Soul Food

Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish Church (Pagsanjan)

Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish Church is home to the patroness of Pagsanjan, Our Lady of Guadalupe, whose image was a gift from Mexico. There are two sculptures of our Lady of Guadalupe in the Church. One by Ramon Barreto from Toluca Mexico and the other by Maximo Vicente from Manila.

Tip: The best Halo-Halo in Pagsanjan is located very near the church. Cross the bridge then turn right to General Luna and you’ll find Lolo Tuge’s for a unique take on the world famous Filipino Halo-Halo.

San Sebastian Parish Church (Lumban)
The San Sebastian Parish Church, informally known as Lumban Church, is the first stone church in Laguna and was completed in 1600. Its titular is St. Sebastian and its feast is celebrated every January 20.

Tip: Check out Aling Nora’s Kesong Puti right beside the Church. One of the best Kesong Puti you can find in the Province of Laguna.

Must See: Burdahan (Embroidered Textile). Lumban is famous for its embroidered textile. Visit any of the “Burdahan” shops that line the National Highway.

Saint James the Apostle Parish Church (Paete)
The church was built in 1646. It’s facade is divided by a frieze that continues around the adjoining belltower. It has bas reliefs of leaves and flowers and a sculpted image of St. James depicted as a Santiago Matamoros (Saint James the Moor-slayer) in a central niche of the upper story. The church served as a dungeon and torture house to the people of Paete during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines in World War II.

Tip: Walk along Quesada Street and visit the many Wood Carving shops that line it. Have coffee at Kape Kesada and view the many beautiful artworks on display.

Saint Peter of Alcantara Parish Church (Pakil)

The St. Peter of Alcantara Parish Church was completed in 1767 and designated as the Diocesan Shrine of Nuestra Señora de los Dolores de Turumba. It enshrines the Our Lady of Turumba painting.Tip: Head up the second floor to see “Our Lady of Turumba Museum”. The museum contains clothes, perfumes, jewelry, and other historic memorabilia. The original oil painting, found by fishermen, can also be found inside the chapel.

Must See: Right Across the Church is “The House of Paintings” ancestral home of Danilo Dalena, distinguished painter, sculptor and Mobil Art Awardee. There is no entrance fee but please leave gratuity for the caretaker.

Santa Maria Magdalena Parish Church (Magdalena)
This Baroque church faces the spacious town plaza and was completed in 1855. The four-storey bell tower, constructed in 1861, is fully functional and offers a great view of the whole town.

Tip: Check out the small shrine inside the Church that shows blood stains from a wounded General Emilio Jacinto, who took refuge inside the convent after a bloody encounter with the Spaniards in the Battle of Maimpis River. 

Saint John the Baptist Parish Church (Liliw)
St. John the Baptist Parish Church is one of the Roman Catholic churches in Liliw, Laguna, Philippines. Its feast is celebrated every August 29 known as the Martyrdom of St. John the Baptist. The church was completed in 1646 and is known for its red bricked façade and baroque style architecture.

Tip: Walk along the town plaza to see over a hundred footwear stores. Liliw after all is the “Tsinelas” capital of the Philippines.

Must Try: Liliw is more than just footwear! They have great food too! Try Arabela’s on Plaza Rizal Street. Great food in a cozy setting.

San Bartolome Apostol Parish Church (Nagcarlan)
The tiered wall Nagcarlan church generally falls under the Baroque style and was completed in 1752. The design of the facade has a semicircular arched main entrance along with semicircular windows and tall pedestals and columns.

Tip: Climb the fully functional Bell Tower for a great view of the town.

Must See: Head on to Nagcarlan-Rizal Road to get to the Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery.