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It was an old church that caught my attention to this destination in Northern Mindanao. An old church that has an architecture that is unique to this town and, probably, the only one in the country. It was just an hour or two away from Cagayan de Oro and a quick visit to my birthplace provided an opportunity for me to make a quick swing to the rustic town of Jasaan.  Jasaan is rustic town in Northern Mindanao with a church that is unique and beautiful. Jasaan is a rustic town that lies along the coast of Macalajar Bay. Established in 1830, the first community and church was established at “Daanglungsod”, now Barangay Aplaya. It served as the center of evangelization that covered Sumilao, Libona, and Malitbog. The name of the town was believed to have been from the native word ‘ag-hasaa” which translates to “I am sharpening my bolo”. The story goes that a Spanish missionary asked a local the name of the place and the native, who was sharpening a bolo, replied ‘ag-hasaa” as the native thought that he was being asked what he was doing. The name “Hasaan” was later adopted and then later evolved to its present-name, Jasaan. Visitors often pass by this town on their way to Camiguin or Gingoog, with little knowledge that this town holds a national treasure and natural attractions that is worth checking out. Jasaan Town Center Just a short ride away from the highway, you will be impressed by the sprawling town center of Jasaan. It follows a typical Spanish-period pueblo where the church, market, and the government centers are situated adjacent to each other. The present town center was not the original settlement of Jasaan. The first settlement was established along the coast of the present-day Aplaya. The remains of “kota” or watchtower is said to be the only memory left from the original community. We were not able to locate the said “kota” during our visit.  The old Jasa-an Municipal Hall which now serves as the local COMELEC office. The sprawling town center was one of the biggest that I have seen on a municipal level. The municipal roads demarcates the property of the church and the government. Local government offices dot the plaza, with the huge community auditorium as the central park of the town. One structure that stands out at the town center is the Old Municipal Hall of Jasaan which probably dates back to the American period. It is still in use and now serves as the municipal office of the COMELEC.  The local Rizal Monument in front of the town's auditorium. The town was built in the concept of the “bajo de las campanas” where houses were built within “hearing distance” of the church bell’s tolling. Its design was an example of the separation of the state and the church with the municipal roads serving as borders of the church’s property. The plaza is the center of community activities where locals, of different ages, converge to relax or work on their personal or school chores. Immaculate Conception Parish and Convent At the heart of the town is the Immaculate Conception Parish and Convent. The church stands as a reminder of the Spanish influence in the region, with the first church was built out of lime in 1830 at the original settlement site in present-day Aplaya. Jasaan became the base of the Jesuits for their evangelical missions in Bukidnon. It was in 1887 that the construction of the present-day church. The church was designed to mimic the San Ignacio Church in Intramuros.  The Jasaan Parish Church is a heritage structure that is unique in the country. The Jasaan Parish Church stands unique with its Barn-style Baroque design. The church has a brick wall base and a wooden second level and belfry. The structure stands unique because of its architecture, the only kind that I have seen in the country so far. The church stands impressive by the town center, giving a rustic provincial vibe to Jasaan. I was in awe when I saw the church. It was like I was in a town in the wild west. I think the sprawling and dusty open space fronting the church gave it that “western-howdy” vibe. The wooden second floor of the church was really a sight to see because this was the most distinct feature of the church.  The church follows a barnyard baroque architecture. The interior was as impressive as its exterior. Unlike other historical churches that exudes an atmosphere of a sanctuary with its thick walls, the Jasaan Parish Church was more homey with its wood and brick structure. It was relatively cooler inside since the wood structure allowed the breeze to flow through naturally into the structure. I particularly liked the weaved bamboo wood that lined the walls at the second level giving it that barnyard feel inside.  The beautiful interior of the Jasaan Parish Church. The church has two significant features with its interior - the church altar and the wood crafts that line its ceilings. The 2-level gothic inspired retablo features 5 arched chambers and spirals that mimics a church’s facade. Each chamber features a saint with the Immaculate Conception as its main centerpiece. The ceilings mimics that of a weaved basket with its wood artwork. While other heritage churches paint their ceilings with biblical scenes, Jasaan Church highlights its local craftsmanship with a weaved basket design on its ceilings.
