Philippine Churches

The Philippines is replete with extraordinarily wonderful sights to visit; from idyllic beaches to majestic rice terraces to vibrant cascades to amazing caves. But for me what makes every trip extra special is that in each place I go, there is a cathedral, chapel or basilica where I can just seek refuge for my tired feet and say my prayers in silence. 

While I was going through my files, I noticed that aside from my jump shots, I've also collected lots of photos of some of the most magnificent churches from the places I've been to. 

Here's a list of the Philippine Churches (all Roman Catholic except one-- Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Sagada, Mt. Province ) I've visited -- from Luzon, Vizayas and Mindanao.  

Luzon

Tukon Chapel
Batan Island, Batanes

This picturesque chapel sits atop the hill of Tukon, overlooking the famous rolling hills of Batanes. Located near Pacita Fundacion, it is said to be a project of the Abad family, one of the prominent families in Batanes. The interior of this chapel is just as charming as its facade. The ceiling and walls have frescoes of saints and religious images. 

Church of Sto. Domingo de Basco

Basco, Batanes

This church was established in 1783. It's located in Basco proper, stone's throw away from the provincial and municipal building.  It is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception and its patron saint, Santo Domingo de Guzman. It is one of the first limestone buildings built during the Spanish regime.

San Carlos Borromeo Church
Mahatao,Batan Island, Batanes

The church was built in the 19th century by the Dominicans. During our  visit, we saw the old and non-functioning lighthouse on its courtyard, said to have guided fishermen at night long time ago.  

San Jose de Ivana

Ivana, Batan Island, Batanes

Although built in 1814, this church still looks very well-preserved even to this day. This is one of my favorite churches in Batanes. Its location faces the sea and the main port going to the neighboring island Sabtang. It looks like a fortress from afar. 

Chavayan Chapel

Sabtang Island, Batanes

This small chapel is located in the  sleepy town of Chavayan, a place in Sabtang Island known for its old and traditional stone houses. The beautiful mountain on the background adds charm to this quaint little chapel. 

Savidug Chapel

Sabtang Island, Batanes

This chapel stands side by side an old stone house in Barrio Savidug and is one of the most visited chapels in the island of Sabtang. 

Church of San Vicente Ferrer

Sabtang Island, Batanes

This church was built by the Dominicans in 1785. This is one of the prominent and massive structures that welcomes the visitors of Sabtang from the port. 

Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion (Santa Maria Church)

Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur 

Sitting atop a hill surrounded by a defensive wall, this massive church is unlike many other Philippine churches that are always located near the town plaza. Some of its unique features also include the convento that lies parallel to its facade and its bell tower that stand a few meters away from the church building. The walls are without ornaments or designs but the buttresses are massive enough designed to withstand an earthquake. The interiors are endowed with a pulpit, lectern, and huge altar. It also boasts of a simple fresco on its ceiling near the altar. This church is a World Heritage Site.

San Agustin Church

Bantay, Ilocos Sur

This is one of the oldest churches in Ilocos Sur. It was built in 1590 with Fr. Montoya, as the first parish priest.  Few meters away from the church is the famous Bell Tower. Both of these landmarks have witnessed the history of uprising and revolts in Ilocos. Both also are still standing proud after all these years.

St. Paul's Cathedral
Vigan, Ilocos Sur

The construction of this church as it stands now was completed in 1800, but the original structure was built in 1574. Surrounding St. Paul's Cathedral are historical landmarks in Vigan City: Episcopal Palace, Vigan Municipal Hall, Plaza Salcedo and Plaza Burgos.

St. William's Cathedral

Laoag, Ilocos Norte

It was built in 1612 by Augustinian friars to replace a wooden chapel. Known for its Italian Renaissance design, it is also famous for its Sinking Bell Tower, which sinks into the ground at a rate of an inch a year.

St. Augustine Church

Paoay, Ilocos Norte
This historical church is part of the UNESCO World Heritage List. Its coral stone bell tower was used by Katipuneros as an observational post during the Philippine Revolution in 1898. Its construction was started by the Agustinian friars in 1694 but was completed and re-dedicated in 1894. 

Cathedral of St. James the Great

Bangued, Abra

In 1945, American warplanes bombed the original church which was used as a military hospital by the Japanese forces during that time. The original altar was destroyed and only the walls and the tower remained.

