The Backpack Adventures

Located in the municipality of Bay (pronounced ba-eh) in Laguna, Bay Church is one of the many old Spanish-era churches of the province.  Bay Church Bay Church history Also known as  St. Augustine Parish Church , Bay Church was first constructed along the shore of Laguna de Bay sometime in 1571. It was built using light materials like canes and nipa. The construction of the first church was supervised by Augustinian friars led by Fr. Martin de Rada. Bay Church then became a parish on April 30, 1578. Bay Church - Bay, Laguna Bay Church facade Bay Church NHI Marker Bay Church interior Inside the mini chapel of the Bay Church Bay Church altar The administration of the town of Bay including the church was transferred to the Franciscans on November 23, 1737. The small wooden church was then transferred to its present site in the town proper afterward. In 1804, Bay Church was reconstructed and this time stone and wood were used as the primary construc...

Located in the Poblacion of Pagsanjan in the province of Laguna, Pagsanjan Church is one of the many well-preserved Spanish-era churches of the province. Pagsanjan Church Pagsanjan Church History Also known as  Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish Church , Pagsanjan Church is the home to the image of the patroness of Pagsanjan -the Our Lady of Guadalupe. This image was a gift from rich pious Mexican families after the establishment of the church. The church is also known as the oldest church in the Philippines under the said patronship. Pagsanjan Church - Pagsanjan, Laguna Pagsanjan Church NHI Marker Inside Pagsanjan Church Pagsanjan Church was founded on November 12, 1687. Like most Spanish-era churches in Laguna, it was also first built using only light materials like bamboo, nipa, and wood. Sadly, the church was built by natives of Pagsanjan under forced labor. A few years later, 1690 to be exact, a larger church made from adobe was built to replace the old church. P...

Naga Metropolitan Cathedral is one of the numerous religious establishments in the Pilgrimage City of Naga. It is l ocated in Jacob, Naga City in the province of Camarines Sur,   Philippines .  Naga Metropolitan Cathedral Naga Metropolitan Cathedral History Naga Metropolitan Cathedral is also known as the  Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist   or informally as   Naga Cathedral . The cathedral was constructed in 1575 but was finished four years later in 1579. It has a Spanish-Romanesque style. It has a high arch entrance with two symmetrical belfries on both sides. The sidewalls, on the other hand, are supported by four massive flying buttresses to counter the effects of earthquakes.  Naga Metropolitan Cathedral - Naga City, Camarines Sur The rotunda in front of the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral Check out those beautiful stained glass ceilings of the rotunda  The Porta Mariae in front of the cathedral The Holy Rosary Min...