I’m always amazed when I see old churches. This one in the town of Calasiao, Pangasinan is no exception- from the solid iron entrance gate I walked upon the cobbled road leading to the church. Built by the Dominicans between the 17th and 19th century, the imposing facade of bricks and cement is eye-catching I was trigger-happy with my camera.

 

The long convent on the right side and the 5-story brick belfry on the left was enough for me to be silenced. Although I know that God cannot be housed by building made with human hands, I was awe-struck with this magnificent structure. I was unfortunate however to enter the church as it was closed when we went there. I somehow want to see the altar Langyaw mentioned when he visited some interesting churches in Pangasinan.

 

 

This house of God known as Iglesia Parochial de San San Pedro-San Pablo (Sts. Peter and Paul), one of the 34 Spanish-era churches that is included in the our National Cultural Treasure directory. National Cultural Treasures are “unique objects found locally, possessing outstanding historical, cultural, artistic and/or scientific value which is significant and important to the Philippines.”

 

 

If you are interested with the list, you can count how many have you been to:

1. Parish Church of San Agustin in Bacong, Negros Oriental

2. Parish Church of the Immaculate Conception in Balayan, Batangas

3. Parish Church of Santiago Apostol in Betis Guagua, Pampanga

4. Parish Church of Patrocinio de Maria in Boljoon, Cebu

5. Parish Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Calasiao, Pangasinan

6. Parish Church of San Vicente de Ferrer in Dupax del Sur, Nueva Vizcaya

7. Parish Church of the Immaculate Conception in Guiuan, Eastern Samar

8. Parish Church of the Immaculate Conception in Jasaan, Misamis Oriental

9. Parish Church of San Juan Bautista in Jimenez, Misamis Occidental

10. Parish Church of San Isidro Labrador in Lazi, Siquijor

11. Parish Church of San Pedro and San Pablo in Loboc, Bohol

12. Parish Church of Santa Catalina de Alejandria in Luna, La Union

13. Parish Church of San Carlos Borromeo in Mahatao, Batanes

14. Parish Church of San Guillermo de Aquitania in Magsingal, Ilocos Sur

15. Parish Church of San Gregorio Magno in Majayjay, Laguna

16. Parish Church of the Assumption of Our Lady in Maragondon, Cavite

17. Parish Church of San Andres in Masinloc, Zambales

18. Parish Church of Santa Monica in Panay, Capiz

19. Cathedral of San Jose in Romblon, Romblon

20. Malaueg Church of San Raymundo de Peñafort in Rizal, Cagayan

21. Parish Church of San Joaquin in San Joaquin, Iloilo

22. Parish Church of San Juan Bautista in Tabaco City, Albay

23. Parish Church of San Ildefonso in Tanay, Rizal

24. Basilica of St Michael the Archangel in Tayabas, Quezon

25. Parish Church of Santa Catalina de Alejandria in Tayum, Abra

26. Parish Church of San Matias in Tumauini, Isabela

27. Parish of The Most Holy Rosary, Nuestra Señora Virgen del Santissimo Rosario, Reina de Caracol in Rosario “Salinas”, Cavite

28. Maribojoc Church (Bohol)

29. San Andres Apostol Church Bacarra, Ilocos Norte

30. Camarin de la Virgen, Parish Church of Nuestra Sra. De los Desamparados (Sta. Ana, Manila)

31. Our Lady of the Gate Church (Daraga, Albay) – Eastern & Western Facades, Belfry and Baptistry

32. Loon Church in Bohol (Bohol)

33. Parish Church of Santa Monica in Minalin, Pampanga

34. San Nicolas of Tolentino Parish Church in Dimiao, Bohol

 

“These churches were given priority status not just due to their historical value, but also based on the geographic representation of various regions across the nation.” -Wiki

 

Napintas ti Pangasinan! (Beautiful Pangasinan) is a 5-part series that highlights my 3D/2N trip with Mica and Alex to Pangasinan Province. It was short, sweet but memorable. Here’s a rundown of my experiences (click to redirect you to your chosen article):

Awed by the beautiful Calasiao Church;

Burped at the Calasiao puto and delish Dagupan Bangus;

Captivated by the most beautiful Capitol Complex in the country;

Delighted by the friendly service at President’s Hotel; and

Enjoyed the historic Lingayen beach.

Bonus: 5 Places to Visit in Lingayen Pangasinan