I was able to access the choir loft and the belfry. The choir loft had an amazing view of the church from floor to ceiling. It gave me a full view of the beauty of the church’s interior. The belfry gave me a top view of the town center and its surrounding areas. The “weaved ceiling” design is still present at the belfry’s ceilings. The church has two belfries that originally had 4 bells. One of these bells was moved to the San Agustin Cathedral in Cagayan de Oro. The church convent sits adjacent to the church and serves as the church’s office. A small museum was opened that gives guests the historical and religious value of the church. Unfortunately, it was closed during the time of my visit. The church is part of Northern Mindanao’s National Cultural Treasure. Needless to say, the Immaculate Conception Parish Church and Convent stands as the main centerpiece of the Jasaan’s poblacion. Sagpulon Falls Deep within the hinterlands of Jasaan is a natural gem that has attracted locals and tourists to this town - the Sagpulon Falls. It is just one of the two popular natural attractions in Jasaan. The waterfalls can easily be accessed as the area has already been developed with its paved roads and resort facilities. You can easily drive or take a habal-habal from the highway to the entrance of the waterfall.  Enjoying my view of the Sagpulon Falls. The area was developed as a resort with complete amenities for those intending to visit for a day or those planning to camp for the night. Entrance fees are collected at the entrance, by the local LGU, for its upkeep. A hanging bridge welcomes you at the start of the short hike to the base of the falls. The trail was already developed making the hike easy and comfortable. Resort facilities like fresh water swimming pools and picnic huts, and large halls for big groups were installed on the opposite bank facing the waterfalls. This gives guest a rest/picnic area with a view of the cascade of the waterfalls. I quickly found my corner along the banks of the waterfalls that gave me the best view of the cascade. We went to Jasaan during the Philippines’ dry season so I was not able to capture the famed cascade of Sagpulon Falls. The waterfalls sits along a steep rock face of the mountain and its biggest draw was its 100-foot cascade onto a deep basin. There were smaller cascades to enjoy and the basin at the foot of the falls was gleaming with its green-colored waters. It was cold and inviting so I did take the time to cool down by dipping my feet into its cold waters. In no time, schools of small fish started nibbling on the dead skin cells of my feet. It was a relaxing treat while enjoying the serenity of the place and the sound of the cascading waters.
Sagpulon Falls was nature’s treat for me on that day. I really enjoyed the calm and relaxing vibe of the place as I sat there admiring the falls with all my senses. I just hoped that the development was more planned more towards making it closer to nature. Although l admire the effort to develop the area, the hard structures installed did not really complement the natural vibe that Sagpulon Falls was giving off. POST TRAVEL NOTES Along the road destination can be exciting as long as we keep an open mind to new discoveries and adventures. Most people miss out on amazing destinations because they are so focused on the “usual” tourism spots. Giving off-beat destinations a second look can give your road trips a different recipe of fun and a new kind of adventure. It may not be the usual but it can be as exciting as the usual.  We are hitting the beach next before the rain comes. Jasaan is one of those destinations that most people would regularly pass by without giving it a quick stop. Most people do not realize that this rustic town, “along the way”, has something to share. It may not be the usual tourism destination but its own tourism brand is something that one can appreciate even for a few hours during a road trip.A day in this rustic town is an exciting mix of history and nature that would make other people ask… kung “Jasaan ka na naman?” Watch out for the release of my Jasaan Youtube Travel Video soon. #MahalinNatinAngPilipinas Getting there: Cagayan de Oro is the jump-off point to Jasaan in Misamis Oriental. You can take a flight to Laguindingan Airport from any major airport of the Philippines. From the airport, you can take a van to the city and as the driver to drop you off at the Agora Market. You can take a bus to Gingoog or Balingasag and ask the driver to drop you off at the town of Jasaan. You can take a habal-habal to take you around town.
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Marc del Rosario
I believe in education, entrepreneurship, and caring for the environment. 
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