Nuestra Señora de la Porteria Parish Church

Iglesia Parroquial de Nuestra Señora de la Portería (Spanish)

Description:
The Daraga Church, officially known as the Our Lady of the Gate Parish Church, was built as a
place of worship and a center for spiritual activities in Daraga, Albay, in the Bicol region of the
Philippines. The church is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and is one of the oldest and most iconic
landmarks in the region.
The construction of the Daraga Church began in the late 18 th century, around 1772, by
Franciscan friars. The church was built on the site of an old chapel that was destroyed by a
volcanic eruption from Mayon Volcano. The church’s architecture exhibits a fusion of Baroque
and Oriental influences, making it distinct and visually striking.
Daraga Church is a rare and outstanding example of the Churrigueresque style in the
Philippines.
Developed at the height of Spanish Baroque from the late 17 th to the early 18th century, the
Churrigueresque style is often described as “Baroque on steroids” because of its florid and
detailed ornamentation. This is reflected in Daraga Church with the use of Solomonic or
‘twisted” columns, floral motifs, various Biblical emblems, and even local geometric motifs that
add a Bicolano touch to the dialogue of artistic traditions. Although this style was popular in
Mexico, it was introduced rather late in the Philippines, which explains its rarity in Philippine
architecture.
The Idea behind the unique design of the Daraga Church Is in its representation as gateway to
heaven and refuge of salvation, perhaps owing to the catastrophes experienced by the locals at
Cagsawa. This idea is conveyed in many ways, as for example the use of Our Lady of the Gate
of Heaven as patroness, the retablo-style façade that emphasizes heaven as communion of
saints, and the use of floral motifs in reference to the Garden of Eden. The use of Solomonic
columns also connects the church to the Temple of Solomon because of the long-standing belief
that those columns were used in this temple, which was similarly built to represent the Garden
of Eden.
The primary purpose of building the Daraga Church was to provide a place of worship for the
local community and to serve as a center for religious activities. It became a place where people
could come together to celebrate Mass, receive sacraments, and seek spiritual guidance.
Additionally, the church played a role in spreading the Catholic faith during the Spanish colonial
period. It served as a center for evangelization and religious education, contributing to the
propagation of Christianity in the Bicol region.
Over the years, the Daraga Church has become not only a religious institution but also a cultural
and historical landmark. Its picturesque location at the foot of Mayon Volcano and its
architectural beauty attract visitors and tourists from around the world.
Today, the Daraga Church stands as a testament to the enduring faith of the community and
serves as a reminder of the region’s rich religious and cultural heritage.

Location Daraga, Albay Philippines

History
Status Parish church
Dedication Our Lady of the Gate
Dedicated 1854
Architecture
Functional status Active
Heritage designation National Cultural Treasure
Designated 2007
Architectural type Church building
Style Churrigueresque Baroque
Completed 1773
Specifications
Number of towers 1
Materials Volcanic rocks
Administration
Province Caceres
Diocese Legazpi (since 1951)
Deanery St. Gregory the Great[1]
Parish Our Lady of the Gate
 Clergy
Priest(s) Fr. Antonio S. Sial
 GENERAL IGNACIO PAUA
MONUMENT
DESCRIPTION:

General Ignacio Paua Monument in Legazpi City.

The monument is a tribute to General Ignacio Paua, a
Chinese mestizo general who played a significant role in
the Philippine Revolution against the Spanish colonial
forces and led the expeditionary force to the Bicol region.
General Paua helped raise funds to support the Philippine
Republic established by General Emilio Aguinaldo in 1898.
The General Ignacio Paua Monument is located on
Rizal Avenue in Legazpi City. It stands as a symbol of the
bravery and contributions of General Paua during the
revolution. The monument serves as a reminder of the
historical events that shaped the region and honors the
heroism of those who fought for independence.
The General Ignacio Paua Monument in Legazpi
City, Bicol, was built to honor and commemorate the
significant contributions and heroism of General Ignacio
Paua during the Philippine Revolution against Spanish
colonial forces. The monument serves as a reminder of the
bravery and sacrifices made by General Paua and others
who fought for independence. It stands as a symbol of the
region’s history and heritage, paying tribute to the heroes
who played a crucial role in shaping the nation. By
erecting the General Ignacio Paua Monument, the
community in Legazpi City aims to honor and preserve the
memory of General Paua, ensuring that his contributions
to the Philippine Revolution are recognized and
remembered by present and future generations.
General Paua was born in Laona, Fookien, China, on
April 29, 1872. He arrived in the Philippines in 1890 to join
the Filipino revolution against Spanish colonial rule. He
was tasked by General Emilio Aguinaldo, the first
president of the Philippines, to establish and manage an
arsenal and firearms factory in Imus, Cavite.
General Ignacio Paua bravely fought in various
conflicts in Cavite, Bulacan, Pampanga, Pangasinan, and
Tarlac. He was the only Chinese signatory of the
Constitution of Biak-na-Bato in 1897. During the Filipino-
American War, he was designated to raise funds in the
Bicol region. The General Ignacio Paua Monument, located
along Rizal Avenue in Legazpi City, serves as a tribute to
General Paua’s contributions and sacrifices. It stands as a
reminder of his bravery and the significant role he played
in the fight for independence. The monument is a symbol
of pride for the community and a testament to the
region’s history.
JOSE MARIA PANGANIBAN MONUMENT
Description:
The Jose Maria Panganiban Monument in Camarines Norte is a significant statue
located in front of the municipal hall in Jose Panganiban, Bicol. This 9-foot-tall bronze sculpture
serves as a tribute to Jose Maria Panganiban, a Filipino propagandist and hero known as the
“avenger of Filipino honor.” The monument holds historical significance as it represents the
participation of the Bicol region, particularly Camarines Norte, in the fight for independence from
Spain. It stands as a symbol of the region’s cultural heritage and the historical importance of
Jose Maria Panganiban. Notably, the monument also contains the remains of Jose Maria
Panganiban, interred below it, symbolizing his enduring legacy and contribution to Philippine
history.

