FLOWERSBLOOMS by "Elvie": October 2013

October 15, 2013 is an unforgettable day for Filipinos in the Central Visayan Region. A destructive earthquake of 7.2 magnitude shook the island of Bohol and nearby provinces. The epicenter is found in the interior of Bohol, 6 kilometers south of Sagbayan town . My parents are Boholanos and I was born there. My father is from Carmen and my mother is from Loay, Bohol. Both towns were affected by the earthquake. Although we now live in Laguna (Luzon Region), most of our relatives and friends are there in our home province. I am deeply shocked and saddened by the devastation brought by the earthquake which is now recorded as one of the deadliest in our recent history. People lost their homes and are staying in the streets and evacuation areas where they feel safe. The aftershocks made it very hard for the emergency workers to retrieve bodies trapped in the rubbles. The death toll now is over 170 people and rising. Infrastructures.... power lines, roads and bridges are heavily damaged making it difficult for relief goods distribution. It is heartbreaking to know also that the centuries-old churches are destroyed by the quake. The churches in Bohol is a distinct collection of Roman Catholic Churches built during the Spanish Era and these are our National Heritage. At least ten (10) churches are damaged and heritage experts will do an assessment and hopefully restore these national treasures.

LOAY CHURCH

(Photos from Wikipedia and GMA Network)

This is the Santissima Trinidad Church (Most Holy Trinity Church) of Loay, Bohol founded in 1815. I was born in Loay and I was baptized in this church.

LOBOC CHURCH

(Photos from Time4teaparty and GMA Network)

Originally built in 1602, the Church of San Pedro in Loboc is the second oldest church in Bohol.

THE BACLAYON CHURCH

(Photos from Wikipedia/Elysplanet)

The Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Baclayon, Bohol is one of the oldest churches in the Philippines founded in 1596.

DAUIS CHURCH

(Photos from Wikipedia and Inquirer)

The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption in Dauis, Bohol on the Island of Panglao which was built with a mixture of Byzantine and Romanesque architecture.

MARIBOJOC CHURCH

(Photos from Wikipedia and Rappler)

The Santa Cruz Parish Church is located in poblacion, Maribojoc and was founded in 1768. It entirely crumbled to the ground.

LOON CHURCH

(Photos from Wikipedia and Inquirer)

The Church of Our Lady of Light (Nuestra Señora de la Luz Parish) is the biggest church in Bohol which was built between 1855-1864. It was completely destroyed by the earthquake. This statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary was found undamaged.