CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE - MAKATI CITY

CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE - MAKATI CITY

HISTORY

Guadalupe Church or the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe is located along Guadalupe EDSA in Makati City. One of the oldest churches in the Philippines it was declared an Archidiocesan Shrine in 2002 and a National Shrine in 2010.

The church dates back to the 17th century. It was originally constructed as a rest house and hermitage for the Augustinians. Initially named Our Lady of Grace, the church was later named Our Lady of Guadalupe in 1803. Our Lady of Guadalupe is the patroness of pro-life, representing the unborn, the sick, the aging, and the disabled. She is also the patroness of the indigenous native peoples, of those who are aspiring for children, of the pregnant, the elderly, and even photographers.

The 1937 marker placed on the church by the Historical Research and Markers Committee states that the foundation of the church and the monastery were first laid in 1601 and was completed in 1629. The structure suffered earthquakes in the years of 1645, 1658, 1754 and 1863. In 1839, it served as a sanctuary for the Chinese during their upheaval. In 1880, the church's roof collapsed due to an earthquake and was rebuilt in 1882 under the supervision of Rev. Jose Corugedo, Order of Saint Augustine. It also became an orphan asylum and trade school for the children of the victims of the cholera epedemic that hit the Philippines in 1882. The church convent was the site of the historic Escuela de Artes y Oficios. In 1887, it the residence ofy governor-general Rafael Izquierdo. In 1898, it was burned by Filipino revolutionaries. It was repaired by the Augustinians in 1970.

Church facade

The facade of the church of Our Lady of Guadalupe is an neo-Romanesque-Gothic in style. Tits massive vertical buttresses are complemented by round windows, niches with statues, and the semicircular arch of the main entrance. Two Doric columns support the cornice and triangular pediment of the facade, which softened by the leaf carvings that embellish the main entrance and other openings. The architave is also decorated with strings arabesque designs.

National Shrine

On 31 May 2010, the Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe was declared a national shrine by the Philippine Catholic church. The petition which was first submitted on 5 August 2005, was approved by the Catholic Bishop Conference of the Philippines.

http://en.wikipilipinas.org/index.php?title=Our_Lady_of_Guadalupe_Church

St. Clement’s Church, Iloilo City

St. Clement’s Church, Iloilo City

St. Clement’s Church boasts its modern design as both appealing and simple. The church’s facade is adorned with white balusters lining the balcony outside. Another exterior feature is the four-storey high tower located at the right side of the building. On the outside, the garden surrounding the church usually serves as an extra space for mass-goers when the church is full.

The interior of St. Clement’s is also simple, yet elegant. It provides an atmosphere for meditation and prayer as there are few distractions in the design. I find the lines and curves of the altar seem to lead to the big image of Our Mother of Perpetual Help at the center of the altar. I feel like the patterns are designed to lead us to the great image.

Saint Clement’s is managed by the Redemptorists or the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer with their Mother House located at left side of the church. The church was completed on 1931. The first Perpetual Novena to Our Mother of Perpetual Help in the Philippines and Asia was celebrated at the church on May 13, 1946.

The Mother House of the Redemptorists at La Paz; also used as a retreat venue

Saint Clement’s Church is located at La Paz, Iloilo City.

http://beautifulchurches.blogspot.com/2012/06/st-clements-church-iloilo-city.htm

SANTIAGO APOSTOL PARISH CHURCH a.k.a Betis Church

Santiago Apostol Parish Church - PAMPANGA

The 1607 Santiago Apostol Parish Church, commonly known as Betis Church or Parish Church of St. James the Apostle is a Baroque (heritage) Church, located in Guagua, Pampanga (Betis Area). It is a Spanish-era church declared a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines and the NCCA (under R.A. 4896 as amended by P.D. 374 and R.A. 8492), on November 5, 2001 (one of only 26 churches in the country bestowed that honor). It is part of the Ecclesiastical Provinces of the Archdiocese of San Fernando. In 2009, the National Museum installed a marker of its 2005 Proclamation.