St. Peter the Martyr and St. John Nepomuceno Church

Pamplona, Cagayan

The construction of this church began in 1614 and completed in 1627 under the direction of Fray Miguel Martin de San Jacinto.

Our Lady of Piat Basilica Minore

Piat, Cagayan

This church is being called  the "Pilgrimage Center of Cagayan Valley" because of the influx of devotees visiting it. It is home to the "Black Virgin Mary."

St. Philomene Church

Alcala, Cagayan

Construction of St. Philomene Church started in 1881 by Fr. Casamiro Gonzalez and was completed later by Fr. Pedro Perez. It is the largest brick church in the Archdiocese of Tuguegarao and the widest church in the Philippines. During 1898 Philippine Revolution against the Spanish, the church served as a refuge for revolutionary leader Daniel Tirona.

St. James The Apostle Church

Iguig, Cagayan

Constructed from 1765 to 1787, this church is unique that it is the only centuries-old church in the country that features flying buttresses behind it. It is also believed that the church houses the Jubilee Cross containing relic of the True Cross of the Lord Jesus.

Metropolitan Cathedral of Tuguegarao/Sts. Peter and Paul
Tuguegarao City
The construction started in 1761 and ended 1767. This church is also known as the biggest Spanish-built church in Cagayan Valley. Notable about this church is the high-ceiling interior, the red brick walls with white columns and the 5-story tall bell tower. 

St. Mathias Parish Church

Tumauini, Isabela

Built in 1780s by the Dominicans, this church was erected through Fr. Domingo Forto.  It is one of the wel-preserved churches in Isabela and is said to have the most artistic brick structure in the Philippines. The beautiful brick formation, the cylindrical belltower, and the pseudo-Corinthian columns in the facade are some of the features of this church.

St.  Paul  Church

San Pablo, Isabela

Said to be the oldest in Isabela, St. Paul church was built in 1624. Its six-layered bell tower is the tallest in Cagayan Valley.

Our Lady of Pillars Church

Cauayan, Isabela

This parish was founded in 1741. It was dedicated to Our Lady of the Pillar, the first vicar of this parish was Fray Antonio Del Ocampo.

Our Lady of Atocha Church

Alicia, Isabela

The structure of the church was originally built by the Spaniards in the 18^th centuries. It boats of its antique Castilian architectural design and red-bricked façade.

St. Mark’s Church

Cabarroguis, Quirino

The construction of the church was initiated by Fr. George Gelade (CICM) who was also assigned as the first parish priest of Cabarroguis in 1979.

St. Dominic Cathedral

Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya

The first mass was celebrated on April 12, 1739 by Fray Padre Freire in the Church of St. Agustine.  However, it was in 1739 when the Augustinians ceded this mission to the Dominicans and rededicated the church to St. Dominic de Guzman.

Parish Church of San Vicente de Ferrer

Dupax del Sur, Nueva Vizcaya.  

This church was erected in the 18th century, under the Dominicans. 

Pudtol Church

Pudtol, Apayao

In 1607, the Spanish Dominican Missionaries sent by Father Gabriel Quiroga built the first Catholic Church in Pudtol, Apayao. Today, beside the new church lies the old church ruins.

St. Williams Cathedral
Tabuk City, Kalinga
This church is one of the prominent structures in Kalinga and is home to Tabuk Apostolic Vacariate, the diocese of Kalinga and Apayao. 

Saint Joseph, the Worker Parish
Baguio City

This church is located at Pacdal Circle, Baguio city, near Botanical Garden. 

Our Lady of Atonement Cathedral
Baguio City

A part of the city landscape of Baguio, adjacent the famous Session Road, this church is one of the most popular and most photographed in the Philippines. It is famous for its rose-colored exterior, twin spires and traditional stained glass windows. Its construction started in 1920 and finished in 1936.  The cathedral is accessible to pedestrians from Session Road through a 100-step stone staircase.

Sacred heart Chapel
La Trinidad, Benguet
This chapel is owned by the San Jose Parish.

Batad Chapel
Batad, Ifugao

This small chapel in this far-flung village of Batad has  the famous Batad Rice Terraces on its background. Like many houses in this village, it was made of iron sheet since it's a cost-effective way of building structures in a place where everything has to be transported by foot on a rocky mountain trail. 

