Guimbal Spots

The Watchtowers in  Guimbal  are 17th century structures that served as look out for Moro pirates who used to raid the town and capture its natives and sell them as slaves to  Mindanao . Originally there were five (5) structures located in different sites along the shoreline area in the poblacion. Only three (3) are intact and renovated to its original condition Through the Department of Tourism. Like the church, it was also constructed through forced labor called polo enforced by the Spanish colonial government during that time. These Moro Watchtowers are called Bantayan. These structures are the living testimonies of the vigilance, bravery and heroism of the early Guimbalanons. In honor of this historic memorial, the municipality launched the Bantayan Festival. For more information just click here:  http://www.exploreiloilo.com/do/info/guimbal-moro-watchtower/

The St. Nicolas of Tolentino Parish, or commonly known as Guimbal Church, is one of the oldest churches in the Philippines. The church was completed under the leadership of Fr. Juan Campos sometime between 1769 and 1774. The church was named after an Augustinian Friar, St. Nicolas, who was assigned to Tolentino because of his extraordinary passion in preaching and kindness. He preached in the streets to spread “peace” and worked with the poor. The church has undergone reconstruction twice after it was badly damaged during World War II and the January 1948 earthquake.The belfry which also serves as a watchtower during the Spanish era against prowling Moro pirates is 4 stories high. A grotto where you can pray to the Blessed Virgin Mary and an image of St. Nicolas can be found just outside the church. What gives the Guimbal Church its yellowish hue event after a couple of restorations? The yellow colored limestone blocks and “igang” (coral stones) powder used as part of the c

A celebration of the birth of a new history and culture of the people of Guimbal as a tribute and reverence to the triumphant struggle of its ancestors for meaningful existence.The magic of the Gimba (drum) and the Bantayan (watchtower) are the major features of the festival. The festival also features dance drama, drum, float & street dancing competition, cultural shows, beauty pageant, paraw & boat racing, fluvial parade, musical concerts and many other presentations. The Bantayan Festival serves as a memorial to the town of Guimbal’s past, and a veneration to the vigilance, bravery and heroism of its founding fathers. The history of the Guimbalanons’ struggle should be celebrated so that the younger generations will know how their forefathers have sacrifice a lot for the safety of the town. Its return to significance gave birth to the annual celebration of Bantayan Festival which was conceptualized and started in 2003. At the heart of the Bantayan Festival is the re-e

Guimbal’s symbol of public service, the new municipal building houses local and national government offices in the municipality. It is branded by many as the “Parthenon of Western Visayas.” In front of the Athenian conceived open coliseum and an amphitheatre where cultural shows, programs, sports, activities, and public gatherings are held. One can experience being in the golden age of history just walking around. One can experience being in the golden age of history just walking around. For more information just click here:  http://www.exploreiloilo.com/do/info/guimbals-casa-real-and-new-municipal-hall/