St.

michaels cathedral in 1960

In Focus: St. Michaels Cathedral

Posted by Alingatong

St. Michael's Cathedral, named after Iligans patron saint St. Michael the Archangel, is
situated in the heart of downtown Iligan. It is the principal church of Iligans Catholic
archdiocese. A sanctuary of quiet prayer in the midst of the city's busy sidewalks and
streets, this venerable edifice is a link to the early days of the city and the scene and
witness of many solemn ceremonies.
Iligan became a parish separate from Cagayan de Misamis in 1834. According to
some accounts, the church original location was somewhere near the river but
because great floods of that period (1840s) washed away many of the structures
in the vicinity, it was finally transferred to a higher grounds and found its permanent home
in (Quezon Avenue) Poblacion.

This was the fourth church erected in 1950. This edifice

faced northward and was bounded on the west by the present Quezon Avenue. Its rear end
should be touching portion of the BDO-Quezon Branch. (Source: Iligan Public Library)

Construction of St. Michael Cathedral's Main Altar (1956)

(Source: Pat D. Noel of City Tourism Office)

St. Michaels Cathedral (1960)

Several major renovations and changes have been carried out since then. The edifice has
acquired a tower and a graceful steeple with cross on top and on the other side, the tallest
figure of Senior San Miguel - Iligan City's patron saint. It also has its beautifully crafted
smoked glass of Senior San Miguel visible outside, and the life, death and resurrection of
Christ inside.

St. Michael's Cathedral Stained Glass

Windows and Chandeliers
Though the Cathedral's interior has been modified several times, enough remains of its
original dimension and style to proclaim the vision of its builders and the generosity of its
supporters.

The Cathedral today is an ever-increasing influence in the lives of thousands of people. The
church has since been offering spiritual guidance and religious services to the community. It
also provides a space to anyone who wishes to pray, meditate or seek a quiet refuge.
http://exploreiligan.blogspot.com/2011/09/in-focus-st-michaels-cathedral.html

Saint Michael the Archangel Cathedral & Diyandi Festival of Iligan

September 20th, 2010 by Mark Anthony Maranga
Posted in Iligan

Saint Michael the Archangel, locally known as San Miguel is considered as Iligans protector
against evil and healer of the sick. One of Iligans churches, the Cathedral of Saint Michael the
Archangel was built in honor of this saint in the city center of Iligan. The church is fronting St. Michaels
College which is considered as the oldest school in the Lanao area, which was established as a
catechetical center in 1914 by Fr. Felix Cordova. A year after, it was formally constituted as Escuela de
San Miguel in honor of the patron saint of Iligan City, Saint Michael the Archangel.
The Church of San Miguel in Iligan is considered as one of the most visited churches in the city because
of its miraculous powers that can defend and heal its devotees. Many have become walking witnesses
and until this day, they continue to share the experiences brought about by St. Michael the Archangels
divine abilities.
The feast of Senior San Miguel is held every 29th day of September. A ritual dance known as Diyandi is
offered to the patron saint in a way of thanking him for everything he has done to the city. Other
activities during this festival include the Eskrima dance, imitating the fight between San Miguel and his
foes and the Yawa-yawa which literally means Devil-devil. Both of these two additional dances
depicts the celestial combat between the good forces against the evil forces as shown by St. Michael
the Archangel and Lucifer (the Light bearer), who was casted down to hell.

Cathedral of Saint Michael the Archangel

San Miguel near the Altar

The Diyandi dance is not an inter-tribal marriage between a Muslim (moro) and a Lumad (native or
indigenous). It is a ritual celebrated by the Higaunons, Muslims and Christians which are known as
the tri-people. The word Diyandi has different meanings among the indigenous and the Muslims but as
a general term, it stands as a feast to be celebrated by everyone. The ritual was done to pay respect
to the patron saint who is said to be the defender among those who are assaulted and the healer
among those who are sick. It is because of these legendary folk oral traditions and beliefs that the
Muslims, the Lumads, and the coastal people or Christians celebrate as one in welcoming St. Michaels
feast. Until this day, the oral traditions of Iligans folk endlessly speak of St. Michaels heroism through
folk stories and beliefs.
In 1986, the local fiesta committee decided to change the name Diyandi into a more popular name to
further enhance the tourism of the city of Iligan in the Philippines. They renamed it to Kasadya
Festival, literally, Happiness Festival. Because of modernization, street dancing and other activities
have been developed to promote both the city and groups who joined the celebration.

