I know for a fact that the church in my hometown is old. I could hardly believe that it withstood the strong earthquake back in the early 90's and even survived the second world war.
My assumption is that it was built over a hundred years ago but I was surprised that this church I would just casually pass by when I go to the wet market is almost five centuries old. Thanks for this week's challenge, "Memory Lane", I get to search and learn about its history.
The Saints Peter and Paul Parish Church is located right at the heart of the town of Calasiao in the province of Pangasinan. As I've read on the internet, it was built in the 17th century by the Dominicans and the second oldest church in the province. It's even older than the famous Manaoag Church. Wow.
This centuries-old church features a Baroque style of architecture and is among the Baroque churches in the Philippines. And in 2001, it was proclaimed as a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines and National Commission for Culture and the Arts.
Here's an old photo I found on social media two years ago. The photo was taken around 1900 to 1930. It's kind of weird, surprising, and amazing to see the church solely standing on a field. Now, the area is surrounded by a sports complex, plaza, municipal hall, food stalls, commercial buildings, and the miraculous Senor Divino Tesoro Shrine. The historical landmark remained as if time stood still on its walls while the surroundings adapted to the constantly developing world.
I'm glad that my family took a photo of this church some decades ago even though only partial of the church's facade was in the frame. I believe this was around in the late 80's and the two girls on the photo were my sister and our cousin.
Here's a better quality of the photo. Thanks to the help of AI! The details became somehow clearer and the colors were more vibrant.
And fast-forward to 2023, about 35 years later, this is now how the church looked. One significant change I've observed was its grounds is now turned into a parking area for those visiting the church. Not seen on the photo but the church's perimeter wall is also being maintained and now adorned with concrete statues of saints.
Nothing much have change. Even the bricks on the ground leading to the main door are still intact. Also I observed that the height of the windows from both photos are the same which means they have not done a ground elevation despite the town experiencing flood during rainy season.
This is how it looks inside. Someone who enters this church would definitely notice and feel its antiquity. However, you'll also get impressed of how it was maintained. Photo taken in 2023.
The Saints Peter and Paul Parish Church isn't open everyday, as I have noticed. I was supposed to visit there during my birthday but the door was closed. Perhaps they only open it to public during mass or for other events like wedding. I remember waited for me inside the church and when I arrived, only half of the main door was opened. My friend told me there was a mass and it ended just minutes after I arrived.
Also, on the right side of the church is an extended two-storey structure which also looked as old as the church. I've entered it once when I accompanied a friend to get her baptismal certificate. The interior looks as old as the interior of the church itself. I remember the lights were dim and it felt a bit eerie especially on some corners. Perhaps this is also where the Museum is located. I didn't know there was a museum inside and only found out while searching and writing for this post. Dang! I should visit the museum next time!
Despite the destruction and burning attempts hundreds of years ago and surviving the second world war and strong earthquakes, only some parts were reconstructed and is still standing strong today. In fact, its bell tower is the best-preserved in the province.
Someone passing by the town of Calasiao would surely have their attention catched by this antique and intricate structure. My mother used to say that the local version of Sleeping Beauty was filmed on this church which was starred by two popular artists decades ago. Meanwhile, I've also read that "Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang", a popular show back in the day was also filmed at the church's second floor. Today, the church and its surroundings became a favorite spot for wedding photoshoots.
And that's all, folks! I guess I still have a lot to explore around this church. I'm particularly curious with the museum. Thanks for this challenge because I got to dive into my town's iconic church.
Thanks for reading! 💚