Religious, Spiritual sights in Philippines
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Taoist Temple
Perched high in the northern hills overlooking the city, the Taoist Temple is a symbol of the city's large and prosperous ethnic Chinese population. It's not one for temple aficionados; the architecture is functional and austere by Chinese standards. Nevertheless the trip here, past the gated mansions of exclusive Beverly Hills, is a good excuse to see how Cebu's wealthier citizens live, and the views over the city are noteworthy.
To get to the temple take a Lahug or Calunasan jeepney and ask to stop at the Taoist Temple or Beverly Hills (around P5) - you've then got a short walk uphill. Alternatively, take a taxi from uptown for about P80.
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Basilica Minore del Santo Niño
This church is a real survivor. Built in 1565 and burnt down three times, it was rebuilt in its present form in 1737. Perhaps its incendiary past derives from the perennial bonfire of candles in its courtyard, stoked by an endless procession of pilgrims and worshippers in honour of a Flemish image of the infant Jesus, dating back to Magellan's time.
Said to be miraculous (which it probably had to be to survive all those fires), the image is the centrepiece of Cebu's largest annual event, the Sinulog festival.
Don't forget to look up and admire the heavenly ceiling murals while you're here.
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Quiapo Church
Quiapo Church is a 1933 replacement of an older structure destroyed by fire. One of Manila’s best-known landmarks, Quiapo is the home of the Black Nazarene, an image of Christ believed to be miraculous. The life-size statue, carved from ebony, was first brought to Quiapo in 1767. Twice a year the greatly revered image is carried on the shoulders of thousands of frenzied devotees in one of Manila’s biggest religious festivals, the Black Nazarene Procession.
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Golden Mosque
The Golden Mosque was constructed in 1976 as something of a welcoming gift for the Libyan leader Muammar al-Gaddafi, although his scheduled visit never happened. This is still the city’s largest mosque, and today it serves the growing Muslim community that has settled by the thousands in Quiapo. Visitors who explore the compound often find themselves being guided by an associate of the mosque; it’s customary to leave a small donation if you, too, are given a tour.
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San Agustin Church
The San Agustin Church was the only building left intact after the destruction of Intramuros. Built between 1587 and 1606, it is the oldest church in the Philippines. The present structure is actually the third to stand on the site, and has weathered seven major earthquakes, as well as the Battle of Manila. It’s an active church and much in demand for weddings and other ceremonies.
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Ermita Church
Ermita Church, a modern construction that replaced the original hermitage destroyed during WWII, is home to the widely venerated Nuestra Señora de Guia (Our Lady of Guidance). Legend has it that this richly robed image of the Virgin Mary was found by Legazpi on 19 May 1571, the day the Spanish forces took over Manila.
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Binondo Church
At the northern end of Paredes St stands the bell tower of Binondo Church, an unusual octagonal structure dating back to 1596. The rest of the church is a modern replacement for war damage. Inside there is a lurid statue of a bloody Jesus that would do Mel Gibson proud. Inspirational banners include ‘Support the Seminarians!’
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Santa Cruz Church
From the southeastern end of Ongpin St, you can see a classic European-style fountain, behind which stands the Santa Cruz Church. A church was first erected here in 1608 to minister to the swelling ranks of Chinese Christian converts, but the present edifice only dates back to 1957, after its predecessor was destroyed in WWII.
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Manila Cathedral
The Manila Cathedral was destroyed in WWII, but the present edifice, erected in 1951, looks suitably ancient with its weathered Romanesque façade and graceful cupola. This is actually the sixth church on the site. Inside are a gilded altar, a 4500-pipe organ and rosette windows with beautiful stained glass.
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St Paul Cathedral
The St Paul Cathedral was built in 'earthquake baroque' style (ie thick-walled and massive) after an earlier incarnation was damaged by two quakes in 1619 and 1627. The construction of the original wooden, thatched church is believed to have been supervised by Salcedo himself in 1574.
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San Sebastian Church
At the top of Hidalgo St, your attention will be caught by the soaring spires of San Sebastian Church, a Gothic structure that is actually constructed of prefabricated steel. The jewel-like interior is accentuated with lovely stained-glass windows.
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Malate Church
Malate Church houses a greatly revered image of the Virgin Mary, called Nuestra Señora de Remedios (Our Lady of Remedies). It was first built in 1588; this version dates from the 1860s.
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Bell Church
The Bell Church consists of several ornate, pagoda-roofed temples near the border of Baguio and La Trinidad. The priests here have one foot in Taoism and a couple of toes in Christianity.
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Seng Guan Buddhist Temple
The Seng Guan Buddhist Temple is the centre of Manila’s Buddhist community. It’s not pretty but it’s big.
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