Sometime in 2004, the festival committee of Iligan renamed the Kasadya Festival celebration to
Diyandi Festival. This move was done so the city will have a unique fiesta celebration and suitable
to be called Iligans own.
The statue of Saint Michael the Archangel stationed at a small cell at the left side of the church will be
moved down or placed outside of the church so devotees can pray and touch their patron
saint during the fiesta celebration.

Statue of San Miguel to be exposed during the Diyandi Festival

At the right corner of St. Michael the Archangel Church is the convent and office, next to it a small
open room where folks light candles and pray to the statues of Jesus, Mary and the pSaints. Connected
to it is the adoration chapel where the Blessed Sacrament is exposed and praying in silence is
encouraged. Nearby is a group of therapist who offer (by donation) reflexology service every Mondays
to Saturdays at 8am to 5pm.
The Cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel Church in Iligan can be contacted at telephone
number(+63)(63) 221-3285. It has regular 12nn masses on weekdays and several schedules on

Sundays. If you are in Iligan, be sure to attend mass or drop by the Cathedral of Seor San Miguel the
Archangel and be protected and cured by its divine might.

Adoration Chapel

Candlelight Prayer Room

Convent and Office

Fish Pond

Reflexoloy

Interior of Cathedral of Saint Michael the Archangel

Anahaw Amphi-Theater
Built in 1956, Anahaw Open Amphi-Theater is nestled atop Buhanginan Hill
(130 feet above sea level). Claimed to be the largest open amphi-theater in
Mindanao.

This is where the usual Kasadya Street Dancing final showdown takes place
during the Diyandi Festival sa Iligan every year.

This is also where the city government employees hold their flag raising
ceremony every Monday.

In Focus: Buhanginan Hill

Posted by Alingatong

Buhanginan Hill is a landform that extends above the surrounding terrain of Barangay
Pala-o. Its 130 ft. (47 meters) above sea level.

CITY HALL
On top of the hill is where the City Hall, the seat of Iligans local government. It was built
way back in 1957 and was inaugurated on Sept. 28,
1958.

The road going to the top of the Buhanginan Hill is a quick and convenient challenge and
favorite destination for early-morning joggers.
ANAHAW AMPHITHEATER
On Buhanginan Hill's southeastern side is Anahaw Amphitheater, probably the biggest open
amphitheater in Mindanao, which is a venue for theater, sports tournaments, celebrations,
and other activities. The amphitheater and the city hall is only less than 3 kilometers away
from the city proper. The idea for the amphitheater was conceived by the late Mayor Camilo
P. Cabili. It was built in the late 70's on the southeastern side of city hall. The plan was to
build a stage and it's backdrop would be the Anahaw leaves. Rightly, the project was named
"Design of Anahaw Stage". However, the stage was never built but the project name
remained. So now everyone refers to it as the Anahaw
Amphitheater.
Anahaw Amphitheater is also the venue of Iligans
annual Kasadya Street Dancing Showdown. Attended
by many residents and visitors from neighboring towns,
the amphitheater becomes alive.

The area has become one of the many attractions in

Iligan.

CHILDRENS PLAYGROUND
At the top of the hill is a playground where children can
romp around which is also suited for family picnics and
solace.

You'll get a good view of the city from the hill too.

Buhanginan Hill is a favorite promontory for Iliganons for viewing the sunset or skyline of the
city by night.

Aptly called Anahaw Open Amphi-theater because of the Anahaw planted on

the sides and the shape of the amphi-theater is based on the Anahaw leaf.

* * * * * * * * * * * How to Get There :

From the city proper take a Pala-o Line jeepney that goes to city hall. Ask
the driver first before getting into the jeepney.
On weekends, sometimes only a few jeepneys go to city hall, still take Pala-o
Line jeepney and get off at Gazpachos Restaurant. Walk uphill following the
cemented road to reach the top. On the right side is the Amphi-theater.
Or take a Noria Pala-o Line. Tell the driver to drop you off the road leading
to the Amphi-theater. Follow the road uphill. A few meters on the left side
is the Amphi-theater.
Jeepney Fare : Php 7.50

