Historic Sites: Church and Museum in Carcar, Cebu

Facade of St. Catherine of Alexandria

Life-sized statues of the apostles around St. Catherine's

Carcaranons must be very industrious persons. To think of making ampao, a delicacy made of sweetened puffed rice sometimes drizzled with peanuts. They also make chicharon, banana and camote chips. Their shoe making industry have flourished and supplied neighboring islands with spadrilles, sandals and other footwear. 

They're friendly, hospitable, courteous and honest people. I have observed that with those who attended us at the mall, at the restaurant, the tricycle driver who brought us around, as well as the Innkeeper at the Pension House where we spent the night.  Going around the city made me feel at home right away. It was a simple and peaceful place.

The Church of Carcar was dedicated to their Patron Saint, St. Catherine of Alexandria, a fourth century martyr of the faith. She was martyred for her philosophical  defense of the Christian Faith. Now she is considered as the patron saint of science, students, and teachers.The Church Architectural design is one of a kind. It's not common to find Eastern Orthodox style of architecture in the Philippines. Seeing the Church of Carcar will make you feel like you are in the land of Alladin and Disney Princess, Jasmin. 

Carcar Museum

The Carcar Museum was originally a Dispensary where the cholera victims were treated during the outbreak. It's an American Era Wooden building with two floors. How I love the woodwork intricately designed like the dainty white lace or crocheted white bedspread.

When we first had the ocular visit, it was clean up day at the museum and we were not allowed to go to the second floor. I was so intrigued by what the museum curator told me. She said, the table where the Leon Kilat plot was hatched was displayed upstairs. At that time, I barely knew Leon Kilat. I googled everything I could to know about him, especially because he was from Negros Island.

I was transported through the "google wayback" to the time of Pantaleon Villegas and the people behind the plot. I saw what an able fighter he was. He was precisely called Leon for his bravery and Kilat for his lightning skills. He learned magic from Cebu because he used to perform in the circus there. He was legendary for his speed and fighting skills. I do not want to mention now the names of those responsible. I became emotional: moved to tears, angered and felt patriotic. Later, my heart found a way to understand the plight of those Filipinos who plotted against Leon's life. Imagine, he was a highly able General of the Katipunan, who won against the Spanish troops in Cebu. As the Spaniards regrouped themselves and called for reinforcement from Manila, Leon Kilat went to Carcar to meet with his friends in order to plan further for Philippine Independence. He was welcomed by his Carcaranon friends with a banquet. He ate and drank that night of Holy Thursday, just like Jesus. That very night, they killed him with their own hands, afraid of Spanish retaliation. So, at dawn of Good Friday, they hanged him at the center of town so people would see that he was dead. They wanted to prove to the Spaniards that they were not supportive of whatever Leon was fighting for. Now, the Carcaranons have placed Leon Kilat's Monument astride his horse to redeem themselves.

In Carcar, Judas' statue was placed away from the church. It was standing alone near the convento. My reflection was, any one of us can be a Judas if we are not careful. Oh, the complications of the human heart. May St. Catherine of Alexandria help us pray to God for purity and faithfulness to God.

In case you do not know, the second Bishop of  Bacolod, Monsigneur Manuel Yap was a son of Carcar. They have also the Servant of God, Monsigneur Camomot who has founded so many Diocesan Congregations of Sisters to aid the Church. Our very own Blessed Virgin Missionaries of Our Lady of Mount Carmel or BVMC and Sisters of the Rural Mission were founded by him. Thank you, Carcar.