Visiting all 4 of the Baroque Churches in the Philippines which were also part of UNESCO Heritage Sites List is one of the things that I am proud of. These four churches were built by the Spanish in the late 16th century and their unique architectural style is of European Baroque mastered by Chinese and Philippine craftsmen. Three of them are located in Luzon and one is in Visayas.

At this post, I will highlight the two churches which made my trip remarkable.

Miag-ao Church or the Santo Tomas de Villanueva Church in Miag-ao, Iloilo

The Miag-ao Church was built by the Spanish Augustinian missionaries in Miag-ao, Iloilo in 1786. There are two notable frontages of this church: its two watchtowers and a large coconut tree at the center. The watchtowers were built to defend the town and people against the Muslims who invaded Christianized villages during the early times, while the coconut tree represents St. Christopher carrying Child Jesus on his shoulder referred as “tree of life,” which was according to folklore.

It was said that Miag-ao Church has the most interesting interior design of all 4 Baroque Churches in the Philippines because of its gold-plated retablos. Unfortunately, we were one of those who wasn’t able to see it as it was closed when we visited it. Read more…

The village was established in the 16th century when trade and community activity started to flourish and is considered the best-preserved example of a planned Spanish colonial town in Asia. ^[1]

The Vigan Heritage Village mostly covers two streets: Plaridel Street and Mena Crisologo Street. Mena Crisologo is also known as Calle Crisologo, where I chose to wander and take night photographs.

It is also listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List since December 2, 1999 for its cobble-stoned streets and unique Spanish Era ancestral houses which are well preserved since 18th century. Read more…

Santa Maria Church or La Asuncion de la Ñuestra Señora Church is one of the 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites Baroque Churches of the Philippines.

Its bell tower

Santa Maria Church was built in 1765 under Augustinian order. The bell tower was constructed a distance away from the main church to prevent possible main church damage from earthquakes.

Unfortunately, church is closed when we went there and we didn’t get to see the interiors.

Every place here in Laoag is historical! I have seen Paoay Church (also known as Church of San Agustin) in photos but nothing compares to its gorgeousness when you saw it in real. It is very old, huge, and stunningly beautiful!

Our jaw dropped when we saw it in person. I can’t explain the feeling while looking at the church. I envy people who lives there because the moment they go outside their houses, their time is frozen to 1593.

I am sorry but it is OHMYGOD this the most beautiful church I have ever seen in my entire life!!

I took a closer look to the structure of the church and the brick walls are destroyed not by humans but by nature because of oldness.

You will also get thrilled to the other side of the church. As in! Very beautiful. Breathtaking. Unexplainable emotion. Jaw dropped.

Let’s go inside..

I feel like I was warped in 1593. There is no music inside the church but while I was inside, I feel like I am listening to a Baroque music, lol crazy imagination seriously,

Let’s go to the bell tower!

YAY warning. Not everyone can climb up! There were people who backed out while in the middle of the climb. They can’t tolerate the steepness of the ladder and afraid that it might broke anytime because the ladder is really really old.

Top of bell tower.

Whew! That was a historical walk!!

Cheerful locals of Laoag

Now for the contest, what music genre played in my imagination while I was inside the church?
A. New Age
B. Baroque
C. Lady Gaga

Answering it correctly will give you a chance to win P1,000 worth of gift packs from Vaseline.

1. Choose only 1 answer!
2. Comment the answer together with your name and email address.
3. Only 1 entry per person.
4. The entry with the correct answer will be randomly chosen and winners will be announced on this blog!
5. Read the Full Terms and Conditions by smiling and clicking HERE.

Only girls can join! So boys, invite your girl friends to join! If you want more chances of winning, you can also join this blog post: Laoag: Sneak Peak at Fort Ilocandia + Vaseline Whitening Lotion Contest.

Win it!!