Baroque Churches in the Philippines

Question 1

Starting off as a humble structure made of indigenous materials, the _______ was rebuilt using stone and other more durable materials, was generally completed in the late 1700’s.

Answer 1

Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral

Question 2

The places of worship were usually extensions in their homes

Answer 2

sibi

Question 3

There are 2 focal points of a colonial church:

Answer 3

1. the altar mayor (main altar)
2. the pulpito (pulpit)

Question 4

The _________ (main altar) at the far end of the sanctuary where the Eucharist is celebrated and the consecrated host kept in the sagrario (tabernacle)

Answer 4

altar mayor

Question 5

____ an elevated structure usually of wood often placed at the nave or at the intersection of nave and transept or crucero, could accommodate priests celebrating mass simultaneously with the priest at the main altar.

Answer 5

pulpito (pulpit)

Question 6

Richly decorated framework behind the altar

Answer 6

retablo

Question 7

Dining hall in a monastery or convent

Answer 7

refectoryo

Question 8

Covered passage surrounding a court usually with colonnade or arcade on the side adjacent to the court

Answer 8

klostro

Question 9

Imposing curved roof structure above the altar built to proclaim the presence of the church

Answer 9

simboryo

Question 10

Embossed, carved sculptural design

Answer 10

relyebe

Question 11

_____ an architectural style used to refer to the massive Filipino churches with thick walls and elements of Baroque style

Answer 11

Earthquake Baroque

Question 12

Earthquake Baroque has elements of Baroque style such as _____.

Answer 12

scrolled buttresses
volutes
facades with pilasters
ornamental urns.

Question 13

The only stone church of its size that is still standing as initially built and is renowned for the use of true barrel vaulting, which have withstood numerous earthquakes.

Answer 13

San Agustin Church (constructed in 1587)

Question 14

Sanctuary or presbytery

Answer 14

where the priest conduct the mass
at the other end of the nave
opposite to the narthex

Question 15

preparatory space where
worshippers crossed themselves
with holy water

Answer 15

Narthex or vestibule

Question 16

longitudinal space of the
congregation

Answer 16

Nave

Question 17

Also known as the “Immaculate
Conception Parish”

Hailed as “The Mother of All Philippine
Colonial Churches”

Considered as the Philippines’ first
earthquake-proof building

Answer 17

SAN AGUSTIN CHURCH (Intramuros, Manila)

Question 18

The church is also known as Saint
Augustine Church / San Agustin
Church

Answer 18

PAOAY CHURCH (Paoay, Ilocos Norte)

Question 19

Paoay Bell Tower

Answer 19

intended to be erected away from the
church to reduce damage in case it falls.

served as a status symbol for the locals -
the bell would ring more loudly and more
times during the wedding of a prominent
clan than it would during the wedding of
the less privileged

Question 20

Commonly referred to as “The Church of
Santo Tomas de Villanueva” / Santo
Tomas de Villanueva Church

Answer 20

MIAGAO CHURCH (Miagao, Iloilo)

Question 21

Baroque Features (Exterior) of Miagao church

Answer 21

Sculptures and Ornaments
○ Palm tree symbolizing the “Tree of
life”
○ Saint Christopher carrying the child
Jesus on his back
○ Bas-relief of St. Thomas Villanov
○ St. Henry of Bavaria and Pope

Question 22

also called The Church of the Lady
Assumption (Church of Nuestra Senora
de la Asuncion) / Nuestra Senora de la
Asuncion Church

Answer 22

SANTA MARIA CHURCH (Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur)

Question 23

BAHAY NA BATO

Answer 23

The Spaniards introduced the idea of
building more permanent communities
with the church and government center as
focal points
● “Arquitectura mestiza” , a term coined by
Jesuit Francisco Ignacio Alcina in 1668

○ Wood at the top
○ Stone at the bottom