Sunday, May 3, 2015
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
San Pedro de Alcantara Church in Pakil Laguna
San Pedro de Alcantara Church
The San Pedro de Alcantara Church of Pakil, Laguna was built in 1684, is
one of the best preserved in Laguna. It stands as a fine example of colonial
baroque architecture with its curlicue stonework and cherubs on the facade.
In 1788, the Virgin of Turumba was enshrined in this church that has survived
great calamities. It was burned in 1851 along with the rectory but was repaired
on the same year. It survived two earthquakes, in 1881 and in 1937. The church
is now a major attraction. Its main altar is graced by 14 icons, each housed in
an elaborately carved niche, with the Archangel Michael erring above the
others.
San Pedro de Alcantara Church is noted not only for being a pilgrimage
and heritage church, but also for its architectural details that fascinate
Architecture & History students, as well as photo enthusiasts.
Turumba Pool
The Turumba swimming pools, also known as Nuestra Señora de los
Dolores de Turumba and the Doña Aurora A. Quezon swimming pool is a source of
livelihood and income for the local government and the local population. It is
also the main source of potable water and irrigation. In the olden days it was
a swampy place where tuber and ferns grew in abundance. It was only in 1732
when Fr. Fernando de Haro supervised the clearing of the place during the
construction of the church. During the worst drought in 1771, Fr. Juan
Valladeras enclosed the spring and constructed the irrigation canals up to
Sambal River, which was completed on 1804. In 1924, the big stone at the center
of the spring was crushed and the remains can still be seen beneath the main
pool. No one knows how the turumba originated. Even the meaning of the word is
not known. The legend tells us that a fisherman miraculously found a framed oil
painting of Our Lady of Sorrows floating on the waters of the lagoon. The
parish priest was then informed of this wondrous image. As the priest reverently
approached the image the people started to dance and sing. Amidst much
rejoicing the Image was carried to the church where the people joyously
welcomed it with the ringing of the church bells.
Locals attested also to stories of Our Lady being seen in the past,
walking across the water of the Turumba pool. It is said that devotees bathed
seven times at the Turumba pool to share in the seven sorrows of Our Lady.
For more images, visit: images
Way point direction via Rizal: Link
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