Lumang Simbahan ng Sablayan, recognized by National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP)
The Lumang Simbahan is located in Poblacion, Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro. This Old Church was built in its namesake Recollects Parish “Parokya ng Rekoleto” as a church and convent for Nuns made of stone finished with lime or “apog” during the leadership of Padre Jacinto Perez de San Agustin in 1861-1866.
Before the Old church being established, old folks believed that the first baptism was accounted under Recollects in a Coastal village of Dungon (currently Brgy. San Nicolas). Dungon during the era is the biggest Pueblo on the whole island of Mindoro. But the population of Dungon gradually disappeared due to the attack of the Moro Pirates that effectively wipe out the Town forcing inhabitants to transfer to the village of Sablayan, eventually became a Pueblo and Lumang Bayan (currently Bry. Poblacion) as Capital; the 16th century Old Lumang Simbahan is located.
Old folks still believed that this church has an underground tunnel at the back towards Parola Pressing Park used by the Japanese soldiers during World War II. Today, Parola Pressing Park is where it stands the longest Island to Island Zip-line believed to be in the World.
Lumang Simbahan suffered from the number of catastrophic events struck but remained firm and stood on any test. Devastated by the tsunami in 1800 and damaged during World War II but beloved organizations and people performed several restorations to restore history and natural beauty. In 2017-2018, Lumang Simbahan underwent restoration by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) that put this church on its own map as one of the great treasures of Philippine History especially to the Island of Mindoro.
HOW TO GET THERE
Sablayan is in between the Port Hub of Abra de Ilog and the Business Hub of Occidental Mindoro, the town of San Jose, which the Airport is also located. Book a flight bound for San Jose (SJI) with a schedule of flights from Manila and Clark. From the San Jose Airport, hire a tricycle to reach the Bus station, then catch up a schedule of the trip heading to Sablayan, Mamburao, or Abra de Ilog. Get off to Sablayan Integrated Terminal, then, hire a motorcycle or tricycle to reach the Lumang Simbahan in Barangay Poblacion. Once you are there, do not miss to visit the longest Island - to - Island located just right at the top of Parola.
You may also reach Sablayan by land travel, with a schedule of Buses Trip from Pasay, Sampaloc, Alabang, and Cubao heading to Occidental Mindoro (San Jose). then, get off at Sablayan Gand Terminal.
Or; you may commute from your location going to Batangas Port. Just get a ferry ticket at the counter bound for Abra De Ilog then wait for your boarding announcement; the ferry ride takes more or less 3 hours. At the Abra Port, catch up a Bus/ Van bound for Sablayan or San Jose then, get off to Sablayan Grand Terminal.
ENJOY YOUR VISIT
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