Unveiling the History of One of Cebus' Oldest Church: San Fernando El Rey Parish in Liloan
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On April 17, 1565, Miguel Lopez De Legazpi (Spain's colonial officer who led the Spanish colonization in the Philippines) and Andres de Urdaneta (Spain's Augustinian priest) landed in the Island of Cebu and established the first Spanish colony and religious mission in the Island. During the Spanish era in the Philippines, religion (Christianity) played a vital role in colonization since it is utilized by the Spaniards as a means to gain control over the country and its people as well as to effectively establish their colony and influence.
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As far as I remember from my Philippine History class, the Spaniards sent Spanish missionaries to preach Christian beliefs and built churches to spread Christianity and strengthen their religious influence all over the country. Hence, it is not surprising that the Philippines has notable numbers of Spanish churches especially in Cebu Province and most of these churches have been tested by time for decades already yet they remain standing and serving the spiritual needs of every Filipino.
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In Liloan, Cebu, Philippines, there is this Spanish-built church named: San Fernando El Rey Parish. The church was named after Saint Fernando Rey III - the king of Spain from 1230-1252. He was known for commencing the "Reconquista" - a successful diplomatic movement that freed the entire Spain from Islamic raiders. Similarly, during the Spanish colonization in Liloan, the most common problems of the natives and Spanish armies were the "Moro Raiders"- Islamic pirates known as the destroyers of Catholic churches and settlements. They make all the captives as slaves.
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Hence, it is not surprising why the natives in Liloan and the Spaniards chose King Fernando Rey III as patron of the church. They strongly believed in the King's ability to push these Islamic raiders away (based on his successful movement against Islamic pirates in Spain) who brought havoc to the Christian settlements.
The San Fernando El Rey Parish is one of the oldest structures in the municipality of Liloan, it was built in 1847 and has been standing for about 177 years already. The materials used by the Spaniards to build this remarkable church came from Camotes Island and Leyte. However, the glass windows were imported from Barcelona, Spain. The church has a peculiar feature, unlike other churches in Cebu which are facing in the east, the San Fernando El Rey Parish faces in the opposite direction (West).
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The locals have several theories as to why the church is facing westward. One of these theories is that the designers of the church wanted to protect the devotees of the church from the heat of the sun during morning activities. Another theory suggests that the church was built facing Spain's direction (West) to align with the direction of the location of the home of King Saint Fernando Rey III (the municipality's patron).
Aside from the age and notable features of the church, the San Fernando El Rey Parish has been subjected to several mythological stories. One of these is the legend of "Kugtong" in Liloan.
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The legend lies on the underground of the Church. It is believed that the church has an underground cave along with this cave the giant sea creature called "Kugtong" or giant grouper fish- known as the largest coral reef dweller fish in the world and when fully developed it can weigh up to more than 800 pounds. The natives have shocking revelations regarding the "Kugtong", according to them, the giant fish can swallow a whole human body and it has huge sharp razor teeth (a normal giant grouper fish does not have) which can easily break its prey into pieces.
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Moreover, its scales can be compared to steel armor that is not easy to break or cut. You might ask, are there individuals who have been victims of the "Kugtong"? According to the legend is yes (however not yet proven). There is this circulating rumor in the place that several poor souls are taken by this giant fish, usually, fishermen and individuals who swim in the "Silot Bay". The locals believe that the cave under the church has a tunnel connected to "Silot Bay" which makes it possible for the "Kugtong" to go to the main sea to find its prey. However, the legend about this giant fish in the area remains a myth, no one has seen the giant fish and witnessed that it is eating human flesh.
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Indeed, the San Fernando El Rey Parish in Liloan is a testament to one of the greatest contributions of the Spaniards to the Philippines (Religion) which significantly hones the Filipino culture and traditions. The history of the church made me realize that religion is the greatest arm the Filipinos especially the Liloanons can lean on during unfavorable situations under Spanish rule. It is shown through their faith in San Fernando El Rey, their patron. Moreover, in my perspective, the age, peculiar features, and mythology of the Church make it remarkable compared to other churches built during the Spanish era. Therefore, it is crucial to preserve this historical heritage site in Liloan to not just contribute to the vibrant history of the place but also for future generations to have something to look back on and reminisce.
That`s all for today Hive Fam, I hope you enjoyed our blog for today. Have a nice day ahead!😊