The Baroque Churches in the Philippines
The Philippines is the third largest
Catholic country in the world and one of the two Asian nations with the most
number of Catholic population. The Spaniards played a major role in the
propagation of Catholicism in the Philippines when they colonized the
country for three centuries. Mass baptisms, the dissemination of Catholic
beliefs by the Spanish missionaries and the construction of churches in the
localities were the leading factors to the conversion of most Filipinos to
Roman Catholics.
Despite the resistance of the Filipinos during
those times, churches, as the iconic symbol of the faith were prevalently built
in most regions in the Philippines.
These churches were built in different architectural designs and with
accordance to the geographical location and physical conditions in the
archipelago. At present, there are just about 6,000 Catholic churches in
the Philippines
and four among them, bears the inscription of UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is
their architectural ensemble, well-maintained authentic features and its
religious significance to the society attributed to its recognition in the
World Heritage List.
The four Baroque Churches in the Philippines were built in the 16th
century and are located in separate areas in the Philippines. Baroque is an
architectural design popular during the 16th to 18th
century which is characterized by elaborate ornamentations and extravagant
decorations which is apparently represented by these four churches. Two of them
are situated in the Ilocos region, one is in the capital city of the Philippines and the other is in island of Visaya.
Nuestra Señora dela Asuncion Church, Ilocos Sur by Alet Bernabe
The Church
of Nuestra Señora dela Asuncion in Sta.
Maria, Ilocos Sur, was built in 1765 on a hill. The brick church was built in a
simple but elegant manner which corresponds to the way of life of the locals.
A leaning octagonal bell tower was built a distance away from the main
church which is reinforced by thick buttresses attached to the walls as
protection from possible earthquake damage. Although there’s an easy access to
the church by driving through the narrow pavement at the back of the church
leading to the parking area, it is more interesting to ascend on its wide
83-steps piedra china stairscase on foot. Legend tells, that before the
church was erected on its present site, the statue of the Virgin Mary usually
disappears from its place of enthronement, only to be found near a guava
tree which grew on the hill and where the present church stands, the story of
the Virgin Mary standing beside the tree was sculpted in one of the buttresses
of the church.
Just an hour and half drive away from Ilocos
Sur is the town of Paoay
in Ilocos Norte, where the Church of San Agustin is found. Completed in
1710, the Paoay church is a perfect example of “Earthquake Baroque”,
represented by its fourteen flying buttresses decorated with spiral carving
that adds gracefulness to the structure. Its detached bell tower made from
coral stones stands proudly beside the church that withstands several strong
earthquakes that hit the town. The beautiful church in the middle of the
town plaza, creates a nostalgic atmosphere especially on twilight hours
when it becomes more inviting to wander around the place.Church of Saint Augustine, Paoay, Ilocos Norte by Joel Yonzon
The other Baroque church in the island of Luzon
is the Church of San Augustin which is located in the historical walled
city of Intramuros, Manila. Built in 1589 and originally known as
“Inglesia de San Pablo” is the oldest stone
church in the Philippines.
The bell towers of the church are attached to the main structure but
unfortunately; the left tower was removed due to a huge crack caused by a
strong earthquake that struck Manila.
Unlike the other Baroque churches, its buttresses do not extend outward from
its walls but they are made into a series of splendid chapels on both sides of
the church. The tomb of Miguel Lopez de Legaspi (founder of the city of Manila) is a tourist
attraction and can be found in one of its chapels. Aside from being one of the
most popular church for wedding rites, it is also holds a collection of
ecclesiastical artworks and rare books which can be found in the church museum.
The San Agustin church was declared by UNESCO as World Heritage Site in 1993.
Church of San Augustin, Manila by Alet Bernabe
The Church
of Santo Tomas de Villanueva in
Miag-ao, Iloilo
was completed in 1797, it is erected on the highest point of Miag-ao and
the towers were built as post from Muslim raids. The façade and the color of
the church is full of vigor and high spirits with its extravagant
carvings which describes the abundance of life as portrayed by St. Christopher
dressed as a Filipino farmer. The coconut tree which is easily recognized on
the façade and where St. Christopher clings to, tells a legend about a loving
mother giving the tree to her children as the only bequest in order to sustain
them for life. It is amazing to see and think about how the story line of life
during those times was expressed on the façade of Miag-ao church. Can you
imagine?
Church of Santo Tomas de Villanueva
in Miag-ao, Iloilo by Gil Lian
The Baroque Churches in the Philippines
including the hundreds of beautiful churches in different parts of the
archipelago built during the Spanish regime could be an emblem to the Spanish
hierarchy that we were once under their power. But for the Filipinos it is a
great symbol of courage, patience and perseverance and knowing that within those
walls, buttresses and façades were taken from God’s creation, it has a spirit
and faith as sturdy as these structures that no men could take away again the
freedom we Filipinos are enjoying at present.
