Circuiting Manila 3: Malate Church

* the mighty façade of the Malate church

* the church lighting

* an aisle walk to the altar

The origins of this church can be traced back in the year 1588 when the Augustinian friars erected the church in the then village of Malate. The patroness of the church is Nuestra Señora de los Remedios. Surprisingly, the image of the patroness in the church is still the original one, brought in the archipelago from Spain by a certain friar named Juan de Guevara in 1624, which survived many calamities and disasters of the past. These include the Chinese invasion (1662), the British occupation (1762), the earthquake on June 3, 1863 and the Second World War.

* a close-up of the altar but the detail of the patroness is unfortunately lost here

* one of the church’s side doors

* visits are not complete without the souvenir photo: Trailer Pransis posing

The church itself has not been that fortunate as the last of the series of its destruction was seen during the return of the American forces to finally defeat the Japanese in 1945. The first church and its accompanying convent was built in 1591 but later suffered damages from two major earthquakes in 1645 and 1863. During the British occupation, the British made the church their quarters. Total destruction of the church was witnessed during the typhoon in 1868. This is understandable, knowing its proximity to Manila Bay. We could surmise that the church itself was closer to the bay at that time. Starting from the last years of the 19th century onwards (exempting of course its destruction during World War II), repairs and renovations had been made. Today it stands placidly at M.H. del Pilar Street. The church structure is a mix of Muslim and Baroque architectures.

As a side thought, Malate still has that village feel due to the narrowness of the streets. Indeed despite the high rise buildings that deck the place, it is still one good place to visit.

[How to go to Malate Church: 1) If you will come from Luneta, a short walk through Roxas Boulevard southward would bring you to the place. 2) From Gil Puyat LRT Station, one can just ride up to Quirino LRT Station then treat one’s self with a short walk through San Andres.]