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Facades (Voyage around the country through the wonderful architectural styles of Philippine churches) |
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Source: Manila Bulletin |
Author: Ivy Liza F. Mendoza |
Date: 2007-09-09 |
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Catholic or not, tourists who come to the Philippines are enthralled by the age–old churches that dot this country — not only by their sheer number, or size, or by the marvelous design and architecture, but also by the unique story behind each of these revered edifices.
More than a decade ago, Fr. Pedro G. Galende, OSA, director of San Agustin Museum, thought that Filipinos should have a chance to enjoy these wonderful array of architecture — ‘’before the churches succumb to decay and neglect.’’ The best way to do this was through a book, a photographic representation of some of the churches in the Philippines dating back to the 1500s when Spanish colonization began.
Fr. Galende thus buckled down to work with his collaborators such as historians, photographic artists, church officials and museum staff. Photographers Erick Lacson and Estan Cabigas combed the archipelago, from Aparri to Jolo, to take photos of the churches’ facades and other intricate details.
The result is "Philippine Church Facades,’’ a book published by Filipiniana.net, a division of Vibal Publishing, and the San Agustin Museum. This volume contains over 600 new and 160 archival photographs depicting 160 churches built from 1565 to 1898 — preserved through fire, flood, typhoon, earthquakes, war and other calamities.
Found from Luzon to Mindanao, the churches in this book were those established by the Augustinians in the Ilocos provinces, Central Luzon, Cebu and Panay islands; by the Franciscans who worked in Southern Luzon, the Bicol region and in parts of Northeast Luzon; by the Jesuits who mostly evangelized in Manila, parts of Mindano and portions of Visayas; and by the Dominicans who worked in Cagayan Valley, Zambales, Bohol and Negros islands.
Throughout some 360 pages of the book, one can find photographic testaments to the craftsmanship and creativity of Filipinos as they worked with the clergy in building wondrous houses of worship.
"We hope it will inspire appreciation among young Filipinos for the cultural and religious treasures found all over this beautiful country, and for how, through the tenacious spirit of Filipino forbears, these magnificent structures have withstood the ravages of time and adversity," the Galende says.
BEYOND THE FACADE
The book includes narratives of how Filipino artisans riotously adapted world architectural styles, making them their own as they fashioned architecturally unique Philippine churches.
Termed in the book as ‘’earthquake baroque’’ this style of architecture of churches was particular to the Philippines. It is characterized by ‘’ornate and curved lines, volutes and scrolls’’ that was so common in Europe, particularly in Spain and Italy, during the mid 16th century.
‘’The architecture of the churches respond well to the basic beeds of the worshippers: Function, durability, and aesthetic quality... The function dictates the design. Their generally large superstructures could fit large congregations and could shelter them against invaders,’’ Galende further writes.
In his review of the book, Ambeth Ocampo, chairman of the National Historical Institute, said: "Philippine Church Facades brings to life the stories of churches in the country and helps us rediscover our religious and cultural heritage."
For his part, Jose Rodriguez, director of Instituto Cervantes de Manila and the Spanish Program for Cultural Cooperation, called the book "a visual feast of both historical and contemporary photographs."
‘’The book is really a voyage around the Philippines as it explores the various architectural styles employed in the country. It is also an intellectual discovery of enchanting architectual wonders... The reader may well discover the photo of the church facade in his own town, the one he saw many times during his childhood but never appreciated,’’ Galende adds.
Father Galende, who holds a master’s degree in English and a doctorate in literature, has published other landmark books that include Angels in Stone; San Agustin: Noble Stone Shrine; San Agustin Art and History, and the bilingual edition of Fr. Manuel Blanco’s Flora de Filipinas. In 2003 he was conferred the Cruz de Oficial de la Orden de Isabel La Católica by King Juan Carlos I of Spain, for his role in preserving Hispanic-Filipino heritage.
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