Chocolate Hills, centuries-old churches not spared by Visayas quake

Bohol's famous Chocolate Hills at the wake of the 7.2 quake that shook Central Visayas on Tuesday. Robert Michael Poole
MANILA, Philippines - From 18th century churches to natural wonders and popular shopping centers, beloved landmarks were not spared by the brutal earthquake that shook Visayas on Tuesday morning.

As residents of Cebu, Bohol and Iloilo fled their homes for safety, the sight of historic churches and their favorite weekend stops damaged and in some cases reduced to ashes, left them at a loss.

Related: IN PHOTOS: The quake aftermath

"Naiyak ako," Jesuit priest Jboy Gonzales said upon seeing a photo of the remains Nuestra Señora de la Luz church in Loon, Bohol, built by the religious order in 1753.

The bell tower and several parts of the Santo Niño Minor Basilica at the heart Cebu City literally and figuratively also sustained much damage.

"Kakasimba lang namin noong Sunday d'yan, ngayon naging ganyan na," Cebuano Marife Ybanez said on her Facebook page.

A photo of one of the Chocolate Hills in Bohol also went viral on Twitter Tuesday afternoon after British national Robert Michael Poole took a dramatic shot of the loss.

"Even the Chocolate Hills themselves collapsed," Poole said.

Cebu Doctors' University student Gerriejoy Monique reacted to pictures of her school building giving way.

"What happened to my school?" she asked.

Other landmarks affected by the quake are:

Cebu
Cebu City Hall
Gaisano Country Mall
Ayala Center
Cebu Institute of Technology
Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, Cebu
St. Catherine's Church, Carcar, Cebu

Bohol
Church of San Pedro Apostol, Loboc
Church of Our Lady of Light, Loon
Santissima Trinidad Parish, Loay
Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, Baclayon
Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, Dauis
Old City Hall, Tagbilaran
Tagbilaran Airport (minor damage)

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