La Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion in Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur

The town of Sta. Maria is situated between the South China Sea and the mountains of Ilocos Sur, bringing in the best of the coastal landscape in the west and the rough terrains in the east. Perched atop a solitary hill is the Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion, a structure reminiscent of a fortress, connected by an 85-step china stairway from the edge of the town. Built in 1765, the main church has an exposed brick façade, with an interior that is open at the nave, and is therefore conducive to natural light. It was also reinforced with buttresses to protect against earthquake. At a short distance is the octagonal pagoda-like bell tower, which was added later in 1810.

San Agustin Church in Intramuros, Manila

The oldest stone church in the Philippines, the San Agustin Church was built in 1587, and is run by the Augustinian Friars. Occupying an entire block in the famed walled city of Intramuros, the whole complex includes the main church, monasteries, cloisters, botanical gardens, and a museum. In front of the church entrance is a small plaza that serves as a welcome sight for weary pilgrims. Inside, both sides are lined with small areas of worship, which is the result of the buttresses being incorporated into the church’s interiors. Hovering above is the painstakingly embellished ceiling that gives off a distinctly foreign appeal to the whole church.

Church of Santo Tomas de Villanueva in Miag-ao, Iloilo

The Miag-ao Church is an exemplary illustration of the Philippine translation of western baroque designs. The church has gone through three particularly destructive experiences since its establishment in 1797, with the first brought about by the revolution, the second one by fire, and lastly by earthquake.

Despite its tumultuous history, the church still stands tall and proud. The strange structure of the church combined with the non-symmetrical bell towers form a box-like structure that served well during the Spanish-Moro wars. The bas-relief carving on the church façade is the unique touch that sets it apart from other structures. It depicts St. Christopher as a farmer with the child Jesus riding on his shoulders amidst native vegetation and wildlife. Inside, the gold-plated retablo glints in the sunlight emanating from the airy windows lining the walls.

Church of San Miguel Arcangel in Argao, Cebu

While St. Michael’s Church in Argao was not declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, it is by no means less impressive. The current church is said to be the second, if not the third version. The Spanish clay-tile roof collapsed in 1876, and was then replaced with galvanised iron to protect against earthquakes. The four pairs of half-columns that divide the church’s façade into three panels, and the two lions on either side of the arched entrance are said to be telltale signs of Chinese or Chinese-mestizo handiwork. Inside, the original Mexican pipe organ and main altar still remain, while the paintings on the ceiling were said to have been shared by Cebuano painter Raymundo Francia who depicted the victory of St. Michael over Lucifer, and fellow church muralist Canuto Avila painted the bibilical manifestations of angels. On the other hand, the five-story belfry built in 1830 was considered one of the best in the Philippines by church historian Pedro Galende.

Cover and photo of San Agustin church in Paoay, Ilocos Norte from www.philippinepicture.com. Photos of the four succeeding churches taken from Ferrante Ferranti's photoexhibit at the National Museum entitled "Encounters".