Saint Paul Metropolitan Cathedral/ Katedral ng Vigan/ The Cathedral of Vigan

The Cathedral of Vigan:

The Cathedral of Vigan

The Belltower of the Saint Paul’s Cathedral

 

About the Cathedral:

The St. Paul’s Cathedral is also known as the metropolitan Cathedral. It is considered a major religious landmark not only of northern Luzon but the country as well. Visitors must include a visit to the cathedral when in Vigan as it has been a center of Roman Catholic devotion for centuries.

The church as it stands now was completed in 1800. The original structure was built in 1574 upon the command of the Spanish founder of Vigan, Juan de Salcedo. It was a mere chapel then, made of wood and thatch. In 1641, the chapel was replaced by a church.

When the seat of the Nueva Segovia Diocese was transferred to Villa Fernandina de Vigan from Cagayan’s Lal-lo in 1758, the church was elevated to the status of a cathedral and became the center of Catholic faith in the north. Another structure was ordered by then Governor Jose de Basco to be built to replace the existing church in 1786. With the Augustinians, the cornerstone of the new church was laid in the beginning of 1790.

Overall, the cathedral follows a Baroque architectural design that has been modified by Ilocanos to strengthen the structure against earthquakes. This is now known as earthquake Baroque. Testament to the style’s effectivity is the fact that the structure’s original interior walls have remained complete.

Other influences can be observed from the architecture of St. Paul Cathedral, that of neo-Gothic, pseudo-Romanesque and Chinese craftsmanship.

Facing the cathedral, visitors are greeted by the statue of St. Paul above the main opening. There are also carvings of Fu dogs or lion dogs by the outermost doors. In the alcove are scenes of Saint Paul’s conversion.

Though some people may find that the façade is not as impressive as other churches, the cathedral’s interior is something to be admired. The presence of a silver-paneled main altar, three naves, 12 minor altars and brass communion handrails forged in China gives the inside of the church a feeling of grandeur. The area for the choir is located at the loft, making use of the big church’s acoustics.

Surrounding St. Paul Cathedral are the other historic buildings of the city. There are the Episcopal Palace or the bishop’s residence, the diocesan seminary and the Vigan Municipal Hall. It is also beside two plazas, one named after Vigan’s founder, Plaza Salcedo, and another named after a revolutionary hero, Plaza Burgos. It shows how central the cathedral’s role is not only in the religious life of the people, but the social, economic, educational and political aspects as well.

Other Pictures of the Cathedral:

The Cathedral of Vigan

Welcome Sign to the Cathedral

Historical Marker of the Cathedral

The Belltower of the Saint Paul’s Cathedral

 

 

Saint William Cathedral/ Katedral ng Laoag/ The Cathedral of Laoag (Laoag City, Ilocos Norte)

The Cathedral of Laoag:

The Cathedral of Laoag

About the Cathedral:

Laoag Cathedral, canonically known as St. William Cathedral is a church in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. It was built in 1612 by Augustinian friars to replace a wooden chapel. It is known for its Italian Renaissance design and its Sinking Bell Tower, which sinks into the ground at a rate of an inch a year.

St. William Cathedral serves as the seat or central church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Laoag. Since Most Rev. Sergio Utleg’s transfer to the Archdiocese of Tuguerarao, the diocese at present is vacant. The diocesan administrator is Very Rev. Fr. Noel Ian Rabago and the cathedral rector is Very Rev. Fr. Policarpio M. Albano.

The church has an unusual two-storey façade, supported by two pairs of columns on each side of the arched entrance. The top of the façade holds a recessed niche that showcases the image of the city’s patron saint, San Guillermo (Saint William). It has windows made from capiz with wrought iron screens.

The cathedral was built to support a growing Christian population in Laoag, which was known as Ylaua at the time. The settlement was a mission detachment of Vigan during the Spanish era. The church was originally built using lime mixed with molasses for strength, with big stones, gravel and sand. Wood was used for trusses to support the roof, which originally was made of cogon grass and was later replaced with nipa. Much later the roofing was again changed to taleb, a corrugated galvanised iron sheet made with whole bamboo.

