A recent trip to Bolinao, Pangasinan led me to the doorstep of this century-old church. I am indeed fascinated by those thick rustic, colorless, stone walls of this church. Any barrios and town would not be complete without a church on its soil, I believed it is because- of the strong influence of the Spaniards who landed in our shores hundred years ago. Communities started to embrace the tradition and faith of our forefathers around this church. It is where the rich and colorful history of one's family emerged together with their beliefs. Thus a church is a reflection of the community its flourishing and colorful tradition and a strong Christian belief that holds and molds one's personality.
A visit to this church is a must when you set a foot in Bolinao. This is also in the middle of the town proper and just a walking distance from the bus terminal.
Bolinao, Pangasinan, was canonically erected in the year 1609 when the Augustinian Friars took over this mission territory which was earlier entrusted by the Spanish Colonial Government to the Dominican Friars in the year 1594 and left the place in the year 1607 due to the vastness of their mission territories and the scarcity of their missionary members.
The Church tower of Bolinao measuring seventy-five (75) feet was then the tallest in whole Pangasinan if not in the entire Northern Luzon. However, an earthquake in 1788 toppled about half of it. Then in 1819, the Church Convent was also accidentally burned.
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| A closer looked- intrinsic wall designed beautifully crafted |
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| Love the ceiling murals being made |
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| Ongoing renovation in the middle of the church |
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| The way leading to the convent |
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| Ceiling murals are being added |
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| Facing church doorway from the altar |
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| Original rock walls under those chipping wall paint |
I actually liked it with no paint at all as it gives a very original and natural feel for the interior of the church. It gives a resemblance to the exterior wall facade of the church.
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| View of the altar from the 2nd floor |
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| Left-wing 2nd floor side of the church view from 2nd floor |
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| Right wings 2nd-floor side of the church |
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| Window facing the front side of the church |
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| Church Confessional Box |
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| Adoration Chapel |
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| Church Tower |
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| View of the convent |
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