CCP | Cultural Center of the Philippines
The Cultural Center of the Philippines or CCP was founded in 1966 under the directive of former President Ferdinand Marcos, in order to reinforce and
THE BEAUTY OF
- Valenzuela City
PUBLISHED April 6, 2012
PHOTOGRAPHY and WORDS BY MARIANO SAYNO
The San Diego de Alcala Church, a parish church located in the neighborhood of Polo in Valenzuela of Manila, has a bit of history lying in its parish grounds because it was once the oldest church in the city.
It was the locals that were forced to work to complete the original church in 1632, which was the first church built by Father Juan Taranto, Father Jose Valencia and Don Juan Monsod after the town gained its independence from Spain in 1623.
As a result of the Japanese occupation of the Philippines during World War II, the main structure of this four-century old edifice was destroyed to bricks and ashes, leaving the belfry and the entrance to the building all that remains of it today. Fortunately, the citizens of Polo, (the old name of Valenzuela, Manila) took the initiative to preserve the remains of this site, allowing them to be preserved in their historical state as a result. As of today, the bell tower of the San Diego de Alcala Church is recognized as a cultural and religious relic from the bygone Spanish era, as well as a historical landmark.
It was the locals that were forced to work to complete the original church in 1632, which was the first church built by Father Juan Taranto, Father Jose Valencia and Don Juan Monsod after the town gained its independence from Spain in 1623.
As a result of the Japanese occupation of the Philippines during World War II, the main structure of this four-century old edifice was destroyed to bricks and ashes, leaving the belfry and the entrance to the building all that remains of it today. Fortunately, the citizens of Polo, (the old name of Valenzuela, Manila) took the initiative to preserve the remains of this site, allowing them to be preserved in their historical state as a result. As of today, the bell tower of the San Diego de Alcala Church is recognized as a cultural and religious relic from the bygone Spanish era, as well as a historical landmark.
A good time to visit the historical church is during the feast day of San Diego de Alcalala on the 12th of November during which the town also celebrates a food festival honoring the so-called putong polo, a unique type of rice cake that is typical in the area.
CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW
SHARE
TWEET
PIN
EMAIL
CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW
RELATED STORIES
Intramuros
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
Manila American Cemetery
Manila American Cemetery and Memorial is located in the heart of Taguig City on the lands of Fort Bonifacio and serves as the largest grave
Monumento
If you’re ever in Caloocan City, the Monumento is a must-visit. It’s one of the best monuments in the world, and it pays tribute to
SHARE
TWEET
PIN
EMAIL
EXPLORE MORE about
Manila
CCP | Cultural Center of the Philippines
The Cultural Center of the Philippines or CCP was founded in 1966 under the directive of former President Ferdinand Marcos, in order to reinforce and
University of Santo Tomas
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
Venice Grand Canal
Located in the heart of the Taguig City, the Venice Grand Canal is a lifestyle mall development under the Megaworld Lifestyle Malls Located inside the
Makati City
The city of Makati is a highly urbanized place in the country, making it the nation’s financial center. As a result, it has the highest
Intramuros
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
Manila Cathedral
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
Padre Pio Shrine
The Padre Pio shrine is a unique experience compared to the usual atmosphere in the churches. Due to the similarity of its setting to the
Manila Zoo
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
San Agustin Museum
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
ROTATE YOUR PHONE