The church was damaged by hurricane in 1640, by earthquake in 1706, by fire in 1843. The church was restored in 1880. (Source: Wikipedia)

Other Pictures of the Cathedral:

The Cathedral of Laoag

Image of Saint William

 

 

Saint Bartholomew Parish Church/ Simbahan ng Nagcarlan/ the Church of Nagcarlan (Nagcarlan, Laguna)

The Church of Nagcarlan:

The Church of Nagcarlan – Exterior – Side View

About the Church:

St. Bartholomew Parish Church (“Nagcarlang Church”) in Nagcarlan, Laguna was first built in 1583 of light materials by then resident priest Rev. Tomas de Miranda. In 1752, the second church was built using bricks and stones but the church was partly destroyed by a fire in 1781. In 1845, the church was reconstructed and a choir loft was added by Rev. Vicente Velloc, who also built the Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery.

Architectural Style: Baroque

My Visit to the Church:

Next to Rizal, Laguna is one of my most visited provinces and the Nagcarlan Church is the only Church of the Great Old Churches of Laguna which i have not visited. Its Elusiveness was a mystery to me until i saw the Church myself. The Church had wanted to be the last to be seen for it’s always the best that is last. The Inside of the Church is impressive if not the most impressive of all the Laguna Churches i have seen. The Blue and White tiles on the walls was just impressive (this made me decide this why the Interior is impressive), matched with the Spanish Floor tiles and it was just heavenly. The Interior would have been perfect except for the main altar which does not look Original anymore.

Other Pictures of the Church:

The Church of Nagcarlan – Exterior

The Church of Nagcarlan – Exterior – Side View

The Church of Nagcarlan Convent

Bas Relief Sculpture

Interior of the Church

Main Altar of the Nagcarlan Church

Blue and White tiles

Saint William Cathedral/ Katedral ng San Fernando/ The Cathedral of San Fernando (San Fernando City, La Union)

The Cathedral of San Fernando City:

Saint William Cathedral

About the Cathedral of San Fernando: The Chapel was first made of Stone and Thatch in 1764 at Barrio San Vicente. It was then moved to Tanque then to Kabaroan. In its present site a Church made of Stone and Brick was built in 1773-1786 by Fr Juan Sorolla, Simon Guillermo and Pedro Fernando. The present Church was built in 1817 by Fr. Simon Torrado. The Church was damaged in 1860 by an Earthquake and rebuilt in 1873 by Father Luis Perez. The Church was Severely damaged by the Earthquake of March 16, 1892. The Church was occupied by the Revolutionists in 1898. The Church was destroyed during the Liberation (1945) of the Country and rebuilt in 1947-1949. 

My Thoughts About the Cathedral: The Cathedral of San Fernando is smaller compared to other Churches and Cathedrals but it stands proudly in the Center of the City. An Imposing structure of the City which is hard to miss. Its graceful lines and beautiful baroque facade gives the City a charm Unique to her.

Other Pictures of the Cathedral:

Saint William Cathedral

Saint Jerome Emiliani and Saint Susana Parish Church (Alabang, Muntinlipa)

About the Church: In 1981, Mrs. Josephine Madrigal Bayot offered the Somascan Fathers two homes inside the New Alabang Village (as Ayala Alabang Village was then known) for their temporary use. The Madrigals also had an old family chapel dedicated to Sta. Susana in their vast mango orchard. With the cooperation of Mr. Enrique Zobel and Mr. Adolfo Duarte, Ayala Corporation tore down the Madrigal chapel and built a new church, which became the seat of the St. Jerome and Sta. Susana Parish.

On 4 February 1983, Jaime Cardinal Sin blessed the St. Jerome Emiliani and Sta. Susana Parish and installed Rev. Fr. Cesare De Santis, crs, as the first parish priest, who was assisted by Rev. Giovanni Tarditi and Rev. Valerio Fenoglio. Thus was established the first Somascan parochial church in Far East Asia.

