Magsingal, Ilocos Sur is around 10 hours away from Metro Manila. We were from Paoay going to Vigan when we passed by an old belfry (belltower) and an old sign that says 'National Museum'. It sparked our curiosity so we decided to check it out. The entrance to the National Museum was around P30 (I forgot exactly how much). Our tour guide was very informative and he also gave us a tour to the old church. We've learned so much history in just an hour!
The Magsingal Museum is a branch of the National Museum. It was formerly a convent of Spanish architecture built in 1676. It was restored and transformed into a museum in October 1982 and showcases the material culture of Northern Luzon.
The original Magsingal Church was also built in 1676. During the Ilocos Revolt, it was burned down together with other Ilocos churches by Diego Silang but the ruins of the church still remain. The present church was constructed in 1827 while the church belfry which is 30 meters away was built in 1832. The new church is very famous for it's Baroque Snomonic Altar Retable and it's incomparable pulpit. It is even considered as the most beautiful retable in the Philippines and the most unique in the world according to a lady anthropologist from Rome and a consensus of statement from the International Church Art Collectors.
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| The old Magsingal Belfry |
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| The National Museum built in 1676 |
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| Inside the museum |
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| Religious relics |
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| Religious relics |
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| Old furniture |
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| Ceramic and clay pieces |
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| Ceramic and clay pieces |
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| Baul (treasure chest) |
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| Jewelry |
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| Ceramics from China |
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| Old Money |
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| Old Money |
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| Old Money |
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| Old Money |
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| This is how the famous Ilocano vinegar is fermented. |
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| Ethnic artifacts |
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| Ilocano loom |
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| Ethnic artifacts |
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| Ruins of the old church |
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| Ruins of the old church |
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| Ruins of the old church |
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| The Famous Baroque Snomonic Altar Retable |
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| St William the Hermit Church |
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