The Church of Santa Cruz

Old photo of Sta Cruz Church

The Church of Santa Cruz

            Every year, the Black Nazarene of nearby Quiapo Church steals the thunder. Millions join the procession in paying homage to the black statue of Jesus Christ carrying the cross.  And it is beamed live nationwide throughout the day-long procession that starts from the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta and snakes its way through the principal streets of Quiapo district.  Relegated to the background and, seemingly, playing second fiddle is the statue of Nuestra Senora Del Pilar.

The Carriedo Fountain in front of the Church is now one of the main attractions of Plaza Sta Cruz.

The Carriedo Fountain was originally located at the foot of Nagtahan Bridge near Sta Mesa.

The third Welcome Arch of Chinatown.  It stands across Sta Cruz Church.

1961 photo of Plaza Sta Cruz which is in front of Sta. Cruz Church. (Nostalgia Manila photo)

            Nuestra Senora Del Pilar, otherwise known as Our Lady of the Pillar, is housed in an old church locked by two plazas at the district of Santa Cruz in Manila. Sta Cruz Church's original structure was built by the Jesuits in 1608 for the Chinese immigrants who were clustered in a place called Binondo. In front of the Church is Plaza Sta. Cruz while at the rear is Plaza Goiti.  Sta Cruz then was the premier district of the City of Manila.

Sta. Cruz Church today.  It is said that the Church's architecture resembles the churches built by the Spaniards in California.

The bell tower at right enhances the beauty of the Church.

Brick-like tiles were added to the exterior walls of the Church.

Right flank of the Church

About Santa Cruz Church

             Nuestra Senora Del Pilar, like the Black Nazarene, has devotees who frequent the Church to ask favors or divine intercession.  There was even a time when religious veneration or devotion was so intense that a cult was said to have been formed. At the height of her popularity, Nuestra Senora del Pilar was lavishly dressed and had ornaments decorated with gold and diamonds especially during processions.  Drawing attention is an old beautiful water fountain fronting the Church. It is called Carriedo Fountain named after the rich man responsible for installing Manila's water system. One distinguishing feature of Santa Cruz Church is its proximity to Escolta which was then the premier business center of Manila.

Church interior

Closer shot of main altar

Statue of Nuestra Senora del Pilar at right side of  the Church

Saint Peter Julian Eymard is the second patron saint of Sta Cruz Church. The French saint was the founder of the Blessed Sacrament Congregation.

Statue near main entrance

Different statues of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  At right is Nuestra Senora del Pilar with a devotee in deep prayer.

Old crypts inside Sta Cruz Church

             My favorite rig driver was waiting near the Church. Mang Willie, who hails from San Carlos City in Pangasinan, parked his calesa at the western side.  There was nothing that blocked the view. He made sure we could see him at once. We were holding at the big wheel as we embarked: Idiretso mo diyan sa Dasmarinas.  Hanggang dulo. Tas liko mo sa Escolta. Dahan dahan lang tayo sa Escolta. Tas bahala ka na kung saan tayo.  And then there was that sound I have always wanted to hear: tigitac, tigitac.... I was back to my own little world. Even for a brief moment.

Mang Willie and his calesa wait across the Church.

Taking hold of the horse's reins. Feeling like Ben Hur, not Ben Hur Luy, but Judah Ben Hur as played by Charlton Heston.  (Ha ha)

The ride starts near Dasmarinas Bridge

You pull the left abaca rope if you intend to turn left.  And you pull the right rope to make a right turn.

Another calesa overtakes at Dasmarinas Street.

The old Capitol Theater along Escolta Street

Mid part of Escolta Street

Syvel's Department Store had closed shop many, many years ago.

The old Regina Building.  It was designed by a son of Juan Luna.

