Exhibit of Spanish-era churches opens in Moalboal town

A TRAVELING exhibit is ongoing at the old San Juan Nepomuceno Parish convent in Moalboal town, southwest Cebu.

Dubbed as “Hidden Treasures: An exhibit of Spanish-era Philippine churches,” the exhibit opened last July 8 and will run until July 21.

It features more than 50 churches from all over the Philippines built during the Spanish period.

Most of these churches are not well-known to local and international tourists, hence the title ‘hidden tresures.’

Initiated by the Ortigas Foundation, its run in Cebu parishes is hosted by the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) Culture and Heritage, in partnership with the Archdiocese of Cebu.

Jocelyn B. Gerra, executive director of RAFI Culture and Heritage, said the exhibit highlights the heritage structures of the town that are not as well-known as its beaches and dive sites,  but which need appreciation and protection.

Florencio Moreño II, curator of Casa Gorordo Museum, said the façade of the old San Juan church featuring intricate carvings depicting the story of Adam and Eve cannot be found in other bigger coral stone churches in Cebu.

Msgr. Danny Sanico, parish priest, gave the traveling exhibit a warm reception. Sanico said that it would be a great learning aid for young people in the town and that he had invited nearby schools and colleges to visit the exhibit.