Oslob is not just a place where you can watch or swim with the whale sharks (Read: Guidelines in Whale Shark Watching in Oslob). There’s definitely more to Oslob than meets the eye. There’s neighboring Sumilon Island, which is a boat away from the town. Then there’s Tumalog Falls and Mainit Sulfuric Hot Spring, but we were told that the falls is temporarily (I hope) dried up due to extreme heat. So, the option we took was the Oslob Heritage Park, a hidden gem in this southern part of the province of Cebu.
From MB’s Sunrise View we waited for a jeepney or tricycle to pass along the highway. Since commuting is a bit difficult in this part of town, we opted to take the motorcycle, which cost us P50 (app. USD 1.08) per head, and that’s two persons per motorbike. It would have been cheaper to take the other modes of transportation or the bus, but they come far and in between.
It was about 15 to 20 minutes from the whale shark watching area to get us to the Heritage Park, as the locals call it, zigzagging through cliffs with a breathtaking view of the sea but the dangers of the quick turn roads.
Spanish Cuartel
As we got there, we were instantly enamored by the ruins of the Spanish Cuartel. A two-level structure with rows of arches greeted us at the end of the road. It turns out that the building was built but never finished.
Fray Juan Jose Aragones started construction in the late 19th century for the purpose of using this as a barracks for the guardia civil.
The cuartel is made of coral stones that leads to a boulevard. It is located behind the current municipal hall and near the vicinity of the Immaculate Conception Church.
Immaculate Conception Church
The Immaculate Conception church is an imposing structure, also built of corals. Construction started in the year 1830 and it was finished 18 years after. An imposing hexagonal bell tower rises beside the church.
Right across main door is a small chapel. The church faces the sea and provides a magnificent view of the waters. Too bad that during our visit the place was closed. Locals told us that the church has been robbed before so it is being locked when mass is not being heard.
Baluarte
Watchtowers, called lantawan, are built along this coast to protect the town from raiders. These watchtowers were built in the late 18th century in the area where the church and the cuartel are also located.
Walls
I looked at the street in front of the church and a coral wall extends to the far end, evidence that the location has been used as a compound for political, religious, and social purposes.
Museum
Behind the cuartel is a modern structure, which houses antiques that reflect the lifestyle of ancient Oslob villagers. It included tools and items being used by religious and political offices that once ruled the town.
The Heritage Park, situated by the sea, exudes a relaxing vibe. The old structures provide a bit of nostalgia, giving us a glimpse of life in Oslob centuries past. It is good to see that the locals endeavor to preserve these structures for our generation and those after us.
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