Pope John Paul II Tower — Attraction in Bacolod

Pope John Paul II Tower Bacolod City, Negros Occidental

The seven-storey building is dedicated to the late Pope John Paul II who visited this capital city on the 20th of February 1981. It was such a momentous and festive event for the people of Bacolod City that time as they were blessed by his visit. The tower is located in the city’s Reclamation Area or BREDCO (Bacolod Real Estate Development Corporation) area, the site where the late Pope celebrated the Holy Mass in front of a crowd estimated to be almost a million. An eight-foot sculpture of the Pope greets visitors near the gate entrance of the Tower. As stated in the building’s Vision and Mission, “The Pope John Paul II Tower is a pilgrimage center that embodies and perpetuates the ideas, life, advocacies, commitment and holiness of Pope John Paul II – an ardent Promoter of the culture of life and the culture of love.”

The tower was borne out of an inspiration few years ago in 2008 by Fr. Felix Pasquin, the rector of the Diocese of Bacolod’s San Sebastian Cathedral, while the diocese was getting itself busy with its Diamond Jubilee preparations that year. He remembered that one of the highlights of the diocese’s history was the Pope’s significant visit in 1981 in BREDCO. The marble marker that was supposed to commemorate the historical visit was lost and so he opened up the idea to Atty. Simplicio Palanca, the President of BREDCO, for the construction of a new marker to coincide with the Diamond Jubilee celebration. The proposal was brought to reality, with Atty. Palanca’s generosity (he financed for the building’s construction) and the approval of Bishop Vicente M. Navarra of the...

The Pope John Paul II Tower, built to commemorate the Pope's visit to Bacolod, was on my must-see list. I was excited to learn more about this significant event in the city's history. Unfortunately, I found the tower closed during my visit, and its ground floor converted into a reflexology center.

The tower's exterior seemed neglected, a stark contrast to the vibrant energy I had expected. It was disheartening to see such a landmark underutilized. While a massage might offer temporary relief for disappointed visitors, it doesn't address the disconnect between the tower's purpose and its current state.

I hope the local authorities will reconsider the tower's function and restore it to its former glory. It has the potential to be an important cultural and educational site, teaching visitors about the Pope's visit and its impact on Bacolod. I look forward to returning one day when the tower is open and fulfilling its...

The tower is soley dedicated to Pope John Paul II. There maybe not much significance for non Catholics in this building but I must admire the donors to have this edifice dedicated to our now St John Paul II. There are seven floors and the spine of the building is comprised of the stairwell to the top. Umfortunately, the elevator wasn't working. However, the steps are geniously engineered as there is no uncomfort going up every step. On every level are faded fotos of Pope John Paul II's life story. It may also have been built so Catholics in Metro Cebu can recite their rosary or stations of the cross. At the topmost open floor, you will get to view out to the sea and the coastal area and at the back SM. Sadly, youngsters seem to gravitate here to meet and date. Visit when...