QUIAPO CHURCH

The Quiapo Church (known more formally as the "Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene" or "Saint John the Baptist
Church", and, in Tagalog, as the "Basilika ng Nazareno") is located in the Manila suburb of Quiapo. Quiapo
Church picture
Rebuilt after destruction by fire in 1933, Quiapo Church presents a Roman Catholic Latin-rite basilica built in
Baroque style with twisted columns. The church’s dome and facade retained their classic design after
reconstruction. Upon entering the church, note the prominent white ceiling. During your visit, see the famed
Black Nazarene, a life-sized image of Christ carved from ebony and brought to Quiapo in 1767. Supposedly
miraculous, it comes out of its shrine for up-close public viewing three times per year: New Year's Day,
January 9, and Good Friday. For travelers who use our online itinerary creator, Manila holidays become easier
to arrange, with trips to the Quiapo Church and other attractions mapped out and timetabled.

BAGUIO CATHEDRAL
OUR LADY OF ATONEMENT CATHEDRAL

The rose-colored Baguio Catholic Cathedral, located on top of a hill in the heart of the city, is one of the more
familiar and most visited landmarks of Baguio. This beautiful structure has twin spires and is one of the most
photographed buildings in the city. From Session Road it is accessible by pedestrians who ascend a long
concrete stairway of more than a hundred steps. Visitors and churchgoers who would rather avoid the difficult
climb drive vehicles through an access road which passes behind the nearby post office building.

The construction of the cathedral by phases was begun on a hill which was originally referred to as "Kampo"
by the native Ibalois. It was later called Mount Mary by a Belgian Catholic Mission headed by Fr. Carlu, CICM,
who was then the parish priest. The cathedral was finally consecrated in 1936 and dedicated to Our Lady of
Atonement. During World War II it became an evacuation center and withstood the Japanese carpet bombing
of the city in 1945, thereby saving thousands of lives.

The Baguio Cathedral is the biggest catholic church in Baguio and is the center of religious activities such as
during the Holy Week when thousands of devotees from Metro Manila and the provinces come up to the city.
During Sundays and other special holidays of the catholic church, you will find vendors along the stairway and
also at the church's open patio selling flowers, balloons, newspapers, sweepstake tickets, candles, rosary
beads, and other religious articles. Visitors desiring to visit Baguio on a tour should avoid coming up to the city
during this religious week. Not only is the city crowded with people, it is difficult to find rooms in hotels and inns
and the prices of native handicraft, souvenirs, vegetables, flowers, food, and other commodities & services are
rather expensive.

MIAG-AO CHURCH

The Church of Saint Thomas of Villanova, commonly known as the Miagao Church, is the Roman

Catholic parish church of the town of Miagao in Iloilo Province. Completed in 1797, the church is famous for
the artistic sculptural relief carved on its facade. In 1993, the church was designated as one best examples of
the Baroque Churches of the Philippines and included in the list of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.

The Miagao Church stands as a living legacy of the culture and way of life of the people of Miagao centuries
ago, anchored in a strong foundation of Christian faith. As most travelers would agree, the Miagao Church is
one of the country’s architectural gems because of its unique and imposing designs, ornaments and motifs.

The Miagao Church is 30 to 45 minutes away from Iloilo City. Commuters can take a “Miagao” or any south-
bound jeepney from Mohon Terminal in Molo District or from the Iloilo Terminal Market in Iloilo City Proper. For
more information about how to get to Miagao.

The artistic facade of the Miagao Church is decorated with a relief sculpture of St. Christopher carrying the
Christ child amidst coconut, papaya and guava shrubs. Like any other foreign influences, the architecture of
many colonial churches has undergone the process of indigenization. This process is carried out by
incorporating the prevailing Hispano-American and Medieval Spanish architecture with local as well as Muslim
and Chinese touches. Thus, the synthesized topology which is anachronistic with the unmindful sues of
decorative elements. It had no distinction in terms of periods or orders. A truly ‘Philippine Church’, it exudes a
native touch.
A large stone image of St. Thomas of Villanueva, parish patron saint, dominates the center. Carved life-size
statues of the Pope and St. Henry with their coat-of-arms above them flank the main entrance. Supporting the
facade are the twin belfries, one towering two-storeys and the other three-storeys high. The church’s simple
interior is nevertheless highlighted by a striking gold-plated retablo.