The Church is named after "Apung Tiago" or Santiago Matamoros ("Saint James the Moor-slayer"). James, son of Zebedee, (Aramaic Yaʕqov, Greek Ιάκωβος, died 44 AD), was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus. He was a son of Zebedee and Salome, and brother of John the Apostle. He is also called James the Greater to distinguish him from James, son of Alphaeus, who is also known as James the Less).

The main attraction of the Church is the original ceiling mural done by the famous painter Simon Flores (1839-1904). Not to be missed are the original Simon Flores painting of the Holy Family, the artesian well (dug in the 1800s) in the patio - the first well in the country to be so situated, and the rare betis tree nearby, donated by Prof. Randy David, a sociologist and native of the town. A two-minute walk from the church is the restored David House, ancestral home of Randy David, which they christened Bale Pinauid or Bahay Pawid.

The Philippine National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) has designated the conservation and protection of more than 30 other Spanish-era churches to be of utmost importance. These were registered as National Cultural Treasures. These churches were given priority status not just due to their historical value, but also based on the geographic representation of various regions across the nation, and include Santiago Apostol Parish Church in Betis, Guagua, Pampanga.

As one of the Baroque Churches of the Philippines, the Santiago Apostol Parish Church Parish Church has been at the forefront of Philippine history since their construction in the 1500s. During the time of Spanish colonial rule, the Church and State worked hand in glove. They had served the Catholic church in the archipelago and as the political backbone of Spanish colonial rule.

The unique design of the churches reflects the integration of Spanish and Latin American architecture to indigenous architecture of the Philippines, including a fusion with Chinese style. The Church's political power of that period manifests in the architecture. They had been designed to withstand attacks during revolts and rebellions, giving the Churches the appearance of fortresses. The blending of religion and military portrays the manner Spain saw its situation in the Philippines. The Church of La Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion, located on top of a hill, served as a citadel during times of crisis, providing the best example of the blend of purposes in the architecture. Church of Santo Tomas de Villanueva withstood the occasional attacks from Muslims coming from the south.

The Philippines resides within the Pacific Ring of Fire, calling for structures that could withstand the tremendous earthquakes that rock the region. Powerful buttresses and foundations gave the churches the support they needed to survive earthquakes intact. Although occasionally damaged seriously, the Church restored them each time. The Church of San Agustin has the most imposing of those buttresses, while the Church of San Agustin, Manila, the only structure in Intramuros (the southern district of Manila) to survive World War II, demonstrates the best example of the strength of that architecture. The unique architectural style became known as Earthquake Baroque.

Aside from the 4 churches designated as a World Heritage Site, the Philippine National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) has also designated 26 Spanish-era churches for conservation and protection. They have been registered as National Cultural Treasures. They have been given priority status for their historical value as well as serving as the geographic representatives of regions throughout the nation and include the Santiago Apostol Parish Church Parish Church

HIstory of the Betis Church

                          

The baroque-inspired Betis Church was built around 1660 and it was headed by Father Jose de la Cruz. The preliminary structure was made out of light materials which was composed mainly of wood and stucco. Fire broke out within the church several times due to these light materials so it was finally built with concrete materials in 1770.

In the last quarter of 19th century, Father Manuel Camañes dug an artesian well on the north-side of the church which served as a source of potable water not only for the Betis townsfolk, but to the other nearby towns as well. On the other hand, the present-day concrete fence with caryatids was built in the 2nd quarter of the 20th century.

In 1908, the rectory of the church was burned with fire and all the documents about baptism and other historical catalogues of the church turned into ashes.

Beautification of the interior part of the church was extensively done by the last Spanish priest named Father Santiago Blanco in 1939. The ceiling paintings were repainted by a native of San Agustin named Macario Ligon. His assistant named Victor Ramos, who was in his teen years then was also the one who restored these paintings in the 1970s.