In 1990, the rectory, the Parish offices, the living quarters, and the St. Jerome Hall in the basement were built. After the blessing by the Most Reverend Gabriel Reyes, the Fathers moved from the temporary Apitong home provided by the Madrigal family. In 1991, canopies were added to the three entrances of the Church. In 1993, the crypt was dug out to accommodate 130 tombs and 200 niches. Diring this time, parishioners initiated a fund campaign to provide bells for the church. In August 1994, a set of eight electronically-controlled bells from Milan, Italy were installed. A few months later, new hand-carved pulpits were installed along each side of the altar. The years 1995 to 1996 saw beautiful stained glass windows adding color and artistry to the quaint church. (Sourced from: Somascan Fathers Philippines)

Other Blog Sites to Visit: The Splendor of the Church, Muntinlupa, KinderDorf Leben

The Church of Saint Jerome Emiliani:

Saint Jerome Emiliani

Google Map Showing the Church:

Map Showing the Location of the Church

Other Pictures of the Church:

Saint Jerome Emiliani

Map Showing the Location of the Church

Santa Monica Parish Church / Simbahan ni Santa Monica “Church of Angat” (Angat, Bulacan)

The Church of Angat:

Other Sites to Visit: CNN iReport, Simbahan.Net of Estan Cabigas

Saint Anthony of Padua Parish Church / Simbahan ni San Antonio de Padua “Church of Barotac Nuevo” (Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo)

About the Church: The present stone church of Barotac Nuevo was constructed in 1876 and started by Fr. Julian Yturiaga. It was continued by Fr. Eustaquio Torres in 1882 and Finished in 1888 by Father Calixto Gonzales. The Church was blessed on December 24,1893. (For a detailed History of the Church, visit the Church Website)

Architectural Style: Neo-Classical

Website of the Church: Saint Anthony de Padua Parish

Other Sites to Visit: Lingganay-A Collection of Iloilo’s Heritage Churches, Explore Iloilo, Iloilo-Where the Philippines Dances with Love, Iloilo Province Website

Our Lady of the Gate Church / Simbahan ng Nuestra Señora de Porteria “Church of Daraga” (Daraga, Albay)

About the Church: Built by the Franciscan Fathers using stone in the year 1773. Followers of the Cagsawa Church transferred here when the Cagsawa Church was destroyed by the Mayon Volcano Eruption of 1814. The Church was offered to the Our Lady of the Gate or the Nuestra Señora de Porteria in 1854. The Church was used by the Japanese during the 2nd World War and damaged. The Church was restored from 1971-1973. The Church of Daraga is an example of a Baroque Church. 

My Thoughts on the Church: I was very impressed with this Church. The Facade is a work of Art, with ornate Carvings. The presence of Mount Mayon is another reason as to why i was impressed. This Church is probably the most breathtaking Church i have ever seen. The Inside of the church though has been modernized and the facade of the Church painted white instead of the Original. They should have just left the facade as is.

Other Blog Sites to Visit: Pinoy Adventurista, World Churches, Byahero SnapShots

How to Get to the Church: It is very easy to get to the Church, from Legazpi City just ride the Jeep (Fare from Legazpi to Daraga P10.00) which says Daraga and just tell the driver to drop you off near the Church. From where you will get off it is just 1-2 minutes walk uphill to the Church.

The Church of Daraga:

Our Lady of the Gate Church “Daraga Church” (Daraga, Albay)

The Church of Daraga before it was painted white (picture credits: Wikipedia)

Map of the Church:

Map to the Church of Daraga

Other Pictures of the Church:

Our Lady of the Gate Church “Daraga Church” (Daraga, Albay)

Map to the Church of Daraga

Saint Monica Parish Church / Simbahan ni Santa Monica / Parokya ni Santa Monica / Church of Panay (Panay, Capiz)

The Church of Panay, Santa Monica Parish Church:

Santa Monica Parish Church / Pan-ay, Capiz

About the Church: Before 1692, First Church was Built.1774 , The Church was rebuilt. On March 5,1874 the church was Damaged by a Typhoon. On January 17,1875 the Church’s Transept was Toppled during the Typhoon. In 1884 the Present Church was built under direction of Father Jose Beloso. In 1997 the Santa Monica Church was declared a National Historical Landmark

