MANILA -- Centuries-old churches that have withstood wars and calamities but still stand as centers of faith — these are the churches in Laguna, often visited during Lent for Visita Iglesia. 

READ: Where did the tradition of Visita Iglesia come from?

One will reach the Parish of San Pedro de Alcantara in the town of Pakil just over three hours from Quezon City.

Parish of San Pedro de Alcantara in Pakil. Jeffrey Hernaez, ABS-CBN News

It was established in 1588, initially made of bamboo until it was converted to stone in 1732. The ceiling is adorned with murals. An image of the Virgin of Turumba, discovered by fishermen in Laguna's lake in 1788, can be found inside the church.

"Yung designs nila, ganun pa rin, napakaganda. Na-preserve nila ang mga dingding, lahat," said visitor Lotlot Gonzales. 

(They were able to maintain the designs, very beautiful. They preserved the walls, everything.) 

"Napaka unique ng structural design niya, at the same time 'yung old (design), nandoon pa rin. Mas gusto namin ang mga old churches, mas maganda kasi kung iyon ang bibisitahin para very proud ka na mayroon pang natitirang mga ancestral churches," said Ochie Ticzon, who traveled all the way to Laguna from Makati City. 

(The structural design is very unique, and the old design is still there. We love visiting old churches, they are more beautiful, and makes you feel proud that we still have these old churches.) 

San Santiago Apostol in Paete. Jeffrey Hernaez, ABS-CBN News

In the town of Paete stands the parish of San Santiago Apostol, a stone church with an elaborate altar adorned with numerous images of saints. 

Construction began in 1646 and was finished in 1717. 

The church also showcases the talents of Paete locals, with saints and stone carvings crafted by local artisans. 

There's also a free Lenten exhibit for the public. 

"Ang simbahan ng Paete ay maituturing na isa sa pinakamatandang simbahan dito sa Laguna. Ang unang simbahan sa bayan ng Paete ay naitayo pa noong 1580 kasabay ng pagkakatatag ng bayan ng Paete. Ang unang simbahan ay gawa sa light materials, sa kawayan at pugon kaya nasira po ito," said Roel Ybanez, moderator of the church's Parish Pastoral Council. 

(The church of Paete is considered one of the oldest churches here in Laguna. The first church here was built as early as 1580 as the town of Paete was also established. The early structure built with light materials such as bamboo and adobe, was easily damaged.) 

"Kaya noong 1646 naisip nila na magtayo ng mas matibay na simbahan at ito po ang simbahan na makikita niyo sa ngayon. Ito po ay sinimulang gawin noong 1646 at natapos noong 1717," he added. 

("So, in 1646, they decided to build the church with a sturdy structure, and it remains up to this day. Construction began in 1646 and was completed in 1717.) 

Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Pagsanjan. Jeffrey Hernaez, ABS-CBN News

One of the largest churches in Laguna is the Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, also known as the Pagsanjan Church. 

Established in 1687, parts were damaged during World War II but were rebuilt with the help of the faithful. 

"Binomba ang aming simbahan March 15, 1945. Binomba ng mga Amerikano ang simbahan dahil sa pag-aakala nila iyong mga Hapon ay dito pa nagkukuta... Nasira ang aming sanctuary, nandoon ang retablo mayor ng Mahal na Birhen ng Guadalupe na gawa sa pilak, so iyon ay nasira at nasunog," said Bro. Cesar Raymond Palma, Shrine President. 

(Our church was bombed on March 15, 1945. The Americans bombed the church thinking the Japanese were hiding here. Our sanctuary was destroyed, and the main altar of the Blessed Virgin of Guadalupe, made of silver, was destroyed and perished in the fire.) 

Inside the church is the Tilma Chapel. 

"Narito iyong isang relic ng Mahal ng Birhen ng Guadalupe na galing sa Mexico... Ito ay isang bahagi ng bato na kung saan noong magpakita ang Mahal na Birhen kay San Juan Diego noong December 9, 1531, dito siya nakatungtong," Palma added. 

(A relic of the Beloved Virgin of Guadalupe from Mexico is housed here... It is part of the stone where the Blessed Virgin stood when she appeared to San Juan Diego on December 9, 1531.) 

National Shrine of San Antonio de Padua in Pila. Jeffrey Hernaez, ABS-CBN News

The National Shrine of San Antonio de Padua in Pila is also breathtaking. It features murals of saints, with a prominent golden altar. 

Established in 1578, it was declared a National Shrine in 2019. 

"Ito ang pinakaunang parokya na dinala ng mga Pransiskano para sa karangalan ni San Antonio. The first Antonine Church in the Philippines and even in Asia," said Joy Brosas, President of the Shrine Ministry. 

(This is the first parish built by the Franciscans in honor of San Antonio. The first Antonine Church in the Philippines and even in Asia.) 

"Kaya siya dinarayo, sa haba ng panahon na deboto ang mga tao dito sa Pila na tinatawag na bayang pinagpala, itong Patron namin na si San Antonio ay nagdulot ng maraming himala," she added. 

(People flock to our church because those who live here in Pila, regarded as a blessed town, have been devout followers. Our Patron Saint San Antonio has brought forth many miracles.) 

During this Lenten season, when visiting churches, the Church reminds the faithful about the most important thing, whether one visits a nearby or distant church, families should reflect, repent and pray together.

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