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Plaridel, Bulacan
Simborio Chapel
A Spanish Architectural Gem Amidst Resilience and Transformation in Plaridel
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- Plaridel, Bulacan
The town of Plaridel in Bulacan holds treasures of history with landmarks like the Simborio Chapel and echoes of the Spanish era. Despite challenges, efforts to preserve and revitalize these cultural gems are underway, welcoming both residents and tourists to explore the rich heritage they encapsulate.
Explore the Philippines through my lens as we venture into Simborio Chapel 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 Simborio Chapel. Join me in this visual adventure and discover the wonders captured through my lens! Check out the shared slideshow here.
In the charming town of Plaridel in Bulacan Province, two historic landmarks stand as enduring symbols of the area’s rich past: the renowned Spanish church and the lesser-known Simborio Chapel. Despite its significance, the Simborio Chapel, also known as the Dome Chapel, remains shrouded in mystery for many.
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.
Constructed in the 1800s in what was once called Quingua, the Simborio Chapel was originally established as a mortuary within a cemetery. Over the years, the surrounding area has evolved into a residential neighborhood, leaving the chapel as the last surviving Spanish structure in the vicinity. Its unique octagonal shape and striking dome, adorned with artistic windows, set it apart from typical architectural designs, reminiscent of a church bell tower. The use of adobe bricks in its construction brings to mind the famed Cagsawa Church in the Bicol region.
Inside the chapel, small niches are visible, believed to have been used for the burial of infants who passed away before baptism. Such mortuary chapels traditionally served as temporary resting places before the final burial.
During the American occupation, operations at the cemetery were halted due to disease prevention measures, as it was believed that diseases from the buried individuals could contaminate the town’s water supply. Over time, the area fell into neglect, with some tombs being relocated and the chapel itself becoming a forgotten relic. Local legends even tell of treasure hunters exploring beneath the chapel, convinced of hidden riches and rumored tunnels connecting it to the nearby parish church.
Today, while the historical significance of the Simborio Chapel remains known primarily to local residents, efforts are underway to revive its presence. Despite facing vandalism, local authorities are dedicated to restoring the chapel and fostering a welcoming environment for both locals and visitors, ensuring that this remarkable piece of history is preserved for future generations.
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