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...
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
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).
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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