Cultural Center of the Philippines

The Cultural Center of the Philippines was created in 1966 through Executive Order no. 30, with the purpose of promoting and preserving Filipino arts and culture. It was formally inaugurated on September 8, 1969, starting a three month long inaugural festival opened by the epic musical Dularawan. Since then, the CCP has sought to truly embody its logo of katotohanan (truth), kagandahan (beauty) and kabutihan (goodness). The best artists from all over the country and around the world have graced the CCP theaters and galleries, enthralling Filipinos for over thirty years.

Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, Quiapo, Manila

Quiapo Church, officially known as Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, is a Roman Catholicchurch located in the District of Quiapo, Manila, in the Philippines. The church is one of the most popular churches in the country. It is home to the Black Nazarene, a much venerated statue of Jesus Christ which many people believe has miraculous attributes. The church was painted cream after the original Mexican Baroque edifice was burned down in 1928. Also known as St. John the Baptist Parish, the church at present belongs to the Archdiocese of Manila. The current rector is Rev. Msgr. Jose Clemente Ignacio, who succeeded Msgr. Josefino Ramirez (the Vicar General of the archdiocese) upon the latter's appointment as rector of the Archdiocesan Shrine of the Divine Mercy in Maysilo, Mandaluyong City.

When Governor General Santiago de Vera founded the District of Quiapo on August 29, 1586, the Franciscan Missionaries built the first church of Quiapo with Bamboo and Nipa. Unfortunately, this church was burned in 1639. Rebuilding and repairs at intervals gave the parish a stronger edifice which the earthquake of 1863 partially destroyed. Under the supervision of Fathers Eusebio de Leon and Manuel Roxas, the third church was completed in 1899, with Fr. Roxas raising PhP. 40,000.00 from contributions. In the fire of October 30, 1928, the church was left in ruins leaving its scarred walls and belfry. Dona Encarnacion Nakpil de Orense, head of the Parish Committee, raised funds for the reconstruction of the church and National Artist for Architecture Juan Nakpil was made responsible for the church's rebuilding. Miraculously, the church survived the ravages of the Second World War, despite its surrounding buildings being completely destroyed.

Calumpit Church, Bulacan

The St. John the Baptist Church was built in 1572 at Calumpit, Bulacan who lies 54 kilometers north of Manila.

The St. John the Baptist Church is the oldest church in Bulacan. Constructed under the supervision of Augustinian priest Diego Vivar - Ordonez, the church has been a mute witness to the Filipinos' struggle against Spanish, American and Japanese rule. Inside the church is a tunnel that, as legend would have it, was used by priests during the Spanish regime to keep gold, religious statues and ornate jewelry hidden from the sight of treasure hunters. It is the birthplace of Christianity in the province. 

Cementerio de Binondo (La Loma Cemetery), Manila

Fr. Ramon Caviedas, the Franciscan friar who built the Sampaloc cemetery located at the hills of Balic-balic, Sampaloc, Manila, was himself buried on a cemetery located on the hills of La Loma (called cementerio de Binondo as it was formerly part of the jurisdiction of Santa Cruz, Manila during the Spanish colonial period).

Today, one enters the former Binondo cemetery from Jose Abad Santos. Note the iron gate with the “campo santo de la loma” sign. The design shows a degree of similarity with the original, and very beautiful, wrought iron grill gate of Binondo cemetery.

 

According to Architect Lorelei D.C. de Viana, the cemetery of Binondo was surrounded by a three meter high stone masonry fence and had distinctive wrought iron grill gate with statues of angels guarding it. Below is an 1899 image taken from a stereograph printed by Underwood and Underwood.

The photo above shows the original iron grill main gate (with two smaller side gates) of Binondo cemetery located at La Loma. The funerary chapel can be seen from the background with the distinctive dome design. However, what is interesting to note are the two iron column pairs which bears strong resemblance to the iron columns that stands in today’s entrance to La Loma cemetery. What happened to these very beautiful cemetery gate?

Photo above shows what remains of the once very beautiful gate of Binondo cemetery – a mute memorial to the neglect of historical and church heritage architecture. The wrought iron gates are no more…one asks again, were the gates sold to scrap iron dealers, or to antique dealers?

Close-up of what remains of the right stone column of the main entrance to Binondo cemetery complete with graffiti.

Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage Shrine, Antipolo City

In Antipolo, one finds the religious shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, popularly known as the Virgin of Antipolo (Birhen ng Antipolo). The origin of our Virgin of Antipolo dates back to Spanish era in the Philippines.

When Governor Tabora died in 1632, the Blessed Image was turned over to the care of the Jesuit fathers who were then constructing a church of Antipolo. Actually, a church was to be specifically built for the Blessed Virgin in the nearby barrio of Sta. Cruz. But attempts of the Jesuit fathers to move it from the Church of Antipolo were futile because somehow, as if in protest of leaving this town, the holy image was always found on the trunk of a tree called the Tipolo which grew in the original site of the old church. Because of these manifestations, a pedestal was curved out of the trunks of the said tree, and thus the Blessed Virgin became locally known as the Virgin of Antipolo.

Antipolo Church is the home of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, a dark brown image of the blessed Virgin Mary whose history dates back during the spanish era.

