Taal Basilica, Batangas: Location, History, Interior, Mass Schedule

I am eager to visit Taal Basilica or the Minor Basilica of St. Martin of Tours because an earthquake hit Batangas and it created a crack on the wall of this church. By the way, it is considered as one of the largest catholic churches in Asia which measures 96 meters long and 45 meters wide, as per taal.gov.ph.

QUIAPO CHURCH, MANILA

The Quiapo Church or the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, canonically known as Saint John the Baptist Parish is one of the famounst churches in the Philippines. The first structure Quiapo Church was made of bamboo and nipa palm, built by the Franciscan Missionaries. But in 1574, the pirates lead 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 took 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, Manila

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

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.

Top 7 Tourist Spots in Negros Occidental + Travel Guide

1. The Ruins, Talisay

Negros Occidental or Western Negros holds most historical sites of the region. Below are some of the top tourist destinations and a list of what to do in the province. VISIT THE RUINS IN TALISAY CITY (Photo Above) | This mansion 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 is 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. READ: THE RUINS

Top 11 Best Tourist Spots in Cebu City: 2024 Itinerary, Places to Visit

Cebu City is the capital city of the Province of Cebu. It is one of the largest islands in the Philippine Archipelago. It is considered the “Queen City of the South” because of its economic stability and other economic factors. Of course, in Philippine history, the province has a gigantic contribution in terms of religion. How to Get Here: From Mactan-Cebu International Airport, I took a cab to Colonade Supermarket and had breakfast in a fast food chain nearby. After breakfast, grabbed my map and started following the streets to my destination. With the help of the crew at the fast food and the tinderos and tinderas along the streets, I was able to find my first destination.

Top 6 Best Tourist Spots in Ilo-Ilo; 2024 Itinerary, Places to Visit

1. Miag-Ao Church

Its construction of this church began in 1787 while Fray Francisco M. Gonzales. O.S.A. was the parish priest of Miag-ao and Domingo Libo-on  was the Gobernadorcillo. The Church was completed in 1797 and it served as the fortress against Muslim Raiders. In 1898, during the revolution, this church was destroyed but then it was rebuilt. In 1910, it was damaged by fine, and then it was badly damaged by earthquake in 1948. Restoration work began in 1960 and was completed in 1962. During the term of office of the Most Rev. Dr. Jose Ma. Cuenco, D.D. Metropolitan Archbishop of Jaro, of Msgr. Fernando S. Javillo, D.P., Parish Priest of this town and Dioscoro Mueda, Municipal Mayor.

SAN DIEGO CHURCH, SILAY TOURIST SPOTS

San Diego Pro-cathedral formerly known as San Diego Parish Church or St. Didacus Parish Church before, it was declared as a pro-cathedral in 1994. It is the only church in Silay City that features a dome which is like St. Peters in Vatican City.

Top 4 Best Tourist Spots in Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental

After my historical tour in Dipolog and Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte, I traveled to Ozamis City in Misamis Occidental (Region 10). Its capital is Oroqueta City but I chose Ozamis because I want to see and touch Fort sa Cotta and the Ozamis Cathedral. On the way, I noticed the wide farmlands but when I arrived in the center, this city is the same with the other cities, business establishments are in every corner, transportation is continuous and the streets are undeniably busy. From the Ozamis Integrated Terminal, I rode in a tricycle to the different tourist spots, attractions and destinations.

Maasin Cathedral, Southern Leyte

The top tourist spot and destination in Southern Leyte is Maasin Cathedral, a catholic place of worship in Maasin City. It was originally built in 1700 by the Jesuit priests; however, it was severely damaged because of the Moro’s rebels. The bricks and the mosses on the façade give an older and a unique look which is perfect for the modern selfies. This cathedral is definitely one of historical pillars in the province. Since it is situated in front of the plaza and a few meters away from the City hall, it is one of the busiest area in city.

Top 10 Best Tourist Spots in Samar: 2024 Itinerary, Places to Visit

The San Juanico Bridge is the most visited tourist spot in Samar and Leyte. A few years ago, the province captured the attention of the world because of the devastation brought by Typhoon Yolanda. But, did you know that Samar also hides something in their mountainous and forested areas? These are breathtaking and definitely a splendor of nature’s beauty that needs to be discovered. Historical landmarks, waterfalls, and caves are just a few of the must-visit tourist spots and destinations in Samar island.

Capul Island, Northern Samar: A Backpackers Guide

Capul Island is one of the must-visit gems of Northern Samar. This island municipality can bring you back because of the famous century-old Capul lighthouse and Capul Church. If you’re into outdoors, you can explore the hidden and majestic caves or hop on and off the rock formations, by the shore, it’s your choice. If you just want to relax, no worries, the island is surrounded by crystal clear waters and the cool fresh air that blows continuously. The coconut and other trees create an amazing backdrop by the shore highlighted by the white sand beaches.

Miagao Church, Iloilo (Santo Tomas de Villanueva)

Miag-ao Church or the Church of Sto. Tomas de Villanueva is an old baroque church in Miag-ao, Ilo-Ilo. It is one of the world-famous baroque churches in the Philippines and it became one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The construction of this church began in 1787 while Fray Francisco M. Gonzales. O.S.A. was the parish priest of Miag-ao and Domingo Libo-on was the Gobernadorcillo. The Church was completed in 1797 and it served as the fortress against the Muslim Raiders. In 1898, during the revolution, this church was destroyed but then it was rebuilt.

Top 9 Best Tourist Spots in Guimaras: 2024 Itinerary, Places to Visit

When we talk about mangoes, Guimaras will definitely be brought up on the topic because it is said that they have the “Sweetest Mango in the Philippines.” In relation to that, their local delicacies, with mango, are just mouth-watering. The residents must be proud of their breathtaking and stunning beaches, historical sites and other activities. They also have Manggahan Festival, an annual festivity to thank their bountiful mango harvest. It is a small island province that can be visited for the whole day but they can offer a lot to visitors.

Top 8 Best Tourist Spots in Capiz: 2024 Itinerary, Places to Visit

Roxas City is the capital of Capiz Province – the “Seafood Capital of the Philippines” situated in Western Visayas. If you are in Panay Island, it is highly recommend visiting Roxas City to witness and experience the heritage sites in the modern generation. The province has the most controversial and awaited annual festivity in the Philippines – the “Aswang Festival.” Politically, the city is prominent because it is the hometown of the late Philippine President Manuel A. Roxas. To complete my Western Visayas list, I listed the “9 Must Visit Tourist Destinations.”

Top 6 Best Tourist Spots in Albay: 2024 Itinerary, Places to Visit

The provinces of Albay, Sorsogon and Catanduanes are part of my solo-backpacking list, however, the reality started when I planned my Bicol itinerary two months ago - to complete Region 5. Legaspi City in Albay is the center of the Bicol region that showcases a lot of tourist spots and destinations; from historical sites, beaches, gorgeous landscapes, and to the remarkable activities and sumptuous delicacies. Here are the top tourist spots and destinations in Albay.

Top 5 Best Tourist Spots in Bataan: Itinerary, Places to Visit, Activities, Travel Guide

Historically speaking, Bataan is one of the provinces in the Philippines that has a huge contribution to Philippine history, political or not. Bataan belongs to Region 3 or commonly known as the Central Luzon provinces. This province is separated by Manila de Bay from the NCR and the province of Cavite. During my visit in the province, I noticed that the people are accommodating and are living in a simple way. Aside from that, Bataan also has a lot to offer in terms of tourist destinations.