Manila Zoo: Exploring Nature’s Rich Diversity and Conservation Efforts
It is the home of the popular Asian elephant, Mali, as well as 90 other species. As well as being a landmark in Manila, the
Makati, Metro Manila
Guadalupe Ruins Makati
Stone Remains of the City’s Earliest Faith and Foundations
Share
Tweet
Email
- Makati, Metro Manila
Some places don’t announce themselves loudly, and this is one of them. Standing within the quiet corners of Guadalupe Viejo, the Guadalupe Ruins feel less like a tourist stop and more like an encounter with time itself—where weathered stone, open sky, and silence reveal the earliest spiritual and colonial roots of Makati, long before its rise as the country’s financial center.
Explore the Philippines through my lens as we venture into Guadalupe Ruins Makati with Point of View (POV) photography. Using a body cam, I’ll guide you on an interactive tour, revealing the behind-the-scenes of capturing the shots shared here. Let’s dive into this visual journey together and uncover the wonders through my lens!
Let’s explore the PHILIPPINES through my lens as we journey on a photo slideshow to Guadalupe Ruins Makati. Join me in this visual adventure and discover the wonders captured through my lens! Check out the shared slideshow here.
First Encounter with Makati’s Oldest Sacred Ground
Walking into Guadalupe Viejo, the shift is immediate. The hum of traffic from EDSA fades into the background, replaced by stillness and the rough texture of exposed stone. The Guadalupe Ruins, standing beside the still-active Nuestra Señora de Gracia Church, carry a quiet presence that doesn’t compete with the city—it simply waits.
Check out the video for more highlights. See what I’ve captured through my lens with Point of View (POV) photography. Using a body cam, I’ll take you on an interactive tour, showing you behind-the-scenes moments of capturing the shots shared here.
Check out the video below for additional features. Explore what I’ve captured through my lens in this cinematic slideshow.
What stands today are the remains of the original Church and Monastery of Nuestra Señora de Gracia, established by the Augustinian Order in 1601 and completed in 1629. These stones mark one of the earliest organized religious settlements in what would eventually become Makati. Long before financial towers defined the skyline, this hill overlooking the Pasig River was already a place of devotion, prayer, and refuge.
The choice of Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe as patroness in 1603 transformed the complex into an important Marian sanctuary. It became a spiritual center not only for Spanish settlers but also for Chinese converts, especially following the Chinese uprising of 1639, when many sought protection within its walls.
Standing here now, camera in hand, the realization settles in: this was once the heart of Makati.
Built to Endure: The Strength of Spanish Colonial Engineering
The surviving structure reflects resilience in its purest form. The original complex endured major earthquakes in 1645, 1658, 1754, and 1863, each event testing the limits of its construction.
The most severe structural damage came during the earthquakes of 1880, when the church’s masonry roof collapsed. Yet the Augustinians, under Reverend Jose Corujedo, O.S.A., rebuilt the church in 1882, restoring its function and presence.
During that same year, the monastery served a different kind of purpose. It became an orphan asylum and trade school, caring for children left without families during the cholera epidemic of 1882. This wasn’t only a religious structure—it was a sanctuary in every sense of the word.
Photographing the ruins now, the thickness of the adobe walls speaks for itself. These were not built lightly. They were meant to last.
War’s Defining Blow and the Birth of the Ruins
The moment that changed everything came during the Philippine-American War in February 1899. As conflict reached Guadalupe, the monastery and church complex were gutted by fire during clashes between Filipino revolutionary forces and American troops.
The destruction ended nearly three centuries of continuous use. Roofs collapsed. Interiors disappeared. The monastery complex was left open to the elements.