Other Important Information about the Church:The Santa Monica Parish Church of Panay, Capiz is a National Cultural Treasure and a National Historical Landmark

My Thoughts About the Church: When I saw Santa Monica church i was awed by its massiveness. When i went inside i was wowed. Seeing Old Retablos always amazes me. It is such a joy to see how they were able to preserve their Antique Retablos and Antique Santos. After looking at the Interiors of the Church we then went to the Bell. The Bell is massive and impressive.

Architectural Style of the Church: The Santa Monica Church’s Architectural Style is an Excellent Example of Filipino Colonial Baroque blending well with Neo Classical Influence.

Other Sites to Visit: Sta Monica Parish, Panay, Capiz, Santa Monica Parish Church by Visita-Iglesia.Com

How to Get to Santa Monica Church: Roxas City is serviced by Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific. It is just a 1 Hour Plane Ride. From Roxas City you can take the Jeepney which goes to Pan-ay. You can also ask the Tricycle Driver to bring you to Pan-ay which is 11 Kilometers from Roxas or 20 minutes travel time. The Tricycle driver quoted P80 for 1 Way and P100 for a Round-Trip.

Other Pictures of the Church:

Santa Monica Parish Church / Pan-ay, Capiz

Saint Thomas of Villanueva Parish Church/ Parokya ni Santo Tomad de Villanueva/ Church of Miagao (Miagao, Iloilo)

This Church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

About the Church: In 1734, The Church was built. In 1741 – The Church was looted and burned by Moro Raiders. In 1744-1750 – The second Church was built by Fr. Camporredendo. In 1754 – The Church was burned by pirates. In 1786 – The Church was built on a Hill with a view of the Miagao River. In 1797 – The Church was completed. 1898 – Damaged by Fire during the Revolution. In January 5,1948 the Church Damaged by an Earthquake and immediately restored by Monsignor Wenceslao Enojo. In 1959-1962 – Restored again by Monsignor Leonardo Javillo and the NHI under Esteban Ocampo. February 16,1963 – A Historical Marker was placed on the Church by the National Historical Commission. August 1,1973 – Declared a National Historical Landmark. 1994 – Declared a Unesco World Heritage Site.

Architectural Style: Baroque

My Visit to the Church of Miagao: When we boarded the Jeepney to Miagao in Guimbal the sky was cloudy and looked like it was going to rain. While inside the Jeep on the way to Miagao, there was a sudden downpour. The rain was so hard that i thought that it might be raining in Miagao also. But when we got near the Church the rain stopped! My visit was not in vain and i was able to see the Church of Miagao in all its magnificent splendor. The Church is truly a gem. Worthy of the highest accolades. 

Other Sites to Visit: Explore Iloilo, Agraphia

 

Other Blog Sites to Visit: Valerie Caulin, I Heart Manila, Nomadic Experiences, The Pinay Solo Backpacker, Lakwatsero, Andre Salvador, En Route, The Roomy Life, Travel Blog, Pinoy Adventurista, Visita Iglesia (A Must Read!), Lakbay Philippines, Bisayang Manlalakbay, Lantaw, Iloilo On Foot

News about the Church: Miagao Church is an Architectural Treasure of Iloilo by Anna Valmero

How to get to Miagao: To get to Miagao. You can hire a Taxi from the Airport or Van. If you want a Cheaper way to get there, ride the Multi Cabs found at the Right side upon exiting the Airport. Fare is P10.00 until the Sta Barbara Terminal. Then ride a Jeepney or Bus going to Iloilo City. From Iloilo City take a Jeepney with signs going to Miagao or San Joaquin. Or take a Bus going to San Jose de Buenavista and go down Miagao.

The Church of Miagao:

The Church of Miagao, A UNESCO World Heritage Site

 Other Pictures of the Church:

The Church of Miagao, A UNESCO World Heritage Site