wee!: 2005

Paete, Laguna

Paete came from the word "paet," a Tagalog word for chisel. Paete is famous for its wood carvings, wooden slippers or "bakya," paper mache and more...

From the plaque infront of the Church:

Philippine Historical Committee

Paete was founded in 1580 by the
Rev. Juan de Plasencia. Its Stone Church and its Convent, built in 1646, were ruined before 1717. The Rev. Francisco de la Fuente, O.F.M., constructed a stronger church in 1717, which was later destroyed by the earthquake of 1880. The church which the Rev. Pedro Galiano, O.F.M., built in 1884 was destroyed by the earthquake of August 20, 1937.

1939

Facade of Church of Saint James the Apostle in 2005 and the 1950's Richard E. Ahlborn photograph (Latin American Library, Tulane University. Used with permission).

Church of St. James the Apostle Tower - View

View from the top, the town of Paete at the back of the church (left).
The main church bell on top of the tower (right).

Main Bell inscriptions: Santiago de Apostol, Disiembre año de 1849
(Saint James the Apostle, December year 1849)

Paete's World Famous wood carving and sculpture.

Thanks to David Dressing, Curator of Manuscripts and Photographs in Latin American Library, Tulane University - New Orleans, Louisiana for allowing me to use the Richard E. Ahlborn photograph.

Photo taken: May 2005
Paete, Laguna
Philippines
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Nagcarlan Church

The Nagcarlan Church we see today was built in 1752. In 1784, a major fire burned the church but was immediately repaired. It was renovated and improved in 1845.

The church became famous in the 1974 movie "Kampanerang Kuba" and again in the ABS-CBN's 2005 TV remake.

Nagcarlan Church - Nagcarlan, Laguna Philippines

What's unique about Nagcarlan Church is the alternating adobe stones and red bricks on its facade. From a distance, you'll be able to see the red strips of bricks running across the wall.

Nagcarlan, Laguna

Philippines
Photo taken on May 25, 2005
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Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery

The cemetery was built by Franciscan missionaries in 1851 and it is only one of its kind in the Philippines. The cemetery was exclusively for Spanish friars and affluent residents in Nagcarlan. It served as a meeting place of Katipuneros or Filipino Revolutionaries.

Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery Entrance - Nagcarlan, Laguna - Philippines

Inside the cemetery walls...

The cemetery chapel in baroque style.

Too bad, taking pictures inside the chapel and the crypt beneath the chapel isn't allowed. I wish that the interior of the chapel and the crypt will be restored in the future. The interior is almost bare and I've seen some vandalisms inside.