I have always had a great appreciation for the architectural design of Philippine churches. I love the eclectic styles such as Baroque, Gothic, Spanish, and contemporary influences.
One of my favorites is the Betis Church in Guagua, Pampanga. Known officially as the Saint James the Apostle Parish Church, it earned the popular nickname “Sistine Chapel of the Philippines” because of its elegant wall-to-wall murals. With its classical beauty, it was not a surprise when the Betis Church, built-in 1607, was declared a National Cultural Treasure by the National Commission for the Culture and the Arts.
In Nasugbu, Batangas, there is an interesting church called Caleruega’s Transfiguration Chapel. I like it for its location on top of a hill. Visiting Caleruega will give you an instant feeling of a warm welcome. With its serene surroundings, Caleruega is an ideal location for a retreat and prayer.
When in Iloilo, I would recommend visiting Miagao Church, also known as the Santo Tomas de Villanueva Parish Church. Built in 1786, the church is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Miagao. Aside from being a place of worship, Miagao Church also served as a fortress against pirates and raiders. Designed with Baroque features, it has Chinese and Filipino influences in its designs, ornaments, and motifs. For its historical and architectural impact on Philippine culture, Miagao Church was cited by UNESCO as a World Heritage site in 1993.
When touring the North, the Paoay Church in Ilocos Norte is one important place to visit. Also known as the San Agustin Church, it is one of the oldest in the country. Built by Augustinian missionaries in 1593, it endured several challenges such as disasters such as earthquakes before it was completed in 1896. Historians noted Paoay Church for its enthralling design. In 1993, UNESCO declared Paoay Church a World Heritage Site for being “one of the best Baroque Churches of the Philippines.”
Aside from its picturesque view and green surroundings, Batanes also has a lot of attractions to offer to tourists. One of them is the Basco Cathedral, officially known as the Immaculate Conception Cathedral. It is the first-ever church to be built in Batanes dating back to the 1700s. It carries the name Santo Domingo Church in honor of the patron saint of the capital of the province. It has a rich historical tradition as it was a living structure during the Filipino-American War from 1899 to 1902 and World War Two as well from 1939 to 1945.
As an architect from Italy, a country where we also strive to preserve historical structures, I am captivated by these churches as cultural assets, representing the richness of Philippine architectural heritage. Here in the Philippines, I’ve observed that great care is often taken to preserve them, and I hope that these efforts persist and grow, as appreciation for architectural heritage continues to deepen.