It was a fun and hectic day exploring the towns of Clarin, Don Victoriano, and Tudela. But the day wasn’t over yet because we still had to visit one special town in Misamis Occidental – Jimenez. A heritage town known for its well-preserved Spanish colonial-era church and ancestral houses.
It was already dark when we arrived at Jimenez Tourism Office but Mayor Joselito Chiong and Sir Bong Abelidas, Municipal Tourism Officer, were still full of energy as they welcomed us with delectable local dishes.
When they talked about their town, we all felt their pride in the rich heritage and history of Jimenez. The moment we stepped out of the building to explore the church, we all understood why.
Mayor Joselito Chiong
Yummy!
San Juan Bautista Parish Church
The lighting outside the church was just beautiful. St. John the Baptist Church is one of the most intact and preserved Spanish churches in the country. Built in the 19th century, the church has withstood the test of time and was hailed as a National Cultural Treasure in 2001.
It was drizzling at that time but that didn’t stop us from exploring more. Inside we witnessed the central attraction of the church, the well-preserved old altar, and the Gothic-style pillars giving us a feeling of traveling back to the Spanish colonial era. It’s impossible not to notice the exquisite paintings on the walls and ceiling which were completed in 1898.
On the second floor is a pipe organ overlooking the entire altar. It is the same pipe organ installed during the 1890s when the church was being constructed.
Then, we climbed our way to a wooden stair going to the belfry, offering us a spectacular view of the town.
Jimenez’s Ancestral Houses
The next day, we were so delighted to have a chance to explore Jimenez to witness the church in the morning and stroll around the area.
Sir Bong was kind enough to give us a tour. This was one of the most interesting parts of the visit, listening to the narratives and stories behind these old structures.
Honestly, I was impressed with how they were able to preserve some of the old houses. Although there is still some work to do, it’s already an amazing feat. I hope that the support to protect these structures will come not just from the municipal and provincial levels but national as well.
Kailangan talaga ang selfie. Haha
One important takeaway from this visit is the importance of travel in enriching our life experiences and knowledge. Before going to Misamis Occidental, I didn’t know about the heritage town of Jimenez.
Yes, we’re aware of Intramuros, Calle Crisologo, and all. But Jimenez? I don’t think this was even mentioned or taught in school. So if you have the chance, travel as much as you can, it would make us appreciate more of our history and heritage as a nation.
Some of the most noteworthy structures are the Casa de Ozamiz and the Bacaro Printing Press building. These are just a few meters away from the church and the municipal hall.
Casa de Ozamiz’s color commands everyone’s attention. Located at the corner of the main streets, this used to be the residence of Jose Ozamiz, the first and only Senator coming from the province. Misamis Occidental’s financial hub, Ozamiz city, was also named after him.
Another standout from more than a hundred ancestral houses in the area is Aldren Nacion’s residence, famously known as Rosito Bacarro’s House or Bacarro Printing Press. Its design looks like the typical mansion houses in the colonial era, but this played a huge role in our history. It used to be the printing press of Japanese banknotes during World War II known as the Mickey Mouse money.
READ THE BLOG POST: Laag-Laag sa Misamis Occidental: 20 Top Tourist Spots
Bacarro Printing Press
Casa de Ozamiz
After the tour, make sure you drop by Shanghai Noodle House located in another old house and try their Spring rolls or lumpia.
There are 103 ancestral houses in Jimenez, just take a walk and you’ll be in awe, feeling you’re being transcended back during the Spanish and Japanese occupations. Jimenez is definitely a treasure we must value and protect for the next generations.
This visit to Jimenez is part of the Laag-Laag sa MisOcc project of the Provincial Tourism Office in cooperation with DOT Region 10, TPB, and all the municipalities. Thank you for this opportunity!