In Baroque-Romanesque style, the church sinks six (6) meters deep into the ground with walls one-and-a-half
(1 1/2) meters thick and buttresses thrice thicker. The creative and aesthetic abilities of Spanish colonizers are
reflected in many colonial churches in the Philippines. This is especially true in Miagao Church – a world-
renowned religious structure now included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

SAN AGUSTIN CHURCH

The San Agustin Church was the only building left intact after the destruction of Intramuros in WWII. Built
between 1587 and 1606, it is the oldest church in the Philippines. The massive facade conceals an ornate
interior filled with objects of great historical and cultural merit. Note the intricate trompe l’oeil frescos on the
vaulted ceiling. Be sure to check out the tropical cloisters as well as the slightly shabby gardens out the back.

The present structure is actually the third to stand on the site and has weathered seven major earthquakes, as
well as the Battle of Manila. It’s an active church and much in demand for weddings and other ceremonies.

You can access the church through the newly renovated San Agustin Museum, a treasure house of antiquities
that give the visitor tantalising glimpses of the fabled riches of Old Manila. Check out the vaguely Chinese–
looking Immaculate Conception statue in ethereal ivory.

Trompe l’oeil, (French: “deceive the eye”) in painting, the representation of an object with such verisimilitude
as to deceive the viewer concerning the material reality of the object. This idea appealed to the ancient Greeks
who were newly emancipated from the conventional stylizations of earlier art. Zeuxis, for example, reportedly
painted such realistic grapes that birds tried to eat them. The technique was also popular with Roman
muralists. Although trompe l’oeil never achieved the status of a major artistic aim, European painters from the
early Renaissance onward occasionally fostered illusionism by painting false frames out of which the contents
of a still life or portrait appeared to spill or by creating windowlike images suggesting actual openings in the
wall or ceiling.

TAAL BASILICA
Basilica de San Martin de Tours (Oldest Church in Taal, Batangas) , is a big catholic church located
in Taal Batangas. It is known to be the biggest church in Asia. Here is an excerpt of Church History as
mentioned in
Taal Basilica was first built in present day San Nicolas, Batangas,by Fray.Deigo Espina in 1575 under the
Augustinians, with San Martin de Tours as patron saint. In 1754 the church was destroyed along with the town
Taal in the eruption of the Taal volcano. It was then that the church was transferred to its present site. Father
Martin Aguirre donated the land for the new church in 1755, but in 1849 it was destroyed again by an
earthquake. Construction of the new church began in 1856 to 1878, the Spanish architect Luciano Oliver
commissioned to design and manage the construction of the present church. A small tower was made on its
left side but it was destroyed during Japanese occupation. It was reconstructed later and it was then taller than
the original. The church was made into a basilica on 8 December 1954 and was declared a national shrine on
January 16, 1974. Taal Basilica is considered as the biggest church in the Philippines and in Asia.

Basilica of Taal is famous for it’s facade and artistic view inside . The interior is in the form of a Latin cross
with wide aisles on each side containing the small retablos, carossas. The church is located in the Taal Town
proper which is a walking distance from the Taal Public Market. On it’s side is the OLCA ( Our Lady of
Caysasay Academy ) and Rizal College of Taal Batangas.
BACOLOR CHURCH
Its church, the San Guillermo Parish Church stands on the lot owned by Don Guillermo Manabat, a rich
landlord believed to be the founder of Bacolor. It is believed that it was named not only after the hermit saint,
San Guillermo but also after the church lot’s donor and founder to the town. The church’ construction was led
by the Augustinian Friars in 1576 – also the town’s founding missionaries – with Fr. Diego De Ochoa, OSA, as
the town’s first parish priest. In 1880, the church was destroyed by an earthquake only to be rebuilt during the
term of Fr. Eugenio Alvarez in 1886. The richness of the decoration of Bacolor church depicts the advanced
stage of baroque and rococo designs of its era. REX REGUM ET DOMINUS DOMINURUM (KINGS OF
KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS).

BETIS CHURCH

ST. JAMES THE APOSTLE PARISH CHURCH

Betis Church is located in Guagua, Pampanga, and the title “Sistine Chapel of the Philippines” is often
attached to it.  The Sistine Chapel of the Philippines it is dubbed. The Baroque-inspired Betis Church is one of
the 26 elite churches in the country that has been declared as National Cultural Treasure by the National
Museum and the NCCA.

