I have been planning to visit the historical and century-old churches in Pasig and the province of Rizal and the plan became a reality after 11 months. Today is the perfect day and the perfect season because it is my Visita Iglesia in a backpacking style. My itinerary started with the oldest church in Pasig, followed by the Marian Church of Cainta, then, St. John the Baptist in Taytay, and the stunning Tanay Church. And to close my good Friday adventure, together with my friends, we visited the gigantic Pililla Wind Farm.
Since I am from Cainta, I rode in a jeepney with Pasig Palengke signboard. Then, a 10 minutes walk to Pasig Church. Traveling during Holy Week is always fast because the roads and streets are clear - no heavy traffic.
1. Pasig Church
Pasig Church was established by the Augustinian missionaries in 1573. Like the other old churches in the Philippines, it served as the military defense and headquarters during the British occupation in Manila from 1762 to 1764 while its belfry was used as the watchtower. I was stunned by its old looking belfry that is covered with mosses and bricks. Today, it is one of the tourist spots and attractions in the City and one of the best destinations for Visita Iglesia. Its location is situated by the intersection and is in front of Plaza Rizal, very accessible from Pasig City Hall.
2. Cainta Church
My next destination was Cainta Church, with Renaissance revival architecture. The original structure was first constructed in stone by Father Gaspar Marco, a Jesuit, in 1707. In 1853, the church was damaged by an earthquake where the roof and one wall collapsed and in 1899, the church and the entire parish were burned. In 2007, Cainta Church was declared as a historical site by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines because of its significant role during the Philippines-American War. During my visit, the façade not accessible because the gate is locked which is inside Cainta Catholic College.
3. Taytay Church
Next was Taytay Church - its structure was built in 1579 using light materials near the shores of Laguna de Bay and was transferred to a higher location on a hill, the present spot. As far as I can remember, I visited this church five years ago and the appearance of its façade is different, today, it is cleaner. The interiors are stunning in gold and the ceiling is really high. Nearby are buildings of Bureau of Fire and the Municipal Hall.
4. Tanay Church
Tanay Church - it was established in 1573 by two Franciscan missionaries. The construction of the church started in 1773 and was finished in 1783. It was declared as the National Cultural Treasure Church by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. I was really speechless while standing by the facade and looking on the stunning dark bricks. Had my research and found out that it was designed by the native Tanay artist. How to Get Here: From Cubao, near SM, you can ride a jeepney with Cainta/Angono Highway signboard and alight in Junction. There, you can ride a jeepney to Tanay Market. On this market, there are jeepneys to EDSA Crossing.
5. Pililla Wind Farm
After Tanay Church, I met my friends in Jollibee Tanay and had our lunch. From there, we rode in a tricycle to our friends' house in Pililla. Rested for two hours and waited for the sundown. Then, proceeded to the gigantic Pililla Wind Farm. So, from Isiong's residence, we chartered a tricycle to Pililla Wind Farm which is less than 30-minute travel. We were five in the tricycle and traveling on an uphill highway was a bit challenging, though, the roads are concrete. I can't forget when I was making kaway to the people on the roads and the other pasaheros in their sasakyans; our trike driver was laughing while he was driving.
On the viewing deck, the wind is cool, the ambiance is relaxing and there's a clear view of Laguna de Bay. There are 27 wind turbines standing on top of the sloping hills at 300 meters above sea level. This wind farm is situated on 4,515 hectares highland area in Brgy. Halayhayin, Pililla, Rizal. It is the first wind farm in Luzon that is outside Ilocos Norte. Similar attractions are the famous Bangui Windmill and Guimaras Windfarm.
6. Prusisyon in Tanay
After Pililla Windfarm, we went back to house, prepared and had our dinner; the next was the Prusisyon. Ang sabi kasi, kumain daw muna kami, kasi nga mga gutom na. Tapos ayun, matapos kumain, namalayan nalang namin na sa 48 na ginayakan at ipinaradang mga santo, nasa 12 lang ata naabutan namin, tapos uwi na! Galing diba? Then, socials, kwetuhan, at kung anu-ano pa. May mga dramahang mga nagyari. And rested!
7. Rock House Restaurant, Tanay
Like what I've mentioned, the next day, we were just sleeping; our itinerary includes eating, sleeping, eating, sleeping, and had dinner at Rock House Restaurant in Tanay. The area is really unique. We had sisig, pancit, crispy pata, sinigang na bulalo and more rice. What's the best? It was sisig and sinigang na bulalo. After the sumptuous dinner, we headed back to Manila.
8. DentAlert Dental Clinic, Antipolo
And to take care of my dentures after eating, I visited my dentist to have them checked. Did you know that DentAlert is one of the best Dental Clinic in Antipolo, Rizal? Not only that, DentAlert is accredited by Maxicare, MediCard and other HMO. For services offered, enquiries and schedule, you reach them at 0917 884 4083 or call 668 5029.