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 statue carefully crafted by a Chinese artisan who later embraced Catholicism. Its serene expression and the finely detailed Child Jesus she holds convey a spiritual gravitas that has drawn devotees for over four centuries. Beyond artistry, this icon is emblematic of divine intercession, particularly remembered for protecting Manila during the Battles of La Naval in 1646, when Spanish and Filipino forces repelled the Dutch fleet. This history transformed the statue into a national emblem of faith, resilience, and Filipino identity. In recognition of its significance, the Philippine government declared both the image and its shrine a National Cultural Treasure in 2009.
