ISABELA | Our Lady of Atocha Church
Standing stern along the Maharlika Highway, the Our Lady of Atocha Church, is one of the Cagayan Style Churches in Cagayan Valley.
Where am I, Again?
Solo backpacking has been my thing this year. Why not try Isabela this time? During the latter months of 2017 we happened to pass by the province and got me a little curious as to what I can do for a day in there.
It was only a little past four in the morning when the bus conductor told me that I am already in Alicia, Isabela. I looked out of the bus window, eyes squinting, with what’s out there.
As the bus zoomed past me, I realized that I was in front of the Our Lady of Atocha Church.
The very old church emitted gloomy shadows as it is lit by LED lights creeping along the exteriors. “Saan ako tatambay nito?!” (Where will I stay for a while?!) I told myself. Not far from where I stood, a local fast food chain came into view. I spent some time there after having an early breakfast.
Fast forward – two hours later I retraced my steps back to the church. The deserted highway started to come into life with tricycles lining up to fetch passengers. Moreover, stores are now opening up to serve breakfast.
Upon entering the church gates, the church seemed smaller than I expected it to be, but nonetheless it was a sight to see.
Antique Castillan
Sandwiched between the two cities of Cauayan and Santiago, the town of Alicia was called Angadanan back in the days.
It is known for its Pagay Festival and a church that is a National Religious Tourist Destination in the Philippines. Standing stern along the Maharlika Highway, the Our Lady of Atocha Church, is one of the Cagayan Style Churches in Cagayan Valley.
Built in the 18th century by Spaniards, as a convent made up of bricks and local wood, timber, and bamboo; it was then rebuilt by Fr. Tomas Calderon, OP and inaugurated in 1849. It is known for its Antique Castillan architectural design. The church exudes the vibe of the Cagayan style for the similar use of fiery red bricks laden and plastered carefully.
The facade is made up of three layers. Second layer has three recessed niches with the patron saints inside at each dividing segment. It is separated by several pilasters articulating the extent of the wall. Moreover, the third pediment stands out from the rest as it projects seven tower like bricks ending with an urn like finial bricks at the upper most portion.
Interiors of the Atocha
There was no one around the church that morning. But the church interiors were open so I paid a visit inside. What is more interesting is the contrast of what’s inside compared to the outside.
If the exteriors were ornately designed, then the interior varies greatly. Furthermore, the white washed walls were subdued and not much stands out aside from the arched windows with stained glass with images.
Adjacent to the church stands the statue of Our Lady of Atocha, draped in elaborately sewn wide dress carrying an infant. In fact, Our Lady of Atocha in Isabela looks every inch a Spanish church, there’s no denying in that.
After spending half an hour admiring the church, I crossed the highway and hailed a UV Express Van bound for Cauayan City. Onwards to the next leg of this solo backpacking adventure – The Our Lady of the Pillar Parish.
How to Get There
- The town of Alicia, 382 kilometers north of Manila, is located in the province of Isabela, sandwiched between the cities of Cauayan and Santiago
- From Manila, take any bus bound for Tuguegarao or Cauayan via Victory Liner or Five Star Bus. (Travel time: 6-7hrs depending on traffic conditions, Fare: 497php airconditioned bus)
- If coming from Tuguegarao, take any bus bound for Manila or UV Express Vans bound for Santiago City
- If coming from Cordon or Santiago City, its is just a town away and take any van bound for Cauayan City and alight at Alicia, the church is just along the highway
- Nearest airport is in Cauayan City, flight takes 1hr and 10mins, Cebu Pacific flies regularly to Cauayan City
2018 Biyaheng Norte Solo Backpacking Adventure – Isabela
Updated as of June 14, 2018