PAOAY CHURCH
This church, also known as San Agustin Church, is considered to be one of the oldest and most beautiful
churches in the Philippines. It is also a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO) World Hertiage Site under the group of Baroque Churches of the Philippines in 1993. Also, it is
declared as a National Cultural Treasure in 1993 by the Philippine government. The church is also known for
its visual beauty, from its walls made of coral stones and bricks and its overall design that is a mix of Gothic,
Baroque, and Oriental designs. As you enter the church, you will see Javanese architectural styles making it
look as impressive as its exterior. The 24 carved buttresses (structural support) and its thick walls found on the
sides of the church are what made it stronger through the years even with its more than 300 years of
establishment.

BANTAY CHURCH
The Saint Augustine Parish Church, commonly known as Bantay Church, is a Roman
Catholic church in Bantay, Ilocos Sur in the Philippines. The church was dedicated to St. Augustine of Hippo. It
is also known as the Shrine of Our Lady of Charity (Shrine of Nuestra Señora de la Caridad) housing the
miraculous image of Virgin Mary as Our Lady of Charity, crowned as the patroness of Ilocandia on January 12,
1956.
The old historic belfry of the church known as the Bantay Tower, which served as a watchtower for pirates
back in the Spanish colonial era, gave the town its name - bantay (meaning to guard). Established in 1590, the
church is one of the oldest in the Ilocos Region.
The church was heavily damaged during World War II and rebuilding was started in 1950. The restored façade
is of Neo-Gothic design mixed with pseudo-Romanesque materials and elements. It is designed to be
grandiose and reminiscent of Spanish architecture. It uses materials such as bricks and mud.

SAN SEBASTIAN CHURCH

San Sebastian Church or the Basilica Minore de San Sebastián, better known as San Sebastián Church, is a
Roman Catholic minor basilica in Manila, Philippines. It is the seat of the Parish of San Sebastian and the
National Shrine of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. Completed in 1891, San Sebastián Church is noted for its
architectural features. An example of the revival of Gothic architecture in the Philippines, it is the only all-steel
church or basilica in Asia, and claimed as the only prefabricated steel church in the world. In 2006, San
Sebastian Church was included in the Tentative List for possible designation as a World Heritage Site. It was
designated as a National Historical Landmark by the Philippine government in 1973.
San Sebastian Church has two openwork towers and steel vaulting. From its floor, the basilica's nave rises 12
meters to the dome, and 32 meters to the tip of the twin spires.
True to the Gothic revival spirit of the church are its confessionals, pulpit, altars and five retablos designed by
Lorenzo Guerrero and Rocha. The sculptor Eusebio Garcia carved the statues of holy men and women. Six holy
water fonts were constructed for the church, each crafted from marble obtained from Romblon.

MALATE CHURCH
Malate Catholic Church or simply called Malate Church is located in Manila, Philippines. It is dedicated to the
patroness of childbirth, Our Lady of Remedies (Nuestra Senora de Remedios). What stands in the altar today
is the statue of the Virgin Mary brought from Spain in 1624.
The church has a Baroque style, and faces a small parl called Plaza Rajah Sulayman, as well as Manila
Bay. It is one of the oldest churches in Manila, which has been built in the 16th century by the Augustinians at
the very same spot.
During the occupation of British soldiers in the Philippines, they took refuge in the church, which contributes to
the destruction of the building in 1773. It was reconstructed, but got damaged again in the World War II. Later
on, it was restored, and stands until today.

TUMAUINI CHURCH

Iglesia Parroquia de San Matias in northern Isabela, for instance, is considered the most artistic brick structure
in the country. Commonly known as Tumauini Church, the structure was built entirely of red bricks and done in
the style of Late Baroque or Early Rococo. It has a four-story bell tower that looks like a wedding cake. Since
2006, the church has been considered for addition to the Unesco World Heritage Sites under the Baroque
Churches of the Philippines (Extension). The first church of light materials was built in 1707, when Tumauini
was part of the parish of Cabagan. (For a time in the 1880s, Tumauini became the capital of the province of
Isabela.) It was dedicated to St. Matthias, the disciple chosen to rank among the 12 Apostles after Judas’
suicide, whose feast dayMay14isthetownfiesta.

STO. DOMINGO CHURCH

In 1954, a newly built Sto. Domingo Church stood magnificent and imposing against the background of rice
fields and a sparse landscape of residences in Quezon City. It became the new national shrine of Our Lady of
the Most Holy Rosary of La Naval de Manila, under the care of the Spanish Dominicans.

