MANILA CATHEDRAL
Plaza Roma, Intramuros, Manila
The seat of the Catholic Archdiocese of Manila is presently
the 6th cathedral to rise on the site since 1581. Previous
structures were destroyed by typhoons, earthquakes, fire,
and the last war. It was rebuilt on the second half of the
1950s through the efforts of Architect Fernando Ocampo and
Archbishop Rufino J. Santos. The cathedral incorporated the
stone carvings and rosette windows celebrating the Christianization
of the Philippines. Light up with its clerestory. Mosaic artwork
decorate three of its side chapels.
SAN
AGUSTIN CHURCH
Gen. Luna cor. Real Street, Intramuros, Manila
The oldest stone church in Metro Manila dates back to 1571.
An intricately carved door opens to the church. Of great
interest are the Baroque pulpit, molave choir stalls, and
an 18th century pipe organ. Like an impregnable fortress,
San Agustin has withstood the ravages of time wrought by
both nature and by man.
SAN
SEBASTIAN CHURCH
Plaza del Carmen, Quiapo, Manila
This small jewel-box church is the first all-steel church
in the Philippines and in Asia; and the second in the world.
Design for the church was finished in 1883 and was prefabricated
in Belgium. The completely knocked-down church was shipped
backed to the Philippines in 6 ships. It weighed close to
50,000 tons while its stained-glass windows which are intact
until now were, according to Father Ceniza, done in France.
OUR
LADY OF PEACE AND GOOD VOYAGE
Antilopo, Rizal
Antipolo is known to be the home of Our Lady of Peace and
Good Voyage. History says that this miraculous icon has
traveled back and forth between Manila and Acapulco eight
times and on several occasions was credited with saving
her galleon from destruction by warning the people about
an impending disaster.
BACLAYON
CHURCH
Baclayon town, Bohol
Located 6 kilometers from the city proper. The church is
the oldest stone church in the country, built by the Jesuits
in 1595.
DAUIS
CHURCH
Dauis town, Bohol
Located 3 kilometers from the city proper. This is one
of Bohol’s beautiful churches, which has retained
its Spanish architecture although it has a semi-modern façade.
LOBOC
CHURCH
Loboc town
Located 24 kilometers from Tagbilaran City. The second
oldest church in Bohol, built in 1608, with a three-storey
convent.
LOON
CHURCH
Loon town
Located 25 kilometers from the city proper. The crowning
glory of the Recollect churches in Bohol.
MARIBOJOC
CHURCH
Maribojoc town
Located 14 kilometers from the city proper. This parish
was founded in 1768, built in 1798, and fully constructed
after 18 years.
PAOAY
CHURCH
Laoag, Ilocos Norte
This fortress-like church is probably the most popular
in this area. Styled in “earthquake Baroque”,
its walls are strongly fortified by sturdy posts.
BASILICA
MINORE DEL STO. NIÑO
Cebu City
Shrine of the oldest religious relic in the Philippines,
the statue of the Child Jesus. A token of friendship by
Magellan to Queen Juana in 1521, the Santo Niño de
Cebu has survived fires and other catastrophes throughout
the years.
MIAG-AO CHURCH
Iloilo
Located 40 km. southwest of Iloilo City; built in 1768,
native façade; a unique explosion of botanical motif
reminiscent of Aztec Art. It was declared a national landmark
in 1973 and is listed in the UNESCO world heritage list.
SAN
JOAQUIN
Iloilo
This is the only church in the Philippines with bas-reliefs
of historic battles set in Tetuan, Morocco, between the
Spanish Christians and the Moroccan Moors.
VALLADOLID
CHURCH
Valladolid, Negros Occidental
The size of the church and the convent, which was built
by the Recollect missionaries in 1851, support some views
that the church authorities during those days were the most
powerful in running the affairs of the government all throughout
the country.
CHURCH
OF OUR LADY OF PEACE
La Carlota City, Negros Occidental
In the heart of downtown La Carlota, this century-old church
is a living witness to the devotion of the predominantly
Catholic La Carlotenos. The church has the distinction of
one of the very few churches of romanesque architectural
design in the province.
BAGUIO
CATHEDRAL
Baguio City
Rising above the city skyline are the pinkish hues of the
Baguio Cathedral. The cathedral is but one of religious
landmarks which dot the city. There is the Bell Temple,
north of the city the Maryhurst Seminary with its brilliant
gardens, and Lourdes Grotto with its 252 steps to heaven.
SHRINE
OF THE NUESTRA SEÑORA DE MANAOAG
Pangasinan
The shrine of Nuestra Senora of "Apo Baket" is
situated atop the hill. The shrine is known all over the
Philippines. Devotees frequent the church especially on
Saturdays and Sundays.
CHURCH
OF ST. JAMES
Pangasinan
The church was built by the Augustinians in Bolinao in
1609. It houses wooden "santos," nowadays a rarity,
with the toll of time and the elements blurring their finely
sculptured features. The antique size altar is flanked by
two grinning, tongue-protruding aztec visages presumably
of Mexican influence and brought over by the galleons trade.
ST.
MARTIN DE TOURS
Taal, Batangas
Once the biggest church in all Southeast Asia, it was designed
by a Spanish architect-priest and built in the mid-1800s.
Taal also possesses a number of other sacred shrines, including
the Wells of Santa Lucia, the water of which is reputed
to have miraculous healing powers.
SANTUARIO OF OUR LADY OF CAYSASAY
Taal, Batangas
The image of the Blessed Virgin Mary who is said to be
miraculously disappearing from any site where it is brought
and appearing at the sanctuary.
BORASOAIN CHURCH
Malolos, Bulacan
The seat of the Revolutionary Congress where the First
Filipino Constitution was drafted and ratified.
DARAGA CATHOLIC CHURCH
Albay
Built in 1773 by Franciscan missionaries. This is highly
prized by art enthusiasts because of its rich baroque architecture.
Its very huge structure is considered above-standard. At
closer look, it contains archeological relics such as “santos”
and religious seals carved articulately on volcanic rocks.
These relics are considered priceless and collector’s
items.
