The Ermita de San Jacinto in Tuguegarao was established in 1604 by Dominican missionaries as an early chapel serving the growing settlement. It predates the St. Peter Metropolitan Cathedral by about a century and is considered the oldest existing brick structure in the city. Originally a small visita, it functioned as a place of worship for residents before larger church structures were built.
Who is Fr. Antonio Lobato de Santo Tomas?
I saw a painting dedicated to Fr. Antonio Lobato de Santo Tomás, OP when I visited Tuguegarao Cathedral, and it immediately drew attention to a figure whose influence on the town runs deep. The artwork portrays the Dominican missionary presenting a model of the cathedral to a high-ranking Church official, a symbolic scene that reflects not only his role as a priest but also his lasting contributions as a builder and planner of Tuguegarao.
A Taste of Bicol at Balay sa Bikol
Tucked along a quiet street in Daraga, Albay, Balay sa Bikol does not immediately present itself as a typical restaurant. Finding it requires a short turn into a narrow lane, and that approach already sets the tone. The place feels less like a commercial dining spot and more like stepping into a lived-in ancestral home, where history quietly lingers in every corner.
Pagbilao Church
Established during the Spanish colonial period, St. Catherine of Alexandria Church in Pagbilao, Quezon was formally organized by Franciscan missionaries in 1685, marking the early beginnings of Pagbilao as a Christian settlement. By 1688, a chapel made of light materials such as wood and cogon was already in place.
Mayon Volcano: The Perfect Cone of Albay
The Mayon Volcano rises prominently over the province of Albay in the Bicol Region, forming a consistent landmark visible from many parts of the area, particularly from Legazpi City and the municipality of Daraga. It is widely recognized for its near-perfect conical shape, a feature that results from repeated eruptions depositing layers of lava and volcanic materials over time. Standing at about 2,463 meters above sea level, it is the most active volcano in the Philippines and one of the most closely monitored due to its frequent activity and proximity to populated communities.
Daraga Church
The Daraga Church, formally known as the Our Lady of the Gate Parish Church, is located on a hill in Daraga, Albay, with a clear view of Mayon Volcano. It was built in 1773 by Franciscan missionaries when Daraga was still a barrio of the older town of Cagsawa. The elevated site was selected for practical reasons, particularly for protection from flooding and other environmental risks
Cagsawa Ruins
The Cagsawa Ruins stand quietly in the town of Daraga, Albay, marked by the solitary bell tower that has come to symbolize both loss and resilience. What remains today was once the grand church of the town of Cagsawa, built by Franciscan missionaries in the 18th century to serve a growing community in the shadow of Mayon Volcano.
Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Peńafrancia in Naga
I visited the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Peñafrancia in Naga City, Camarines Sur, which serves as the main center of devotion to Our Lady of Peñafrancia in the Bicol Region. The basilica is located across the river from the older shrine, which was the original site of the devotion.
Tuguegarao Cathedral
The Saint Peter Metropolitan Cathedral in Tuguegarao City was our first church in Cagayan during our Visita Iglesia this Maundy Thursday, following several church visits in Isabela earlier in the day. Located along Rizal Street at the city center, the cathedral stands out with its red-brick façade, a familiar architectural feature in many historic churches across the Cagayan Valley.
San Pablo de Cabagan Church
The San Pablo de Cabagan Church in San Pablo, Isabela is considered the oldest church in the province, built in 1624 during the Spanish colonial period as part of the early Catholic missions in the Cagayan Valley. The name “de Cabagan” reflects its historical origin, as the town of San Pablo was once under the larger and older jurisdiction of Cabagan during the early Spanish administration.
National Shrine and Parish of Our Lady of Aranzazu
The National Shrine and Parish of Our Lady of Aranzazu stands at the center of San Mateo, Rizal. The parish began in 1596 when Augustinian missionaries established the early Christian community under the patronage of Saint Matthew. In 1705, Jesuit priest Juan de Echazabal introduced the devotion to Our Lady of Aranzazu, which later became the principal devotion of the town. A church was built on the present site, and the image of the Virgin became central to local religious life
Tumauini Church
St. Matthias Church, more commonly known as Tumauini Church, stands quietly in Tumauini, Isabela, its red brick façade immediately setting it apart from most churches in the region. Built in 1753 under the guidance of Dominican missionaries and completed in 1805, the church reflects both the persistence of early evangelization efforts in the Cagayan Valley and the craftsmanship that defined ecclesiastical structures of that period. Constructed almost entirely of baked brick, it carries a warm, textured appearance that becomes more pronounced under natural light.