The Santo Domingo Church, also known as National Shrine of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary of La Naval de
Manila (Spanish: Santuario Nacional de Nuestra Señora del Santísimo Rosario de La Naval de Manila;
Filipino: Pambansang Dambana ng Mahál na Birhen ng Santísimo Rosario ng La Naval).

PAETE CHURCH

This is St James the Apostle Church in Paete, Laguna. This century old church is filled with centuries-old
wooden paintings and statues of catholic saints. It features a baroque style architecture with local style. The
church is solidly made of adobe stones with egg whites for mortar. Founded in 1580, it was rebuilt after
earthquakes and calamities in the years 1717, 1880 and 1937. Paete church was constructed in the Baroque
style with numerous bas reliefs, the most prominent of which is that of St. James riding a horse over the dead
bodies of non-believers above the arched entrance. Its stone carvings almost remind me of old Inca ruins I’ve
seen on travel shows. 
Like the church’s façade, its interior is also finished with rough adobe walls. Its wooden barreled ceiling,
colorful stained glass windows and faux chandeliers somehow complete its old world look. 

CAGSAWA CHURCH

In Philippines are numerous beautiful Baroque churches, mostly built by Fransicans in the 18th century. The
lively Cagsawa town was no exception - fine church was built under the leadership of Friar Francisco Blanco in
1724, in the site of earlier church from 1636 which was burned down by Dutch pirates. Cagsawa village was
even older - it was founded in the late 16th century. In 1724 there were some 4 thousand people in the town
and it was the richest town in this prosperous area.

Terrible tragedy took place in the early 1st February, 1814, when the 10 km distant Mayon Volcano erupted
with unseen force. More than 200 people died inside.

REDEMTORISTS CHURCH

The National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help also known as Redemptorist Church and colloquially as
the Baclaran Church, is a prominent national shrine dedicated to Our Lady of Perpetual Help along Roxas
Boulevard in Baclaran, Parañaque, a city in the southern part of Metro Manila, the capital of the Philippines.
The National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, also known as the Redemptorist Church and popularly
known as the Baclaran Church, is a prominent Latin-rite Roman Catholic church in the Philippines.

The shrine is one of the largest Marian churches in the Philippines, authorized by the Holy See to remain
open 7 days a week for 24 hours a day, and houses one of the most venerated and celebrated Marian
images in the country, called Our Mother of Perpetual Help, to which miraculous powers and historic events
are ascribed. The shrine serves as the main headquarters for Redemptorist priests residing in the Philippines,
headed by its rector, Rev. Fr. Victorino "Ino" Cueto, C.Ss.R.

The Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help in Baclaran has symbolic significances to the Catholic faith. The
shrine has many parts which are made with exquisite materials made for the people. The baldachin is the
shrine's centerpiece. Its columns and capitals are made of giallo oro and Bottecino marbles. The gracefully
curving altar rails under the baldachin are made of white Carrara marble. The shrine’s columns are made of
Black Belgium marble, Moroccan onyx and Venetian mosaics.

Religious devotees flock to this sanctuary every Wednesday in what has become popularly known as
Baclaran Day, and participate in a popular Marian novena offered for the Blessed Virgin Mary's reputed
miraculous aid and intercession.

The original icon suspended in the altar came from Germany, but was transported to Ireland then brought to
the Philippines in 1906. It bears a Papal seal in the back paneling. Many Filipino Roman Catholics attribute
the overwhelming attendance and devotion to the Marian icon as Baclaran Phenomenon. The parish
celebrates its annual feast day on June 27, the liturgical feast day of the Marian title.

BACLAYON CHURCH
The Baclayon Church, sits atop the original site of the first Catholic mission to Bohol and dates back to the
16th century. The simple cross-shaped church facing the Bohol Sea that visitors can see today is one of the
oldest churches in the Philippines. It is fashioned from coral-stone block and was completed in 1727.

The church and its adjacent bell tower suffered major damage in the 7.2 earthquake that shook the region in
2013. A new red roof has been added and visitors can once again wander inside, taking in the ceiling frescoes
around the altar, tiny saint figures tucked into its nooks, and a handful of glass-enclosed statues from the
earliest days of the church. Renovations are ongoing.

Behind the church in the old convent, the Church Museum houses many of the building’s artifacts including
gold-stitched vestments, hymnals bound in water buffalo skins and inscribed with plant-based inks, as well as
additional saints, iconography and relics.