RELATED STORIES
National Museum of Fine Arts: Exploring Filipino Masterpieces in Manila
Walking along Padre Burgos Avenue in Rizal Park, the National Museum of Fine Arts immediately commands attention. Its neoclassical facade, tall Corinthian columns, and grand
Quezon Bridge: Manila’s Historic Link Across the Pasig
Crossing the Pasig River via Quezon Bridge feels like stepping into a living corridor of Manila’s past and present. The span links Quiapo on the
Las Piñas Bamboo Organ: A Symphony of Filipino Ingenuity and Heritage
Tucked in the heart of Las Piñas City, St. Joseph Parish Church houses a treasure that few instruments can rival: the Las Piñas Bamboo Organ.
What remains today—the exposed stone foundations, broken walls, and surviving arches—are the physical consequences of that moment.
Yet, standing here, the ruins do not feel lifeless. They feel paused.
Reading History Through Stone and Light
The architectural character of the Guadalupe Ruins reveals details that reward careful observation. The adobe stones, shaped and assembled during the Spanish colonial era, show both precision and endurance. Weathered archways hint at former hallways. Foundations outline spaces where monastic life once unfolded daily.
Light moves differently across these surfaces. Morning emphasizes texture. Afternoon brings contrast. Late day softens everything into tone and shadow.
For photography, the ruins offer something increasingly rare in Metro Manila—an unfiltered historic environment.
There are no distractions here. Only structure, history, and atmosphere.
A Recognized Landmark Amid a Modern City
Despite Makati’s rapid urban transformation, the Guadalupe Ruins have retained official recognition as a historical landmark. A marker installed in 1937 acknowledges the site’s cultural importance, ensuring its place within the city’s heritage narrative.
What makes this location remarkable is its proximity to the present. Just minutes away are high-rise buildings, financial institutions, and major transportation routes. Yet here, the atmosphere remains calm, reflective, and grounded in another era.
The contrast defines the experience.
Modern Makati represents progress. The ruins represent origin.
Why This Place Still Matters to Travelers
Visiting the Guadalupe Ruins offers something deeper than sightseeing. It provides context. It shows that before commerce, before infrastructure, before global recognition, there was faith, community, and endurance.
The ruins stand as silent witnesses to earthquakes, disease, war, and recovery. They represent continuity in a city defined by change.
For a traveler—and especially through the lens of photography—it becomes clear that the story of Makati didn’t begin with glass towers.
It began here.
I’m looking forward to the stories and images leaving a lasting positive impression on you, just as they have on me. Stay connected with us on social media for a weekly exploration of travel assignments and breathtaking visuals. Our focus is on championing local tourism, showcasing small businesses, and honoring the magnificence of the Philippines through the content we curate. Join us in spreading the word by clicking the ‘share’ buttons below. Your support means the world to us.
BROWSE BY REGION
- metro MANILA
- abra
- albay
- baguio city
- BATAAN
- batangas
- Benguet
- bulacan
- cagayan
- cavite
- cebu
- cotabato
- davao oriental
- Guimaras
- ilocos norte
- ilocos sur
- Iloilo
- Isabela
- laguna
- lanao del norte
- maguindanao
- negros occidental
- nueva vizcaya
- Pampanga
- pangasinan
- QUEZON
- rizal
- Samar
- sarangani
- Tarlac
- zambales
- zamboanga city
EXPLORE MORE about
Manila Zoo: Exploring Nature’s Rich Diversity and Conservation Efforts
It is the home of the popular Asian elephant, Mali, as well as 90 other species. As well as being a landmark in Manila, the
Christ the King Seminary Church: Spiritual Life at the Heart of Quezon City
Located in the heart of Quezon City, Christ the King Seminary is not only a center of Catholic education but also a place where spirituality,
UST Chapel: The Santísimo Rosario Parish Within Asia’s Oldest University
