The Leaning Tower of Milaor

Just right beside Naga City, would you believe that it's my first time to visit the Leaning Tower of Milaor? The tower we are talking about is the belfry of the Milaor Church. Even though this church is very near to Naga City, I could not help but realize that sometimes we forego visiting a certain place especially if it's located near the confines of our homes or community. 

Indeed there's more for everyone to see in just every corner of the province. If you want to see a brick-wall church in Camarines Sur, Caramoan will surely ring a bell or perhaps you can count Our Lady of Penafrancia Shrine in Naga City. Now you can add this iconic church with it's own version of Leaning Tower too.

This church is the Saint Joseph the Worker Parish of Milaor.  From the historical marker, it says: "The first Milaor Church in Milaor, Camarines Sur was started in 1725 and completed in 1735. The church was destroyed by fire in 1740. The present church was constructed in 1740 and its belfry in 1840." Below are some photos.

From the national highway, you will actually see the back part of the church.
(all images are reduced in size)

It was December 28, 2016 when I visited the church. Roughly three days after the devastation of Typhoon Nina in Camairnes Sur and the sky was a still gloomy and a little bit gray.

Aside from the leaning tower, is this arch (tunnel like) structure that connects the belfry to the church. I noticed that locals or even PUV's use this area to pass from the national highway to the town proper. This is actually my favorite part rather than the belfry. Hopefully the parish and locals will be able to protect this walkway in the next years to come.