Ago 29, 2011

WAWA DAM AND PAMITINAN CAVE: BEAUTY UNVEILED by Dianne Alvarez

                If you like nature and adventure at the same time, this is the place you are looking for!
                I never expected that a breath-taking place like this could be found in Rodriguez, Rizal. I spent my childhood years in Montalban but I never visited the Wawa Dam. What more surprising is that within this historical place, there’s a cave called “Pamitinan Cave” wherein historical events took place.
                With so much I can say about this really great place, let me start from where we started. Starting from Montalban Rizal, we rode a jeepney going to Wawa Dam. Going there, we felt the ambience of a province since Rizal is still a province. I missed that ambience since I’m living in the city. Riding in a jeep, we saw the side of the river and we felt excited on how much more it could be from a closer view. When we got in the terminal, we started asking the people living there which way leads to Wawa Dam. It’s a nice walk because you can see the rocks, beautiful big white rocks on the side. God is amazing because He has placed these rocks with different shapes and forms in their exact places. One could not do such wonder except God. I was so amazed looking to these beautiful rocks like I’m really captured by their beauty. Since I just can’t stop there all day and look at these rocks with the river flowing on their sides we continued our walk to Wawa Dam. But first, let me give you an advice what to wear. You can wear comfortable clothes depending on the temperature, but for the bottom you should wear “tokong” or shorts (if you plan to enter the Pamitinan Cave).


You should use rubber shoes so you could enjoy more walking because it’s rocky place. 
                
                Continuing our walk, we cross bridges and caves. As we draw closer to the Dam, we can hear the the river flowing and when we saw how it flows, I was like “Wow, ang ganda.”
                 During summer, people can swim below the falls where they can sit on the rocks. People there said that the river is clearer during summer days wherein no rain disturbs the water. We moved and continued our walk, not knowing that what we will see next is the calmness of the river on the other side, where people (bikers in particular) love to hang out after mountain biking. Swimming in the river serves as their relaxing moment after a tiring day.

                 From the very spot looking at the calmness of the river, we saw the two mountains separated as it was in the myth. 
                From there,  we saw a different kind of creation by God. We saw the hanging bridge together with the white rocks and the river.
                After this, we move along and went back to the Tourism Office to ask how to go to the “Pamitinan Cave”. Since it was lunch when we asked them for a tourist guide, we are asked to wait until they have taken their lunch. It’s still a worthwhile waiting because we got to hang out in the hanging bridge and saw the fullness of the Wawa Dam. 

                Going back to the Tourism Office and saw the plan they are going to establish for the improvement of the place. They are planning to build a zipline, rapelling, floating restaurant and many more! But what I thought when I realized that they will improve the place is that it’s possible that the beautiful huge white rocks will be lessened to make way for improvements.

                Finally, our two tourist guide arrived and we’re all ready for the Pamitinan Cave! 
                 We brought flashlights and our exciting hearts. Kuya Allan have me borrowed his slippers since I wore sandals that day because it’sd muddy inside the cave. Getting more and more excited, I thought we will cross first the hanging bridge but it’s not because what’s  great in here is that you will have to take the different way and how we will make it to that way. The thing is we have to climb down on rocks, ride the “balsa”, and climb up on rocks going to the cave. WOW!! It’s great if you love ones like these. Climbing down, it’s really advisable to wear rubber shoes because it’s slippery. The rocks that we are just watching lately are the ones that we had stepped on climbing down. After that, we rode the “balsa” made of bamboo. We can actually touch the river as we sat on the balsa. Then after this, the hardest but the most adventurous was climbing up on rocks. It’s really high and tiring that we all sweat. Well, to cut this trial short, we made it to the top and we reached the cave finally! Well, this is it. The Pamitinan Cave which serves as the hiding place of Andres Bonifacio and other Katipuneros. It also served as the base of the Japanese during World War II. Though it’s muddy inside, it’s still great seeing the glittering stalactites colored yellow and violet. I was really amazed. The Cave is a 1km walk and at the end, there’s a water from the river. We went back, did the same clmbing down, riding the “balsa” and climbing up to the land. It was great that all I can say after are “Wow.. astig.. Ang ganda talaga.. Grabe..”.


 

                Every place has it’s own historical part and it has all the inexplicable effect that will amaze every visitors. Just like in Wawa Dam and Pamitinan Cave, an amazing place with it's historical touch and nature wellness!