Iligan Tartanilla
Iligan Tartanilla the former King of the Road!
Listen! clikity clakclickity clakdid you hear that?
Way before the jeepney, the Iligan tartanilla or kalesa (horse-drawn carriage) was the Philippines
king of the road.
It was the countrys major mode of transportation.
It was then when life seemed simply easy and slow
Drift back in time for a moment before World War IIback in the 18th century, the kalesa now
tartanilla, was introduced during the Spanish occupation. And in those years, Spanish nobility and rich
Filipinos called the Illustrados used the kalesa as their primary means of transportation: for personal
travel as well as commercial.
So what happened?
Well, the need for tartanillas diminished after World War II when the jeepney came along. Read the
story how jeepney became the king of the road.
Just between you and me, even when the jeepney came, the Iligan tartanilla was still going strong.
Im sure you will agree with meyou see them around town. You see them around schools, in the old
market near the pier, basically you see them everywhere!
They were all over the city back then. Back when I was still in high school when Iligan City National
High School was still called Iligan City High School.

Iligan Tartanilla

Ride the Iligan Tartanilla Before Theyre Gone For Good

Now allow yourself to imagine
It was the month of May and the year was 1986 It was my familys first visit to Iligan. My daughters
and husband was just thrilled to see this horse-driven carriage. They were so excited! They have seen
horses before in horse races, cowboy movies, and western horse-drawn wagon, but not like the
tartanilla here in Iligan.
Obviously, we rented a very special Iligan tartanilla to see Iligan in that way. It was nice slow city tour
(a full circle around town).
The kids were ecstatic! In fact, they wanted to ride again. On the other hand, my husband had just
about enough after the first block. He whispered, I feel bad for the horse. In fact, I should get out
and walk. I cant really blame him; he stands over 6 feet tall, strong, and can walk faster than the
horse. He felt guilty riding it. But for the kids, it was truly fun!
Today, many years past, I can still picture my daughters little faces with sheer joy and excitement on
their first kalesa ridethat was in 1986. Loud and clear! I can hear them laughing and giggling.
Memories like these are etched forever in my heart!
Are you beginning to see the simple pleasures in life?
Heres a thought. Horse-drawn carriage rides are a wonderful way to experience the town.It would be
a great tourist thing to do in Iligan. Like New York, they use horse-drawn carriages to tour Central
Park. Why not use Iligan tartanillas to your Iligan? How about horse-drawn carriages for rent for a
wedding?
STOP! listen to your own thoughts.

The reality istimes must have been hard for the Iligan tartanilla.
Recently, friends traveling to Iligan had such a tough time locating one to hire for a city tour. They
eventually found one in Kabulihan but it couldnt take them to the city proper anymore.
Iligan Tartanilla
waiting for you
You probably know these horse-drawn carriages are no longer allowed in the main streets of Iligan. A
City Ordinance must have banned them from the street routes as they used too.
You can catch one from the Pala-o Supermarket but they can only take you if youre going to Saray or
Tambacan. Also, they are only allowed to use Badelles St.
Clearly, modernization in the city has made Iligan tartanilla outdated. And in todays fast world, being
slow on the road can only mean chaotic traffic.

Horse Throwing a Tantrum

Nobody knows what triggers it. They just get wild and become uncontrollable, but leave it to Mr.
Kutsero, the rig driver. He knows exactly what to do.
Iligan Tartanilla
When the horse refused to move, Mr. Kutsero cajoles the horse in hopes that he can move him to
proceed to your destination. If the driver cant control the horse, passengers leave and he is not paid.
That is bad business for Mr. Kutsero.
Anyways, cruel it may seem, the driver has to use the whip to discipline the horse. So, when the horse
goes crazy, Mr. Kutsero reminds you to keep calm and trust him to bring the horse back to its senses.
Iligan Tartanilla
Ill be honest with you; I was scared of walking on the street beside one. I was scared the horse would
suddenly turn in my direction and smack me! Or be kissed by a horse with a mouth full of frothy
saliva.
So either you are kissed or are kicked; not pretty choices I must say. The only good thing that could
come out of this if the horse turns into a prince. But, the last time I remember, only frogs turn into
princes!

Time to Say Goodbye to Mr. Kutsero

But STOP! Not So Fast.
Saying goodbye to Mr. Kutsero may come soon enough but for now enjoy the Iligan tartanilla as they
show off during the citys Independence Day Parade, Alimyon Flower Festival, and Adlaw sa
Iligan celebrations.