During the Spanish-Colonial period, Betis is an independent town which has its own autonomy as a municipality. But due to migration of its inhabitants to the nearby Guagua in the American Period, it was merged to this town in 1904 under the Act 943.

Today, although part of the municipality of Guagua, the Betis church has its own parochial priest and has its patron saint named St. James the Grea

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santiago_Apostol_Parish_Church

PARISH CHURCH OF NUESTRA SENORA DE LA PORTERIA - DARAGA, ALBAY

PARISH CHURCH OF NUESTRA SENORA DE LA PORTERIA - DARAGA, ALBAY

As mythical as the tale that the Daraga church was built by young maidens or Daraga is the common belief that it was built after and on account of the eruption of Mayon Volcano that buried the town of Cagsawa in 1814. The historical truth is that it began to be built more than 40 years earlier, in 1773 to be exact.

Historical records show that way back in 1772 some people from Cagsawa asked permission from the National Government to transfer their town and church to a nearly settlement known as Daraga, then a sitio of the town of Albay.

The request was granted by the Spanish Governor General, Don Simon de Anda y Salazar in a letter dated June 12, 1772, wherein he instructed the Alcade Mayor of the Province of Camarines to supervise the transfer of the town of Cagsawa to the place of Daraga so that the town be formed with streets near the church that is to serve as the center for the benefit of the natives.

The order must have been implemented right away. There is no better proof that the official seal of the municipality of Daraga that bears 1772 as the year engraved on it.

The church was still under construction and on its way to completion in 1777, as can be gathered from a letter written by the Franciscan Provincial to the Governor General, asking that it be finished and the latters letter of instruction to the Alcalde Mayor to find our whether the construction of the church is finished and in case it is not, to promote its completion with the greatest vigor. Whether it was completed before the fateful eruption of 1814 has not yet been ascertained.

The next thing we here about Daraga church is that it was finally consecrated in 1854, the year Pope Pius 1X declared the dogma of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The American forces bombed the church during the World War II. The roof was completely blown up and the right wing and wall partially destroyed. Right after the war, it was hurriedly reconstructed. Then, it deteriorated very fast. In 1971 it underwent another complete reconstruction and remodeling of the interior especially the altar to make it conform to the norms of the celebration of the Liturgy as renewed by Council Vatican 11. The reconstruction was happily finished before the bicentennial celebration on December 8, 1973.

Eighteen years later in 1991, to be faithful to its structural design, the altar was returned to its original position.

Belfry Daraga Church

http://daragaparish.tripod.com/id1.html

SAN JOSE CHURCH

San Jose Church (Iloilo City)

The first church in Iloilo was built by the Jesuits around 1607 to serve the needs of the military stationed in Punta, as Iloilo was then called. However, on 29 April 1617, the Augustinians established San José, a house of the order. They held San José until 1775 when administration was given to the secular clergy. In 1868, Iloilo along with La Paz (Loboc) was given to the Augustinians in exchange for Jaro which had become the seat of the newly founded diocese. Fr. Mauricio Blanco was named prior in 1873 and he started enlarging and repairing an older church built of light material. Later he decided to build a new church of stone and brick, after the Miguelete church of Valencia del Cid (Spain). However, he was unable to fulfill his plans, and stopped when he had completed two stories. He finished the church, added two towers one with a clock and barometer and built a convent. The towers were begun on 14 November 1893. The church was repaired in 1902 under Fr. Manuel Diez, restored in 1945 under architect and engineer Mariano Cacho following plans by Fr. David Caseres. The altars were gilded by Fr. Jesús Fernandez. During World War II, the church was saved from being bombed by the Americans after they received information that Japanese were not holed in the church as they were previously informed. Between 1980-82 the church was renovated, a new marble floor was laid, under the direction of poet-writer, Fr. Gilbert Centina. San José is one of the few parish in the Philippines still under the Augustinians.