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Ago 27, 2011

Pamitinan Cave: Where Independence first Echoed Out By: Catherine Ramirez

   Montalban, Rizal , is actually  my hometown, I grew all these years in this small and unpopular place.
I' m not fond of exploring my town, I used to know that there is nothing to explore in this small town until my  high school professor in history had discussed the binding history of Montalban, the Wawa Dam and the most historic of all ; The Pamitinan Cave.



Natives who joined Katipunan
     Pamitinan Cave is where Andres Bonifacio and 8 other Katipuneros made their pilgrimage and covenant for freedom (The First Cry of Independence) during the April Holy Week in 1895, a year before the outbreak of the Philippine Revolution, the first Revolution in Asia.Bonifacio inscribed on the cave wall what could have been the first cry of Philippine Independence. According to the local tourism office, the cave wall still bears the inscription Viva la Independencia Filipinas! 


Gen.Licerio Geronimo and his statue in Plaza Montalban,Rizal
In November, 1896, during the revolution against Spain, General Llanera of the Filipino forces made San Mateo his headquarters. And on August 6, 1898, San Mateo joined the revolutionary government of Gen. Ernilio Aguinaldo. During the Philippine-American War, Gen. Licerio Geronimo's guerilla bands from the foothills of San Mateo and Montalban attacked the American troops in October, 1900. However, the Filipinos were defeated. A curious twist of history occurred when during the fighting, Gen. Lawton-the famous general who captured the elusive        Indian rebel named Geronimo, among his exploits- was also killed by the forces of a Filipino bearing the same name-Gen. Licerlo Geronimo. In the eyes of the Filipino people, Gen. Geronimo became a great man for killing an illustrious American General who distinguished himself during the American Civil War and the American military campaign in Cuba as well as In northern, southern and central Luzonsource.


     
     Realizing the urgent need to protect and preserve its historical significance as well as its recreational,educational and eco-tourism value, then Prof. F. Ramos, upon recommendation of the DENR, set aside, withdraw from sale,settlement and exploitation of whatever nature of forms,of disposition which include the caves. It's surroundings and other cave ecosysytem and valid private rights if there any.


    From then on, among my block section , would you believe that I am the only one who had not yet gone to these historical sites of the town? Yes! It's true. I ashamedly admit.
  And this time I will not pave the chance exploring and discovering my own town.


   It was Sunday ,August 21,2011 at around 2:30 in the afternoon, after exploring around the Wawa Dam, after reaching the watchtower, after walking all through rocky ways and narrow paths, after going through the hanging bridge,without taking our lunch; only bringing with us a 1.5 liter of Sprite; the group then proceed in exploring the Pamitinan Cave.  We are along with two tourism officers ;who'll guide us all through the cave.
The group along with Kuya Alex on the right wearing yellow and Kuya Allan wearing white on the left side.


 Walking along with Kuya Allan, he pointed me out  the cave with the Japanese sign; and when I asked him of what the sign means, he told that they were able to translate it from a Japanese who had gone through the cave which means: " Ang bawat tao ay may Pag-aari". "Siguro kaya ganun dahil may mga ibinaon na kayamanan yung mga Hapon nung panahon pa ng World War II; na ayaw nilang pakialaman ng iba, pero hangngang ngayon di pa natatagpuan" -Kuya Allan.


 A view of the cave with the Japanese sign from the community area .
  


     Furthermore, Kuya Allan pointed me out the peeks of the two mountains where they discovered two machine guns owned by the Japanese and was used in World War II. These were just one of the remains and proofs how historic the place was.Unfortunately, the community of the place make money out of it , was divided into pieces and was totally not preserved.


   Rodriguez' caves were also Japanese strongholds during World War II.Many Japanese died in the three-month long battle in 1945.source. The Japanese forces used the Pamitinan cave and Montalban mountains as a strongholds headquarters during World War II.


 Upon their arrival in the municipality of San Mateo(the next town after Montalban), the Japanese forces recommended the appropriation of school buildings and some big houses and used them as their headquarters. Productive rice lands irrigated by water from the main pipe of the Metropolitan Water District have also been forcibly appropriated and tilled under the direct supervision of the Japanese officials. Livestock and crops were likewise confiscated to supply the food needs of the Japanese military in San Mateo and Montalban (now Rodriguez)source.



    Views heading the Pamitinan Cave
   
 These views shows how dangerous it would be for us to reach the cave, the group is composed of 4 petite girls having our loaded backpacks and our guides would tell us that will be climbing through those boulders of rocks to get through that elevated Pamitinan Cave! whaaaat? with our flip flops slippers only?! haha. but still we proceed and bring our guts and go!. Extra care and relax aura is needed to reach the cave, "one slip is equivalent to one bukol!" I joked to other girls but I'm quite serious about it.

Ways to get to the cave.

      The group is also along with some  little boys from the Wawa community, from which climbing and hiking seems to be easy as they were just playing who'll be the first to reach the cave compared to us ; a first timer and having a rough times in hiking. The way is really dangerous yet adventurous.


  After hiking we thought were done and finally cave will surprise us ahead.. but still the cave lies on the other side of the mountain that we need to ride a "balsa" (made out of bamboos) that will float us along the other side of the mountain.

       It was our first time to ride a "balsa" and we'll make it sure it would not be our last.


     As we reached the other side of the mountain where Pamitinan cave lies. Boulders of white rocks and elevated opening of the cave quite far above for a first timer like us surprised us.


"Hala cathy! wag niyong sabihing aakyatin natin yan? ay nako.." vheng in a sudden surprisingly asked haha...


"huh??? asan ba yung cave?" I asked back.


"tumingin ka kaya sa taas!" -vheng.


when I looked up...

 wow! it's really creepy! ...


Montalban- "White Mountain"
The group then proceed , and hike all along to get through the cave opening. While in the middle of the hiking activity, everything is almost white,, from rocks in scattered in the Wawa lake and rock again scattered on our way through the mountain. Actually, you need not have to question why, because from the name itself Montalban came from the words Monte- meaning mountain, Alban- meaning white. That is why as a Montalbanian,  we used to be called "people of the white mountain". And sometimes also often to be teased "tagabundok" even though, it is a total pride to be a "tagabundok" !  and I am blessed to be one!


     Finally, I estimate , after almost less than 20 minutes, we reach the entrance of the cave... woooh! It's fulfilling! despite many flaws in stepping and hiking at last were in standing in front of the cave. It is also a challenge for us to watch our steps even before entering the cave inside, because the outside platform of the cave is being cemented, so we have to take too little steps.


We finally reached the entrance of the cave


We enter the cave.
     As we enter the cave in,, it is a total darkness. But the feeling seems so strange.. We are really excited! We scream all the time; until some times that we almost disturbed the bats inside! haha.!


Inside the cave.
    
     You'll really get amazed inside the cave, though we had only three flashlights the structures of the cave is clear enough for us to view and recognized the different rock formations. Amazing!!.. Traversing inside the cave is difficult; inside is very muddy and rocky ; at the start of our walk it's quite fine but as we get along and farther we cannot even walk straightly because we are submerged to the clay like paths . From then, to get it more exciting the group decided to just bring our slippers and bare to walk nakedly. Extra care and  sharp observation are necessary inside the cave, you might slip and get wounded to some sharp edges of the rocks inside and might unconsciously be head hit to  some low rock ceilings. 


    Moreover, you'll get fascinated to scattered Japanese gun powders covered with mud found inside the cave. According to Kuya Alex and Kuya Allan, the Japanese used these gun powders during the World War II. These gun powders also are a help to aid the darkness inside, what is just needed is to light it up with an available lighter.


We gathered three kinds of  Japanese Gunpowder used in World War II 
   We pick many of it while walking along the cave, according to Kuya Alex there are three classes of these gun powders inside the cave ; the spherical one,the rectangular one, and the square one. We are fortunate to complete all of those.Its actually a souvenir. Personally, I can't keep myself of being privileged enough to have these souvenirs in my palm, looking forward that maybe some years thereafter these would banish and be made available only in little quantities to some museums or galleries.




   The path is too long, too muddy and rocky... for us to reach the end of the cave where Bonifacio and his troops exactly hide. Add also our hard times in playing tug of war against our slippers plus the mud covering our naked feet (imagine how hard and slippery it was!).


 vheng- cathy! ayoko na! ayoko na talaga...( while proceeding still) 
              labas na tayo.. parang awa niyo na.. ayoko na. !


 me- "hahahahahhaha" (just laughing)
           mamaya na.. onti nlng kapag nakakalahati na tayo..


           kuya allan! malapit na ba tayo sa kalahati nitong kweba?


kuya Allan- wala pa nga tayo sa kalahati ng one fourth eh.( with a smile)


     Due to these complications of continuing, the group then decided to turn back.But for sure will   visit the cave again and reach its end while in geared with headgear and boots. (haha).


Going down while carrying our slippers and feet covered with mud.



      It is really a tiring day at all.. thirsty and hungry we leave the cave and hike all through way down the mountain.. . Going down is more complicated actually, one slip will be too dangerous!
   
Future Beholding Pamitinan Cave




Draft of Plan for Pamitinan and Wawa Gorge.






 According to Kuya Joni delos Santos; tourism officer of Montalban Wawa and Pamitinan. The municipality of Montalban, Rizal is actually planning out for renovations and development of Pamitinan; which will include: Pamitinan zipline, Pamitinan Rock Climbing,Floating Restaurants,Additional recreational sites for families and friends .
   
   At first we get excited learning these possible developments , but in the end the group realize how these renovations would fade the original and natural aura of the place. It might be historic still, but the complete picture of its longevity will no more marks.


  


   At the end of our day, we go home with a smile as we experience a piece of Montalban, Rizal. We are privileged to pass the underground path where Philippine Independence first echoed out. Viva la Independencia! .. I'm proud to be Montalbanian!





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WOW a DAM by Yrwyn Policarpio

This trip for our blog was scheduled and rescheduled soooo! many times. Seems like whenever we plan to go and visit Montalban Rizal, we always have uninvited guests, typhoons to be specific. FINALLY!!! after so many rescheduling, we now had the perfect timing to explore the must see/historical site of the province, their WAWA DAM.


Since I'm not a Montalbanian, I kinda did my homework and read some articles regarding the history of the place and viola! According to what I've read, during April 1895, Andres Bonifacio, together with the other "Kataastaasang Kagalanggalangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan" members had their safe fortress around the area and that they did their ritwals to become Katipuneros in one of the caves, the Pamitinan Cave, which we were able to explore. It is where the Katipuneros first clash with the Spaniards took place and as for the World War II, Wawa Montlaban became a battlefield where forces of the Japanese and the Americans were felt. On the lighter side, a tale of Bernardo Carpio became famous, it is said that he separates the two mountains of Wawa Montalban to free himself, other says he did this to escape from the Spanish soldiers,  well actually there are now many versions of the tale, better read for your self if you're that interested.



Obviously, this trip isn't just about having something to write about, I've been excitedly waiting for this and even if it rained that day, it was a blessing in disguise, everything was worth the wait. This experience made me realize that history doesn't always have to be boring and taking time to feel and live this puzzle piece that fills our history is such an incredible event in one's life.


Words won't be enough to describe such experience that's why i recommend you readers to visit this place, in the meantime, allow me to show you photos that we've taken during our tirp on this WOW a Dam in Montalban, Rizal.



Wow a Dam Slideshow: Scatteredpieces’s trip to Wawa Montalban Rizal (near Marikina), National Capital Region, Philippines was created by TripAdvisor. See another Marikina slideshow. Create a free slideshow with music from your travel photos.
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Future Beholding of Pamitinan Cave by Veronica Trubanos


           The City of Montalban, especially the Department of Tourism has also a plan on what they should do so that one of their tourist spot becomes more famous.

            According to one of the tourism officer of Montalban named Kuya Joini Delos Santos, they outline what will suppose to be the plan for their spots, Paminitan Cave and Wawa Dam. They told us that there government official with them are planning to do a Pamitinan Zipline, Pamitinan Rock Climbing, Floating Restaurants and Additional recreational sites for families and friends.



 Draft of their plan
            It is cool for the tourists if the Pamitinan Zip line will be done because it is easy for us to enter in the Cave, we don’t need any more to climb a mountain just to get there.
            Also, they told us that maybe 3 years this project will come out, but in the end the group realize that there renovation would fade the original view but still be historical. And also, we think that it would be possible that this project will be developed.
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Ago 10, 2011

A Walk in Manila by Catherine Ramirez


 A piece of Binondo
       It was a cloudy day and storm 'Kabayan' finally is out of the country, it is such a nice timing for the group's itchy feet to have walks and tour a part of Manila which we always used to pass yet we are'nt aware how much these sites and places made up History in longevity. Manila, perhaps would not be complete without Binondo and Quiapo.
Binondo Church- A shot from across


           Binondo, known as the Chinatown in Manila. It was also known as the commercial center during the American occupation where relative business establishments existed and even up to now marks some old buildings for commercialization.
         Under the creation of Spanish Governor Luis Perez Dasmarinas on 1584, Binondo was created for the main purpose as for the settlement of the Chinese Immigrants known then as sangleys and with a strong intention to convert them to Catholicsm or if they refused then death will be the punishment.
         Binondo tour would not be complete without a drop in Binondo Church. Formally known as Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Parish or the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of San Lorenzo Ruiz, was constructed in 1596, founded by Dominican Friars. Although repeatedly damaged from earthquakes (1645,1863,1880), typhoons and war the often rebuilt Binondo church still reflects its historic Spanish and European Baroque style and retains many elements of its original characters. The octagonal bell tower found in the above picture, however, is the only significant remaining part of the original structure.
          Another interesting historical stories was about St Lorenzo Ruiz (1660-1637) was the son of a Chinese Father and Filipina mother; both were Catholic. He initially served as notary and clerk for the confraternity of the Holy Rosary. Falsely accused murdering a Spaniard, in 1636 he took refuge on a ship, he was arrested, tortured and killed ( he died Sept. 19 ,1637, in Nagasaki) without renouncing his faith.
            Binondo because of it's grandeur structures served as an ideal marriage venue, but among those who married at the church, I bet, people were unaware that Andres Bonifacio "The Father of Revolution" married Gregoria de Jesus in the same church year 1895. That is why the group is really that fascinated when we stood in front of the altar , imagining as if we were back at the time when Andres Bonifacio and Gregoria de Jesus were taking their vows.


