Top 10 most famous architectural works in the Philippines #3
The Philippines is an island nation with an area of about 300,000 km2 and a population of about 103,775,000 people, located in Southeast Asia. Because it is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, this country is often affected by earthquakes and tropical storms, but has rich and diverse natural resources. Culturally, the Philippines is a country with a combination of Eastern culture and Western culture. Because of this influence, the architecture of this country is also quite special, both traditional Eastern features and modernity of Western architecture. Join me in learning about the unique features expressed through typical architectural works in the following article.
Church of San Augustine
San Agustin Church is an ancient architectural work and this place has truly become a tourist attraction. This cathedral is located in a complex of churches with Baroque - Philippine architecture, listed on the list of world cultural heritages. This is the third cathedral named San Agustin Church. Previously, this church was first built with bamboo and nipa palms, located on the island of Luzon in 1571.
Then the building was burned down by the fire of the invasion of Manila with Limahong's forces. . Another church made of wood continues to appear with the name San Agustin Church. However, not long after that it was also destroyed by a second fire that took place in this area.
San Agustin Church is the oldest church in the Philippines and is also one of four churches officially recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site in 1993. This church with an ancient Gothic architectural style was built of Very solid stone with high, airy ceilings and unique domes. This project includes a chapel area, wooden housing area, 26 extremely unique oil paintings and many superb works of religious art. San Agustin Church stands out because of its delicate and sharp carved details. This special building has a quite splendid interior design, influenced by Mexican architectural style. On the ceiling are paintings painted in the 1800s, by the skilled hands of Italian artists - Giovanni Dibella and Cesare Alberoni.
St. Joseph's Church
St. Joseph's Cathedral is located on the outskirts of Manila, a world-famous 200-year-old cathedral with the only Las Pina organ made in 1824 with bamboo pipes in the world. This is considered a treasure that visitors to the island nation of the Philippines want to admire. More specifically, the sound emitted from this ancient instrument is melodious and fascinates the listener. Visiting here, in addition to admiring the instrument, you may be lucky enough to enjoy the sound of the instrument performed by monks.
This cathedral is attractive not only because of its antiquity but also because it also possesses a treasure that makes anyone who sees it marvel in amazement, which is a guitar made entirely of men. bamboo. 
This is a unique guitar in the world. The guitar's melodious, resonant sound fascinates many tourists from far and wide. Most people who have ever heard the sound of this ancient instrument are fascinated by its melodious sound.
Rizal Shrine
Rizal is a province located in the CALABARZON region of the Philippines, 20 km east of the capital Manila. The province is named after Philippine National Hero José Rizal. The Rizal Provincial Government in 2008 moved the provincial capital from Pasig to Antipolo. The new government building was completed in March 2009, replacing the 33-year-old Building in the old provincial capital. Rizal borders Metropolitan Manila to the west, Bulacan to the north, Quezon to the east, and Laguna to the south. The province is located north of Laguna de Bay, the largest lake in the Philippines. Rizal is a mountainous province on the high western slopes of the southern part of the Sierra Madre mountain range.
Rizal Shrine is considered a proud historical tourist destination by locals because this is where Dr. Jose Rizal lived in exile for about 4 years. During his stay, he experienced many professions from physician, teacher, biologist to architect.
At the same time, he is also a father and brother to the Filipino people, because of his wholehearted help to the people when they encounter difficulties. Coming to the Rizal Shrine, visitors will have the opportunity to learn more about the lifestyle of a great personality, an example for everyone.
These works are truly typical features of Philippine architecture and if you have the opportunity to visit this island nation, do not miss the interesting destinations that I introduced above.
