About Visita Iglesia
Embarking on a Visita Iglesia from Pasig to Rizal offers a meaningful journey of faith and reflection, especially during Holy Week. With each church stop, you not only deepen your spiritual devotion but also get to admire the rich history and architecture that reflect the Philippines’ strong Catholic heritage.
Itinerary
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 the Pasig Palengke signboard. Then, a 10-minute walk to Pasig Church. Traveling during Holy Week is always fast because the roads and streets are clear - no heavy traffic.
Pasig Cathedral
About Pasig Cathedral
Pasig Cathedral, also known as the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, is one of the oldest and most significant churches in Metro Manila. Built during the Spanish era, it stands as the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Pasig and a symbol of faith, history, and heritage in the city.
It 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, which is covered with moss 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 near the intersection and is in front of Plaza Rizal, very accessible from the Pasig City Hall. After my visit, I rode a jeepney to Cainta.
Cainta Church
About Cainta Church
Cainta Church, officially known as the Parish of Our Lady of Light, is a historic church in Rizal built in the 1700s. Famous for its restored Baroque and Renaissance revival architecture and deep Marian devotion, it remains a cherished landmark and pilgrimage site in the province.
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, the Cainta Church was declared a historical site by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines because of its significant role during the Philippine-American War. During my visit, the façade was not accessible because the gate was locked, which is inside Cainta Catholic College. Then, I rode a jeepney to Taytay.
Taytay Church
About Taytay Church
Taytay Church, dedicated to St. John the Baptist, is one of the oldest churches in Rizal, founded and built in 1579. With its Spanish colonial architecture and enduring heritage, it serves as both a place of worship and a historical landmark in the town of Taytay.
Its first structure was built 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 the buildings of the Bureau of Fire and the Municipal Hall. After my visit, I rode a jeepney to Tikling and another jeepney to Tanay.
Tanay Church
About Tanay Church
Tanay Church, officially known as San Ildefonso de Toledo Parish, is a 17th-century church in Rizal declared a National Cultural Treasure. Renowned for its Baroque architecture and centuries-old wooden reliefs of the Stations of the Cross, it stands as a testament to both faith and artistry.
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 at the stunning dark bricks. Had my research and found out that it was designed by the native Tanay artist. After my visit, I met my friends and headed to Pililla Wind Farm
Pililla Wind Farm
About Pililla Wind Farm
The Pililla Wind Farm is a scenic eco-tourism destination featuring giant wind turbines set against the Sierra Madre mountain range. Overlooking Laguna de Bay, it offers visitors breathtaking views, cool breezes, and a glimpse of sustainable energy in action.
After Tanay Church, I met my friends in Jollibee Tanay and had our lunch. From there, we rode a tricycle to our friends' house in Pililla. Rested for two hours and waited for sundown. Then, proceeded to the gigantic Pililla Wind Farm. So, from Isiong's residence, we chartered a tricycle to the wind farm, which is less than a 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. 27 wind turbines are standing on top of the sloping hills at 300 meters above sea level. This wind farm is situated on 4,515 hectares of 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.
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!
Rock House Restaurant
Like what I've mentioned, the next day, we were just sleeping; our itinerary included eating, sleeping, eating, sleeping, and we 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.
Summary of Visita Iglesia
A Visita Iglesia in Pasig and Rizal is more than a religious tradition—it is a soulful experience that connects faith, culture, and history. As you visit these sacred sites, may each prayer bring peace, guidance, and renewed strength in your spiritual journey.
As someone who has visited all 82 provinces in the Philippines, I’ve created a complete guide to help you explore each one. Check out my Philippines 82 Provinces Travel Guide here.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Enter Comment Below: