Gail Travels: Manila Cathedral of Intramuros

The Manila Metropolitan Cathedral-Basilica or also known as Manila Cathedral is located inside the Intramuros .

It was said to be that the first Cathedral was built on 1581. It has been damaged by a typhoon on the succeeding. This is probably because infrastructures built at that time do not have a strong foundation and could not withstand strong winds and rain brought by the typhoon. Meanwhile in 1583, it has been destroyed by fire.

In 1592, The Second Cathedral was built. It wss made out of stone but has been destroyed partially after eight years. In 1614, the Third Cathedral was built but have been destroyed by an earthquale in 1645. Nine years after (1654 -1671), the Fourth Cathedral was started to be built under the leadership of Archbishop Miguel Poblete. Unfortunately, it was destroyed by an earthquake on the third day of June 1863.

The Fifth Cathedral was built for nine years (1870 - 1879) under Architects Luciano Oliver, Vicenter serrano Salaverria, and Eduardo Lopez Navarro. It was then blessed solemnly in 1879. Unfortunately it was destroyed during the Battle of Manila in 1945. Herein, we could say that Philippines took park in the Second World War and some of the those heroes are from our country who defended our land through different tactics.

Under the leadership of Archbishop Rufino J. Santos, the Seventh Cathedral was reconstructed (1954-1958) with the support of Fernando Ocampo as the architect.

On January 16, 2015, Pope Francis of Rome or Holy See blessed with his presence the newly restored Manila Cathedral Basilica during the Holy Eucharist for Bishop, Clergy, Consecrated Men and Women, and Seminarians.

The Basilica was made with such compassion and devotion that people regard it is a craft. Above the entrance door which is made up of glass door the words Tibi Cordo Tuo Immaculato Concredimus Nos Ac Consecramus were written which means "To thee in thy heart, oh immaculate, entrust and consecrate from us”. Source

These words are then surrounded with leaves made out of cement.

La Pieta Replica
Michaelangelo Buonarroti's "La Pieta" is one of the world's most recognized works of art, a sculpture that beautifully portrays the scene of faith and sorrow - that of battered body of Jesus Christ cradled in the loving arms of the Virgin Mary. It is a poignant reminder of the great sacrifice both the Mother and the Son so willingly endured for the salvation of man.

The original work of art, made from Carrara marble, is reverently enshrined at St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. A mold was later produced from the original and was kept at the Museum of Casa Bounarroti in Florence, Italy. Thia mold was used to create the replica noe located at Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina. This, too, was made of the same material from the same quarry, as the original.

Inside the Basilica were also relics from the past.

Aside from thid historical and religious relics, on one corner of the church, it featured some facts about the old Basilica.

This is a marble column which has been recovered from the ruins of the 7th Manila Cathedral.

This slab has ben recovered as well. You could clearly see how the people through time gave importance towards the creation of hard of worship as it has been carefully crafted with expensive materials.

According to the exhibit, the Manila Cathedral underwent several incarnations. It is the only city in the world whose cathedral has been rebuilt multiple times. It was first made up of nipa and bamboo, then of stone masonry, modelled after the baroque church of Il Gesu in Rome, and then with revivalist Byzantine-Romanesque style.

The reconstruction after the World War II was then based with Neo-Romanesque design.

In addition, it has been said that its history is intimately tied yo the hopes, dreams, and determination of the people to establish their symbol of faith.

Souvenir Shop Nearby

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Meanwhile, few meters from the Manila Cathedral is a souvenir shop that sells handicrafts including the images above. These dolls have a price ranging from Php1,000.00 and up, but they were having a sale when we visited the place.

They even sell pearly and other souvenir products. Meanwhile, I bought a stamp set and post cards of the places I visit around the country since I love collecting stamps and postcards.

@gailbelga or Johanna Gail is a free-spirited freelance artist. She took up Bachelor of Arts in International Studies in one of the Ateneo universities in the Philippines. She is currently a candidate for Masters in Public Administrations. She volunteers in various non-profit/nongovernmental organization which aims for human rights through political education. She draws and writes about the country to provide awareness and promote the Philippines to foreign tourists.

Photos are taken using Moto E4 plus.

References:
Information are taken from Philippine Historical Committee Markers attached to monuments and buildings.