The Backpack Adventures

Located in Burgos Street in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, Vigan Cathedral was a Spanish colonial-era church built sometime in 1574. It is one of the oldest structures in Vigan City. Vigan Cathedral Vigan Cathedral details Also known as  St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral ,  Vigan Cathedral , like most big churches in the region, one might notice that the bell tower is always placed meters away from the church to protect both structures from falling to each other during earthquakes. Vigan Cathedral - Vigan City, Ilocos Sur Vigan Cathedral NHI Marker The statue of St. Paul is seen on the facade of the cathedral Vigan Cathedral 's architectural design is often referred to as the earthquake Baroque style, which is typical of most churches built in the 16th century. The cathedral also features Neo-Gothic and pseudo-Romanesque elements. The bell tower of Vigan Cathedral Vigan Cathedral 's interior Vigan Cathedral 's main altar One of the side altars

Located inside the historic walled city of Intramuros in Manila, San Agustin Church was built in 1589 making it the oldest stone church in the Philippines. In 1993, San Agustin Church together with three other Baroque churches in the country was declared as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. Check the carvings on the door quite detailed huh? Looking for Chinese influence? Is that a puppy biting its mom? Unknown to many, the present structure is actually the third Augustinian church to be constructed on the site. The first San Agustin Church, built in 1571 was destroyed by fire in 1574 during the raid of the Chinese pirates led by Limahong. The oldest church in the country The second church, also made of wood was constructed soon after but was destroyed in 1583 when it was gutted y fire during the funeral of a Spanish Governor General. Another place worth checking out, Will blog this next time... The third and present church was constru

The month of May is known in the Philippines as the month of Festivals. Most Filipinos travel to their provinces to join their town's annual fiestas. However, going against the flow, my wife and I traveled to the biggest city in the National Capital Region -Quezon City, to attend a different kind of fiesta. ASAP 18  What kind of fiesta is that? It was the Fierce De Mayo in ASAP 18 , Yup! You read that right! The floor director briefing the audience Filipina actress Kim Chiu doing a "fierce" dance number ASAP, which stands for All-Star Sunday Afternoon Party is a musical variety show that aired live in ABS-CBN Channel 2 every Sunday from 12NN to 3PM. The Sesionistas serenaded the audience Modern English got the audience hooked up with their song from the 80s ASAP is the longest running musical variety show in the Philippines. On January 6, 2013, the show was renamed ASAP 18 to commemorate the show's 18th anniversary. A fierce d