Category: Arts, Places and Events
It was late in the afternoon in December 2002 when our family and relatives in Ilocos Norte decided to pay a visit to the very famous Paoay church or formally called St. Augustine Church in Ilocos Norte. The place was very serene and quiet with only a few tourists and visitors and some vendors lining the right side of the church. The sky was downcast and the church was quite stark and empty during that time, except for a few teenagers cleaning and decorating inside because there will be a wedding the other day. Unfortunately we were not allowed to go inside because visiting hours, according to the teenagers, were already over. But we were very persistent since I have to make a documentary and a term paper of the church. Finally, they agreed and allowed us to go inside but only for a short period of time.
Once again, I was stricken by the majestic façade of the church as well as the simplicity and strength showed by the big buttresses flanking both sides of the church. I already went there several times but I don’t get wearied and bored by the sight of it. In fact, I enjoy going there every time because it exhibits an enigma and an exotic church architecture. I chose this church of all the churches that I knew because of this reason. Moreover, it’s unique architecture is a combination of Mexican, Oriental, Gothic, Baroque and Buddhist styles. It is Gothic due to the presence of Pinnacles; Baroque because of the graceful curving and flowing scrolled buttresses supporting the lateral walls; Oriental because of the designs in the walls of the church an some other Chinese elements; and Buddhist as evidenced by the massive stone facings heaped on the façade resembling the design of Buddhist temples ( Manosa, 2003). It’s as if I’m looking at a Cambodian or a Borobodur temple. Although this church has a combination of various styles, it cannot be denied that the architecture of this church as a whole is uniquely Filipino. And of course who would not be proud of this masterpiece none other than Filipinos right?
It was quite sad to think that the church only enjoys a myriad of church goers during Sundays. According to my uncles and aunts, on weekdays the church enjoys busloads of Taiwanese and Koreans. This church has been suffering from lack of patronage. Paoay church should not also be ignored by town officials. It was apparent that there were some damages inside the church especially the flooring which has huge cracks due to earthquakes. The town officials together with the people of Paoay should act to refurbish and beautify one of the tourist spots in the country. As a matter of fact, Paoay church is included in one of UNESCO’s world heritage sites due to its architectural and historical value ( Villalon, 2003).
We Filipinos should be proud of Paoay church because imbedded among those layers and layers of bricks were the artistry and creativity of the Filipino people. We should be proud of it!
Written By: Lani Diana Santos
Date: March 2003
Citations:
Manosa, Francisco. “Architectural Wonders of the World: Paoay Church.” Online. Internet. January 2003. Available URL: http://www.architech online.8m.com/architect.htm
Villalon, Augusto. “16th to 19th Century Church Architecture in the Philippines – Church of San Augustine.” Online. Internet. January 2003. Available URL: http://www.ncca.gov.ph/phil._culture/cultural_heritage/monuments/monument_century.htm.
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