THE BEAUTY OF

Plaridel’s Simborio

PUBLISHED February 20, 2016

PHOTOGRAPHY and WORDS BY MARIANO SAYNO

When you visit Plaridel town in Bulacan province, you will discover two destinations it is known for—the historic Spanish Church and the Simborio Chapel. Although there is not much information about the chapel online, information is not needed to make you excited to check this place out!

The Simborio or Dome chapel was built back in the 1800s, when the town was known as Quingua and since then, it has been surrounded by residential buildings. The chapel is octagonal and designed with artistic windows that encapture the entire structure with a huge dome at the top.

As a holding area for deceased individuals prior to interment, this grave site has with stood the test of time. The shape of this structure looks like a church bell tower and it is made of adobe bricks, making it look similar to the Cagsawa Church in Bicol region, which adds to the mystery surrounding the chapel.

It is believed that small niches throughout the structures were used to bury infants who died before they could be baptized. During the American occupation, it is said that the cemetery became disused. This was due to US authorities not wanting to risk the spread of cholera and other diseases that plagued the population during this time. It was believed that burying deceased persons on the site would contaminate the water supply.

Scaring away people from the area, rumors of infected bodies still been buried in the ground have spread and many have kept away from the area. Over the years, some of the tombs have been moved to a different location, but more and more locals have started to move in to the vicinity, turning it in to a residential area.

As a holding area for deceased individuals prior to interment, this grave site has with stood the test of time. The shape of this structure looks like a church bell tower and it is made of adobe bricks, making it look similar to the Cagsawa Church in Bicol region, which adds to the mystery surrounding the chapel.

It is believed that small niches throughout the structures were used to bury infants who died before they could be baptized. During the American occupation, it is said that the cemetery became disused. This was due to US authorities not wanting to risk the spread of cholera and other diseases that plagued the population during this time. It was believed that burying deceased persons on the site would contaminate the water supply.

Scaring away people from the area, rumors of infected bodies still been buried in the ground have spread and many have kept away from the area. Over the years, some of the tombs have been moved to a different location, but more and more locals have started to move in to the vicinity, turning it in to a residential area.

For centuries, local lore has said that countless treasure hunters have searched underneath this chapel in search of what could be hidden beneath. Some people even say a tunnel leading to the nearby parish church was uncovered during the searches.

Today, the historic structures of the Simborio Chapel remain a mystery to all but a few of the locals living in the town, who know its long and vibrant history. Unfortunately, the structure has been vandalized. Fortunately, though, the local officials have made it their mission to clean up the area and make it accessible to locals as well as curious tourists like me.

This chapel stands proud, inviting you to learn and explore the secrets of its past. With such a beautiful piece of art, it’s a real gem and a must-see for anyone visiting Plaridel town.

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