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The Pantyon is a pleasant surprise in a town usually famous for firecrackers, fluvial parades, and--lately--a fantastic indoor arena.
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Just recently, Bocaue, Bulacan became the center of attention throughout the country because of the opening of the Philippine Arena, which is touted to be the largest indoor arena in the world.
But, not far from this modern marvel stands another architectural gem, which, unlike the steely showcase by the North Luzon Expressway, remains hidden and virtually unknown: the Pantyon.
Located in the Barangay Sulucan, the Pantyon's sole attraction is its adobe-stone cemetery gate, which despite the ravages of time remains imposing and unusually detailed.
The arched portal is flanked by single columns bearing Composite order capitals, a blend of the Ionic and Corinthian styles. The entablature is elaborate: the architrave supports a frieze adorned with alternating medallions and triglyphs, and topped by a protruding cornice.
An unusual sloping pediment encloses a carved bishop's miter resting on what appears to be, among other symbols, either a double-barred archiepiscopal cross or a triple-barred papal cross.
Scroll-like carving on both ends of the pediment seem to indicate a now-missing volute-type design. The rear sections of the facade are also faintly bow-shaped, giving a sense of movement to the entire structure.
Parts of the Pantyon's gate have either deteriorated or are already missing. The considerable decay, though, actually offers clues on the date of its construction. Could this have been built during the first half of the 19th century, far ahead of other colonial cemetery gates? Bocaue's official founding, interestingly, dates way back to 1606.
Just recently, serious conservation efforts were done by the local Catholic church. Steel tie rods were affixed underneath the inner and outer arches to prevent possible collapse. A tree whose roots had dislodged several stone blocks was uprooted, while some loose sections of the facade were carefully cemented into place.
While not a full-fledged restoration, the project has helped preserve the already fragile composition. But one can just imagine what would emerge when the Pantyon is restored to its former glory. That would truly put Bocaue on any heritage enthusiast's map, wouldn't it?
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The faintly curvilinear style of the Pantyon's gate adds a feeling of
movement and elegance to the structure.
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Despite its deterioration, the cemetery gate's details are still impressive.
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Composite order capitals crown the weathered columns.
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The keystone of the arch bears a faint trace of some kind of carving.
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Remnants of an elaborate frieze.
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Steel tie rods were recently placed underneath the arch as a preventive measure against possible collapse.
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Another steel tie rod placed underneath the outer arch.
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Visible signs of deterioration are a cause for concern.
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Remaining portion of the perimeter wall.
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Ecclesiastical symbols at the center of the pediment.
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The back portion of the Pantyon's gate shows recent conservation efforts, including the cementing of loose sections.
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Unlike other old cemeteries, the Pantyon's walkways are used as a
shortcut to another part of town, so people pass through the site everyday.
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