http://heritageconservation.wordpress.com/2006/07/27/san-jose-church-iloilo-city/

BINONDO CHURCH

Binondo Church - Binondo, Manila

Binondo Church, also known as Minor Basilica of St. Lorenzo Ruiz and Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Parish , is located in the District of Binondo, Manila fronting Plaza Calderón de La Barca, in the Philippines. This church was founded by Dominican priests in 1596[1] to serve their Chinese converts to Christianity.[2] The original building was destroyed in 1762 by British bombardment. A new granite church was completed on the same site in 1852 however it was greatly damaged during the Second World War, with only the western facade and the octagonal bell tower surviving.

San Lorenzo Ruiz, who was born of a Chinese father and a Filipino mother, trained in this church and afterwards went as a missionary to Japan and was executed there for refusing to renounce his religion. San Lorenzo Ruiz was to be the Philippines' first saint and he was canonized in 1987. A large statue of the martyr stands in front of the church.

Masses are held in Filipino, in Chinese dialects 

(Mandarin, Hokkien), and in English.

Historical background

Statue East Side

Even before the arrival of the Spanish to the Philippines there was already a community of Chinese traders living in Manila. The population of Chinese traders increased with the advent of Spanish colonization of the Philippines, due to increased trade between the islands.The upsurge in their population prompted the catholic missionaries to manage the conversion of the Chinese population to the Christian faith.[3]

In 1596, Dominican priests founded Binondo church to serve their Chinese converts to Christianity as well as to the native Filipinos.

The original structure has sustained damages during wars[4] and various natural disasters.[5] The current granite church was completed on the same site in 1852 and features an octagonal bell tower which suggests the Chinese culture of the parishioners. The church was burned during the British invasion of 1872. Another one was quickly built following the occupation. Improvements were made in the 18th century but the edifice was again destroyed in the 1863 earthquake. It was rebuilt in the grandeur the remains on which we see today. Before the war, it was considered as one of the most beautiful churches in the country. Its bell tower was composed of five stories, octagonal in shape. At its top was a mirador (viewing window). This roof was destroyed during the 1863 earthquake.

American bombing on September 22, 1944 destroyed the structure. Everything including the archives of the parish were burned. Nothing was left behind except the stone walls of the church and the fire-tiered octagonal belltower. After the war, Binondo parishioners had to make do with a roofless church for several years until it was rebuilt in the 1950s.

The present church and convent was renovated between 1946 and 1971.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Binondo_church

BARASOAIN CHURCH

Barasoain Church - Malolos Bulacan

Barasoain Church (also known as Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish) is a Roman Catholic church built in 1630[1] in Malolos City, Bulacan. Having earned the title as the Cradle of Democracy in the East, the most important religious building in the Philippines,[2] and the site of the First Philippine Republic, the Church is proverbial for its historical importance among Filipinos.

Founded by Augustinian Missionaries in 1859, the church is also renowned for its architectural design and internal adornments.[1] The original church was burned during the outbreak of the Philippine Revolution however, it was renovated. It is about 42 kilometers away from Manila.

The church recorded some of the important events occurred in the country. While it has been a temporary residence of General Aguinaldo, three major events in Philippine History happened in this church: the convening of the First Philippine Congress (September 15, 1898), the drafting of the Malolos Constitution (September 29, 1898 to January 21, 1899), and the inauguration of the First Philippine Republic (January 23, 1899).[3] By Presidential Decree No. 260, the church was proclaimed as a National Shrine by President Ferdinand Marcos on August 1, 1973.[4] Unusual for newly elected presidents in the Philippines, the church has been a venue in an inaugural affairs. General Emilio Aguinaldo and former president Joseph Estrada were the only two who have been inaugurated in the place.[5]

Historic Barasoain used to be independent from Malolos and this explains the presence of a stone church here. The Parish Church of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel had its first stone edifice in 1871 to replace a temporary one but was burned later. In 1885, the current structure was started while the belltower was constructed in 1889. The church was the scene of the proclamation of Philippine Independence and recently, where Joseph Estrada took his oath of office.