Walking along España Boulevard in Manila, the rhythm of jeepneys and buses rarely slows down. But once inside the grounds of the University of Santo
Manila City Hall: The Clock Tower That Defines the Capital
Standing prominently where Ermita meets Manila’s civic center, Manila City Hall anchors one of the most historically dense stretches of the capital. From this vantage
Gomburza National Monument: Where Filipino Nationalism Found Its Voice
Approaching the Gomburza National Monument along Padre Burgos Avenue, the first thing I notice is its placement. Directly across from the grand façade of the
Plaza Rajah Sulayman: A Vibrant Landmark by Manila Bay
If you’re exploring Manila, one spot you shouldn’t miss is Plaza Rajah Sulayman, a scenic and historically significant public square in the heart of Malate,
UP Diliman: A Campus of History and Culture
Walking through UP Diliman, you immediately sense the blend of history, artistry, and open space. Established after the original University of the Philippines in Manila
San Agustin Museum: Where Art and Philippine History Converge
The San Agustin Museum is located adjacent to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, San Agustin Church. It is located in Intramuros—the walled city of Manila—and
Pinaglabanan Shrine: Walking the Battlefield That Sparked Philippine Independence
Right in the middle of San Juan City, surrounded by the constant rhythm of Metro Manila, stands Pinaglabanan Shrine, a place that does not immediately
Kartilya ng Katipunan: From Revolutionary Ideals to Modern Public Space
The Kartilya ng Katipunan, also known as Bonifacio Shrine or Heroes Park, is a must-visit historical site in Ermita, Manila, celebrating the legacy of Andrés
Santa Cruz: Gateway to Old Manila’s Timeless Streets
Along the right bank of the Pasig River, Santa Cruz stands as a living canvas of Manila’s past. Long before skyscrapers and shopping centers redefined
Greenbelt: Makati’s Urban Oasis of Shopping and Culture
In the heart of bustling Makati, where glass towers slice the skyline and business moves at lightning speed, there’s a place that feels like a
Plaza Miranda: A Crossroads of Devotion, Politics, and Daily Manila
Plaza Miranda is a public square bounded by Quezon Boulevard, Hidalgo Street and Evangelista Street in Quiapo, Manila. It is the plaza which fronts the
National Museum of Natural History: A Journey into the Philippines’ Biodiversity
Located at Agrifina Circle in Rizal Park, National Museum of Natural History is part of the larger National Museum Complex, which also includes the National
Quezon Bridge: Manila’s Historic Link Across the Pasig
Crossing the Pasig River via Quezon Bridge feels like stepping into a living corridor of Manila’s past and present. The span links Quiapo on the
Luneta Hotel: Manila’s Architectural Jewel Awaiting Rediscovery
Perched along T. M. Kalaw Street in Ermita, Luneta Hotel has long been more than a building; it is a silent witness to Manila’s evolving
Santuario del Sto. Cristo Church: A Timeless Landmark in San Juan City
San Juan, a city tucked in the heart of Metro Manila, is often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors, yet it holds within its borders
San Sebastian Church: A Testament of Strength and Faith in Manila
San Sebastian Church is a Roman Catholic Minor Basilica located in Quiapo, Manila. It’s also known as Minor Basilica of San Sebastian or San Sebastian
Polo Church: A Century of Faith and Heritage in Valenzuela
Polo Church traces its roots back to the early 1600s, when the settlement of Polo — once part of the larger Catangalan parish — gained
National Museum of Fine Arts: Exploring Filipino Masterpieces in Manila
Walking along Padre Burgos Avenue in Rizal Park, the National Museum of Fine Arts immediately commands attention. Its neoclassical facade, tall Corinthian columns, and grand
Rizal Park: Manila’s Living Heart of History and Culture
Walking through Rizal Park, every step tells a story. Known locally as Liwasang Rizal and historically called “Luneta,” this 58-hectare urban oasis in Ermita, Manila
Malate Church: Manila’s Bayfront Beacon of Faith and History
The story of Malate Church begins in 1588, when Augustinian friars established a parish in the fishing village of Maalat, named for the salty waters
