ST. AUGUSTINE of Hippo Church in BACONG: Keeping the PIPE ORGAN from Zaragoza, Spain.  

I captured the last mist forming on the window glass of the car, slowly rolling down as the rain had just started being friendly while giving a special moment to the skies and the sun as his best friend, gathering their strength to give us a beautiful weather as we made our way to the Historic town of Bacong, Negros Oriental.

What made us visiting this town is to see the Church of St. Augustine of Hippo Church and the pipe organ. Upon getting in, we were greeted by the well grown trees with their huge trunks while spreading their bough in a different direction as the leaf sways whenever the winds blows. It provides shade and just seeming to be so attractive.

The municipality of Bacong is a small coastal town located near Dumaguete City with an estimated 10-15 minutes ride and only 8.5 kilometers away from Dumaguete City and noted as the smallest municipality in the entire Province of Negros Oriental. Bacong was founded in 1801 and a birthplace of General Pantaleon Villegas known to be a hero of Negros Oriental and only Katipunero. His birthday is being celebrated every July 27, and appeared to be a known celebration as “Leon Kilat Celebration” to mark his bravery during the “Battle of Tres De Abril”.  Where he was labelled as a Hero because of what he fight for.

St. Augustine of Hippo Church

was beautifully constructed near the sea. It was built by the Augustinian Recollects in 1865. The church’s main attraction is the altar and the pipe organ, which is originated from Zaragoza, Spain and was set up in 1894 by the efforts of Rev. Joaquin Soriano, as its first Parish Priest. Its bell tower is said to be the tallest in the Province of Negros Oriental and served as look out for the seafaring pirates during the times of marauding days of Moro pirates. The church is now listed as a National Cultural Treasure.

You can barely see an old Church that is facing the vast ocean and exactly what made this Church interesting. During our visit, the Church was open, so we get the chance to go inside and the interior design is truly captivating. While I slowly moved my two little itchy feet inside the Church, I then immediately caught the Pipe Organ peacefully located on the upper side of the Church on the left side. During our visit, there were seminary whom I think are taking an exam, so we then didn’t get a chance to amble around the church, but I was lucky enough to have captured the beauty of the Church.

Beside the Church is where the Municipal Hall of Bacong located, you can also see the wide area of their Plaza as a perfect place to play and just enjoy the enticing Bermuda grass while catching with your friends. What I like about Bacong is the notion of being clothed with the fresh air and the air coming from the sea. Never brush off this town when you visit Dumaguete City.

SPECIAL THANKS

I would wish to thank the Province of Negros Oriental Tourism Office and Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI) for sponsoring this trip as part of the celebration of Buglasan Festival 2016. The Buglasan Festival will run from October 14-23,2016.For more updates regarding their colorful festival, you can visit their Facebook page at Buglasan Festival. My greatest gratitude for Arnold M Jerodiaz of wanderingsoulscamper for bringing me here and become part of this event.

HOW TO GET TO BACONG and St. Augustine of Hippo Church

You can book a flight going to Dumaguete City, since Dumaguete City is the entry point. The minute you arrived in Dumaguete City go straight to the jeepney terminal. Ride a PUJ (Public Utility Jeep) near the Public market and look for a PUJ that bound to Bacong. Ask the driver to drop you down at the Bacong proper. From there, you can ask the local where is St. Augustine of Hippo Church. The church is actually situated at the front of Public market of Bacong.