The facade has Neo-Classic touches and its rounded pediment is echoed by the arches and rose window at the lower part

The term "Barasoain" was derived from a place in Spain to which the missionaries found the place in Malolos in striking similarity. When the Spanish-Filipino revolution broke-out, revolutionaries coined the term "baras ng suwail", which means "dungeon of the defiant"

Barasoain Church was founded by Augustinian Missionaries. Built on the 1630, the original church was destroyed in a fire in 1884 prompting various renovations. However, the structure itself was very similar to the Church during the Spanish era.

The church consists of two structures, the church and an adjoining convent. While the left outside of the Church is a medieval bell tower, the entrance of which has bamboo arches linings and its sides are rose windows. Its architectural design is simple however, it has paintings in its ceilings and domes which makes it look bigger than its actual size. The altar in the inside has glimmering lights despite the church's historical reputation.[7] Aside of which, floral motifs, frescoes of angels and saints embellish the interior of the Church. Right in front is a convent which has a museum dedicated to the three historical events that took place in the church.[3] While the Barasoain Church Ecclesiastical Museum has been a repository of important artifacts found within the vicinity of the province,[8] the Church's Historical Landmarks History Museum concerns on preserving the fruits of the Philippine Revolution as well as freedom and the Filipinos' heritage of democracy.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barasoain_Church

MALOLOS CATHEDRAL

Malolos Cathedral - Basilica Minore dela Nuestra Señora de Inmaculada Concepcion

Malolos Cathedral, also known as the Basilica Minore dela Nuestra Señora de Inmaculada Concepcion (in Spanish) or Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception (in English), is the ecclesiastical seat of the Diocese of Malolos in the Philippines. Note: Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception or the Manila Cathedral is the seat of the Archbishop of Manila.

The Augustinian missionaries, headed by Fr. Diego Ordonez de Vivar, arrived at barrio Canalate in June 1580. From a small chapel near Canalate River, a bigger church was built which was recognized in the records of the Augustinian chapter of 1580. Due to the frequent submerging of its first location,they moved the church to another location facing Malolos River and created it as the center of the pueblo in 1591 (the present location of the church). Augustinians placed under the mantle of the Immaculate Conception.Malolos Church was initially parish of Encomienda de Malolos made as the town parish in 1580.Initially built from light materials in 1580-1591,later the church and convent were enlarged by Fr. Roque Barrionuevo in 1691. In 1734, the church was built with stronger materials by Fr. Fernando Sanchez. Fr. Juan Meseguer finished this project in 1740 and Fr. Jose de Vivar applied the finishing touches in 1753. However, both the church and the convent were destroyed by fire in 1813. The construction of the present church begun in 1819 with Fr. Melchor Fernandez. This prolific builder was also responsible for the addition of arches to the convent; the fortification of the belfry (to accommodate the installation of a clock); and the construction of the bridge connecting Malolos with Barasoain. However, the buildings were destroyed by a strong earthquake in 1863. Fr. Ezekiel Merino undertook the reconstruction of the collapsed structures which lasted until 1872. Another severe earthquake took place in 1880 which destroyed the convent. Fr. Juan Tombo began the restoration of the convent in 1883. It was completed in 1884 by Fr. Felipe Garcia.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malolos_Cathedral

OUR LADY OF PIAT CAGAYAN

OUR LADY OF PIAT CAGAYAN

Our Lady of Piat (formally: Nuestra Señora de Piat,) is a 16th century Roman Catholic icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the central figure at the altar of her shrine in Piat in the province of Cagayan, Philippines. Locally known as the patroness of the town, it is one of the most venerated Marian images of Mary in the Republic of the Philippines and is referred to as the Mother of Cagayan. The image of Our Lady of Piat is one of the most revered images among Catholics. Flocking everyday to the shrine are devotees queueing to touch the image’s feet seeking her intercessions. Her devotees include the rich and powerful who spare no expense at showering the Blessed Virgin’s shrine with donations and gifts.

