All over the Philippines, towns are dotted with old Spanish colonial churches that have stood the test of time. More than houses of worship and prayer, our beautiful and magnificent churches are living testaments to the unique and profound Filipino culture and artistry.

Binondo Church

This year, come with us as we explore and appreciate these edifices of faith. Illuminati Tours and Advocacies brings you to seven (7) most beautiful churches of the City of Manila, including the San Agustin Church in Intramuros (the oldest church in the Philippines and a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and San Sebastian Basilica in Quiapo, the first pre-fabricated all-steel church in the world.

Manila Cathedral

Re-visit our rich history and re-acquaint with the Catholic faith thru a unique guided tour by Joel Aldor of Heritage Conservation Society. Get to understand and appreciate our Philippine architecture and heritage, and the importance of preserving our legacy. It’s an exciting, enriching, and enlightening journey you owe yourself.

Going to church. It's more fun in the Philippines.

San Agustin Church and San Sebastian Basilica

The Historical Churches of Manila:

In the Philippines, the baroque churches of the Spanish colonial period constitute the most emblematic element of the country's architectural heritage.

The religious orders played a decisive role when the Spaniards reached the Philippines; they filled Intramuros with churches, monasteries, and convents, scattering the city with religious buildings, which also performed social and welfare functions, it was the "City of God".

Sixteenth-century Manila was ravaged by fire time and time again.  Homes and churches were devoured by flames.

Immaculada Concepcion Minor Basilica (Manila Cathedral), Intramuros

The Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception is a Roman Catholic Minor Basilica in the capital of the Philippines,Manila. The cathedral of the Archdiocese of Manila, located within the centuries-old section of Manila calledIntramuros, is the seat of the Archbishop of Manila. Having been destroyed several times by natural disasters and fires during its 400-year history, the current structure standing was completed in 1958, the cathedral's sixth incarnation. It is dedicated to Saint Mary under the title "Immaculate Conception", in her role as patroness of the Philippines.

Santa Ana Church

San Agustin Parish Church and Museum, Intramuros (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

San Agustin Church originally known as "inglesia de San Pablo", founded in 1571 is the oldest stone church (built in 1589) in the Philippines. It is a administered by the Order of Saint Agustine (Augustinian Friars). Since the time of its foundation, the devotion to Nuestra Senora dela Consolacion y Cirrea is celebrated every Saturday.In this Church - tomb of "El Adelentado Miguel Lopez de Legaspi" Founder of the City of Manila is located in the eastermost chapel of the transept. Terms for the American occupation of Manila was signed in the sacristy and First Plenary Council of the Philippines in 1953 was held in the Choirloft. 

San Lorenzo Ruiz Minor Basilica, Binondo

Binondo Church is also known as Minor Basilica of St. Lorenzo Ruiz is located in Binondo, Manila. Founded by the Dominican priests in 1596, Binondo Church is one of the oldest places of Christian worship in the Philippines. The original structure has sustained damages from the earthquakes and other natural disasters. The octagonal bell tower is all that remains of the 16th century construction. Binondo church was destroyed in 1603 Chinese revolt. The church was large and adequate for the priests and ministries. It was also here that the first Filipino saint, St. Lorenzo Ruiz, served as sacristan. 

Sto. Niño de Tondo Parish Church, Tondo

The Convent in Tondo, one of the first structures built by the Spaniards in Luzon, was accepted by the Provincial Chapter on May 3, 1572, with Lubao, Betis and Calumpit as its visitas. Established by Franciscan priests on May 3, 1572. Construction of its first stone structure started in 1611 under the term of Fr. Alonzo Guererro and completed by 1695. Damaged and rebuilt after the earthquakes of 1740 and 1863. The present strucure was built after World War II.

Nuestra Sra. de Remedios Parish Church, Malate

The Malate Church is a Baroque-style church which faces a small park and beyond that Manila Bay. The church was built originally on this spot in the sixteenth century by the Augustinians, and is one of the oldest churches in Manila outside of Intramuros. British soldiers took refuge in this church during their occupation of the Philippines and attack on Intramuros in 1762-63. The church was destroyed in 1773, rebuilt, badly damaged in World War II, and later restored again. Malate Church is dedicated to Nuestra Senora de Remedios ("Our Lady of Remedies"), the patroness of women in childbirth. A revered statue of the Virgin Mary in her role as Our Lady of Remedies was brought from Spain in 1624 and stands at the altar. 

Santa Ana Parish Church, Santa Ana (National Cultural Treasure)

Sta. Ana Church is situated in Sta. Ana, Manila and its also known as the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Abandoned. One of the oldest churches of Manila, it stands on the site of the first Franciscan mission establidhed outside Manila in 1578.  The church was built under the supervision of Fr. Vicente Ingles, OFM. The  cornerstone of the present church was laid on September 12, 1720 by Francisco dela Cuesta, then Archbishop of Manila and Acting Governor General of the Philippines. 

San Sebastian Minor Basilica, Quiapo

The Basilica Minore de San Sebastián, better known as San Sebastián Church, is a Roman Catholic minor basilica inManila, the Philippines. It is the seat of the Parish of San Sebastian and the National Shrine of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. Completed in 1891, San Sebastián Church is noted for its architectural features. An example of the revival of Gothic architecture in the Philippines, it is the only all-steel church or basilica in Asia. It has also been implausibly reputed to be the first prefabricated building in the world, and more plausibly claimed as the only prefabricated steel church in the world. In 2006, San Sebastian Church was included in the Tentative List for possible designation as aWorld Heritage Site. It was designated as a National Historical Landmark by the Philippine government in 1973. 

Tour Itinerary: 

Saturday March 31

07:30 am : Assembly in front of Manila Cathedral

08:00 am : Immaculada Concepcion Minor Basilica (Manila Cathedral), Intramuros

08:45 am : San Agustin Parish Church and Museum, Intramuros (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

10:45 am : San Lorenzo Ruiz Minor Basilica, Binondo

11:30 am : Lunch at Cafe Mezzanine, Chinatown

01:30 pm : Sto. Niño de Tondo Parish Church, Tondo

03:00 pm : Nuestra Sra. de Remedios Parish Church, Malate

04:15 pm : Santa Ana Parish Church, Santa Ana (National Cultural Treasure)

05:45 pm : San Sebastian Minor Basilica, Quiapo (National Historical Landmark and National Cultural Treasure)

06:30 pm : End of tour