Manila Abbey: A Tapestry of History and Spiritual Reverence
The Manila Abbey San Beda, or formally known as Abbey of Our Lady of Montserrat, is a Benedictine men’s monastery located along the streets of
Manila Cathedral: The Mother Church of the Philippines
Originally built in 1880, the Manila Cathedral is the current version of the longstanding Church of Manila. It is a masterpiece of architecture that was
Binondo Church: Faith at the Heart of the World’s Oldest Chinatown
The Binondo Church is a historic church in Manila, located in the District of Binondo, near the Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz. It was previously called
Luneta Hotel: Manila’s Heritage Story Told in Bricks and Beams
Walking along Kalaw Avenue, you can’t miss the stately presence of Luneta Hotel. Across from the sprawling Rizal Park, this heritage building exudes a quiet
Manila Ocean Park: The Marine Wonderland of Manila Bay
As the nation’s first ever world-class marine theme park, Manila Ocean Park is located in Ermita Manila, within the Philippines’ largest urban resort/aqua-themed hotel complex
Quezon Memorial Circle: A Tapestry of History and Urban Life
Imagine stepping into a green ellipse at the heart of one of the busiest cities in Metro Manila. Quezon Memorial Circle is not just a
Padre Blanco Gardens: A Walk Through Manila’s Quiet Heritage Garden
Stepping into Padre Blanco Gardens, you immediately notice a contrast from the busy streets of Intramuros. Stone paths, benches under shade, and small fountains encourage
The UP Oblation: A Must-See Icon of Filipino Freedom and Legacy
If you find yourself wandering through the sprawling campus of the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman in Quezon City, you’ll undoubtedly encounter one of
La Naval de Manila: Celebrating the Miraculous Icon of the Philippines
At the heart of La Naval de Manila is the revered image of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, a 1593 ivory and hardwood
Las Piñas Bamboo Organ: A Symphony of Filipino Ingenuity and Heritage
Tucked in the heart of Las Piñas City, St. Joseph Parish Church houses a treasure that few instruments can rival: the Las Piñas Bamboo Organ.
La Mesa Ecopark: Metro Manila’s Hidden Green Haven
Visiting La Mesa Ecopark, I can’t help but imagine how stark the difference must have been before its rehabilitation. In the late 20th century, this
Venice Grand Canal: Italian Charm in Metro Manila
If you’ve ever imagined wandering alongside a winding canal, the sight of gondolas gliding gently under ornate bridges, you might picture Venice in Italy. Yet
Manila Bay: Sunset, History, and City Life Along the Coast
At the heart of Manila Bay’s charm is the Baywalk along Roxas Boulevard, where golden-hour sunsets transform the coastline into a photographer’s dream. By 2009,
Manila City Hall: The Iconic Heartbeat of the Philippine Capital
Whenever I walk through Ermita, camera in hand, the view that always pulls my eye is the pale façade and rising clock tower of Manila
Carriedo Fountain: A Historical Landmark in the Heart of Manila
If you’re ever wandering through the lively streets of Manila, one of the city’s must-see spots is the iconic Carriedo Fountain. Nestled in the heart
Museo Pambata: A Playful Gateway to Learning and Culture
Located along Roxas Boulevard in the heart of Manila, Museo Pambata offers a one-of-a-kind experience where children can learn, play, and connect with Filipino culture
Santa Cruz: Gateway to Old Manila’s Timeless Streets
Along the right bank of the Pasig River, Santa Cruz stands as a living canvas of Manila’s past. Long before skyscrapers and shopping centers redefined
University of Santo Tomas: Walking Through Four Centuries of Academic Memory in Manila
UST, also known as the University of Santo Tomas, is a private Roman Catholic university located in Sampaloc, Manila. It was founded on 28 April
Padre Pio Chapel: A Sacred Refuge Along the Urban Pulse of Quezon City
The first time I approached Padre Pio Chapel, it was impossible to ignore the contrast. Just meters away, vehicles streamed endlessly along Eulogio Rodriguez Jr.