She was originally called Nuestra Señora del Santissimo Rosario (Our Lady of the Rosary) by the Dominican friars. The lady has been attributed to many miracles including an end to a drought that threatened famine in the Itawes region. Piat is now dubbed as the "Pilgrimage Center of Cagayan Valley" because of the thousands of devotees and tourists who come here to pay homage. She continues to be the source of inspiration and object of devotion of many Catholics in the region.

The lady is also called as the "Black Virgin Mary" because of its color being brown or "muy morena". That was referred to as the appealing characteristic of the Blessed Virgin.[1]

Our Lady of Piat is one of the oldest Marian images in the Philippines. On June 20, 1954, in a ceremony led by Papal Delegate Egidio Vagnozzi, she was named “Queen of Heaven and Earth”. The Ibanags call her “Yena Tam Ngamin” (Mother of Us All) and to the natives of Piat, Cagayan, she is known as “Apo Baket” (Grand Matriarch).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Our_Lady_of_Piat

NATIONAL SHRINE OF OUR LADY OF THE CANDLES

National Shrine of Our Lady of the Candles - JARO , ILOILO

The Jaro Cathedral, formally Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Candles (Spanish: Santuario Nacional de Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria), is the cathedral for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Jaro. It is located in district of Jaro of Iloilo City, in the province of Iloilo, on the island of Panay, in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. It is under the original patronage of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary.

The shrine is constructed of Romanesque revival architecture.

A distinctive feature is that the bell tower is located across a busy street, on the Jaro Plaza. Typically, belfries are built next to their churches. In this case, the tower was adjacent to an earlier church, but an earthquake destroyed the church and left the tower.

Another distinctive feature is the stairs attached to the front facade of the cathedral, over the main entrance, leading up to a shrine above the main entrance to a statue of Our Lady of the Candles, as can be see in the picture at the top of this article.

The original cathedral was built in 1874 by the first Bishop of Jaro, Mariano Cuartero, O.P. It was destroyed by an earthquake in January 1948 and later repaired in 1956 by the first Archbishop of Jaro, Jose Maria Cuenco. The current parish rector is Most Rev. Gerardo Alminaza, Divinitatis Doctor.

Surrounding the cathedral and sharing the same general location are a variety of archdiocesan and parish offices. There is also a perpetual adoration chapel. About a block away is the archdiocesan seminary and across the plaza is the archbishop's palace, or official residence.

In January 2012, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines approved the cathedral as the National Shrine of Our Lady of Candles.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaro_Cathedral

OUR LADY OF PEñAFRANCIA

OUR LADY OF PEñAFRANCIA - NAGA CITY

The Peñafrancia Basilica Minore is located on the outskirts of Naga City--also known as the Piligrim City and Queen City of Bicol--in the Bicol Region of the Philippines. The Image of Our Lady of Peñafrancia is enshrined in her sanctuary at the Basilica Minore, Balatas Road Naga City. The current rector is Rev. Msgr. Rodel Cajot, PC, STD, appointed in 2011.

History 

The concept for the building came from the late Archbishop Pedro Paulo Santos y Songco in 1960. Construction began on April 18, 1976, but was delayed for a number of years due to financing problems and was not completed until September 1981.

On May 22, 1982, it was dedicated as The Church of Nuestra Señora de Peña de Francia and it wasn't until May 22, 1985 that the church was given the title of "Basilica Minore" from Rome after a request from the third Archbishop of Caceres, Leonardo Z. Legaspi, O.P., D.D.

The Peñafrancia Basilica Minore houses an image of the virgin Mary that was sculpted in 1710. It was commissioned by Miguel de Cobarrubias, who moved to the Philippines from Spain with his family and believed that the virgin Mary had helped him numerous times in his life. The image was housed in a small chapel until the Basilica Minore was built constructed.

