Before hiking Mt. Damas, I visited the Camiling Parish Church or the St. Michael The Archangel Parish Church in Camiling, Tarlac. This historical structure is the oldest church built in the province. It was built at around 18th century but was destroyed several times and was rebuilt in 1880s after the major earthquake. This church was the death place of General Pedro Pedroche and his soldiers who were killed by troops of Francisco Makabulos.
According to claims, it has a 500 meter war tunnel underground constructed during the colonial era. Its exit point is going to a remote area near Camiling River. According to Wikipedia.com, it was used by the Japanese as hiding spot during the World War II.
Another church was constructed beside the old church with the help of the Cojuangcos and other private individuals. The designs of this newly constructed structure still have a colonial touch and a result of an artistic mind. The old structure is now under construction, creating it as a museum that will showcase the history of the province and how the Catholicism spread. The design is still based on the appearance of the old structure decade ago.
At the back of the new church is the balete tree on the walls of the old church convent. According to the ladies I spoke to at the carinderia, the old church was burnt on April 13, 1997 but the facade and the thick side walls made of bricks are the only part that remains standing after the fire.
HOW TO GET TO CAMILING CHURCH: From Cubao, take a bus ride going to Camiling Market in Tarlac and there, you can ask the residents about this spot. People are friendly and approacable!
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