Visita Iglesia 2013: Manila churches

In time for Holy Week, Filipinos usually plan where to spend their Holy week. Being a city girl myself, I really don't have a choice of provinces, and I'd rather stay in the metro, away from all the traffic. 

During Maundy Thursday, everyone is on the road. Just for one reason - Visita Iglesia. It is a part of our Holy Week, where Catholics pay visits to 7 or 14 churches to pray to the 14 stations of the cross. Last year, we were able to do a Visita Iglesia in the churches in Laguna, Batangas and finally, Kamay ni Hesus in Quezon. 

This time, because my mom is busy with her church activities, we only have half of our day for Visita Iglesia. We decided to do a Manila Visita Iglesia. Since we are bound for Manila, we also decided to ditch bringing our own car to lessen the hassle of looking for parking areas and safety. Here are the churches we visited. Directions are also included, coming from Makati and from the last stop of churches. 

1. BINONDO CHURCH: Minor Basilica of San Lorenzo Ruiz

Located at the heart of Binondo and near Divisoria, Binondo Church is one of the oldest churches in Manila, founded by the Dominican priests in 1596. 

Via commute: 

1. From Guadalupe, Makati take a jeepney bound for Taft-Herran. 

2. Arriving in Taft, take the jeep bound for Divisoria. Jeepneys are aplenty in front of 7-11 in Pedro Gil.

3. Alight in front of Binondo Church. 

2. STA. CRUZ CHURCH: Nuestra Senora del Pilar

Located at Plaza Lacson in Carriedo, Sta. Cruz church was built by Jesuits in 1608 for the Chinese immigrants. 

Via commute: 

1. From Binondo church, walk towards the Divisoria area where you will take the jeepney bound for Quiapo. 

2. Alight at Rizal Avenue, once you see the LRT 1 line. 

3. Walk on your right, and towards Carriedo station. 

4. Once you see Carriedo Station, turn right on the street before it (Burgos street). Straight ahead is the Sta. Cruz Church. 

3. QUIAPO CHURCH: Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene

You will never miss the Quiapo church, since it very well known church in Manila, most especially during first Fridays of each month and on January 9. The church was founded by Franciscan missionaries in 1856 and is the home of the Black Nazarene. Located at the heart of Plaza Miranda, Quiapo church is also along Quezon Avenue. 

Via commute. 

1. From Sta. Cruz church, cross Rizal avenue and walk towards Isetann Carriedo. 

2. Turn at Carriedo Street and walk straight ahead towards Quiapo Church. 

4. MANILA CATHEDRAL: Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Concepcion

The most sought after church when it comes to weddings, aside from San Agustin church, is located in the walled city of Intramuros. This houses the Archbishop of the Philippines and located near the CBCP. It was founded in 1521 by secular priests. 

However, during our visit, the Church is closed and is currently undergoing renovations. Sadly, we were not able to see its interiors. 

Via commute:

1. From Quiapo church, go to Quezon Avenue, right outside the church and take a jeepney bound for Intramuros. 

2. Jeepneys will pass directly in front of the Cathedral. 

5. SAN AGUSTIN CHURCH

Being the oldest church in the Philippines, built in 1521, it has withstood the test of time, thus, many of couples dream of being wed in the church. It will be celebrating its 450th anniversary, thus, the facade is also in the works. It is conveniently located within walking distance from the Manila Cathedral. 

Via walking: 

1. From Manila Cathderal, take General Luna Street. 

2. Turn right at Real Street and you will find the San Agustin Church. 

6. ERMITA CHURCH: Nuestra Senora de Guia 

This quaint church located in Ermita was founded in 1606 and houses Nuestra Senora de Guia or Our Lady of Guidance. 

Via commute: 

1. From San Agustin church, walk along General Luna street, until you get to the 

2. From the gate, take jeepney bound for Mabini. 

3. Tell the driver that you are getting off at Ermita church. Jeepneys will pass in front of the church. 

7. MALATE CHURCH. Church of Nuestra Senora de los Remedios

Located at M.H. del Pilar Street in Malate, and facing Manila Bay is our last stop for this Visita Iglesia, It was built in 1588 by Augustinian priests. This church is the home of Our Lady of Remedies. 

Via commute: 

1. From Ermita Church, ride a jeepney bound for Mabini or Roxas Blvd.

2. Tell the driver that you are getting off at Malate church. You will not miss it since jeepneys pass in front of it.