Escolta in the old days (g'gle)

Berg was one of several department stores located along Escolta Street. (google)

- Konted

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The Old Binondo Church

The Old Binondo Church

           

              History tells us that Ferdinand Magellan and his men discovered the Philippines on March 16, 1521. The might of the conquistadores  was represented by a sword and a cross. Their two-fold mission, in the name of the King of Spain, was to colonize the entire archipelago and, at the same time, spread Christianity.  Miguel Lopez de Legaspi, for his part, conquered and occupied Manila and, like in the other islands, started establishing Christian communities. The first step was to convert the inhabitants.

            At that time, there were many Chinese immigrants doing business in Intramuros and staying in a community called Binondo.  These immigrants were called Sangleys. They were allowed to stay there by Spanish authorities as a way of controlling and monitoring  the growing number of Chinese. These early ethnic Chinese intermarried with the local women and from this union, the Chinese mestizo or mestizo de Sangley was born.

            As the Spanish friars wanted to ensure that these Sangleys and their offsprings would continue practicing their new faith, a church was constructed in Binondo in 1596. It was called Binondo Church. Initially made of adobe stones, it had undergone several renovations and rehabilitations ever since.

            Binondo Church is now called Minor Basilica of Saint Lorenzo Ruiz.  It was named after the first Filipino saint who was a resident of Binondo and had his training at the church.  It stands on a big lot bounded by Quintin Paredes St, Ongpin St. and  Condesa street. There is a big plaza in front of the church. It is called Plaza Calderon De La Barca.

           The ceiling of the church is painted with religious images in the same way that Sistine chapel in Italy is artistically painted. The windowpanes are also beautifully painted. Many weddings are solemnized in this historical church. It is near Escolta, near the commercial streets of Chinatown, near Divisoria. 

            The church represents Binondo's glorious past.  With the century old bell tower still standing proud, the bell rings at dusk as the faithful give thanks to the Almighty for a prolific day. At early morning of the next day, the doors of the church are opened again for devotees who seek divine guidance. Candles are lit and  prayers are said. They then dip their two fingers into the holy water and make the sign of the cross, feeling confident that God will answer their prayers.

- Konted

The Filipino-Chinese Friendship Arch stands on Quintin Paredes St.  which is several meters away from Binondo Church.

Binondo Church is now known as Minor Basilica de San Lorenzo Ruiz.

San Lorenzo Ruiz was a Binondo resident and was active in church activities.

The old calesa or horse-drawn carriage is still a mode of transportation in Binondo. Waiting area is across Binondo Church.

The Cochero says: "Boss, mas maganda nakasakay kayo dito at iikot tayo Chinatown. "  Manila's Chinatown is the oldest Chinatown in the whole world.

P200 per ride around Chinatown for 3 passengers.  It is still negotiable.

Traffic enforcers control the flow of traffic in front of Binondo Church.   The plaza in front of the church serves as a roundabout or rotunda.

Plaza Calderon de la Barca is right across Binondo Church.  Shown above is the statue of San Lorenzo Ruiz.

Monument to WWII Chinese veterans

Jeepney waits for passengers in front of the plaza.

Binondo Church was destroyed during WWII.  Only the bell tower was spared.

View of Binondo Church from Ongpin St.

Area along Ongpin St. where calesas wait for passengers.

Statue of Roman Ongpin after whom Ongpin St. was named. It is on the left side of the church.

About Roman Ongpin

Inner main door of Binondo Church

The Crucified Christ near the entrance.

Area where devotees light candles

Church's interior

Hand painted ceiling of Binondo Church

The main altar

Statue of San Lorenzo Ruiz near the main altar

Interior of Binondo Church as taken from the main altar

Beautifully painted glass windows

Statue of the Sacred Heart near the center aisle

The suffering and crucifixion of Jesus Christ as painted on the ceiling.

Donations help a lot in the maintenance of the church.

Statues of three saints at the left wing of the church.

Station of the Cross

Statue of the founder of Opus Dei

Artistically designed glass window 

Statue of St Anthony

The glass casket of Jesus Christ

Upper right ceiling

Church balcony

Coins for the street children

Saying a short prayer

In deep prayer

A variety of colors

Rosaries for keeping count while praying

Small religious statues usually placed on top of tables or altars.

The Pasig River separates Intramuros from Binondo.