airwindzone: Churches in Intramuros, Manila

Churches in Intramuros, Manila

As a delegate of the event of National Commission for the Culture and the Arts and the Philippine Information Agency, the Eco-cultural Heritage Caravan Seminar with Onsite Immersion NCCA-PIA Culture & Arts Promotion in Luzon April 25-30, 2017, I made a visit to my former college walled city of Intramuros. As a Lycean, both the Mnaila cathedral and the San Agustin Church were both neighbor places to visit. During my last visit, nothing had changed since Manila Cathedral is still the visitor friendly cathedral while San Agustin Church still remains as the church for the chosen one since the one in charge were still strict as before. But still I visited both places since they both are places for worship and architectural wonders.

Manila Cathedral

Also known as the Manila Metropolitan Cathedral-Basilica, had been a venue for papal Masses in the country, with Blessed Paul VI in 1970 and St. John Paul II in 1981 saying their masses. It is located at Plaza de Roma in Intramuros, Manila and its current rector is Monsignor Nestor Cerbo.

It was initially built as as simple parish in Manila in 1571 by Juan de Vivero, a secular priest, and was dedicated to Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. Back then, it was simply made of nipa and bamboo. On December 21, 1581, its status was elevated to a cathedral by Bishop Domingo Salazar. The promotion happened two years after Pope Gregory established the Diocese of Manila, which was put under the supervision of the Archbishop of Mexico. The bishop reconstructed it from wood, nipa and bamboo.

San Agustin Church

The San Agustin was the only building left intact after the destruction of Intramuros in WWII. Built between 1587 and 1606. It is the oldest church in the Philippines. The massive facade conceals an ornate interior filled with objects of great historical and cultural merit. Note the intricate trompe l'oeil frescoes on the vaulted ceiling and the tropical cloisters as well as the slightly shabby gardens out the back.

The present structure is actually the third to stand on the site and has weathered seven earthquake, as well as the Battle of Manila. It's an active church and much in demand for weddings and other ceremonies.

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