Jones Bridge: A Legacy of Resilience and Revival in Manila
The newly restored Jones Bridge is easily recognizable by its beautifully designed black lamp posts—the same ones that were there when the bridge was first
Washington SyCip Park: Makati’s Urban Sanctuary for Art and Nature
Situated in the lively heart of Makati’s Legazpi Village, Washington SyCip Park provides a serene refuge away from the city’s fast pace. Established in 2006
Manila Golden Mosque: Navigating Manila’s Heart of Islam
Walking into Quiapo, Manila, the golden dome of the Manila Golden Mosque immediately catches the eye. Known locally as Masjid Al‑Dahab, the mosque rises as
Baluarte de San Diego: Step Into History in the Heart of Manila
You know how sometimes, you stumble upon a place that feels like stepping straight into a history book—except the pages come alive? That’s exactly the
Victoneta Chapel: A Serene Urban Sanctuary in Malabon
Walking into Victoneta Chapel feels like stepping into another pace of life, one where the clamor of Metro Manila recedes and quiet reflection takes center
Tutuban Center: Where History Meets Shopping Bliss in Manila
Situated in the heart of Manila, Tutuban Center is more than just a shopping destination—it’s a vibrant mix of history, commerce, and culture that draws
San Lorenzo Ruiz and Companion Martyrs Parish: Heart of Faith in Navotas
In the midst of Kaunlaran Village, Dagat‑dagatan in Navotas City, the San Lorenzo Ruiz and Companion Martyrs Parish stands as more than a place of
Star City, Pasay: The Ultimate Theme Park Experience in Metro Manila
Nestled in the heart of Pasay City within the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex, Star City stands as one of the premier amusement parks
Intramuros: Manila’s Walled Heritage Uncovered
It is also known as the Walled City, and during the Spanish Colonial Period it was synonymous with the city of Manila. Intramuros was also
Eastwood Mall: A Corner of Quezon City Buzz
Visiting Eastwood Mall, you immediately notice it’s more than a shopping destination — it’s a hub of urban life. The four-level retail space features a
The Feast of the Black Nazarene: A Testament of Faith, Culture, and Tourism
The Nazareno Festival, or the Feast of the Black Nazarene, is one of the most spectacular and deeply moving religious events in the Philippines. Held
Manila Central Post Office: Monument of Philippine Postal Heritage
The Manila Central Post Office is more than just a hub for letters and parcels—it is a Philippine landmark that embodies the nation’s colonial history
Liwasang Bonifacio: From Plaza Lawton to National Landmark
Standing at Liwasang Bonifacio, you immediately feel how many directions the city pulls at once. Jeepneys pass in steady rhythm, pedestrians cross toward the bridges,
Zapote Bridge: A Historic Crossing of Valor and Memory
Zapote Bridge connects Las Piñas City and Bacoor City, serving as both a physical and symbolic link between communities. The bridge’s stone arch design has
Guadalupe Chapel Intramuros: A Quiet Corner of Fort Santiago
The Guadalupe Chapel Intramuros sits quietly within the Reducto de San Francisco Javier, once a defensive bastion of Fort Santiago. Walking toward it, you pass
Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center: A Slice of Nature Inside Quezon City
Paths, Lagoon, and Everyday Flow Entering the park, you notice the soft curve of pathways that guide you around the man-made lagoon. The water stretches
San Agustin Church: Stories Carved in Stone and Faith
San Agustin Church in Intramuros stands as one of the country’s most treasured landmarks, a symbol of resilience and faith through centuries of upheaval. Built
The Philippine International Convention Center: A Legacy of Global Diplomacy and Architectural Excellence
The Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) stands as a monument to the Philippines’ ambition to be a key player on the global stage. With its
Taguig Church: Exploring St. Anne Parish and Its River Traditions
Standing by the serene Taguig River in Barangay Santa Ana, Taguig Church — formally known as the Parish of St. Anne — is more than
Taguig Simborio: Taguig’s Link to Its Burial Grounds of the Past
Tucked away in the heart of Taguig City, Metro Manila, lies an intriguing historical site that continues to captivate both locals and travelers alike—the Simborio.
