San Sebastian Martyr church

According to the Panublion publication, Borbon was established as a parish on 15 September 1862 and had San Sebastian, martyr, as patron saint. Today, St. Sebastian’s fiesta is celebrated every January 20th. Borbon was formerly a visita or an extension community of the town of Sogod. That is why many of the very first settlers of Borbon are families with roots that can be traced back to relatives in Sogod.

In addition, Redondo (1886, 163) describes the Borbon church made of wood and tabique resting on a base of mortar, dimensions 22.5 fathoms long, 7.5 wide. The church was thatched with grass. The original church mentioned here is believed to be one of the oldest churches in Cebu prior to its burning during World War II.

Borbon Parish Church

Today, San Sebastian church is made of concrete and stands tall and it is every parishioners’ prayer that this structure will stand for all generations and St. Sebastian’s followers to enjoy.

The interior of the church is painted white which makes it look fresh and serene. The massive and colorful arch windows on both sides of the altar radiate points of light. The plank of wide wooden doors on both sides of the church provide fresh air and the arch windows give natural light during Sunday masses. The church also has 2 wings on the front sides and have its own doors which lead to the side altars. The floor on the altar is made of plain ceramic tiles while the main floor section is made of black and white ceramic tiles.

San Sebastian Martyr, our dear Patron Saint

The facade is very colorful, thanks to one generous Borbonanon who funded the repainting of the church. The belfry or the part of a tower in which the bells are hung, is very old. This structure dates back to Spanish times. The church has a small deck overlooking the grounds. The San Sebastian church ground is very wide and provide ample parking space for the increasing cars and vehicles of Borbonanons. Photo below is prior to the colorful painting of the church exterior.

Borbon Parish Church Exterior/Grounds

Beside the church is the “dagkutanan”, a roof-covered area where visitors can light votive candles placed on a wrought-iron circular shaped carousel.

Dagkutanan/Candle Lighting Area

At the back of the church is the Parish Rectory where our current priest, Fr. Macoy Villamor lives. Adjacent to the parish rectory and attached to the back of the church is a separate veneration chapel.

Father Macoy Villamor, current parish priest

Father Eric Jecong served for many years in Borbon and shown here on one of his Sunday masses.

For parish priest, Father Eric Jecong

Sunday morning masses are usually graced by the Sto. Nino children’s choir.

Sto. Nino Choir from Campusong/Bingay

Children's choir

Across the street, located at what used to be the San Sebastian wall that overlooks the ocean is the colorful grotto of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Blessed Virgin Mary Grotto

Note: Thanks to Lucille for Fr. Macoy’s photo and Alma for the grotto picture. More photos can be found at Borbon’s account on Friendster. Do you have any photos of our parish church to add? Please share and send it to us by email at webmaster[@]borboncebu[.]com.