Archbishop Pedro P. Santos noted that the devotees and pilgrims kept increasing through the years. In 1960, he dreamt of building a basilica to give honor to Our Lady. Shortly after, through the meditation of the Archbishop Emeritus Teopisto V. Alberto, D.D. and the Association of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, Mr and Mrs. Macario Mariano donated a three hectare lot at barrio Balatas. Bishop Concordio Sarte initiated the ground work of the construction. Blessing and laying of the cornerstone was held on Easter Sunday, April 18, 1976 having Church dignitaries led by Cardinal Jaime Sin and prominent Bicolano sponsors.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peñafrancia_Basilica

KALIBO CATHEDRAL

KALIBO CATHEDRAL

In 1581, the Augustinians established a mission in Kalibo. In 1680, the Kalibo was erected a parish under the advocacy of the San Juan Bautista Then, the town site was at Barrio Laguinbanwa in Numancia, some two kilometers distant from the present site of Kalibo.

Here at Laguinbanwa, a church was erected but when town transferred site to its present location, another church was constructed at the new site (1804). Both church and convento were completed completed in 1826. But tragedy struck the complex when on 24 May 1885 however, a big fire razed the town including the convento. The convento was reconstructed the following year (1886).

After the World War II, in 1947, Gabriel M. Reyes, Archbishop of Cebu and later Manila, personally took a hand reconstructing and remodeling the church. The church “On 14 June 1990, an earthquake measuring 7.1 in the Richter Scale hit Panay Island at 3:41 P.M., “The epicenter was located at 11.34 North latitude; 122.10 East longitude, in the vicinity of Culasi, Antique. The depth was computed to be 15 kilometers,” reported Philvocs. Damage to property included “The Catholic Church of Kalibo that is made of bricks (which) suffered cracks on its walls.” During the incumbency as bishop of Gabriel V. Reyes, a nephew of the former archbishop of Manila restored and improved the church to accommodate the many pilgrims who come to celebrate the feast of the Santo Niño.

The church of Kalibo is of modern construction but retains some of the lines characteristic of the post war church, which in turn alludes to earlier church styles. The center of attention in this church is the image of the Santo Niño, in whose honor the annual Ati-atihan is celebrated. (Panublion)

http://heritageconservation.wordpress.com/2008/01/13/kalibo-cathedral/

ST. PETER'S CATHEDRAL

ST. PETER'S CATHEDRAL TUGUEGARAO CITY

St. Peter Cathedral, located in Tuguegarao City, is the biggest Spanish church in Cagayan Valley and is the seat of the Archdiocese of Tuguegarao. The structure is considered one of the most beautiful works of art in the Philippines as its picture appears at a basilica in Rome.

History

Father Antonio Lobato, O.P. began the cathedral's construction on 17 June 1761 and finished in 1767. It was restored by Msgr. Bishop Constance Jurgens but was destroyed in 1945 during the American bombing in World War II.

http://en.wikipilipinas.org/index.php?title=St._Peter_Cathedral

OUR LADY OF ATONEMENT CATHEDRAL

Our Lady of Atonement Cathedral - BAGUIO CATHEDRAL

Our Lady of Atonement Cathedral, better known as Baguio Cathedral, is a Roman Catholic cathedral located at Cathedral Loop, adjacent to Session Road in Baguio City, the Philippines. The building is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary under the Marian title of Our Lady of Atonement. It is distinct for its rose-colored exterior, twin spires and traditional stained glass windows and is one of the most photographed iconic buildings in Baguio City.[1] It served as an evacuation center during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines during World War II.

History

The site where the cathedral currently stands was a hill referred to as "Kampo" by the Ibaloi people. In 1907, a Catholic mission was established by Belgian missionaries from the Congregatio Immaculati Cordis Mariae, who named the site Mount Mary.