Galaxy Theater, Manila

Those who may still remember the grandeur of Galaxy Theater during its heyday may be saddened to see this photograph.

The Galaxy is one of the few surviving buildings designed by National Artist Pablo Antonio, Sr. It is of Art Moderne design, an architectural style that came about in the 1930s along with Art Deco. Many theaters along Avenida Rizal during the ’50s and ’60s boasted such designs in answer to America’s Hollywood and Broadway.

Sadly, the Galaxy’s present owners are planning to demolish it to make way for a 22-story condominium on the site.

Hopefully, according to Richard Tuason-Sanchez Bautista, resident architect of the National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCAA), this is the first building in the area that may be saved from destruction and conserved; unlike the Avenue Theater, designed by National Artist Juan Nakpil, that was recently torn down and converted to a parking lot, much to the great dismay of our cultural historians and conservationists.

The NCCA as represented by Richard is helping the developer, Zosima Inc., headed by administrator Primitivo Garcia III, to preserve the Galaxy Theater building, or at least, its facade.

Our Lady of Imaculate Conception, Boac, Marinduque

When the Diocese of Lucena was created on 20 August 1950, Marinduque became a part of her. In 2 April 1977, by virtue of the Apostolic Bull “Cum Tempore Maturare” issued by Pope Paul VI, Marinduque was created as an independent Diocese. It was called Diocese of Boac.

Boac is a poor Diocese in the island province of Marinduque.

 

Public Market of Iloilo City

Along Valera, Iznart and Jose Rizal Sts is the Iloilo Central Market. The public market building built during the early 20th century uses Deco motifs. This is evident in the step lintel and post opening of the covered walkway and the central tower, above the market’s main entrance. The tower served as the administrative office of the market.

Provincial Capitol of Camarines Sur

A century ago, the seat of the provincial government was situated in downtown Naga, housed in a building of adobe and cement.

December 15, 1948 marked a memorable date for both Naga and Camarines Sur with the former exulting over its proclamation as a chartered city as embodied in Republic Act (RA) 305. It was also a significant event for the province as it was perhaps the beginning of what would later be the long travail of the province in its search for a new site for the Provincial Capitol building.

In 1968, then Mayor Jose B. Velarde of Pili had the Municipal Board passed a resolution which sought the gradual transfer of all the provincial government offices to the Capital town which was already Pili.

And with such beginnings the present Provincial Capitol Complex was founded, now with its impressive expanse of buildings and scenic spots which qualify it as tourist spot, the Province can do well to be proud.

Parish Church of Saint James the Great, Betis, Pampanga

Of all the many churches built during the Spanish colonial period, the Parish Church of Saint James the Great in Betis, Pampanga stands as one of few that celebrates the Pampangenos’ artistic skill.

Holy Rosary Minor Seminary, Naga City

Founded in 1793, the Holy Rosary Minor Seminary is one of the oldest schools for priesthood in the country today.  The seminary has produced numerous church and lay leaders and is the Alma Mater of a number of Bikol Patriots and heroes.

Right inside the seminary is a museum, that houses priceless collections like the vestments used by the bishops of the Diocese of Nueva Caceres. There are Ming Vases, burial jars, old books and stuffs used during masses. The items are all well-kept and preserved. Because of its beauty and its significance in the local history of Naga, the National Historical Institute has inscribed the centuries-old Holy Rosary Minor Seminary as a National Historical Landmark.

Holy Rosary Minor Seminary underwent repairs and improvements in the past but somehow it has retained its distinct colonial style and Spanish period ambiance. Evoking wisps of nostalgia is its age-old building with its arcaded facade, visual bands of cornices and pilasters, its stream of French windows and balconies of delicately wrought iron grilles. The first story has floors and walls paved with plain and brightly colored tiles, while its arcaded corridors often glimpse of its quiet garden-soothing areas for peace and contemplation. Winding up to the upper floor is its balustrade staircase paved in black and white checkerboard pattern. Its second story was built of Philippine hard wood as seen in its flooring, beams and trusses. Its roof of galvanized iron sheet   was once a bright cap of red tiles which was the style of the period. At the first floor are the visitors’ area, offices, classrooms, refectory, main kitchen, the recreation hall, and the auditorium. At the upper floor are the chapel, study hall, dormitories, and the rooms of the priests, the spirituality room, and the library.

Our Lady of the Gate Parish Church, Daraga, Albay

 

Nestled on top of a hill at the heart of the bustling commercial center, the church which was built by Franciscan missionaries in 1773 is known for its baroque architectural designs. Poised with commanding views of the sea and Mayon Volcano, its stone masons suffused the facade with statuary, carvings, alcoves and niches at different levels. This Church was built after the eruption of Mayon Volcano which covered the original church of the town at Cagsawa. The church contains archeological relics of saints and rare religious seals engraved on volcanic rocks throughout its entire facade including the belfry. According to locals, the relics were all that was left after it was bombed by American planes during World War II in 1945. Parishioners believed that their patroness, Nuestra Señora de la Porteria, remained in the ruins unscathed after the bombing. On February 19,2008, the Maharlika Cuevas of the National Museum declared that the facades, belfry and baptistery of the church with all its archeological structures and features are part of national cultural heritage. And on October 16, 2008, it was recognized as one of the country's historical treasures by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).