For many Filipino Catholics, Holy Week is a time to revisit age-old religious traditions. One such tradition is the Visita Iglesia, in which seven churches are visited to pray and reflect on the Stations of the Cross, usually during Maundy Thursday or Good Friday. This practice is believed to have started in Rome in the 16th century and was later brought to the Philippines during the Spanish colonial period.  

While some stay close to home, others want to explore more churches across the country. Devoted viewers of ABS-CBN series can make the pilgrimage more memorable by visiting churches that have been featured in well-loved Kapamilya teleseryes.  

These churches have served as powerful backdrops to some of television’s most unforgettable scenes, from iconic wedding sequences to dramatic moments. Here are some of them you might want to include in your Visita Iglesia or Holy Week itinerary.  

Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene 

Quiapo Church, as it is more widely known, is a place of spiritual solace for many of the characters in "FPJ's Batang Quiapo." In moments of seeking guidance, forgiveness, or simply a moment of peace, the characters find themselves drawn to its doors, much like the countless devotees who flock to it in real life. At the heart of Quiapo Church is the revered image of the Black Nazarene, which many Catholics consider to be miraculous and a potent symbol of hope.  

San Agustin Church 

This very 'Instagrammable' church in Intramuros, Manila added elegance and romance to the timeless CocoJul wedding scene in "Walang Hanggan." With its grand interiors and old-world charm, it was the perfect backdrop for the union of Daniel (Coco Martin) and Katerina (Julia Montes), giving the scene that cinematic feel.  

San Agustin Church holds a rich history. The first version of the church was built in 1571 using bamboo and nipa, then reconstructed in wood in 1583. After being destroyed by fire twice, the Augustinians rebuilt it using adobe stone—the very structure that still stands today, now considered UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

This was also the same church that witnessed the heartfelt “I do’s” of Clark (James Reid) and Leah (Nadine Lustre) in the teleserye "On The Wings of Love," the kilig-serye that turned the entire nation into JaDine fans.  

San Guillermo Parish Church 

Located in Bacolor, Pampanga, the San Guillermo Parish Church became the home of Santino (Zaijian Jaranilla), the beloved orphaned boy in the inspirational drama "May Bukas Pa." It was within the church’s walls that Santino formed his deep bond with the priests and often had his quiet, heartfelt conversations with “Bro.”  

San Guillermo Parish Church also has a remarkable history. It was partially buried by lahar during the 1991 eruption of Mt. Pinatubo. What remains today is a restored version of the original structure, with its main floor now serving as the ceiling. Despite its trials, the church stands tall as a symbol of resilience, one of the very qualities mirrored by Santino himself. 

San Bartolome Apostol Parish Church 

In the lush town of Nagcarlan, Laguna stands the San Bartolome Apostol Parish Church, the setting for the 2005 fantaserye "Kampanerang Kuba." It was here that viewers met Imang, the kind-hearted hunchback bell-ringer portrayed by Anne Curtis, whose life changed when she magically transformed into a beautiful woman. 

Built in the 18th century, the San Bartolome Church is known for its enduring architecture, as well as its scenic surroundings, which made the teleserye’s scenes feel all the more magical. 

Saint Peter of Alcantara Parish Church 

Tucked in the scenic town of Pakil, Laguna, the Saint Peter of Alcantara Parish Church is a centuries-old structure featured in the action-fantasy series "Juan dela Cruz." Known for its baroque architecture, it became the home for the titular character, played by Coco Martin, who struggled with his identity as a half-man, half-aswang destined to battle evil. One of the most iconic scenes in the series took place right in front of this church, where Juan bravely fended off aswangs using the powerful 'Bakal na Krus.' 

Taal Basilica 

Down south in Batangas, the majestic Taal Basilica, also known as the Minor Basilica of Saint Martin of Tours, witnessed one of the most romantic weddings in teleserye history. It was here that Maya and Richard, played by Jodi Sta. Maria and Richard Yap in "Be Careful With My Heart," [LINK OUT https://www.abs-cbn.com/bcwmh/articles-photos/throwback-be-careful-with-my-heart-2012-14521] finally tied the knot. Originally built in 1575 and later reconstructed in the 19th century after an earthquake, this church holds the title of being the largest Catholic church in Asia.  

Minor Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel  

Fans of "The Killer Bride" will surely recognize the Minor Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel in Tayabas, Quezon. Posing as the heart of the fictional town of Las Espadas, this centuries-old church was the backdrop for some of the show’s most unforgettable scenes, including the bombing incident that shook the entire town and forced Camila Dela Torre (Maja Salvador), known to the townspeople as the 'Killer Bride', to reveal she that was, in fact, alive.  

This church is a historical gem in Southern Luzon, with roots tracing back to the 1700s and a bell tower known for being one of the longest in the country. 

San Sebastian Parish Church  

As an inspirational series centered on faith and miracles, "Huwag Kang Mangamba" needed a church setting. For the fictional town of Hermoso, the production chose the San Sebastian Parish Church, a quaint, charming structure with a rustic stone façade in Lumban, Laguna.  

National Shrine of St. Michael and the Archangels 

In the finale of "Dolce Amore," Tenten (Enrique Gil) and Serena (Liza Soberano) finally sealed their love in front of the altar of the National Shrine of St. Michael and the Archangels in San Miguel, Manila. Established in the 17th century, it was the first parish in the Philippines to be dedicated to St. Michael the Archangel, the protector and leader of the heavenly army. 

As we embark on our Holy Week pilgrimage, why not make it even more meaningful by visiting these churches that have witnessed iconic moments from your favorite Kapamilya teleseryes? These sacred sites offer not only spiritual solace but also a unique connection to the stories that have touched our hearts.