Church of St. Mary the Virgin
Sagada, Mt. Province

This is the only non-Catholic church in this list. Located in the town center of Sagada, it was established during the time of the American Missionaries.

St. James the Apostle Parish (Betis Church)

Guagua, Pampanga

Built in 1660, this baroque-inspired church is my personal favorite for its artsy interiors. The intricately-designed and painted ceilings, the marvelous wood carvings, the breathtaking dome are some of the features of this church. The interior part of the church was done by the last Spanish priest named Father Santiago Blanco in 1939. The ceiling was repainted by a native of San Agustin named Macario Ligon, and his assistant named Victor Ramos restored these paintings in the 1970s.

San Guillermo Church

Bacolor, Pampanga

This baroque style church was originally constructed by Agustinian friars in 1576. It was  destroyed by an earthquake in 1880, but was rebuilt in 1886. On September 3, 1995, this church was buried 12-m following a lahar flow from the slopes on Mt. Pinatubo.  As of today, only half of the church’s facade can be seen. 

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish (Barasoain Church)

Malolos City, Bulacan

One of the most important churches in the country, Barasoain Church is tagged as the Cradle of Democracy in the East, the most important religious building in the Philippines, and the site of the First Philippine Republic.  Known for its architectural design and internal adornments, this church was founded in 1859 by Augustinian Missionaries. 

The Shrine of Our Lady Of Manaoag Church
Manaoag, Pangasinan

This is one of the favorite pilgimage sites in the Philippines. It houses the image of Our Lady of Manaoag, one of the most venerated images of Mary in our country and is officially known as the patroness of the sick, the helpless and the needy.

Basilica Minore de San Miguel Arcangel
Tayabas, Quezon

First built in 1585 using nipa and palm by Franciscan friars, it was damaged by a major  earthquake in 1743 and was rebuilt in 1856 adding  a transept and a copula. This church is a National Cultural Treasure and has seven altars done on the neo-colonial style.

Church of Baler
Baler, Aurora

First built using palm leaves and bamboo by Franciscan priests, this historical church played a crucial role during the siege of Baler. From  June 27, 1898 until July 2, 1800, a 54-person garrison of Spaniards was besieged in this church by Filipino revolutionaries.  It was declared as a national historical landmark by the National Historical Institute on February 29, 2000. 

San Luis Parish Church
Lucban, Quezon

This church was first built in 1593 but destroyed in 1629. It was gutted by fire in 1733 and was reconstructed in 1738. Partly destroyed during the World War II in 1945, it was renovated by the Philippine Historical Commission in 1966. It enshrined the image of San Isidro Labrador.

St. Gregory Church
Majayjay, Laguna

This magnificent church was built in 1575 using forced labor. Probably one of the oldest churches in the country, it houses antique statues which were brought by the Spaniards. Also, its belfry has four small bells and one big bell. 

The Saint John The Baptist Parish 
Liliw, Laguna

Built in 1605, this church is famous for its red bricks that's truly breathtaking especially during sunset.  The church and the convent were seriously damaged by an earthquake in 1880 was partly burned in April 6, 1898.

St Agustine Parish
Coron, Palawan

This parish was founded in 1901 and is among the four parishes in Palawan that are over 100 years old. 

Immaculate Conception Cathedral
Puerto Princesa, Palawan

This blue cathedral with its gothic-like facade lies in the center of Puerto Princesa City. It was built during the Spanish colonization of the Philippines in the late  1800s. It remains to be the center of religious refuge for both locals and tourists of this famous city. 

Sto. Niño Cathedral
Calapan City, Mindoro Oriental
Constructed in 1959, the altar has nice design of magnificent pipe organ and stained glasses that depict the mysteries of the Holy Rosary, Beatitudes, Gifts of the Holy Spirit and Apostle’s Creed.

Old Church of Sablayan

Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro

Located at the foot of the centennial forest, this church is a 16^th century legacy of the Spanish missionaries. As of today, regular and wedding masses are still being celebrated in this church.

St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral

San Jose, Occidental Mindoro

This church is the seat of the  Apostolic Vicariate of San Jose, Occidental Mindoro which was created on Jan. 27, 1983. Its titular patron is St. Joseph the Worker whose feast is celebrated May 1 in the vicariate.

Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (Boac Cathedral)

Boac, Marinduque

Built in 1752 in honor of the Blessed Virgin of Biglang Awa (Immediate Succor).It is said that the Blessed Virgin saved the town from Moro invasion in the 18th century. This church also played part during the Revolution in 1899. As of today, the church is well-preserved with beautiful stained glass and wall adornments.

Saint Joseph the Spouse of Mary Parish Church  (Church of Gasan )

Gasan, Marinduque

Originally built in 1609, this church has undergone series of renovations after it was burned down with fire and it was damaged in 1954.As of today, it stands atop a hill, overlooking the town of Gasan. Its current structure is made of concrete and the interiors is beautifully designed.

Basilica de Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia
Naga City

This Basilica houses the image of the patron saint of Bicolandia, Our Lady of Peñafrancia. The construction of this church began on April 18, 1976, but due to financial problems it was not completed until September, 1981. It was given the title of "Basilica Minore" from Rome after a request from the third Archbishop of Caceres, Leonardo Z. Legaspi.

Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist
Naga City

This Romanesque-style church was erected in August 14, 1595 at the same time when the Diocese of Nueva Caceres was created.It was damaged by fire and calamities several times and was  repaid in 1987. It was inaugurated and dedicated by Archbishop Legaspi on February 6, 1988, the Feast of Saint Peter Baptist.

Immaculate Conception Cathedral
Virac, Catanduanes

The Diocese of Virac in the islands of Catanduanes was canonically established on August 27, 1974 with the Most Rev. Jose Crisologo Sorra, from Virac, as the first Bishop. At the start, there were 16 parishes (11 town parishes and 5 barrio parishes) and around 25 priests in the active ministry assigned in the different parishes, diocesan commissions and offices, and in the seminary.

Nuestra Senora de Salvacion Parish
Virac, Catanduanes

This is where I spent most of my childhood Sundays, in my very own parish Nuestra Senora de Salvacion. It's an old stone church that is the center of religious activities in our quaint little village. Our parish fiesta is being celebrated every 24th of May. 

St. John the Baptish Parish
Bato, Catanduanes

It took 53 years (from 1830 to 1883) to build the St. John the Baptish Parish, known as the Bato Church. Said to be one of the oldest churches in my home province Catanduanes, it's one of the places that's not to be missed if one plans to visit our small island.

Cathedral of St. Gregory the Great

Legazpi City

Located near Peñaranda Park, Legazpi City Hall and Provincial Capitol in the province of Albay, it is said to be one of the oldest churches in the country. The first church was built by Spanish missionaries around 1580. Series of renovations and reconstructions have been made after. It is currently Episcopal seat of the Diocese of Legazpi.

Church of San Juan Bautista
Tabaco City, Albay

This church is considered as one of the most impressive structures in Albay.  The construction of the present church started in 1864 and was completed in 1879. This church is unique among other Philippine churches because the stones used to build the church bear the distinct marks of the Masons. It was designated as National Landmark by PD. 260 on August 1, 1993.

Church of Nuestra Señora de la Porteria (Our Lady of the Gate)
Daraga, Albay

This four-century church offers one of the most panoramic views of Mayon Volcano as it sits atop a hill in Daraga. It was established in 1773 by a group of Franciscan Priests. Made mostly of volcanic stones, its massive structure with belfry on one side and convent on the other side was built based on a Baroque structure with Spanish influence. In 2007, it was declared as a National Historical Site and the marker as a National Cultural Treasure can be found at the facade.

Church of St. Anthony

Gubat,Sorsogon

This church was established in 1768. History has it that the town people asked the captain, Don Juan Bonifacio, to require all men to contribute one cubic meter of coral stone to build the church. It was completed 1778, ten years after the construction started.  There were renovations done on the church but the original foundation still remains until today. Its rectory is said to be the oldest in Bicol region. 

Pilar Church

Pilar, Sorsogon

Located on a hilltop overlooking the town of Pilar, this is the church we found while we were roaming this small town in Sorsogon.

Masbate Cathedral (Parish of Saint Anthony of Padua)
Masbate City, Masbate

It was founded in 1578 by Spanish Missionaries. In 1951, the parish became a part of the newly erected Diocese of Sorsogon, of which Most Rev. Teopisto Alberto was its first Bishop. The present cathedral was reconstructed, but the center floor and isles were preserved.

Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (Manila Metropolitan Cathedral)  

Intramuros, Manila

It was originally a parish church owned and governed by the diocese of Mexico in 1571, until it became a separate diocese on February 6, 1579 upon the issuance of a Papal bull Illius Fulti Praesido by Pope Gregory XIII.The cathedral serves both as the Prime Basilica of the Philippines and highest seat of the archbishop in the country. The cathedral was damaged and destroyed several times since the original cathedral was built in 1581. The eighth and current incarnation of the cathedral was completed in 1958.

The Church of the Immaculate Conception of San Agustin
Intramuros, Manila
As of this writing, reconstructions are being done in the exteriors of the church in preparation for its 450th anniversary since its construction. This church is a World Heritage Site.

Basilica Minore de San Sebastián,

Quiapo, Manila

Completed in 1891, this church is considered as  the only all-steel church or Basilica in Asia. It is known for its impressive Gothic architectural, has also been implausibly reputed to be the first prefabricated building in the world, and more plausibly claimed as the only prefabricated steel church in the world. In 2006, it made it to  the Tentative List for possible designation as a World Heritage Site. It was designated as a National Historical Landmark by the Philippine government in 1973. The interiors and altar of this church is one of the most amazing that I've seen so far. 

Church Nuestra Senora de Remedios (Our Lady of Remedies)
Malate, Manila

This Baroque-style church  was built originally in the sixteenth century by the Augustinian friars and is one of the oldest churches in Manila outside of Intramuros.  It went through several repairs after it was damaged by war in 1762-63 and typhoon in 1868. It was again damaged during and rebuilt after WWII. 

Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene
Quiapo, Manila

This church is one of the most prominent and frequently visited in the country. It enshrines the Black Nazarene, a dark statue of Jesus Christ which many people claim to have miraculous powers. In August 29, 1586, Governor General Santiago de Vera founded the District of Quiapo. The Franciscan Missionaries built the first church of Quiapo with Bamboo and Nipa materials.

Minor Basilica of St. Lorenzo Ruiz
Binondo, Manila

Erected in 1596, it is one of the oldest churches in the Philippines. Over the centuries the original edifice has sustained considerable damage from earthquakes and other natural disasters. Today, only the octagonal bell tower is all that remains of the 16th century construction.

Parish of the Holy Sacrifice

UP Diliman, Quezon City

Known as the first circular church and the first thin-shell concrete dome in the Philippines, this church is recognized as a National Historical Landmark and a Cultural Treasure by the National Historical Institute and the National Museum respectively. It was designed by the late National Artist for Architecture, Leandro Locsin, one of five National Artists who collaborated on the project. Alfredo Juinio served as the structural engineer for the project. The floor of the church was designed by Arturo Luz, the Stations of the Cross by Vicente Manansala and Ang Kiukok, and the double-sided crucifix and altar base by Napoleon Abueva, all of whom are now National Artists.

Shrine Of Our Lady Of Peace And Good Voyage/Imaculate Conception Parish
Antipolo City, Rizal

On January 23, 1983, during his Angelus message, Pope John Paul II announced the creation of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Antipolo. This cathedral is one of the 12 cathedrals that was founded by the Order of Augustinian Recollects in the Philippines. It is also one of the most popular Marian shrines in the country where the venerated image of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage (the Virgin of Antipolo) is enshrined.

St. Clement Parochial Church 
Angono, Rizal

Its facade and interior has a mix of modern and Spanish architecture. The altar has images of saints. This church is located at the heart of the "Art Capital of the Philippines" -- Angono Rizal.

St Ildefonso Church
Tanay, Rizal

Built from 1573 to 1582 using forced labors, this 405 years old church is the second oldest church in the province of Rizal. In 2001, it was also declared a National Cultural Heritage by the National Commision for Culture and the Arts along with 25 other churches in the Philippines. 

Transfiguration Chapel  (Caleruega Church)

Nasugbu,Batangas 

This church is a popular destination for weddings and retreats. Surrounding it is a wide expanse of land that's holds a beautiful garden good for leisure walks and recollection.Transfiguration Chapel  

Vizayas

Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral

Calbayog City, Samar

Considered as the biggest church in Samar, this church was erected in. It's altar, dome-shape roof, thick walls and color-stained windows show a blend of modern and Spanish architecture.

