NATIONAL SHRINE OF SACRED HEART OF JESUS
Located right smack at the central business district of Makati, The National Shrine of the Sacred Heart is an artistic fusion of post modern and classic interiors thoughtfully designed to complement elegance, and accentuate comfort with solemnity of worship. It’s a perfect place to take your solemn vow.
The church style contrasts with that of the adjacent bell tower. The belfry features Gothic lancet-like windows, which breaks the neoclassic line of the main church building. A three-centered arch or the niche that contains the statue of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception relieves the bareness of the triangular pediment.
The church of Pakil is one of the best preserved in Laguna. Built in 1684, it stands as a fine example of colonial baroque architecture. The church’s curlicue stonework and cherubs on the facade is enough to fascinate us. But the wonderment continues inside the 324 year old structure and continues further in stories that were passed on through generations.
Binondo Church is also known as the Minor Basilica of San Lorenzo Ruiz. It is located in Manila’s Chinatown at the western end of Ongpin Street, Binondo. The current granite church was completed on the same site in 1852 and features an octagonal bell tower which suggests the Chinese culture of the parishioners.
The neo-Gothic façade with twin towers and slender spires announces the presence of a church on Mendiola Street. The paintings are the most famous and most admired feature of the church. While contemplating them, one could overlook another remarkable feature, namely, the configuration of the interior space.
Basilica de San Martin de Tours in Taal is the largest church in Asia, standing 96 meters long and 45 meters wide. The Augustinian Missionaries started construction in 1756, but it was destroyed when Taal volcano erupted in 1754. Today only the ruins of the walls of the original church is now left standing.It took a century for the church to achieve its present form.
This church was built in 1999 and it’s the only church in Roxas Boulevard. This church, more commonly known as the MOA church has a simple yet elegant interior and exterior design. Though it has no air-conditioning, it tends to be breezy because of its proximity to the bay. In case of strong rain or wind you would need to close the right side doors.
Historic Barasoain used to be independent from Malolos and this explains the presence of a stone church here. The Parish Church of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel had its first stone edifice in 1871 to replace a temporary one but was burned later. The facade has Neo-Classic touches and its rounded pediment is echoed by the arches and rose window at the lower part.
Highly revered and esteemed by the society, Santuario de San Antonio hosts a number of social and religious occasions like christenings, weddings and funerals. Interestingly enough, most of the posh and rich families of Manila, specially from Forbes Park and Dasmarinas Village, choose this church for observing various events, whether of grief or happiness, in the presence of Saint Anthony God.
Guadalupe is the most historic and oldest church in Makati, and one of the oldest in the country. Built way back in the 17th century, it has a magnificent facade and garden that any bride would desire to have their big day there. The structure, the wooden church door, the church stair steps, it’s practically a photographer’s playground.