The Church in Magdalena, Laguna Philippines

When I was invited to attend my cousin's wedding at Magdalena Laguna, this beautiful church caught my attention. It was so old but strongly built. I did not let the chance to capture a shot with it slide away. Magdalena Laguna is approximately 80 km from Metro Manila which resides at the Southern part of the island. You can go there by driving a Car or riding a public bus for about 2 - 3 hours depending on the Traffic (Much better to leave Metro Manila early in the morning to avoid the rush).

The Santa Maria Magdalena Parish Church (also Saint Mary Magdalene Parish Church) is a Roman Catholic church in Magdalena, Laguna, Philippines under the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Pablo. The current parish priest is Father Andres P. Olaso, Jr.[1]

History

Magdalena was formerly known as Ambling, a barrio of Majayjay until it was elevated as a towin in 1821.[2][3] The first church, made of cogon and wood was constructed in 1820 and was dedicated to Mary Magdalene. Father Antonio Moreno, OFM was appointed at its first parish priest in 1821.[3] A permission to build a stone church was ordered by Captain Pablo de la Concepción in 1829.[2] To obtain funds for the church, the people were forced to pay taxes and quarry sand and stones from the river. The construction of the church building was halted in 1839, continued in 1849 and finished in 1855 under the direction of Father Maximo Rico, Father Jose Cuesta, Father Joaquin de Coria and Father Francisco de Paula Gonzalez.[2][4] Construction of the belltower was finished in 1861.[2]

In its convent, Filipino revolutionary leader General Emilio Jacinto sought refuge and his blood stains could be found.[5][6]

Architecture 

The Baroque church is elevated by a flight of steps facing a plaza.[2] It is mainly made out of sandstone.[7] To its left is a four story octagonal belltower with a square base.[2]

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Las Casas de Acuzar, Bataan Philippines

To get a chance to be here and to see some historical houses preserved of Las Casas de Acuzar was a priviledge to know more about my country, the Philippines. I can say, I am a proud Filipina.

History and Description:

José "Gerry" Acuzar, owner of New San Jose Builders started to rebuild Spanish mansions in Bagac in 2003.[2] Each house was dismantled brick by brick, numbered, transported to his property in Bagac, reassembled in the same order, and then restored. Houses were chosen based on their historical, cultural and architectural value. Acuzar bought houses which were in a state of neglect, from the owners, and in some cases also purchased the lot where the mansions stood. The bahay na bato (Tagalog, literally meaning stone houses) which have stone foundations on the first floor and are made of wood on the second floor(constructed thus to withstand earthquakes), were transplanted from Manila (Tondo, Binondo and Quiapo), Quezon City, Bulacan, Pampanga, La Union, the Ilocos and Cagayan.

Seven years later, in 2010, the heritage park was opened to public.

Spread over 400 hectares, the park features a collection of 27 Spanish Colonial buildings and stone houses (bahay na bato in Tagalog), planned to resemble a settlement reminiscent of the period. These houses were carefully dismantled, brick by brick, transplanted from different parts o[3] of the Philippines and rehabilitated in these premises, to resemble the original structure. For parts that were missing, woodwork and bricks were replicated to resemble the original structure. For this, the Ciudad employs a workforce of 130 people, including 10 wood sculptors, three metal sculptors, 30 craftsmen who design ceilings, and construction workers. There are also five architects, two of whom are historical architects, and two artists

The resort also has a restaurant, a beach, calesa rides and a swimming pool. The resort plans to house 50 such heritage houses.

Mount Samat Shrine, Bataan Philippines

History and Description:
Mount Samat National Shrine (Tagalog pronunciation: [samat]) or Dambana ng Kagitingan (Shrine of Valour) is a historical shrine located near the summit of Mount Samat in the town of Pilár, Province of Bataan, in the Republic of the Philippines. The memorial shrine complex was built to honor and remember the gallantry of Filipino and American soldiers who fought during World War II.

Consisting of a Colonnade and the large Memorial Cross, the park was commissioned in 1966 by then-President and dictator Ferdinand Marcos, for the 25th Anniversary of WW2.[1] The white Memorial Cross stands as a remembrance to the soldiers who fought and lost their lives in the Battle of Bataan. The shrine complex also includes a war museum with a wide array of collections from paintings of the Philippine heroes, to armaments used by the Filipino, American and Japanese forces during the battle.

From the colonnade and the cross, there is a panoramic view of Bataan, Corregidor Island and on a clear day, the city of Manila situated about 50 km (31 mi) across Manila Bay.