Founded in 1600 by the Jesuits, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Parish in Burauen stands as one of the most ancient churches in the region. Presently, the church is undergoing a magnificent transformation into a breathtaking structure, enhanced by numerous spires. The roofing has been successfully finished, showcasing two rows of spires reminiscent of the architectural style found in Milan.

Situated in Sitio Old Boso-Boso, Barangay San Jose, Antipolo, Rizal, the Nuestra Señora de la Annunciata Parish Church, also known as Bosoboso Church, stands as an old place of worship.

The Diocese of Novaliches encompasses the northern areas of Caloocan and Quezon City, specifically starting from Tandang Sora Avenue and extending northward. It includes all barangays of District 2 and 5, Barangay Matandang Balara from District 3, and some barangays in District 6, namely: Pasong Tamo, Sauyo, and Talipapa. Additionally, it comprises portions of Tandang Sora and Culiat located north of Tandang Sora Avenue.

The Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag is a church located atop a hill in the small town of Manaoag, Pangasinan. Administered by the Order of Preachers within the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan, the church holds significant importance as a prominent pilgrimage site in the country.

The Kamay ni Hesus Shrine is a popular pilgrimage site located on the slopes of Mt. Banahaw, a dormant volcano that is considered sacred by many Filipinos. The site is surrounded by lush greenery and offers stunning views of the mountains and valleys below. It is known for its towering statue of Jesus Christ and the healing masses.

For this year’s Visita Iglesia, we have decided to go to Bataan to visit 7 churches this Maundy Thursday. Bataan is a province located at the Central Luzon of the Philippines.

Although it resembles the baroque-style Spanish Colonial-era churches in the Philippines that are centuries old, St. James the Great Parish is a relatively recent building, completed in 1993. Situated at the intersection of Cuenca and Ibaan Streets within Ayala Alabang Village in Muntinlupa City, this church serves as the primary place of worship for the Catholic community residing in this exclusive neighborhood.

Despite its appearance resembling an old church, the San Juan Dela Cruz Parish is actually a relatively recent establishment, having been founded in 1996. The church is under the jurisdiction of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Malolos and can be found in Barangay Ugong, Valenzuela City.

In the busy area of Guadalupe Nuevo, Makati City, known for its large billboards and its location near San Carlos Seminary, stands a simple but important church, the National Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Celestial Patroness of the Philippines. The place was once known for its large urban poor population, and out of concern for the people living there, a parish was established in 1951.

The Sto. Niño de Taguig Church traces its humble beginnings to the devotion and unity of a small military community. In 1964, eighteen military families from the Signal Service Corps of the Philippine Army relocated from Diliman, Quezon City, to what would later be known as Signal Village. It was on February 11, 1987, when the Sto. Niño Parish was officially established.

During this New Year of 2023, I had the chance to visit the San Sebastian Church in Pasig. Its story dates back to January 20, 1572, when the Augustinian friars led by Fr. Alonzo de Alvarado, together with encomendero Juan de la Isla, arrived through the riverside to an ancient barrio that would later become the foundation of Pasig. On the very day of their arrival, they celebrated the first Mass in honor of San Sebastian, adopting him as the town’s patron saint. From then on, the place came to be known as “San Sebastian de Pasig”.

Aside from the Metropolitan Cathedral of San Fernando, we went to another church located in San Jose Road within the City of San Fernando, Pampanga. It’s the Arzobispado de Pampanga, the home of the Archbishop of Pampanga.