Balayan Bay
Among the many contributions of Balayan Bay that Batanguenos are proud of, the bay served as a fishing village and a summer retreat for locals
- Tanauan, Batangas
PUBLISHED February 8, 2014
PHOTOGRAPHY and WORDS BY MARIANO SAYNO
The Tanauan Church, built during the Spanish colonial era and known as St John the Evangelist Church. It is filled with a rich history that dates back centuries.
The church, which was first built in 1732 and is also known as Bombon Church due to its proximity to the old town of that name on Taal Lake’s northern shore, was destroyed during the violent eruption of Taal Volcano 22 years later. Only a few parts of the stone church are left, and these can be seen today.
In 1881, Fr. Jose Diaz built a second church for the town of Tanauan that still stands today in its original location. However, during World War II (1944) it was heavily damaged—all the elements of both Romanesque and Renaissance architecture were lost as a result.
In 1948, Monsignor Marino and architect Jose L. Zaragoza rebuilt the church in its original style—including its convent —in an attempt to mimic what it looked like when it was first built.
In 1881, Fr. Jose Diaz built a second church for the town of Tanauan that still stands today in its original location. However, during World War II (1944) it was heavily damaged—all the elements of both Romanesque and Renaissance architecture were lost as a result.
In 1948, Monsignor Marino and architect Jose L. Zaragoza rebuilt the church in its original style—including its convent —in an attempt to mimic what it looked like when it was first built.
Visitors to the cathedral today can enjoy its High Renaissance and Romanesque facade, with a recessed main entrance that is ornately sculpted in the style of Romanesque architecture. It is adorned with six sets of arched windows supported by a triangular pediment and topped by statues of saints. The entire facade seems to be supported by the large stone bases on which these figures are perched. The church is also famous for its wide open central nave and circular niches, as well as life-size tableaus of the 14 Stations of Cross. Its bell tower, capped by a Baroque-style dome, extends out from the building’s facade.
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