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.

Morong Church

This Holy Week 2012, come with us as we explore and appreciate these edifices of faith. Illuminati Tours and Advocacies brings you to fifteen (15) most beautiful churches of the lakeshore towns of Laguna de Bay, including the San Geronimo Parish Church in Morong, San Pedro de Alcantara Parish Church in Pakil, Santiago Apostol Parish Church in Paete  (a National Historical Landmark), and San Gregorio Magno Parish Church in Majayjay (a National Cultural Treasure).

Liliw Church

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.

Pakil Church

We’ll also get to visitsome famous restaurants in Laguna and get to taste the most delicious Southern Tagalog Cuisine. Finally, refresh and rejuvenate your weary bodies with a breath-taking boat ride to Pagsanjan Falls. It’s an exciting, enriching, and enlightening journey you owe yourself.

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

Paete Church (Good Friday Procession)

The Churches of Laguna.

San Geronimo Parish Church (Morong, Rizal)

San Geronimo or St. Jerome Parish is the oldest church in the town of Morong, Province of Rizal. The facade is said to have the element of baroque, this is not only an art or architectural treasure but also a living monument to the dominant catholic religion in the Philippines.

San Jose Parish Church (Baras, Rizal)

Baras Church is one of the oldest in the area, having been completed in 1686. The first structure was built by the Franciscan friars but was transferred by the Jesuits to Ibayo in 1636 but was later returned to its former location by the Franciscans. The present church was completed in 1686. It has a simple and well preserved interiors.

Majayjay Belfry

San Ildefonso de Toledo Parish Church, Tanay, Rizal) (National Cultural Treasure)

San Ildefonso Church is a 405 years old church. From 1573 to 1582 two Franciscan missionaries, Fr. Juan de Plasencia and Fr. Diego de Oropesa traveled and established missions in lakeshore towns and villages along the north coast of Laguna de Bay, also known as Lake of Bai, as well as the nearby mountain villages of Sierra Madre

Nuestra Sra. de Candelaria Parish Church, Mabitac, Laguna

It was first built in 1613 under the Franciscan missionaries.  The original image of the Nuestra Sra. De Candelaria was brought to the Philippines by Cristobal Mercado in 1600. It is a unique church which is famous for its stairway that reaches 126 steps.

Majayjay Church Interior

Nuestra Sra. de la O Parish Church (Pangil, Laguna)

In 1611, the residents of Pangli constructed a church made from adobe stones and Nuestra Señora de Natividad became its patron saint. However, local devotees preferred to call their saint “Señora de la O” or “Virgen de la O.” A massive earthquake in 1880 destroyed the church so it was reconstructed in 1884. The church was again destryoyed in 1945 when the American Air Force dropped bombs in the town. At present, the reconstructed church is called Our Lady's Nativity Parish Church.

San Pedro de Alcantara Parish Church (Pakil, Laguna)

The church of Pakil is one of the best preserved in Laguna. Built in 1684, it stands as a fine example of colonial baroque architecture. The church’s curlicue stonework and cherubs on the facade is enough to fascinate us. But the wonderment continues inside the 324 year old structure and continues further in stories that were passed on through generations.

Paete and Morong Church

Santiago Apostol Parish Churc (Paete, Laguna) (National Historical Landmark)

The Paete Church was founded in the year 1580 by Rev. Juan De Plasencia. Its stone church and convent was first built in 1646. It underwent four renovations until its present state. Though the materials used for the reconstruction of the church were not original, the designs remained the same. It boasts of the great artistry of the natives of Paete as all the religious images were carved and painted by them. The church was declared a National Historical Site in 1981.

San Juan Bautista Parish Church (Kalayaan, Laguna)

Little detail is known about San Juan Bautista (St. John the Baptist) Church of Barangay Longos, the former name of the entire town of Kalayaan, as its church records were missing. A newer church in Barangay San Juan was built, and unfortunately, there came a time when the church was neglected.

Tanay Church Interior

San Sebastian Parish Church (Lumban, Laguna)

The church, situated in Lumban which is one of the oldest  town in Laguna and was the primary mission of the friars when evangelizing the Southern Tagalog area, particularly Laguna. Once the biggest church in all of Laguna, the San Sebatian church was built by Franciscans in the 1500's with saint Francis of Assisi as its patron saint.

Nuestra Sra. de Guadalupe Parish Church (Pagsanjan, Laguna)

Established in 1670, the Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe is currently the home of the original statue of Guadalupe. The icon was brought to Pagsanjan by the town’s first parish priest, Fr. Agustin de la Magdalena, from Mexico. Originally built of bamboo and nipa in 1687 under the supervision of Fray Agustin de la Magdalena,OFM. This was replaced in 1690 by a structure made of massive adobe stones with lime mixed with carabao milk under the direction of Miguel Guan-Co and Alguacil Mayor Olfonso Garcia and further improved in 1853 by Fray Joaquin de Coria. The belfry was built with stone of Mexican style and the dome of Romanesque design. It was damaged during the American bombings on March 15, 1945.

Sta. Maria Magdalena Parish Church (Magdalena, Laguna)

Dedicated to Saint Mary Magdalene, this church called Magdalena Parish Church took 16 years to build and was finished in 1855. The belltower was added in 1861 and later on, the convent in 1872. All the materials used in building the church including sand and stones were transported by the townsfolks through the river. This church, being part of the national history, is being preserved and was used on several occasions as backdraft or location of many Philippine movies. The Santa Maria Magdalena Church in Magdalena, Laguna still has the blood stains of revolutionary hero Emilio Jacinto in its convento. He was mortally-wounded in battle and died in the convento.

San Gregorio Magno Parish Church (Majayjay, Laguna) (National Cultural Treasure)

San Gregorio Magno Church is located in Majayjay, Laguna. It was built by the Franciscan order in the 18th century. It has remained intact in spite of some minor alterations on the structure and its convent was converted into a school. The church is recognized by its catwalk above the ceiling that leads directly to the bell tower and is called langit-langitan. It was used as headquarters of the American during the Philippine-American War. It measures 60m long, 17m wide and 16.5m high. It is listed as a National Cultural Treasure.

San Juan Bautista Parish Church (Liliw, Laguna)

The church was first built in wood in 1620. It was rebuilt in stone and bricks and was finished in the year 1646. One of the most captivating churches of Laguna is the parish of St. John the Baptist (San Juan Bautista) in the town of Liliw,Laguna.

San Bartolome Parish Church (Nagcarlan, Laguna)

The church itself was established by the Franciscan friar Tomas de Miranda made of light materials in the 16th century. In 1752, a church of brick and stone was built yet it was partially damaged by fire in almost thirty years later. It was reconstructed and added its distinctive choirloft by Father Vicente Velloc. It was declared a historical site by the Philippine government in 1938.

San Antonio de Padua Parish Church (Pila, Laguna)
The Church of San Antonio de Padua of Pila, Laguna was the first church to be dedicated to St. Anthony of Padua in the Philippines (1578) and most probably, in Asia as well.  The town itself was officially called “San Antonio de Padua de Pila,” or simply, “San Antonio de Pila.” The parish seal depicts the saint holding a lily, the symbol of purity, in his right hand and carrying the Child Jesus on his left arm. Known as “the miracle worker” even during his lifetime, St. Anthony is the most venerated Franciscan saint next to the founder of the order himself, St. Francis of Assisi. Thus, the choice of St. Anthony as the patron saint of Pila reflected the pivotal role given by the Franciscans to the parish and town.

Tour Itinerary:

Holy Thursday, April 5

05:00 am: Assembly/Breakfast at Tapa King, EDSA Central, Shaw Blvd.

06:00 am: Departure

07:30 am: San Geronimo Parish Church, Morong, Rizal

08:15 am: San Jose Parish Church, Baras, Rizal

09:00 am: San Ildefonso de Toledo Parish Church, Tanay, Rizal (National Cultural Treasure)

11:00 am: NuestraSra. de Candelaria Parish Church, Mabitac, Laguna

11:45 am: NuestraSra. de la O Parish Church, Pangil, Laguna

12:30 pm: San Pedro de Alcantara Parish Church, Pakil, Laguna

01:00 pm: Lunch at Exotik Restaurant, Kalayaan, Laguna

02:30 pm: Santiago Apostol Parish Church, Paete, Laguna (National Historical Landmark)

03:15 pm: San Juan Bautista Parish Church, Kalayaan, Laguna

04:00 pm: San Sebastian Parish Church, Lumban, Laguna

05:00 pm: Sta. Maria Magdalena Parish Church, Magdalena, Laguna

05:45 pm: San Gregorio Magno Parish Church, Majayjay, Laguna (National Cultural Treasure)

07:00 pm: San Bartolome Parish Church, Nagcarlan, Laguna

07:45 pm: Lunch at Arabela Restaurant, Liliw

08:30 pm: San Juan Bautista Parish Church, Liliw, Laguna

09:30 pm: Check-in at Tropical Inn Resort, Pagsanjan

Good Friday, April 6

06:00 am: Breakfast

07:00 am: Assembly at Riverfront

07:15 am: Start of Pagsanjan Falls Boat Ride (Upstream)

08:45 am: Arrival at Pagsanjan Falls

10:00 am: Downstream Boat Ride

10:45 am: Wash-up

11:45 am: Check-out at Tropical Inn Resort

12:00 pm: Lunch at Calle Arco, Pagsanjan

01:30 pm: Nuestra Sra. de Guadalupe Parish Church, Pagsanjan, Laguna

02:30 pm: San Antonio de Padua Parish Church, Pila, Laguna

03:00 pm: Veneration of the Cross at Pila Church

04:30 pm: Departure to Manila

07:00 pm: ETA Manila