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San Sebastian de Martyr Parish Church

Borbon's Catholic parish church, rebuilt after WWII but still crowned by its original Spanish-era belfry.

About San Sebastian de Martyr Parish Church

San Sebastian de Martyr Parish Church is the Catholic parish church at the center of Borbon, a town established as its own parish on September 15, 1862 after being a visita of Sogod. An earlier church on the site, described in 19th-century accounts as built of wood and tabique on a mortar base, was considered one of the oldest churches in Cebu before it was destroyed during World War II. The present concrete structure dates to the postwar rebuilding, but it retains a bell tower, or belfry, from the Spanish colonial period, along with a fragment of an original wall from the earlier house of worship. The facade has a two-level design with a pedimented upper section and a covered porte-cochere entrance, while the polyhedral steeple, pierced by open arches, remains the church's most historic feature and its visual anchor over the town. The church is dedicated to St. Sebastian, whose feast is celebrated every January 20 alongside the town's Silmugi Festival, drawing crowds for the fiesta mass and street dancing. A candle pavilion, rectory, and a roadside Marian grotto sit near the main church building.

What makes it worth it

Highlights

Spanish colonial-era belfry
Remnant wall from the original 19th-century church
Pedimented facade with porte-cochere entrance
Annual San Sebastian feast on January 20
Adjoining candle pavilion and Marian grotto
Town-center location in Poblacion

Tips for visitors

1 Dress modestly if visiting during mass. Check ahead for mass schedules if you want to attend a service. Time a visit around January 20 to catch the San Sebastian feast day and Silmugi Festival celebrations. Location approximate — confirm on arrival.

Wayfinder route

How to get there

From Cebu City North Bus Terminal, take a bus or van bound for Bogo or Borbon (roughly 2-2.5 hours) and alight at the Borbon town proper (Poblacion); the church sits at the town center, a short walk from the drop-off point.

Before you go

Frequently asked

How much is the entrance fee at San Sebastian de Martyr Parish Church?

Entry to San Sebastian de Martyr Parish Church is free.

What are the opening hours at San Sebastian de Martyr Parish Church?

San Sebastian de Martyr Parish Church is open 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM daily; mass schedule varies.

When is the best time to visit San Sebastian de Martyr Parish Church?

The best time to visit San Sebastian de Martyr Parish Church is January 20 for the San Sebastian feast and Silmugi Festival, or any morning for a quiet visit.

How long should you spend at San Sebastian de Martyr Parish Church?

Allow 30-45 minutes for a visit to San Sebastian de Martyr Parish Church.