The Jose Maria Panganiban Monument serves as a reminder of the heroism and
patriotism of Jose Maria Panganiban, educating both locals and visitors about his significant role
in the country’s quest for freedom. It stands as a testament to the enduring fight for
independence in the Bicol region and honors the cultural heritage of the area. The Jose Maria
Panganiban Monument in Camarines Norte was built to honor and commemorate the significant
contributions and heroism of Jose Maria Panganiban. The monument serves as a tribute to
Panganiban’s role as a Filipino propagandist and hero who fought for the country’s
independence from Spain. Jose Maria Panganiban played a crucial part in the Philippine
Revolution, advocating for reforms and raising awareness about the oppressive Spanish
colonial rule. He was known for his writings and intellectual contributions to the Filipino
nationalist movement. Panganiban’s works, such as his essays and articles, were instrumental
in shaping public opinion and promoting the ideals of freedom and independence.

The construction of the Jose Maria Panganiban Monument aims to recognize and
celebrate Panganiban’s legacy, ensuring that his contributions to Philippine history are
remembered and appreciated. The monument serves as a symbol of inspiration and a reminder
of the sacrifices made by individuals like Panganiban in the pursuit of national sovereignty.
Additionally, the monument serves an educational purpose, providing an opportunity for locals
and visitors to learn about the heroism and patriotism of Jose Maria Panganiban. It serves as a
cultural landmark, promoting awareness and appreciation of the region’s historical heritage.
Overall, the Jose Maria Panganiban Monument was built to honor Panganiban’s role as a
Filipino hero, to educate and inspire people, and to preserve the memory of his contributions to
the fight for independence in the Bicol region and the Philippines as a whole.
 Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church

Description: Of all the Spanish period churches in Albay, if not the Philippines, work
Malilipot Church probably took the longest. While the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church
was built beginning in 1789, it was completed only After 88 years or in 1877. As it
stands today, the structure is made of volcanic stone blocks glued together by an
adhesive Concoction popularly used during the period: a mixture of lime made out of
seashells, honey, And egg. Its façade exhibits a symmetrical arrangement—a bell tower
at each side of the pediment. At Both sides of the church’s main portal are three
columns that clearly depict Hispanic influence On church architecture. These three
columns have been made an icon in the Alba Architectural Heritage Project Logo. The
Bautisterio still has its relatively old baptismal font, and the grills are of vintage 18 th
Century metalwork. The massive walls are made of hardwood held in place by butterfly
hinges And are a showcase of the excellent quality of the workmanship of olden
artisans. Donated Bell from Tabaco It is commonly believed that the Spaniards first set
foot on what is now Malilipot in December of 1600, three years after Tabaco was
declared a missionary outreach village of Cagsawa. There’ No better proof of Malilipot’s
close affinity with Tabaco than the church bell that the latter Donated to the former. The
new church did not have its own bells so that the parish of St. John the Baptist of
Tabaco Gave one of its own. That bell bears the inscription “St. John, Patron of Tabaco.”
Some 189 years since Spanish missionaries came upon Malilipot, it became a separate
parish With Our Lady of Mount Carmel as patroness. The people of Malilipot
immediately set forth to construct their own church as soon as their Place became a
parish. Work on the edifice was undertaken with the supervision of its first Parish priest,
Fray Simeon Vasquez, OFM The church building designer observed the stipulations of
the Laws of the Indies. It stands on an Elevated spot and faces the bay. Twin Belfries
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church is one of only two in the Province of Albay that
feature twin Bell towers, the other being Sto. Domingo Church in the nearby town of
Sto. Domingo. Like all other Albay towns, Malilipot was not spared by the recurring
violent pirate incursions. Brave as the natives were, being deprived of bearing arms to
defend themselves often made Them seek shelter in the mountain ranges bordering
Mayon Volcano. Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Malilipot is of the best churches
in Albay for Visita Iglesia, Holy Week, Simbang Gabi and Misa de Gallo?

Location: Poblacion, Malilipot, Albay