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The Philippines, being an archipelago, has a lot of lighthouses. Before the existence of radars or even GPS, lighthouses used to provide directions to boats, ships, and other vessels. These lighthouses are also called as parolas locally. When one says parola in Cebu, people would immediately get to think of the parola or lighthouse in Lilo-an.Liloan is also home to the Parola or lighthouse located in Bagacay, Barangay Catarman. It was built in 1904 on top of a hill, overlooking the sea. Records also show that some of the liberation forces of American troops who were dispersed to light the Japanese in the northern towns landed along the beaches of Barrio Bagacay. It is interesting to note that a much older watchtower close to the edge of the Mactan Channel stands in ruins -- a remnant of the Spanish era.
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How to Get There
To get there, you can choose to commute by riding a jeepney or a taxi. However, I’d advise you to take a jeepney since the parola cannot be seen from the main road. You can take a taxi or a jeepney to San Fernando Rey Church in Lilo-an, which is an hour away from Metro Cebu. Right beside the Church is the town’s sports complex where a number of tricycles park and wait for passengers. These tricycles, however, have their own routes. So, ask around for a tricycle that goes to Catarman. Specifically ask the tricycle driver to stop you at the basketball court on the way to parola. Once you’re there, you can see the parola straight ahead of you. It’s a five-minute walk to the parola.
The lighthouse in Lilo-an is a really interesting spot to go to, with friends. It’s for free and it’s also like taking a mini history trip. You can have a picnic with friends or your family. The entire trip will also be great since it’s away from the bustling sounds of the metro.
By the way, there is no entrance fee here. Viewing the parola is absolutely free.