PANAY is an island in the Philippines located in the western part of the Visayas. Politically, it is divided into five provinces: Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Iloilo, and Guimaras, all in the Western Visayas Region. It is located southeast of the island of Mindoro and northwest of Negros, separated by the Guimaras Strait. Between Negros and Panay Islands lie the island-province of Guimaras. To the north is the Sibuyan Sea and the islands of Romblon; to the southwest is the Sulu Sea and the Panay Gulf. The island has many rivers including Akean, Banica, Iloilo, and Panay. Panay is the setting of the famous legend of Maragtas, which chronicled the arrival of the Malay race to the Philippine islands.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Sta. Monica Church - Panay

At the heart of the Municipality of Panay, standing the 3 century-old Church of Sta. Monica. It has been the symbol of christian faith in the region for over 300 years. Its structure was beautifully built in a simple but elegant baroque style. Along with the church, the Sta. Monica Parish also managed the whole convent, church museum and the old-Spanish perimeter wall.

But the most overwhelming features of the the church, is its giant bell considered as the largest bell in Asia. It was located on its belfry, and a clone of the bell has been display on the front of the Parish to give the public of an idea about the size of the bell.

The antique image of the Church makes it a major tourist destinations not just in the municipality of Panay but also in the whole Province of Capiz. The Church alone symbolize the everlasting love of God to the people of the Municipality of Panay, and at the same time, it was existing pride of the residents of the town.

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