Our family loves old churches. Whenever we go to a place, we always make an effort to find a nearby stone church. So when we started this Visita Iglesia, we decided to go to far places where there are centuries-old churches. The first on our list: Laguna Loop.
1st Stop: Pila, Laguna – Diocesan Shrine of St. Anthony de Padua
We arrived here past 7 am. I felt envious as the church was able to preserve its beauty and antiquity – unlike our church in San Pedro, Laguna. But don’t get me wrong. With the renovations made (and being made) for San Pedro Apostol Parish, our church looks well-designed now – something that we, San Pedronians, can be proud of. I just hope that this beauty can be preserved for many years to come.
The first church and the first convent of the Diocesan of St. Anthony de Padua were completed in 1616. It was transferred to this location in 1800 from its original site in Pagalangan in efforts to avoid floods. It was in early 19th century when the church was first built. The convent, on the other hand, was completed in 1849.
We bought itlog na pula – with its shell not colored red.
2nd Stop: Sta. Cruz, Laguna – Our Lady of the Immaculate Concepcion
We have visited this site several times already but we still chose to include it in our itinerary. This is the birthplace of my sister, Anna, and the hometown of my grandfather, Ceferino Dictado Garcia. It was constructed in 1608 and expanded in 1672 to give the church the form of the cross. Destroyed in 1945, Our Lady of the Immaculate Concepcion was reconstructed in 1948. Nothing fancy inside – just simple and solemn.
3rd Stop: Pagsanjan, Laguna – Church of Pagsanjan
Church of Pagsanjan was founded in 1687. Originally, it was made of bamboo and nipa. It underwent reconstruction in 1690 and improved in 1853. The church was all-white outside.
We enjoyed kesong puti a lot.
4th Stop: Paete, Laguna – Church of Paete
Church of Paete, including its convent, was founded in 1646 and destroyed prior to 1717. The construction of a stronger structure happened in 1717. In 1880, it was ruined by an earthquake in 1880. Church of Paete was rebuilt in 1884. Unfortunately, another earthquake came in again on August 20, 1937. The stone church that we visited today was built in 1839. I was stunned with the carvings right on the walls, greatly showing the ingenuity of people of Paete.
We were surprised – and amazed – to see people in costumes (Moriones). We grabbed this opportunity to have pictures taken with them. We made sure we check the wood carvings, to which Paete is well-known for. I bought a small Sto. Nino image.
5th Stop: Magdalena, Laguna – St. Mary Magdalene Parish Church
The St. Mary Magdalene Parish Church took 16 years to be completed. The belfry was constructed in 1861 while the convent was built from 1871 to 1872. Interestingly, all the stones and sands were loaded by the people of Magdalena from the river.
So far this was the biggest church that I have ever been to. There’s a “grand staircase” (as I call it) leading to the church. The parking area is adequate for church goers and travelers. What more, the town plaza is ideal for visitors to take their lunch or merienda in case they get hungry from traveling – just like us. Talk about perfect timing because we got there just in time for lunch. Prior to traveling, we had no idea where we could eat; we just followed our itinerary, which by the way, is not timed as we were not sure of the travel time from one town to another.
You’ll get a piece of Philippine history in this church: The spot where one of our heroes, Emilio Jacinto, stopped after being wounded from a clash against the Spaniards in Maimpis River. You’ll be able to see his actual blood stains.
We were even fortunate to find one ‘kubo’ vacant for our use so yes, we had a feast!
We were also lucky to have been permitted to go upstairs, where the parish priest is housed as he knew Nanay Osie, my aunt.
6th Stop: Majayjay, Laguna – Saint Gregory the Great Parish Church
This church was built in 1571 from bamboo and palm. It was destroyed by fire in 1576, rebuilt in 1578, burned again in 1606, and rebuilt from 1616 to 1649. The current structure was partly damaged by fire in 1660 and renovated in 1707. The structure was extended from 1711 to 1734. It underwent renovations in 1839, 1842, and 1848 because of devastations from a typhoon. Saint Gregory the Great Parish Church served as the headquarters of the American soldiers during the Filipino-American War. It underwent renovation again in 1912.
7th Stop: Saint John the Baptist Parish Church
The Red Church, as people used to call it, was seriously destroyed by an earthquake in 1880. It was built again and was partly burned in 1898.
There were stalls that sell local footwear outside. Of course, we grabbed this opportunity to buy a few pairs because Liliw is known for producing slippers and shoes made of native materials.
Visit these churches and appreciate the beauty and history that they exhibit. You’ll be astonished by their ceilings, chandeliers, pulpits, belfries, and of course, altars. You will surely love coming here in these towns of Laguna.
‘Til our next Visita Iglesia – Batangas!