Binondo Chinatown: Manila’s Oldest Chinatown and Foodie Adventure
Stepping into Binondo Chinatown feels like turning a page in Manila’s long, layered story. Officially established in 1594 as a settlement for Catholic Chinese immigrants,
Greenbelt Chapel: A Hidden Retreat in Makati
Amid the bustling corridors of Ayala Center in Makati City, the Greenbelt Chapel quietly commands attention not through grandeur but through its sense of calm.
Feast of Santo Niño: Manila’s Vibrant Celebration of Faith and Community
Every January, Manila transforms as the Feast of Santo Niño brings devotion and festivity to its streets. The festival centers on the Child Jesus, known
Cultural Center of the Philippines: Gateway to Filipino Arts and Creativity
Stepping onto the grounds of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, you immediately sense the ambition behind its design. Conceived under the leadership of then‑First
Chong Hock Tong Temple: A Journey Through Chinese-Filipino Heritage
Walking through the gates of the Manila Chinese Cemetery, visitors are immediately drawn to Chong Hock Tong Temple, a site that has been a center
Bonifacio Monument Tutuban: Remembering the Supremo at the Crossroads of Tutuban
Right outside Tutuban Center, along the busy stretch of C.M. Recto Avenue in Tondo, Manila, stands the Bonifacio Monument Tutuban, a tribute that blends almost
Paco Park: A Peaceful Retreat Steeped in History and Timeless Beauty
Situated in the bustling city of Manila, Paco Park is a serene oasis that invites visitors to step back in time while enjoying the calm
Club Intramuros Golf Course: Playing Through the Walled City of Manila
Stepping into Club Intramuros Golf Course feels like entering a curious intersection of eras. You pass through the stone gateways of Intramuros, and instead of
La Loma Cemetery: Manila’s Historic Campo Santo
Cemeteries have a way of holding stories without speaking them aloud. La Loma Cemetery, officially known as Campo Santo de La Loma, rises from land
Seng Guan Temple: Manila’s Urban Buddhist Sanctuary
If you’re exploring the heart of Manila, you won’t want to miss Seng Guan Temple, a cultural and spiritual gem nestled in the bustling district
Monumento Shrine: A Revolutionary Icon at Monumento Circle
Approaching Monumento Circle in South Caloocan, traffic thickens, jeepneys weave through buses, and overhead wires frame the skyline. At the center of it all stands
Casa Manila: A Glimpse of 19th-Century Filipino Life
Tucked within the heart of Intramuros, Casa Manila serves as a tangible window into 19th-century urban Filipino life. Unlike typical museums, the building was reconstructed
Navotas Centennial Park: A Century of Transformation Along the Shore
Let’s be real—when you think of tourist spots around Metro Manila, Navotas probably isn’t the first to pop into your head. But you know what?
Quiapo Church: Heart of Manila’s Faith and Pilgrimage
At the bustling heart of Quiapo, Manila, a modest church arose in 1588, only two years after the district itself was founded. Initially built of
Manila American Cemetery and Memorial: A Tribute to the Pacific War Heroes
Located within Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City, the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial rises as a serene testament to courage, sacrifice, and shared history. Spanning
Mt. Carmel Shrine: Quezon City’s Beacon of Faith and Culture
Standing prominently along Broadway Avenue in New Manila, Quezon City, the National Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel — widely referred to as Mt.
Las Piñas Church: A Cultural Landmark of Faith and Music
In the southern stretch of Metro Manila, within Barangay Daniel Fajardo, stands Las Piñas Church, formally known as the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Saint
Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz: The Historic Heart of Binondo
Standing in Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz, what strikes me first is its shape. Unlike the usual rectangular plazas scattered across the Philippines, this one curves
National Museum of Anthropology: Inside Manila’s Living Archive of Cultural Memory
The approach begins along the familiar paths of Rizal Park, where movement never really stops. Families cross the lawns, vendors set up near shaded areas,
