St. Paul and St. Peter Church Postcard

Fr. Luis Candullo began the construction of a church for the Patron Saints San Pedro y San Pablo de Calasiao. This was ruined by an earthquake a few years later. In 1736 the insurrectos led by Palaris of Binalatongan (now San Carlos) burned the church.

Calasiao Church Postcard

After a few years, Fr. Daimau reconstructed it this time with strong materials, and this is the church that we find today in Calasiao. It is 88.30 meters long, 25 meters wide and 27.30 meters high. Construction began in 1753 and it was completed in 1858. The tower is about 30 meters high, this church is considered one of the best in Pangasinan architectural design.
The postcard also show the Señor Divino Tesoro Chapel which houses the image of Señor Divino Tesoro. In its windows are the 14 Stations of the Cross done in stained glass.

SOURCE:
Calasiao : "Lugar de Rayos"

Saint Joseph Parish Church Postcard

St. Joseph Parish Church is considered as the single most important structure in Dingras, Ilocos Norte. Formerly known as rurog (ruins), the Dingras Church was restored through the collective efforts of townsfolk residing locally and abroad.

Dingras Church Postcard

The centuries-old church had been rotting for decades after it was initially ravaged by fire and earthquake. Decades of being exposed to the elements led to structural decays until Dingreños pooled their funds to provide the church with steel columns and roofing. Until the restoration of the Dingras Church, parishioners have been hearing mass in a smaller church formerly built from materials torn from the ruins.

SOURCE:
The pilgrim sites of Ilocos Norte (An Article)

Villa Escudero Church/Museum Postcard

This is an over-sized postcard of the Villa Escudero Church/Museum.

At the entrance of Villa Escudero is a beautiful Spanish church with a pink facade. It houses a museum which displays the unusual collection of its original owner, Dr. Escudero. It is full of items of religious significance, the Spanish era, animals, and pre-history graves and artifacts. Upstairs, are a few cabinets related to World War II, displaying Japanese and Allied small arms, machine guns and relics.

Villa Escudero Church/Museum Postcard

SOURCE:
Villa Escudero Plantation and Resort

Parish Church of Santiago Apostol de Betis Postcards

These over-sized postcards show the Parish Church of Santiago Apostol de Betis in Betis, Pampanga.

The Parish Church of Santiago Apostol de Betis was built by the Agustinian Friars in 1754 using the design very predominant during its time: the Baroque Architecture. With ceiling paintings from the early 20th century, the church boasts of the most beautiful retablo in Pampanga that is arguably also the best in Central Luzon. Rendered in rococo, the piece, built presumably in the mid-18th century, is a fine example of Kapampangan art and craft.

Betis Church Postcard 1

There are various themes in the ceiling paintings. There’s a portrayal of Jesus Christ praying in Gethsemane. There’s also a depicting Jesus Christ which looks like he’s preaching people of various origins and race. These frescoes were all done by a local artist named Simon Flores, although several restoration works have already been done to preserve this masterpiece.

Betis Church Postcard 2

The retablo mayor is tastefully crafted and replete with decoration and religious enhancements. Fortunately, the piece still exudes the quality and charm of colonial retablos with the patina of age providing interest and definition. The wooden floor, though not so old, is well-maintained and adds to the ambience. Original wooden furnishings are still in the sacristy and in the convento.

Betis Church Postcard 3

SOURCES:
The Restoration of 26 Philippine Churches (An Article)
Betis: The Sistine Chapel of the Philippines

San Fernando Rey Parish Church Postcard

This is the San Fernando Rey Parish Church Postcard and not the San Fernando Metropolitan Cathedral or the Assumption Cathedral as I first posted.

San Fernando Rey Parish Church Postcard