Construction on the cathedral itself was begun in 1920, under the leadership of the then-parish priest, Fr. Florimono Carlu. The building was completed by 1936, and consecrated that year, dedicated to Our Lady of Atonement, one of the Titles of Mary, the mother of Jesus.

During World War II, the cathedral served as an evacuation center. It withstood the carpet-bombing of Baguio City in 1945. The remains of thousands of bombing victims during the war are interred within the grounds of the cathedral.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baguio_Cathedral

ST. PERTER PARISH CHURCH

ST. PERTER PARISH CHURCH - APALIT, PAMPANGA

Apalit Church in Apalit, Pampanga was formerly built with brick though destroyed by the 1863 earthquake. The present church was constructed by Mariano Santos of Guagua, under the supervision of Rev. Antonio Redondo, O.S.A., between 1876 and 1880.

http://en.wikipilipinas.org/index.php?title=Apalit_Church 

QUIAPO CHURCH

QUIAPO CHURCH

The Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, also known as Saint John the Baptist Parish and informally known as Quiapo Church is a prominent Roman Catholic church Latin-rite Basilica located in the District of Quiapo, Manila, Philippines. The church is reputedly famous for enshrining the Black Nazarene, a dark statue of Jesus Christ which many faithful claim to have miraculous powers. The parish belongs to the Archdiocese of Manila and is currently rectored by Rev. Msgr. Jose Clemente Ignacio.

History

In August 29, 1586, Governor General Santiago de Vera founded the District of Quiapo. The Franciscan Missionaries built the first church of Quiapo with Bamboo and Nipa materials. San Pedro Bautista, a Franciscan missionary at that time was one of the founders of the Quiapo church and several other churches in Metro Manila and Laguna city. The original church was burned in 1639 and was rebuilt with a stronger edifice. It was again partially destroyed by an earthquake of 1863. Under the supervision of Fathers Eusebio de Leon and Manuel Roxas, the third church was completed in 1899. Fr. Roxas raised an unprecedented amount of PhP. 40,000.00 pesos from donations and lay contributions. In October 30, 1928, the church was caught in a fire which almost destroyed the church. Dona Encarnacion Nakpil de Orense, head of the Parish Committee, raised funds for the reconstruction of the church. Filipino Artist and architect, Juan Nakpil also rebuilt the church.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quiapo_Church

CALATAGAN CHURCH

Church of Calatagan, Batangas

Santo Domingo de Silos Church built in 1913

NABUA CHURCH

NABUA CHURCH - NABUA, CAMARINES SUR

The first Nabua Church in Nabua, Camarines Sur was built in 1578 and was burned in 1610. The second church was constructed in 1611 and was destroyed by typhoon. The third church was erected between 1630 and 1656. The present church which was completed in 1700 was unroofed by a typhoon in 1875 but repaired in 1878. The belfry was damaged by an earthquake in 1850 but repaired between 1890 and 1894.

ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST CHURCH

St. John the Baptist Church(Camalig, Albay)

St. John the Baptist Church was destroyed during the Mayon Volacano eruption in 1814. This church was first constructed in 1605 and reconstructed in 1837 and finished in 1845. One can see the beauty of the Mayon volacano by looking from its bell tower, it serves as a look out for the American troops during the World War II, in searching for the enemies. A memorial stone was placed inside the church in memory of the resident who died at the age of 115.

http://en.wikipilipinas.org/index.php?title=St._John_the_Baptist_Church%28Camalig%2C_Albay%29 — inCamalig, Albay.

OUR LADY OF IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CATHEDRAL

Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Cathedral - ROXAS CITY, CAPIZ

Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Cathedral is one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the Philippines. It was constructed in the 18th century. It has a Baroque-style facade with a semicircular arched main entrance flanked by two niches on the lateral panels. It is one of the few churches where the dome and the roof are not held up by a column passing across the interior of the church.

http://en.wikipilipinas.org/index.php?title=Our_Lady_of_Immaculate_Conception_Cathedral