CITY

I was refreshed of the movie Aladdin when the Grand Mosque (Sultan Hassal Bolkiah Masjid) of Cotabato City first came into view. Its minarets stand 43 meters tall. Its domes are magnificently adorned with crescent moons. When I entered in its gate, I wondered how it will be like to enter the gates of heaven.

The mosque, costing around P300M, was funded by the Sultan of Brunei. It is marvelously isolated in the shoreline of the city.     

HOW TO GET THERE:

From Cotabato City proper, take a jeep bound for Awang-Highway. Just pay P10.00 and drop at Husky Bus Terminal and take a habal-habal (P35/way) direct to the Mosque.