SIQUIJOR | Lazi Church and Convent...which is also known as the San Isidro Labrador Church and Convent. Both structures were built using coral stones and hardwood by Filipino artisans. Currently located in the municipality of Lazi, both are considered the biggest and oldest in Siquijor.
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The neoclassical church doesn't seem to have been destroyed by war or any natural calamities during its hundred years of existence. It still uses the original stone corals, which obviously has reddish hue. 
Facade of the oldest and biggest church in Siquijor province
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The church still uses the original retablo and has kept its old wood floorings. The walls haven't been repainted and seemed to be from the olden days as well. It has two pulpits up in the front and 3 access doors, common to all neoclassical churches in the Philippines. |
From inside the San Isidro Labrador Church
The altar with San Isidro Labrador
"The church complex was built by the Augustinian Recollects in the latter half of the 19th century. The church has two pulpits, the original retablos, and wood floors with herring bone pattern. The church walls are approximately a meter thick. The walls are reinforced with log post which are embedded in the wall. The facade is veneered with coral stone, while the rest is made of fill. The pediments of the church are made of wood panels." 
Description of the church by the roadside
Below is the brief history of the Lazi Church and translated as: This parish was established by Augustinian Recollects under the patron saint San Isidro Labrador in 1957. The church and the convent was built under the management of P. Toribio Sanchez, OAR. Made of sea stones and hard wood, the church was completed by Filipino artisans in 1884 and the bell tower a year after. The spacious convent was started in 1887 and blessed in 1891. Measuring 42 x 38 meters, this convent is one of the largest in the Philippines." 
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At the side of the church is an area where you can light votive candles with the effigy of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. |
 Area where you can light votive candles
"Construction was started in 1887 under the supervision of Fray Toribio Sanchez, using indigenous coral stones and local hard wood. Completed and blessed in 1891, it is spacious and measures 42 x 38 meters, the biggest among the oldest in the Philippines and the whole Asia. The Building of the massive content may (now) be considered a marvelous feat in itself, since it was built at a time when engineering technology and equipment did not yet exist. It stands as a mute testimony of the determination of Fr. Sanchez and hard manual labor of our forebearers." 
The convent also has a museum inside, which tourists can visit for P20 entrance fee. The museum houses old religious artifacts and 19th century antiques. However, taking photos are prohibited inside the museum premises. 
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How to Get to Lazi Church and Convent: Lazi is located at the south eastern side of Siquijor. There are several multicabs and jeepneys traversing the national highway coming from San Juan. Ask the driver to drop you off near the San Isidro Labrador Church and Convent in Lazi. If you are on a generous budget, I suggest to hire a tricycle or habal-habal tour guide. Their rate is around P1,000 for the entire Siquijor island which will take almost the entire day. This way, you can also visit other churches like the Santa Maria Church in the town of Maria and Saint Francis of Assisi Parish in Poblacion. |
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