The San Fernando Cathedral, originally constructed in the 1750s under the patronage of San Fernando III, King of Castille, was initially built using wood and thatch. However, it underwent renovations in the 1780s. Regrettably, the structure faced destruction by fire on two occasions: first during the Philippine Revolution Army in May 1899 under Gen. Antonio Luna’s orders, and again in 1939.

The Church of Lubao played a pivotal role in Pampanga’s history. In 1898, it was occupied by Filipino rebels during the Philippine revolution, and a year later, it functioned as a makeshift hospital for American troops amid the Philippine-American War. Tragically, in 1942, the 17th-century church fell victim to Japanese bombings during World War II. Reconstruction efforts began in 1949, and in 1952, a historical marker detailing its history was installed on the church facade by the Historical Committee of the Philippines. Recognizing its significance, the National Museum designated the San Agustin Church as an Important Cultural Property in 2013.

The San Guillermo Church in Bacolor. Pampanga 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 Military Vicariate was established on December 8, 1950 by Pope Pius XII. In April 1986, Pope John Paul II issued a decree elevating military vicariates globally to ordinariates, granting them the same status as territorial dioceses. Consequently, on July 21, 1986, St. Ignatius of Loyola Cathedral was officially designated as the seat of the Military Ordinariate of the Philippines.

The Sta. Rita de Cascia church was built on a 2,000-square meter plot of land generously donated by Philamlife Insurance Company, the developer of the subdivision. It was canonically established and officially inaugurated in 1957. 

The Divine Word Mission Seminary, formerly known as the Christ the King Mission Seminary is established in 1934 by the Society of the Divine Word (SVD). The Seminary was the first institution to train Filipino missionary priests in the Philippines. Before this, Filipino seminarians were usually sent to America and Rome for their novitiate and further studies.

The Monasterio de Sta. Clara has a long and meaningful history. Founded in 1621, it was the first contemplative community of nuns in Asia and was later vested with Royal Patronage, earning the title “Real Monasterio de Sta. Clara.” Through the centuries, the monastery endured challenges that tested its resilience. In 1762, during the British Occupation, the nuns were forced to leave their convent. They had to abandon it again during World War II, when the austere walls of the Royal Monastery were destroyed by heavy bombing. After the war, in 1945, the sisters moved to a provisional monastery at the Franciscan Seraphic College in San Francisco del Monte, Quezon City. Later, in 1950, they relocated to their newly built monastery along Aurora Boulevard. Yet history continued to move them, when the C5 extension project began in 1995, the community transferred once more to its present site along Katipunan Avenue.

One of the most striking features of the San Isidro Labrador Church is its altar, which was consecrated on September 15, 1966. Behind it lies a dramatic background of the Crucifixion, ingeniously positioned at the backside of the church yet visible from within, symbolizing the enduring presence of Christ’s sacrifice at the heart of every Mass. 

I celebrate my birthday on the same day as the Feast of St. Jude Thaddeus, who is known as the patron saint for those facing desperate and hopeless situations. Each year on October 28th, which also marks the anniversary of the saint’s death, I have made it a personal tradition to attend the Feast Novena Mass at the National Shrine of St. Jude Thaddeus. This significant place of worship is situated in San Miguel, Manila, close to Malacañan Palace, the official residence and office of the President of the Philippines.

Potentially the first church in the Philippines dedicated to the Archangel, San Miguel de Manila was established by the Jesuits in the 1620s in the area known as Dilao, presently called Paco, Manila. This parish is focused on the archangels, particularly Saint Michael, Saint Gabriel, and Saint Raphael. Officially now known as the Royal Parish and National Shrine of Saint Michael and the Archangels, it has been relocated to the intersection of Jose Laurel Street and General Solano Street in the San Miguel district since 1835.

The St. Francis of Assisi church in Mandaluyong has been an integral part of the local community for more than 65 years, showcasing its remarkable beauty. Established in 1958, the church was entrusted to the Order of Capuchin Friars Minor, commonly known as the Franciscan Capuchins, who adhere to the rigorous principles established by St. Francis of Assisi. Consequently, the church located in Ortigas, a Capuchin’s church, is devoted to the patronage of St. Francis.

The Santo Tomas de Villanueva Church is considered one of the oldest churches in Pasig having been first built as a big chapel in 1798. It was established as a church in 1953 and was declared as a Pilgrim Church by Pope Francis through a papal decree on April 17, 2013.