Jon Raz

The Binondo Church, officially known as the Minor Basilica of San Lorenzo Ruiz, is one of the oldest and most historical churches in the Philippines. Located in the heart of Chinatown within Manila, Binondo Church was first established in 1596 by Dominican priests for the Christian Chinese community in the area. This is the church dedicated to San Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino saint who was an altar boy in the church before he went to Japan and became a missionary and martyr. Due to the several reconstructions the church has undergone in the centuries, its architecture reflects mixed styles; its present structure shows both Baroque and Romanesque features. The Binondo Church is more than a place for worship; it is a vital cultural landmark that testifies to the profound historical ties between the Chinese community and the Catholic faith here in the country. It remains very dynamic, with religious activities in this center happening often, such as holding Mass in the church and ...

Malate Church, or officially, Our Lady of Remedies Parish, is a Roman Catholic church located in Malate, Manila. It is one of the oldest churches in Manila, built by the Augustinian friars in the latter part of the 16th century. It is dedicated to Nuestra Señora de los Remedios or Our Lady of Remedies, patroness of childbirth whose image was brought from Spain in 1624. The church reflects both Baroque and Mexican architectural styles; it boasts an imposing stone facade with twin bell towers. Having withstood numerous natural calamities and wars-the heaviest damage occurred during the Second World War-the Malate Church has been painstakingly restored and still functions as a house of prayer. This parish, nestled at the edge of Manila Bay, provides a quiet haven of prayer and contemplation for locals and tourists alike. It has been famous for its regular Masses, devotions to Our Lady of Remedies, as well as its community outreach programs. It is also very close to the scenic views of...

San Agustin Church in Manila is a Roman Catholic church lying within the historic walled city of Manila. The oldest stone church in the country was completed by the Spanish colonizers in 1607. Being a part of the area known as "Baroque Churches of the Philippines," it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site owing to its remarkable architecture and historic importance. It is a mixture of the European Baroque style with that of the local taste, as shown by its detailed carvings, intricate ceiling murals, and the large altars. Centuries of earthquakes, wars, and other perils finally tamed this massive stone structure into a resilient symbol. Inside, it houses an impressive collection of religious artifacts and centuries-old paintings, as well as the tombs of several Spanish conquistadors, which include Miguel López de Legazpi. Next to the church lies the San Agustin Museum, with more interesting insights into the history of this church and the more general religious and cultural his...

The Catholic Parish Church of St. John Paul II Parish is located at Eastwood, Quezon City. It is dedicated in memory of the beloved pope, St. John Paul II, who served from 1978 until his death in 2005. Lined within the modern urban lifestyle hub of commercial establishments at Eastwood City, it bears more religious spiritual demands. Supposedly, this is some sort of spiritual epicenter within the local community-a place of worship, prayer, and other religious activities. The architecture of the church, as one might expect from a civic setting, is modern, but it retains a sense of the sacred and solemn atmosphere necessary and expected by its parishioners and visitors alike. Photos Taken: February 2021