The St. Isidore the Laborer Parish is really beautiful... I also got the chance to hear their choir during practice, one of the best choirs I've heard so far. Looking forward to visiting the church again.

The history of this church is really interesting. It was built in 1880 and considered to be the oldest church in Guimaras Island. The facade of the church was made of coral rocks which is abundant in the area during the construction (coral rocks were hewn into stabs for the posts and walls of the church were bartered for woman's wraps (patadyong) and other goods). The church called its faithful even those who live in far flung barangays through a bell reportedly made of silver and gold alloy with a diameter of 1 meter long. This bell is also used to warn the inhabitants of approaching Muslim pirates who raided the island several times which later took the effort to take the bell away. And many more to tell :) Source: Navalas Church historical book

oldest church in Guimaras. The caretaker will give you a guided tour of the church and is more than willing to take your pictures

It’s worth the drive to visit the oldest church on Guimaras Island, it’s very interesting seeing the inside and the grounds

Considered the oldest church in Guimaras Island, our tour guide mentioned that it used to house a grand bell, whose tolling can be heard all the way to Iloilo. However, it was stolen when the Moro pirates arrived. As the church has suffered a lot due to war and natural disasters, the only remaining original form is its facade, the rest were being renovated when we visited. Aside from praying and giving donations, feel free to tour the church grounds and have pretty photos taken either from the front of the edifice, or from the bell tower.

The church has been very well preserved and I hope the community continues to take care of the structure. Before you get inside, there's a small tunnel-like passage which makes it very unique from other old churches in this region. The place is quiet and peaceful when we visited.

This ancient 18th century church is one of the iconic places to visit and pray in this island of Guimaras...

Navalas Church, also called San Isidro Labrador Parish Church is a century old church and the oldest in Guimaras province. Its facade was made of coral blocks while the interior walls were covered by cement plaster that was looking modern already. I went up to the balcony that is fronting the altar but it is not in use for choir also. A separate bell tower in front of the church is distinct to other churches because the arch serves as an entrance too. There were old grottos in its vicinity but no images of Saints was present. Overall, the Church is historical and many tourists are visiting when I was there. The schedule of Sunday mass is 6:30 A.M. for the first mass and 8:30 A.M. for the second mass. Date of visit - 3/16/18

If you have never been here, you really should check it out. It’s the oldest church on Guimaras, built around 1880. The grounds are amazing

Historic Spanish Era