Konted's Make My Day 2: A Church Seemingly Lost In The Mists Of Time

A Church Seemingly Lost In The Mists Of Time

In a valley below the Sierra Madre mountains stands an old church that houses the image of the much-revered Nuestra Senora De La Annunciata. Two old and huge acacia trees proudly stand on the left and right flanks of the church. Colorful San Francisco plants are seen beneath the trees.

With the original structure of the church having been built in 1700, it is one of the oldest in the province of Rizal. It is much older than the Antipolo Cathedral at the city proper. At a glance, it is a church seemingly lost in the mists of time.

Boso Boso, where the ancient church is located, is a quiet sitio of Antipolo, far from the city proper, far from the madding crowd. It is one of the oldest existing communities in the Philippines. Old-timers say it is the original town of Antipolo.

When the Spaniards came to spread Christianity, it was customary to place a town or barrio or sitio under the protection of a saint. Nuestra Senora De La Annunciata was chosen as Boso Boso's patron saint.

What is so special about the Annunciata? Annunciata refers to the Annunciation where the angel Gabriel announced to Mary that, though a virgin, she would conceive the Child Jesus. Nuestra Senora De La Annunciata is said to be miraculous. Many ask for her intercession.

The religious icon is taken to nearby towns such as Marikina, Pasig, Taytay,& Cainta where it stays in a private residence. It is accompanied by devotees from Antipolo proper. People usually gather around and take turns in praying.

When the church was razed by fire in 1943 and when the residents were forced to leave the place as a dam was to be built there, Mahal na Ina, as devotees call her, was taken to the city proper and was taken care of by a special group devoted to the Annunciata.

And from time to time, Mahal na Ina would be taken back to Boso Boso for a few days and returned to the city. The roads then were unpaved and bumpy. It was only in 1995 that the church was finally restored. She was home at last.

- Konted

View of the valley below the Sierra Madre where Nuestra Senora De La Annunciata Church is nestled.

Bamboos by the side of Marcos Highway

High elevation provides the traveler a commanding view of Laguna de Bay. This is part of Sitio Boso Boso near the feeder road leading to the Church.

Mango trees abound in the area.

Nuestra Senora De La Annunciata Church as viewed from the main gate

From the ruins of its old structure, the church was reconstructed through the collective efforts of Antipolo residents.

Nuestra Senora De La Annunciata Church is part of Brgy San Jose, Antipolo City. From the Masinag Junction, it is about 18 kilometers away via Marcos Highway.