Place: St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral (City of Vigan, Ilocos Sur)
Date: 28 May 2008

After checking out Sta. Maria Church, brother and I waited at the bus stop near the church for the bus going to Vigan. As usual, we would take Viron Transit because I planned to leave my bag at the terminal while brother and I roam around the city. We waited three hours at that bus stop — simply because we were waiting at the wrong stop. Sure, buses to pass by infront of the church, but only when there’s a passenger who will get off at that stop. Normally, buses will pass by the main highway. Oh well.

We reached Vigan City at 2PM, and immediately, brother and I ate lunch. I am not in the mood for empanada and okoy, so it’s back to Jollibee for us. After eating, we planned to check Vigan Cathedral, but brother told me he will just wait for me while I check out the church. I didn’t want to force him and the church was just near, so I just went on my way.

Some pictures before I continue with the story:

*** The facade ***

*** The look inside the church ***

*** The altar upclose ***

*** The pulpit. Oh wow, so stylish! ***

*** The adoration chapel, located by the entrance - left side of the church ***

*** Shot from the right side of the altar. ***

*** Horse drawn carriages waiting by the side of the church ***

The first time I went inside this church was when we first went to Vigan, summer of 2006. Back then, I wasn’t able to check the whole church because there was a wedding. On this day, I was expecting a wedding, too, but there was none.

Just like the Sta. Maria Church, this one had vintage tiles, too, which I really like. And yes, the ceiling do look great, too! Of all the churches I have seen in this vacation, this has got to have the most images and decorations inside. Just about everywhere you look, there would be images of the different saints. Being inside is like being with the saints — so heavenly.

It wasn’t the most stylish, but I could consider this one my favorite among the churches I’ve seen. If only this church was near our place in Metro Manila, I will surely would want to get married here (hehehe)! Imagine walking along that aisle — super!

Of course, I did take a picture of the information by the entrance, so let me share it now:

Built in 1641, the church became a cathedral when seat of the diocese of Nueva Segovia was transferred from Lal-lo, Cagayan to Vigan in 1758. The church was occupied by revolutionists in 1896 and by the American forces in 1899. Like most colonial churches, this, too, was damaged by earthquake in 1619 and 1627 and by fire in 1739. Although the church was built in 1641, the chapel made of wood and thatch was first erected in 1574.

Based on the dates, this church has been really, really old! All the more that I loved it because this has so much culture and history! I am so thankful that the generation today can have a piece of the past. Hopefully, future generations can have the chance to appreciate the church’s beauty.

I knew my brother was waiting for me, and I didn’t want to let him wait for me for long, so I hurried to take pictures so I could get back at him. This has been a trend in my posts, so I will cap off this one by sharing some of the self portraits.

Just don’t mind my pimple, okay? =) Thanks for stopping by! Have a great week ahead!

*** Jenn ***