Saint Bartholomew the Apostle Church

Catbalogan City, Samar

This church was renovated after a fire gutted the Franciscan-built 155 years old church in 1969. I was surprised to see the fantastic interior of this church. It looked modern but the the same time it's not too overwhelming as it still keeps the solemn mood inside. The facade, though, is simple and a lot low key than its interior.

St. Joseph the Patriarch Church 

Catubig, Northern Samar

This centuries-old church is one of the very few massive structures in this town. Its contruction in 1790 was a product of forced labor by Catubig ancestors. As of present time, this church looks like an abandoned edifice as weeds have already started to grow and climb its stone walls. The interior had also undergone series of repairs.

Lavezares Church

Lavezares, Northern Samar

This small church off the coastal town of Lavezares houses the image of Nuestra Senora de Salvacion. 

Our Lady of Anunciation Cathedral

Catarman, Northern Samar

I visited this church late afternoon already. The two pillars on the side of the entrance, the huge belfry and the saints displayed on the altar were some of the things I remember about this church. 

Santo Niño Church

Tacloban City, Northern Leyte

This church, with its towering belfry, was established in 1860. Notable inside it are the gold-plated chandeliers and the altar with paintings of angels. 

San Diego Cathedral

Silay City, Negros Occidental

This is one of my favorites.Located in the center of Silay City, this church is named in honor of Didacus of Alcalá, a Franciscan saint.  It is the only pro-cathedral outside of the national capital of Manila, and is unique in Negros Occidental for being the only church in the province featuring a cupola or dome.

Chapel of the Cartwheels
Manapla, Negros Occidental

A uniquely-designed chapel found in a sprawling farmland owned by Gaston Family, it shows the occupation of the people who built it --the farmers. It is made of cartwheels, plows, mortar and pestle, margaha sand and broken pieces of glass of different colors. It is said to have been patterned to look like a "salakot." 

San Sebastian Cathedral
Bacolod City

This present cathedral was built from 1876-85.  The coral stone church, now covered with a thin layer of cement, is classical. "The slender bell towers flanking the facade give an eastern European look to the church. The entrance to the church is through a portio composed of three arches of equal dimensions. Flanking the main door is a statue of the church builder Fr. Ferrero. The church interior is simple, its pleasing appearance comes about because of the pleasing modulation of arches and pillars rather than ornamentation." 

St. Francis of Assisi Church 
Siquijor, Siquijor

This church and its adjoining convent is made of stone (rubles) and cuciform. Its bell tower stands a few meters from the church suggesting that it was also used as a defensive structure to warn the people of approaching dangers. 

San Isidro Labrador Church
Lazi, Siquijor                                    

Originally made of coral stones and local hardwoods, this church was construsted in 1884 by the Spaniards. It was declared as  one of the most outsanding heritage churches in the country by NCCA and as National Cultural Treasures (both convent and church) by the National Museam. 

St. Agustin Church

San Juan, Siquijor

This church is made of Tabique. Along with the casa real and escuela, it was built though the efforts of its first parish priest Fray Nicanor Anchiniego. One thing notable of this church is its massive belfry.

Our Lady of Divine Providence

Maria, Siquijor

The altar and church was made during the Spanish era. And just like most churches in Siquijor, it also has huge bell tower beside it.

St. Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral
Dumaguete City
It is known as the oldest stone church in Negros, originally built in 1754 to 1776. It is standing close to the historic Belfry of Dumaguete, and stone's throw away from Quezon Park.

The Basilica of Santo Niño or Basilica del Santo Niño

Cebu City

The Basílica Minore del Santo Niño is one the oldest churches in the Philippines, founded by an Augustinian priest, Andrés de Urdaneta on April 28, 1565. The first church structure was built out of earth, hard wood and nipa in 1566 ordered by Friar Diego de Herrera. 

Church of Immaculada Concepcion
Baclayon, Bohol

Some 200 native forced laborers constructed the church from coral stones which they took from the sea, cut into square blocks, and piled on to each other. They used bamboo to move and lift the stones in position, and used the white of a million eggs as to cement them together. The current building was completed in 1727. The church obtained a large bell in 1835. In the Baclayon church is a dungeon, which was used to punish natives who violated the rules of the Roman Catholic Church.

The Church of San Pedro
Loboc, Bohol

Considered as the second oldest church in Bohol, it was originally built in 1602. After it was reduced to ashes, it was again rebuilt in 1638. It's located near the famous Loboc River. It has survived a number of floods. 

