lemiThe 7,107 islands of the Pearl of the Orient Seas boast of cultures, language, sounds, and sights that are as lively as its people
Roaming Churches
Philippines
The Philippines is known as Asia’s only Christian nation, which emphasizes the utmost respect of millions of Filipinos for spiritual values. Churches live in harmony with skyscrapers overlooking Metro Manila, and Sunday is considered a sacred day for people to nourish their faith. These churches have an influential part in the Philippines' religion and they serve as storytellers of history for the new generation of Filipinos. Wear your sneakers and get ready to meet Manila's glorious sanctuaries of worship.
Binondo has been Manila’s mecca of Chinese culture since 1596, and Minor Basilica of St. Lorenzo Ruiz (also known as Binondo Church) served as a sanctuary for many Catholic Chinese. The church has survived the darkest moments in Philippine history, and still holds some granite elements despite numerous renovations. Binondo Church boasts a Baroque style altar with a likeness with the St. Peter's Basilica.
- +63022424850
Plaza L. Ruiz, Binondo, Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines
The San Agustin Church belongs to the family of Baroque churches here in the Philippines. The worship sanctuary earned a spot in UNESCO's World Heritage Site list for its majestic interiors, French glass chandeliers, and stone statues in the courtyard. Two Italian painters used a technique called trompe l'oeil on the ceiling, which creates a captivating illusion of three-dimensional patterns.
- +6325247141
General Luna Street, Manila City, Metro Manila, Philippines
The Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (Manila Cathedral)
10 savesManila, Philippines • Recommendation •
Known as the Mother Church of the Philippines, Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (also known as Manila Cathedral) has undergone various architectural styles until ending up on its present Romanesque-Byzantine design. Rays of sunlight paint colors inside the church through its stained glass windows. Manila Cathedral has seen many momentous events like the visit of Pope Francis and the beatification of Filipino martyr Lorenzo Ruiz.
- +6325273093
Cabildo corner Beaterio Street, Intramuros, Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines
- https://www.manilacathedral.com.ph/
Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Our Lady of the Abandoned
1 saveAntipolo, Philippines • Recommendation •
Akin to many churches in the Spanish era, the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Our Lady of the Abandoned was first constructed out of bamboo rods and leaves before it underwent a Baroque architecture transformation. Its high ceiling presents captivating paintings of Jesus Christ, with unmissable arch accents and statues of the 12 Apostles inside the church.
- +63 2 8646 1781
J.P. Rizal, Corner V. Gomez St, Marikina, 1801 Metro Manila, Philippines
The religious locals can’t help but boast the solemn and pristine environment of Sta. Clara de Montefalco Parish. Inside the Sta. Clara de Montefalco Parish, you'll see a trace of golden yellow color gracing some of the church’s interiors. People can spend quiet time in the sunken garden or see the beautiful Fountain of Hearts before starting their morning devotion.
- +63 921 328 9114
Pasig, Metro Manila, Philippines
Makati is a city echoing urban progress in every corner, but amidst the loud noises and traffic jams, an ancient church rests peacefully in Poblacion. Saints Peter and Paul Parish Church substituted as a hospital during a war between the Philippines and America. Despite several refurbishments, the Rococo-style altar and church bells still have their original form.
5539 D.M. Rivera, Street, Poblacion, Makati, 1210 Metro Manila, Philippines
Home of the miraculous Black Nazarene, Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene is deeply ingrained in the spiritual lives of Filipinos. The religious sanctuary boats classic Baroque architecture, with two high bell towers greeting church visitors. Beautiful colors of white and gold adorn the church's interiors while the Black Nazarene sits on the main altar. Millions attend the Feast of Black Nazarene every year, praying for healing or a significant breakthrough in their life.
- +6327334945
363 Quezon Boulevard, Plaza Miranda, Quiapo, Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines
- http://www.quiapochurch.com
Open air drifts through the Mary Immaculate Parishchurch nestled beside a flowing creek, surrounded by bright blossoms and trees. Francisco Mañosa, a pioneer of Philippine neo vernacular architecture envisioned the church as a traditional Bahay Kubo constructed from logs of old trees, brightened by dove-shaped lanterns from Capiz hanging on the ceiling. After a fire incident in 2007, fireproof materials were installed in Nature Church to prevent unexpected mishaps.
- +63 2 8801 7806
Apollo III, Moonwalk Village, Las Pinas, Metro Manila, Philippines
Soon-to-be brides and grooms look at Nuestra Señora de Gracia Church and see the perfect backdrop to exchange vows because of its refreshing ambiance. It has nothing but giant trees and deep blue skies. Despite its simple Baroque-style structure, Nuestra Señora de Gracia Church weathered the Japanese occupation Philippine-American War, a cholera outbreak, and several earthquakes. The altar is now more modern after the original statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe was crushed in an earthquake.
- +63 2 8896 8444
7440 Bernardino, Makati, 1211 Kalakhang Maynila, Philippines
This historical Baroque-style church in Quirino Avenue houses the iconic Las Piñas Bamboo Organ. It's considered a "National Cultural Treasure" made of more than a thousand pipes that took nearly a decade to finish. In a rehabilitation effort, bamboo rods were incorporated into the interiors of Saint Joseph Parish to pay homage to the unique Las Piñas Bamboo Organ that still plays beautiful melodies.
- +63 2 8828 5316
1742 Quirino Ave, Las Pinas, 1742 Metro Manila, Philippines
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