The Philippines is characterized as a multicultural and multilingual country which is a result of its being a archipelago consisting of more than 7, 107 islands. The rich and colorful traditions of the different places in the Philippines, though changed and evolved, are still being observed in most parts of the country. From the colorful cultural festivals such as the Panagbenga of Baguio and the MassKara of Bacolod to festivals of reverence to patrons such as the Sinulog of Cebu, it is evident that the Philippine Culture is greatly influenced by its history and religion.

According to Pope Francis, the Philippines is “a great Catholic nation” wherein we, the Filipino people, value our religion greatly particularly Roman Catholicism. It is evident in our customs as well as in our infrastructures. These infrastructures are the Churches in the country which dates back to the Spanish era when the Native Filipino people are being converted into Christianity.

Let us come and take a look at some of the most beautiful Churches in the Philippines!

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The Luzon group of islands features a wide variety of culture and adventure. From the high mountains of Cordillera to the plains of Central Luzon or the hundred islands of Pangasinan, you will surely find something that will make your journey worthwhile.

In the largest Philippine group of islands, you will find some of the most magnificent and oldest Churches in the country. Here are two of the most beautiful Churches in the Philippines.

Barasoain Church

Malolos, Bulacan

Barasoain Church or also known as the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish was built in 1630 and earned the title of the Cradle Democracy in the East, the most important religious building in the Philippines and the site of the First Philippine Republic. The church has a historical importance in the Filipinos for the reason that the three major events in the Philippine History happened in this church. The events are covening of the First Philippine Congress, the drafting of the Malolos Constitution in 1898, and the inauguration of the First Philippine Republic in 1899. President Ferdinand Marcos proclaimed the Barasoain Church as a National Shrine.

For more information: https://www.barasoainchurch.org/parish-history

Other activities you might enjoy around Malolos would mostly revolve on food trips as well as swimming in natural water forms as well as resorts. One of the famous delicacies from Malolos is the giant ensaymada from Eurobake. To find other activities that might interest you, please check the link below.

Travel Advisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com.ph/Attraction_Review-g1602651-d2557628-Reviews-Barasoain_Church-Malolos_Bulacan_Province_Central_Luzon_Region_Luzon.html

Quiapo Church

Quiapo, Manila

Quiapo Church is formally known as the “Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene” and where allegedly miraculous Black Nazarene. The church was built four times and the current Quiapo Church was designed in a Mexican Baroque Style and was expanded to accommodate more devotees. This is where the Feast of Black Nazarene held every January 9. In 1988, the church was officially declared as a Minor Basilica.

For more information: http://www.quiapochurch.com/pages/about-quiapo/

Since this Church is situated near the University Belt, you can visit the different universities particularly the historical University of Santo Tomas which was once the home of many Filipino heroes. To find other activities that might interest you, please check the link below.

Travel Advisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com.ph/Attraction_Review-g298573-d310890-Reviews-Quiapo_Church-Manila_Metro_Manila_Luzon.html

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The Visayas group of islands boasts itself in its colorful festivals which showcase the talents and culture of the different provinces in this region. Some of the famous festivals include the Sinulog Festival of Cebu, Ati-Atihan Festival of Aklan, and MassKara of Bacolod. Most of them are festivals in reverence of the Infant Jesus which also highlights the importance of religion in Visayas. Here are two of the most beautiful Churches of the Visayas Region.

Cebu Metropolitan Church

Cebu City

Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral was established as a diocese in 1595 and later on became as metropolitan archdiocese in 1934. St. Vitalis is the patron saint of the cathedral. The cathedral’s architecture is typical baroque colonial churches in the Philippines. Because of bombing during the World War II, the cathedral has been destroyed but then reconstructed. It serves as the resting place for the remains of Cebu’s bishops and clergy and venue for Eucharistic celebrations. Baroque-Rococo is the style of cathedral.

