Lenten church tour to Laguna, Quezon set

On Holy Thursday (April 8), Inscribe Tours’ annual "Visita Iglesia" takes pilgrims to some of the most fascinating yet rarely visited churches in eastern Laguna and Quezon.

Seven centuries-old churches, each with a unique history, architecture and religious significance, are the itinerary.

First stop is Pila’s Church of San Antonio de Padua, located in a veritable heritage site among colonial houses and a fabled municipal building.

Next is Pagsanjan Church, first built in 1687. In Kalayaan, the quaint San Juan de Bautista Church, on the shores of Laguna Lake, is even older by nearly a century – it was erected in 1590.

The tour breaks for buffet lunch at the mountainside Exotik Restaurant before continuing on to Cavinte, with its Baguio-like clime and zigzag roads affording visitors spectacular views of Lake Caliraya. Equally striking is its 16th century Parish of the Transfiguration Church.

With mystical Mt. Banahaw looming, the tour heads to Quezon, first to Lucban’s St. Louis of Toulouse Church, built in 1593. There is also time to shop for the town’s famous "longganisa" (sausages) and other delicacies.

Next is the Minor Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel in Tayabas, at 103 meters, it is the longest Spanish colonial church in the Philippines.

Last stop is the 405-year old church of Sariaya. A hearty merienda of native fare awaits participants in this historic town.

[ San Antonio de Padua Wiki ]