Design Musings #3: Spanish Colonial Architecture in the Philippines: On Church Buildings (Part 1)

Heyah Hivers!

Before the month of May ends, let me share with you the Spanish Influence particularly in the field of architecture in the Philippines. If you've been to the Philippines, you might notice a lot of festivities happening in town, especially during the month of May (now you have a clue!). The month of May is filled with a lot of fiestas (feasts celebrations) in honor of the patron saints of each town, and even small villages had one too! This tradition was highly influenced during the Spanish era because the Spaniards colonized us for 333 years. It’s a century of practicing beliefs, traditions, and systems, which up until now are still relevant in every part of the country. Besides these beliefs and traditions imparted by the Spaniards, one biggest contribution of colonization is the construction of other colonial infrastructures to urbanize the country and its focus on church buildings.

As a Filipino myself, there is no way that you couldn't spot a church in every town or even small chapels in villages in the Philippines. Specifically here in Cebu City, you will discover numerous prominent churches with distinct styles. In fact, the oldest church in the Philippines is the Basilica Minore del Sto. Nino which is found here in Cebu city and is considered a National Historic Landmark. But for these musings, I’m going to share a Neo-gothic Church that can be found in the southern part of Cebu.

History 101 : San Isidro Labrador Church

San Isidro Labrador Chruch is one of the many churches that survived World War 2 and shows distinct features of the Neo-gothic style: the presence of rose windows, pointed arches, and richly decorated fenestrations (use of a stained glass). You might even wonder if this church is somewhere in Europe, but nope. This is just located in San Fernando, Cebu City, Philippines.

However, the interior of the church was heavily renovated and that's how it looks right now. It was said to be damaged by a typhoon and half of the church’s roof fell and cut the tops of the twin gothic style square bell towers. Well, I wonder what would the interiors look like if it hasn't been damaged at all. If I were to guess, I think it would be the use of rib or ribbed vault as it was suitable for the gothic style. Well maybe? That remains a mystery to me.

But what is Neo-gothic style?

Gothic or also known as “style ogivale” is a style that puts emphasis on verticality, heightening, and lightening of structures. This became possible after the discovery of pointed arches which results in taller arches and taller churches, unlike round arches that emphasize only horizontality that limits the heights of churches. Also “neo” means the style is not created during the gothic era but was created at a later time. Thanks to my history class, I still remember this information. Haha!

_{Pointer arch door and window.}

Look at the details!

The Philippines got some rich resources of coral stones. The reason why it has become the primary material in building churches around the country.

Architecture in the Philippines today is full of dynamics due to its varied influences in the past.
As quoted by the late national hero of Philippine architecture, Leandro Locsin once said, “Philippine Architecture is an elusive thing because while it makes full use of modern technology, it is a residue of the different overlays of foreign influences left in the Philippines over the centuries: the early Malay culture and vestiges of earlier Hindu influences, the more than 300 years of Spanish domination, the almost 50 years of American rule, the Arab and Chinese influences through commerce and trade over the centuries”.

All these influences contribute to the development and enrichment of architecture in the Philippines today and are still evolving. I wanna be part of it someday. But it's a long way to go! Striving for architectural identity is truly a challenge, especially being in a colonized country. But it's a journey of discovering and exploring what Filipino architecture could offer to the world. We're getting there.

~That's all for today, for now paalam!~

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