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Organising the annual visita iglesia with the family and friends is no easy task. We list down seven churches that captivated our hearts by their sublime beauty and would definitely make the pilgrimage one for the books.
Above Photo: Courtesy of Jereme Cruz
Photo: Courtesy of Jereme Cruz
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National Shrine of the Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Declared two years ago as a national shrine on December 14, this parish located at Broadway Avenue in Quezon City is founded in 1975 by the Order of Discalced Carmelites. It was recently renovated, enhancing the beauty of its immaculate walls and grand altar. Make sure to view the splendid stained glass decors depicting the Carmelite saints and their teachings as well as the four main dogmas of the Virgin Mary.
Above Photo: Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Photo: Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
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Church of the Gesu
Also located in Quezon City is the famous white church under the care of the Jesuits at the Ateneo de Manila University. Designed by Jose Pedro Recio and Carmelo Casas, it is acclaimed for its contemporary architecture and geometric form. Simple as it may seem from the outside compared to Manila’s grand basilicas, the ambience inside evokes optimum spiritual atmosphere.
Above Photo: Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Photo: Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
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Santuario del Sto. Cristo Church
Originally built in the 1600s by the Dominicans, one of San Juan’s church is Santuario del Sto Cristo that is frequented by pilgrims for its well preserved façade. Its intricate baroque details transports everyone that sees it back to time, not to mention the historic image of the Sto. Cristo that was originally venerated in Binondo Church until it was enshrined in San Juan permanently in 1641.
Above Photo: Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Photo: Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
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Basilica Menor de San Sebastian
It has been the refuge of San Sebastian College students and the Order of the Augustinian Recollects for decades and we can’t blame them. Its incredible steel construction and neo-gothic architecture are reminiscent of Antoni Gaudi’s Sagrada Família in Barcelona and it has been rumoured to be co-designed by Gustave Eiffel. It has been declared as a National Cultural Treasure in 1973 but in recent years, it has encountered threats to its structural integrity due to rust and corrosion.
Above Photo: Courtesy of Franz Sorilla IV
Photo: Courtesy of Franz Sorilla IV
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St. Paul University Philippines Chapel
In 1907, four French nuns and one Chinese from the Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres established Saint Paul University in Cagayan. In 1982, the St. Paul College of Tuguegarao became St. Paul University Philippines, thus elevating its status as the mother of all St. Paul colleges in the country.
Above Photo: Courtesy of Franz Sorilla IV
Photo: Courtesy of Franz Sorilla IV
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The chapel is a miniature replica of the grand Our Lady of Chartres Cathedral in France. Its stained glass windows from all sides of the cross-shaped chapel is a sight to behold.
Above Photo: Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Photo: Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
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St. James the Great Parish Church
Adorned by murals and ceiling paintings by Father Santiago Blanco and Simon Flores, the Betis Church, as it was affectionately called, is like a visual gallery, religious museum, and a church all rolled into one.
Above Photo: Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Photo: Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
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This National Cultural Treasure was even dubbed as the “Sistine Chapel of the Philippines” because of the paintings that enchant every one who enters it for the first time.
Above Photo: Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Photo: Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
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This baroque-inspired church was built around 1660 and surprisingly, its parish community continues to celebrate many of its traditions that date back to 17th Century.
Above Photo: Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Photo: Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
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Chapel of the Transfiguration, Caleruega
Famous for being a retreat centre and wedding venue, the Dominican Order’s rustic Spanish-influenced church in Caleruega, Batangas is perhaps the most photographed church in the country. Its lush greenery and flowers give pilgrims a breathtaking view and make a perfect backdrop for the cosy, intimate chapel.
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About
Before assuming the Art and Culture Editor position, Franz has always had a penchant for visual and performing arts. He is passionate about exploring and writing about the local cultural scene and rediscovering the country’s storied past and rich heritage. Besides working on this luxury lifestyle magazine, Franz is an avid book reader, local traveller, museum-goer, chorister, and community theatre playwright.
Work
Franz earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Santo Tomas. He writes about local visual and performing artists and their craft; drinks wines, liquors, and spirits and talks about the creativity of their respective winemakers and master blenders; tries to learn more about business and investments; respects the tradition and artistry that go behind the making of watches and jewellery; and appreciates the genius of architecture and creative design.
As head of Tatler Philippines’ pool of writers, he helps them bring impactful and socially relevant stories to light.
For any leads, you may reach him through @franzsorillaiv on Instagram or franz@tatlerphilippines.com via email.