St. Agustin Church
Panglao Island, Bohol

The church of Panglao, Bohol is located on the south-western side of Panglao Island, 18 kilometers from Tagbilaran City. The church is noteworthy because of its twin antique confessionals carved with grape and dove patterns. Its ceiling murals depict the sacraments.

Our Lady of the Assumption Church
Dauis, Panglao Island, Bohol

This beautiful church is frequently visited by tourists because of the miraculous well that is at the foot of the altar. When I went there, I tried drinking the fresh water from the well, said to have healing powers. 

Cathedral of San José

Tagbilaran City, Bohol

The present cathedral traces to a church built in 1839-55.  Up to the present structure, this church has undergone major renovations to accomodate the growing religious population in Bohol, said to have the highest percentage of churchgoers. But some historic pieces have remained-- the altars and the statue of San Jose. 

Trappist Monastery
Guimaras Island

This abbey of the Cisterian Order  was built in 1997. It is a monastery  where monks live a life dedicated to the contemplative search of God. Their livelihood involves agriculture ,they sell jam and dried mango slices. During our visit there, we  met one of the kind monks there, Father Peter. 

San Isidro Labrador Church

Navales, Buenavista, Guimaras

Built in 1880, it is considered as the oldest church in the province of Guimaras. 

Buenavista Church

Buenavista, Guimaras

We passed by this noticeably pretty pink church while we were in Buenavista, Guimaras. 

Church of Santo Tomas de Villanueva
Miagao, Iloilo

Built in 1797, Miag-ao is considered an architectural gem for its intricate designs.  I love the  details and the marvelous design of its facade.  This church is included in the UNESCO Heritage Sites list as one of the four Baroque Churches in the Philippines. Definitely, it’s one the most beautiful that I've visited.

Holy Rosary Parish Church
Boracay Island, Aklan

In a place where most people are  busy partying and enjoying the beach, I thought it's amazing to see a religious structure so well-maintained. This church is a short trike away from the White Beach. 

Kalibo Cathedral
Kalibo, Aklan

This church was reconstructed 1886 after fire blazed the original structure. This church is the home of the image of Senior Sto Nino, whose honor is being celebrated annually in Ati-atihan. 

Immaculate Conception Metropolitan Cathedral

Roxas City, Capiz

Built through forced labor by the people of Capiz in 1870, this church was erected under the guidance of Reverend Apolonio Alvarez.

Sta. Monica Parish Church (Panay Churh)

Panay, Capiz

This 3 centuries-old church houses the biggest church bell in Asia. The Panay Bell was cast in 1878 from 70 sacks of coins, 7 ft. wide by 7 ft high, weigh of 10,400 kilograms (10.4 tons). This church was declared a National Historical Landmark by the National Historical Institute and a National Cultural Treasure in 2004 by the National Commission on Culture and the Arts.

Mindanao

Saint Agustine Cathedral
Cagayan de Oro City

This cathedral is the seat of the archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro. The original church was built in 1845 by Agustinian friars.  It was later rebuilt to its gothic-like architecture after it was badly damaged during the war in 1945. The only remaining piece that survived is the wooden cross that can be seen infront of the church to this day. 

San Nicolas de Tolentino Church
Mambajao, Camiguin

This church is one of the landmarks found in the capital town of Camiguin, Mambajao. It was first built by Fr. Dionision Pueyo (OAR) in 1892 then enlarged and reconstructed in 1935 by Fr. John Pollock.

San Pedro Cathedral

Davao City

Originally built in 1847 (Spanish Era), the San Pedro Cathedral is the oldest church in Davao City.  The old altar is preserved but its current facade shows a modern design with curve made of solid concrete. It is located at the corners of San Pedro St. and C.M. recto Avenue.  

Cathedral of St. Elizabeth of Portugal
Isabela, Basilan

It was established in October 12, 1963 as Territorial Prelature of Isabela from the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Zamboanga

Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception 

Zamboanga City

The original cathedral was located at the Plaza Pershing but was damaged during WW2. The current structure  was built in 1998-2002. It has modern design (with candle-like design, stained glass images, and massive bell tower) and has marble statue of the Immaculate Conception designed by Philippine National Artist for Sculpture Napoleon Abueva. 

* Most of the information used in this blog came from online sources like Wikipedia and some other websites.
* I own rights to all photos used in this blog.