One Sunday morning I woke up and decided to visit some old churches of Manila and take pictures of it. lol. Seriously, I do not know what I was thinking but I just did. lol.
Paco Park Church
Just one jeepney ride from my place, the first church was The Saint Pacratius Chapel a.k.a The Paco Park Church. What used to be the Paco Cemetery, its romanesque architecture, the wholeness of the place with the park is reminiscent of the rich yet dark past of the country under colonial regimes.
Paco Park Church
The chapel, which holds mass every Sunday, is not only a favorite place for intimate weddings but as well for wanderers who are looking for a place of solace in the midst of the city, is under the care of the Venetian fathers who also manage the Adamson University.
Fact: Our National hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, was entombed at Paco cemetery after his execution in Bagumbayan (Luneta).
Malate Church
Just a couple of rides of jeepney, you will find yourself at a Baroque-style church, facing a small park and the Manila bay, this is the Malate Church. Dedicated to Nuestra Señora de Remedios, the patroness of childbirth.
Built originally in the 16th century by the Augustinian friars. British soldiers took refuge in this church during their occupation of the Philippines and attack on Intramuros (1762-63). The church was destroyed by a typhonn in 1868 ans then rebuit. It was also bady damaged in World War II, but later restored again.
The Malate Church
Beside the church you will see a pieta in memory of the people killed during World War II and the five Columban priests stayed and died with them.
Pieta Malate
Adjacent to the church is the Remedios Jubilee Mission Center, this is where the Parish Columban fathers reside and work. This is also the church office of Malate Catholic Church.
Remedios Jubilee Mission Center
Manila Cathedral Church
I had to take a cab from Malate church to Manila Cathedral. lol. Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception a.k.a Manila Cathedral . Honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary as Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, the Principal Patroness of the Philippines.
The cathedral has to be the most famous church in the country. This is like the St. Paul's Cathedral of London, the St. Basil Cathedral of Moscow, Russia or the Sagrada Familia of Barcelona, Spain. Several known celebrities, politicians or prominent families have held weddings, baptisms and even funeral on this place, one of which was the funeral of the first woman President of the Republic of the Philippines, Corazon C. Aquino.
Manila Cathedral Church
Manila Cathedral Church serves both as the Prime Basilica of the Philippines and highest seat of the archbishop in the country. The Cathedral was damaged and destroyed several times since the original cathedral was built in 1581.
Latin inscription can be found at the front facade of the cathedral which reads: Tibi cordi tuo immaculato concredimus nos ac caonsecramus. (English: We consecrate to you immaculate heart and entrust to you (Mary) for safekeeping.)
Entrance to the Church
Not far from the church you will see the Palacio del Gobernador, the first official residence of the Spanish Governor General, after which it was transferred to now what we called Malacañang Palace. The Palacio del Gobernador now houses the Intramuros Administration, custodians of the historic site.
Palacio del Gobernador
San Agustin Church
As you exit the famous cathedral, follow the path of General Juan Luna St. and you will see another church on the right side, The San Agustin Church, the oldest church still standing in the Philippines.
Made out of nipa and bamboo at first, it was completed in 1571. Just like the Manila Cathedral, San Agustin church have undergone several renovations due to numerous earthquakes and fire related incidents.
St. Agustin Church
On the Japanese occupation of the Philippines during World War II, in the final days of the Battle of Manila, hundreds of Intramuros residents and clergy were held hostage in the church by Japanese soldiers. San Agustin church was turned into a concentration camp for prisoners.
Fact: Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, Martin de Goiti and Juan de Salcedo (Remember them on history books?), these were all Spanish conquistadors whose tombs are located inside San Agustin Church.
The painter Juan Luna and statesman Pedro A. Paterno are among the hundreds of laypersons whose remains are also housed within the church. I really find that so cool!!
Binondo Church
So I took a cab again and went to the district of Binondo, Manila to visit the Binondo Church a.k.a Minor Basilica of St. Lorenzo Ruiz.
Founded by the Dominicans in 1596 to serve the Chinese converts to Christianity. Just like any other churches in Manila the original structure has sustained damages during wars and several natural disasters. The octagonal bell tower is all the remains of the 16th century construction. According to what I have read, it was considered as one of the most beautiful churches in the country before the war.
Binondo Church
Fact: The first Filipino Saint, San Lorenzo Ruiz served as a sacristan in Binondo church.
Masses are held in Filipino, English and in Chinese dialects (Mandarin and Hokkien).
Minor Basilica of St. Lorenzo Ruiz
Las Piñas Bamboo Organ Church
Next is the church very close to my heart as this is located at my home city Las Piñas. I always tell my Mom that I will be married to this church. lol.
I took a BF Pilar bus and a jeepney to the town of Las Piñas about an 1 1/2 travel and you will see the 19th century old pipe-organ made almost entirely of bamboo.
Located in St. Joseph Parish Church in Las Piñas City, the said organ is declared a National Cultural Treasure of the Philippines for its uniqueness and significance. Isn't that awesome?!
Las Piñas Bamboo Organ Church
Thanks to the builder of both church and its organ, Father Diego Cera de la Virgen del Carmen, native of Spain, he served as parish priest in Las Piñas from 1795-1830. Las Piñeros portray him as a gifted man, a natural scientist, architect, chemist, community leader also as organist and organ builder.
Upon his arrival in Las Piñas, all that Fr. Cera saw was a small chapel made of bamboo and nipa. Together with the residents, he dreamed of a church made of stone. So In 1880, the building of the stone edifice began, with townspeople rendering construction services in exchange for food. In 1819 the "earthquake Baroque" architecture was completed.
The entrance to the church
I remember when I was a kid my mother would bring me to this church to hear mass especially on my Birthday, Christmas and Easter Sunday. The old architecture and ambiance is so amusing to me. When I'm on this place I always imagine of the people back in the days on the streets walking and a few calesas with some prominent family on the passengers seat.
Baclayon Church
Okay, I didn't go to Bohol on that same day but I decided to include the second oldest church in the country anyway. I was in Bohol mid of 2011 for a vacation. We visited the famous church in the region. Located at Baclayon, Bohol - Also known as The Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, it is one of the best preserved churches is the region.
Baclayon Church
The church had a pipe organ installed in the 1800s but now disrepair. The painting in the stucco finish of the church is of recent vintage and does not conform to the style and periods of the interior.
The Baclayon Church Courtyard
It was said that some 200 native forced laborers constructed the church from coral stones from the sea. Baclayon church is a dungeon which was used to punish natives who violated the rules of the Roman Catholic Church.
The church obtained a large bell in 1835
All in all the experience was great! It was tiring yet satisfying to learn about the story behind all these churches. Some of us are lazy to go to church but somehow if you only get to know more about its past maybe there would be another reason for you to be excited to be at the church.
Sources:
Wikipedia
Wikimapia
