February 18, 2010 is a historic day for the Catholic faithful in Bacolod and Negros Occidental. No less than Papal Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Joseph Edward Adams blessed the Pope John Paul II (PJPII) Tower at the Bacolod Reclamation.
The P17-million eight-storey tower stands on a 700 square-meter lot at the reclamation area just behind the SM City Bacolod. The site was where the late Pope John Paul II spoke to thousands of Negrenses during his historic visit to Bacolod City on February 20, 1981. The tower was built to commemorate the event and we have to thank Bacolod Real Estate Development Corp. (BREDCO) president Simplicio Palanca for his generosity in donating it to the Archdiocese.
Hundreds witnessed the blessing of the tower and the unveiling of the 8-foot sculpture of the Pope by Bro. Jaazeal Jakosalem which stands on top of a 6-foot pedestal fronting the PJPII tower.
The tower offers a breathtaking view of Bacolod City and the Guimaras Strait. As if to guard the shores of Bacolod and to guide the sea travelers to safety, a cross by Architect Chick Garcia was placed on top of the tower which is lighted at night. The tower is also equipped with a glass enclosed elevator, a water system and a generating set.
Every floor on the tower features pictures and items of his historic visit to Bacolod City. Stanistaw Cardinal Dziwisz, Archbishop of Krakow donated the alb of the late pontiff that he used during his visit. Also featured was a photo of the fireworks last December that show a resemblance to the famous gesture of the Pope.
In his message after blessing the tower, His Grace Archbishop Joseph Edward Adams said,
“When you see this tower, remember him (PJPII), and remember also his message. Message about God, message about love, message about the human race. This building will serve to remind us of what the good Pope said to us of God, of our need for God, and he hoped to inspire us to live, as God meant us to live on this Earth.”
Indeed, the late Pope has been a source of inspiration for the millions of Catholics in the world and Bacolod is lucky to have been visited by him at a most challenging time for the Province of Negros Occidental. The Pope Tower will be more than a tourist attraction for the Negrenses but it will also serve as a reminder that God will never forsake His people.
I was previlege to attend the pope john paul II tower blessing last feb.18, 2010…i had the chance to see what is inside of the tower and to see a beautiful photo of the fireworks that was displayed on one of the top floors. so amazing picture! a miracle?
This is a great edifice that we can really be proud but have noticed some hitches in the design and final look.
I think the pedestal is quite low and having electric post beside it which hinder the statue.
It seems that the idea of having a statue is desirable but would it be better if in the planning and designing stage the statue is incorporated within the building and not grabbing two focal attentions. In any case the statue now can stand on its own without the money generating tower.
Another design flaw is that having downlights in over hanged roof eaves instead of having up lights which is more suitable to light the structure and doesn’t obstruct visual appreciation at night.
Nothing is perfect but we can’t jeopardize good taste.
additonal input … (sorry I can’t edit my first post)
The Diocese of Bacolod may know the whereabouts of the said Popemobile … and since the building is dedicated to Pope John Paul II, and a museum too…. I think it is only logical that the Popemobile I mentioned be refurbished and displayed as well…
I still remember that day when Pope John Paul first visited Bacolod … I was a kid then … but it left very clear and vivid memories … our family was seated quite near to where the Pope was … and I recall him smiling and blessing us…
Years later when we had a religious activity at the Sacred Heart Seminary … I was surprised to see the actual Popemobile that was used by the Pope when he first visited. It was parked in a vacant lot beside the seminary theater … (forgot the exact name of the building.. but they used it for such occasions).. It (the Popemobile) .. was in terrible shape and rotting already from exposure to the elements…
I hope somebody would repair and refurbish this piece of precious memory of our Pope John Paul … (and not sell it for scrap) … He rode in it … it was The Popemobile of Bacolod..
so what is this tower for, exactly?
May I quote Fr. Pasquin from a newspaper article, “…the various floors of seven-storey will have a coffee shop, a souvenir shop, a Museum of Pope John Paul II, a Diocesan Museum, and as requested by Bishop Vicente Navarra, a prayer room.”
ok i get it na. makes sense. coffee with a view, nice.