For more information: https://www.travelingcebu.com/cebu-metropolitan-cathedral.html

Aside from its splendid Church, it also has a museum which showcases items from the Spanish era. To find other activities that might interest you, please check the link below.

Travel Advisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com.ph/Attraction_Review-g298460-d1488648-Reviews-Cebu_Metropolitan_Cathedral-Cebu_City_Cebu_Island_Visayas.html

Sto. Niño Basilica 

Cebu City

The oldest church in the Philippines is the Santo Niño Basilica or Basilica Minore del Santo Niño and this is where the statue of Child Jesus (Santo Niño de Cebú) portrayed. In 1565, the Spanish explorers discovered the Santo Niño de Cebú. Inside of the church is a museum that contains antique relics, religious exhibits and an extensive library. The miraculous Santo Niño de Cebú can be found in the church and every year, there will be a largest annual event, the Sinulog Festival where the small statue of Jesus is the center of the festival.

For more information: http://www.everythingcebu.com/attractions/historical-sites/basilica-minore-del-sto-nino/

To find other activities that might interest you, please check the link below.

Travel Advisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com.ph/Attraction_Review-g298460-d320854-Reviews-Basilica_del_Santo_Nino-Cebu_City_Cebu_Island_Visayas.html

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The Mindanao group of islands is best known as the land of brave Filipinos. Although it already is predominantly Roman Catholic, the Islamic Culture is still highly evident in this region. Mindanao is sprawled with mosques and other Islamic architecture and design like the sarimanok. Here are some of the beautiful Churches in the Mindanao region.

San Nicolas de Tolentino Cathedral

Tandag, Surigao del Sur

San Nicolas de Tolentino was constructed in 1950’s and was expanded during 1980’s by extending both sides and improve the altar portion. According to some old devotee, the church was started as a “kamalig”, made of Nipa leaves on the location where it is standing now.

For more information: http://islaman.blogspot.com/2008/08/historical-markers-of-surigao.html

One of the great things about Surigao is its coastline which boasts some of the beautiful beaches in the country. To find other activities that might interest you, please check the link below.

Travel Advisor: https://www.inspirock.com/philippines/tandag/san-nicholas-de-tolentino-cathedral-a584354681

San Pedro Cathedral

Davao City

San Pedro Cathedral was built by the first Spanish settlers in the area in 1847. It is the city’s premier landmark and serves as the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Davao and considered a National Culture Treasure. The special feature of the oldest cathedral of Davao include the frontal-curved roofing, designed to resemble the prow of a vinta, gliding over waters, carrying a Cross at the helm and its style is Neo-Gothic.

For more information: http://davaocitybybattad.blogspot.com/2011/11/san-pedro-cathedral-of-davao-city.html

Davao City is rich in natural resources which is evident in the number of tourist spots in the area. To find other activities that might interest you, please check the link below.

Travel Advisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com.ph/Attraction_Review-g298459-d320864-Reviews-San_Pedro_Cathedral-Davao_City_Davao_del_Sur_Province_Mindanao.html

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These are just some of the many Churches that you can visit here in the Philippines. The sheer number of Churches just shows how deep we, Filipinos, value our religion especially Roman Catholicism. The beauty and splendor of these infrastructures also show our reverence to God for we make them in order to honor Him and His glory.

Let us put visiting the wonderful Churches in the Philippines in our bucket list, for it will not just be a journey of adventure but of faith.

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Sources:
 Information:
 https://www.lamudi.com.ph/journal/30-of-the-most-beautiful-churches-    in-the-philippines/  
 https://www.fabulousphilippines.com/quiapo-church-manila.html
 http://www.explorephilippines.org/destination/barasoain-church
 https://www.viator.com/Cebu-attractions/Basilica-del-Santo-Nino-
    Basilica-of-Santo-Nino/d5172-a9063
 http://www.cebu-tourism.techcellar.net/cebu-metropolitan-cathedral/
 http://www.lovemindanao.com/2012/12/tandagcathedral.html
 https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/213165/san-pedro-cathedral-davao-
    citys-beacon/