Quiapo Church

The stunning facade of the Quiapo Church.

Others call this church the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, canonically known as Saint John the Baptist Parish, and it is one of the most famous churches in the Philippines. The first structure was made of bamboo and nipa palm and built by the Franciscan Missionaries. But in 1574, the pirates, led by Limahong, destroyed and burned the church. In 1588, Fr. Antonio de Nombella, a Franciscan friar, founded this church and declared it as the Parish of St. John the Baptist. It was again burned in 1603 and taken over by the “Society of Jesus” or the Jesuits. In 1686, the full construction was started initiated by Gov. Gen. Santiago de Vera.

Sta Cruz Church

Sta. Cruz Church, or Our Lady of the Pillar Parish, is situated in the Northern part of the city of Manila. It is said that the original structure was built in the same spot as the current structure. This was constructed by the members of the “Society of Jesus,” known as the Jesuits, from 1608 up to 1768. It is the first Roman Catholic built in this area. Its structure is made up of blocks of adobe quarried from the nearby provinces. It was dedicated to the newly converted Chinese who lived in Manila. 

MALATE CHURCH, MANILA

Malate Church or the Our Lady of Remedies Parish Church or Nuestra Señora de los Remedios is situated in Malate, Manila. When I saw the facade from afar and while crossing the street near Plaza Sulayman, I was really amazed because of its architectural design and the dark color. It looks like really old and here’s what I found.

STA. ANA CHURCH, MANILA

Sta. Ana Church or the Parish of Our Lady of the Abandoned was established 300 years ago. The cornerstone was laid in 1720. Sta. Ana is also one of the churches spared by World War II, so most of what you see today, including the Camarin de la Virgen, was what churchgoers saw hundreds of years ago.

GUADALUPE CHURCH, MAKATI

Guadalupe Church or the Nuestra Señora de Gracia Church is a 400 years old structure with an amazing facade. Founded by the Augustinians, the construction of its foundation was laid in 1601 and was finished in 1629. Some parts of this church were rebuilt several times because of the earthquakes; and in 1880 the masonry roof collapsed because of the earthquake so it was rebuilt in 1882 by Rev. Jose Corujedo O.S.A. Later, this structure was burnt during the fight between Filipinos and Americans on February 1899. It was reconstructed and re-opened to the public in 1983.

BINONDO CHURCH, MANILA

One of the famous districts in Manila is Binondo, it is also known because of the Filipino-Chinese communities in the area. Since this district is said to be one of the centers of the trade and industries centuries ago and even today, some Chinese businessmen were converted to Christianity during the Spanish era, so this church was established in the area in 1587 by the Dominicans for them.

Sabang, Puerto Galera: White Beach, Resort, Best Things to Do

Our group, Batang Hamog Mountaineers, usually make sure to participate in any Freedom-related activities to celebrate the freedom that was proclaimed on June 12, 1898. This year, just to be out of our comfort zone we organized a Freedom Dive held in Sabang, Puerto Galera, Mindoro, which is one of the best diving spots in the Philippines. We all know that the Philippines is composed of more than seven thousand islands and are surrounded by water so scuba diving is just one of the must tried water activities.

Surigao del Sur Tourist Spots

1. Britania Islands

These stunning islets are situated in the municipality of San Agustin. Composed of Hagonoy  (photo above), Naked, Boslon, and Hiyor-Hiyoran islands, these islets have the same features, there's a white sand shoreline surrounded by crystal clear and emerald waters, artistic rock and limestone formations, there's a big picture of a golden and beautiful sunset. Plus, there's a wealthy flora and fauna underwater. 

Negros Occidental Tourist Spot

1. The Ruins, Talisay

Negros Occidental holds most historical sites of the region. The first attraction you should visit is a mansion that was owned by the sugar baron Don Mariano “Anoy” Ledesma Lacson (1865-1948). The construction of this mansion was non-stop until the entire structure was completed. It was the largest mansion built during that time, however, was burnt to prevent the Japanese forces from making it their headquarters during World War II. Because of the A-grade mixture of concrete that was used, its ruins remain today. Click here to read more.

Isla Reta, Talikud Island, Samal

Isla Reta Beach Resort in Talikud Island, Samal is a perfect island for retreat and relaxation - well, if you're just looking for a relaxing ambiance by the beach. This is one of the island paradise in Davao region that bears white sand beach and an island that is surrounded with emerald and crystal clear water. And, underwater is a sanctuary of colorful flora and fauna.