In 2009, ABS-CBN introduced the hit TV series “May Bukas Pa” to Filipino audiences. The story revolves around Santino, a young boy who develops the ability to communicate with Jesus Christ, whom he affectionately refers to as “Bro”. Loosely adapted from “Marcelino Pan Y Vino”, one of the main filming locations for the series was the historic San Guillermo Parish Church in Bacolor, Pampanga.

The San Guillermo Church was initially built by the Augustinian Friars in 1576. However, in 1880, the church was devastated by an earthquake and subsequently reconstructed in 1886. Tragically, on September 3, 1995, lahar flow from the slopes of Mount Pinatubo, which had erupted on June 15, 1991, engulfed the church, burying it to half its original height of 12 meters.

The church boasts a main retablo, side retablos, and a pulpit adorned with lavish gold leaf gilding, showcasing the opulent Baroque style of architecture. Unfortunately, only half of the original facade of the church remains visible after being partially buried by the eruption. Following the disaster, the townspeople painstakingly excavated the altar and retablo, relocating them under the dome. The niches of the retablos now house centuries-old statues rescued from the destruction caused by the lahar. With meticulous care, the citizens of Bacolor unearthed and restored the intricately carved main and side altars to their pristine condition.