Place: Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion (Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur)
Date: 28 May 2008

Originally, I was hoping to celebrate my birthday in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. But since that wasn’t realized, I asked brother if we could drop by Sta. Maria Church before we go to Vigan. Seeing that I only have one travelling bag, he agreed to it, after all, he hasn’t been there, too!

It was basically my second time there. The first time was in 1999, when I tagged along Aunt Dada (+), her partner, and cousin Anna Lyne because they visited some friends and would be godparents for cousin Anna’s wedding. It was our last stop, and because I didn’t own a camera back then, all I can cling to was my memory. So when we started going to Vigan whenever we have the chance, I have this longing feeling in my heart that I wanted to see the church again. We’ve planned stopping by the church even before, but because we only commute, cutting trips would mean more expensive fares. Not only that, we will have to carry our bags, and it would be a big hassle for all of us.

Brother agreed to carry my bag. It wasn’t that heavy actually, except for the garlic and the salt I am taking home. I decided to take my bag with me and stay all day in Vigan, and just take the night trip back to Manila. I have been doing it for two times already, so I knew I could always leave my bags at the bus station while I roam around my favorite city — Vigan.

Back to the church. We arrived around 10AM, and this day being 28th, I sensed that churches will be packed with couples wanting to get married. Here in the Philippines, lots of couples get married on the 8th, 18th, or the 28th because of the Chinese numerology thing that states 8 as the best number to do occassions. When we arrived at the church, there were some people leaving — wearing formal clothes. Both brother and I sighed a relief that the wedding just ended, or else we will have to settle for pictures with lots of people in it.

Setting foot inside the church felt like it was the first time I have been there. I had completely forgotten how it looked inside, all I can remember was the steps leading to the church! By the way, you need to take 82 steps first before you reach the church grounds, but don’t worry, it won’t tire you at all! Let me guide you to the church through the pictures I took:

*** The steps from the highway to the church ***

*** Me outside the church ***

*** The look inside the church ***

*** The altar. The light from the image of Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion is going against the flash of my camera ***

*** The pulpit. Back in the Spanish regime, priests deliver their homily standing in this pulpit ***

*** The balcony. That door is the entrance of the church ***

*** The floor by the altar ***

The church is just simple, but so full of history. Take for instance the floor’s tiles. It’s chipped and dirty yes, but I assure you, you cannot find any tiles that look exactly like the designs in those tiles! I think the tiles still dates back to the olden times, and I am happy that today’s generations still have the chance to check out the tiles, that is, if they notice just how great the tiles are! Also, I noticed that the windows didn’t have the usual stained glass depicting the stations of the cross. There weren’t too much decorations, and I loved that.

A little piece of history: This church was originally built by the Augustinian priests as a chapel for the town of Narvacan. It became a parish in 1769 with Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion as patron saint. The church had its belfry in 1810 and was used as a station for missionaries going to the province of Abra. Changes were again made in 1863 when the church were made using bricks. It is one of the four Baroque churches of the Philippines inscribed in 1993 on the World Heritage List pursuant to the 1972 UNESCO convention concerning the protection of the world cultural and natural heritage.

I didn’t know this church was listed as a UNESCO heritage site, but I am happy about it because it would mean that the future generations will still get to see just how wonderful the church is. I don’t know when will I be back here, so I really did seized my moment, of course by taking lots of self portraits.

Brother and I were lucky that we were able to go inside the church after the wedding because while I was taking pictures (after a quick prayer), one of the staff was by the door waiting for us to finish because he’s about to close the church. Whew! Thank you, Lord for allowing me to step inside Your house and not letting our efforts and fare go to waste.

Outside the church, the view is just as spectacular. I loved the belfry most definitely! Would I forget to post the self portraits? Of course not, so here they are capping off this post:

It’s the end of the weekend, hope our coming week will be fun filled.

*** Jenn ***