Alimyon Festival

Gradually you have seen these kalesas being restricted to roads less traveled. And eventually younger
generation would only learn of the tartanilla from history books and stories told by their lola and lolo
(grandmother and grandfather).
Imagine having the chance to return to Iligan not a tartanilla in sight. I dont know about you, but I
could still hear that soundclikity clakclikity clakclikity clak

----------------------Way before the jeepney, the Iligan tartanilla or "kalesa" (horse-drawn carriage) was the Philippines' king of the road.
This is only available at Iligan's Old Road from Ubalda de Laya Ext through Brgy. Tambacan
The route will pass Pala-o Supermarket, School of the deaf - Iligan, City Centre, Shopping Areas, Ancestral house,
Restaurants, Tambacan Bridge etc.
The Kutsero (driver) will collect 6 pesos for the said trip within Ubaldo-Laya to Brgy Tambacan or it can be hired
depending with the arrangements. the said carriage can accomodate 4-6 passengers.

In Focus: Tartanilya
Posted by Alingatong

Have you ever known, seen or taken a ride on a tartanilya or kalesa? This could be easily answered
by our old folks but a tough question to answer for the younger generation.

A tartanilya or kalesa is a horse drawn carriage which was introduced by the Spaniards to the
Philippines in the 18th Century. It was used as one of the modes of transportation then but only the
nobles and officials could afford its luxury. The tartanilya or kalesa was not only used for personal
travel but for the transport of goods as well. Later in that period, the kalesa became a common sight
anywhere in the country. It was then considered as the king of the road but because of the
introduction of the modern motor vehicles, it became a rarity.

Tartanilya or Kalesa is rarely seen in the roads nowadays but there are a few places in the country
that preserved and still use the century-old example.
Iligan City is just one of the few cities in the Philippines and the only place in Mindanao where one
can find a tartanilya or kalesa plying on its streets. Its also fast becoming a tourist attraction and an
iconic symbol of the city. True blooded Iliganons may consider a tartanilya a common service as part
of their daily lives but for non Iliganons, visitors, and
tourists, its a sight to behold.
Riding on a tartanilya is an experience like no other. Other
than the feeling of excitement and pleasure, its like
walking through time, exploring our past, and connecting
with our ancestors.

Today, these horse-drawn carriages are no longer allowed in the main streets of Iligan but one can
regularly catch them along Badelles Street down to Tambacan Road, its designated route. There is
also a special Tartanilya Express Ride around the city streets during the month-long celebration of
the Diyandi Festival sa Iligan.

ABS-CBN Iligans Roxanne Arevalo takes pride in their beautiful tartanillas

(kalesas).
(Text and Photos by Roxanne Arevalo, ABS-CBN Iligan)

Young and professional artists of Iligan City competed in the yearly painting contest
sponsored by the local government unit last June 17, 2014.

But the artworks weren't on canvasses. Instead, horse-drawn carriages, or what the locals
call tartanilla or kalesa, played host to the masterpieces. Out of the more than 100 kalesas
still in operation, 20 kalesas were beautified and then paraded downtown.

The citys waterfalls and various Northern Mindanao scenes figured prominently in the
paintings.

Winners of the Tartanila Painting and Parade Contest are:

1st Place- Team Tinta 1 with its artist Boy Cielo

2nd Place- Team Barangay Sta. Elena with Charlito Mainar

3rd Place Team SIDLAK with Romeo Cocos

Iligan is one of the remaining cities in the Philippines that still uses kalesas for public
transport.

Tartanilla Mirrors Iligan

Citys Heritage
SEPTEMBER 22, 2009

Iliganons claimed their tartanilla is a heritage. Despite the booming transportation industry of Iligan
City, tartanilla, or their version of the kalesa has remained throughout the years.

The tartanilla was once the leading means of transportation from way back when motorcycles, bicycles
and cars were not the trend. In Rizals time, only the rich or the ilustrados can afford riding the tartanilla.

In Iligan City, the tartanillas can be found along street of Palao and they are allowed to limited
destinations only. With the sum of five pesos, you can ride the tartanilla and take you places around the
city.

Manong kutsero said that he has not considered driving other vehicles. His father and his grandfather
were tartanilla drivers. Their horses has provided them the means to survive everyday living and their
tartanillas provided tourists a travel back in time.