 Hotel de Oriente


     Across Binondo Church is Plaza Calderon de la Baca which was one of the most impressive open spaces in old Manila. From the first glance, you will actually get fascinated to the structure and ambiance of the place.It was named as Plaza de Binondo, then Plaza Carlos IV, before it was named after the Spanish playwright, and later as Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz, whose statue dramatically stand on the plaza.T he Chinese called it Hue Heng Khao or at the foot of the garden because the plaza was lived with plants and trees with Baroque Fountains at either ends. The Binondo Church, Hotel de Oriente, and La  Insular Cigar Factory were the plaza's principal landmarks before WWII.
TRIVIA: It is believed that Hotel de Oriente in Binondo, Manila was the first hotel built in the Philippines. The hotel was a two story building with 83 rooms fronting the Plaza de Carlos III. It was a first class hotel constructed in the 1850's just beside the famous landmark, La Insular Cigarette and Liga Factory. The national hero-  Dr. Jose Rizal- reportedly stayed at room 22 of that hotel. It was among the crown jewels of the old Binondo.


  It was just unfortunately ,both Hotel del Oriente and La Insular were burned down during the Japanese occupation.  The metro bank now, occupies the former site of the two buildings.
    Actually we had a shots of the site,but we missed to focus it on the picture of the bank and to capture closer the fountain, because we are not yet aware how much these sites matters in History way back, oh! how much we missed to capture another historical marks in Manila. The fountain in the picture is still the same old fountain, imagine? . The local municipality and in behalf of the Church and the residents are unified to preserve the fountain, from the structures , designs and and its artistic curves.
you can check this link for more information: source of pics


Santo Cristo de longos- Chinese devotes praying and burning incense
Santo Cristo de Longos
     Walking along Binondo , the group will not actually miss touring around the famous Chinatown. Just on the corner of Ongpin and San Nicholas streets is a shrine wall of a building called Santo Cristo de Longos where across is adorned by garlands of sampaguita and a jar of incense sticks burned by devotes and curious passersby like us. That is the first time I smell a  scent of incense, but not bad I love how it appeals to my nasal sense. And for an experience my friend had try and follow what the Chinese devotes were doing with the incense; the rest of the group is not just sure if he is praying or simply posing for a picture. According to stories, the site was a former well, and there was deaf- mute Chinese whose speech was restored after finding an image of a crucified Christ on the shrine's very spot.


Ongpin
Don Roman Ongpin Statue
     Perhaps one of the famous street in Binondo is Ongpin. When we asked some of the people roaming around the street ; who was Ongpin.. some would just answer us with smiles nor would direct us into his statue erected on the side of the Binondo. Ongpin is simply a sympathetic Chinese businessman to our Filipino Revolutionaries. Don roman Ongpin, who used to be the local government's "Teniente de Mestizos de Binondo". Due to his artistic endeavors he supported the Filipino revolt against Spanish colonization by funding the foods, rifles, ammunition and supplies for the movement. Even during the American occupation, due to his solid support to the Filipinos , he continued to support as well the revolt and was imprisoned from December 6, 1900 to March 1901.  


Escolta


Old pictures of Escolta- shots from  tarpaulins around Natividad Building


TRIVIA:  Escolta. one of the busy and known commercial street of Binondo. The first modern building in the Philippines is considered to be the Crystal Arcade in Escolta, completed in 1932.
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Globe Lumpia House by Veronica Trubanos

Our walks and tour in Manila would not be complete of course without exploring foods!. Our aching legs and feet were rest down when we finally found canteen or small eatery; where Fresh Lumpia is the especialty.
Through our walk around the Quiapo Church, beside the overpass,from the busy street of Gonzalo Puyat or commonly known Raon; we found a small stall offering their fresh lumpia. When we entered at the lumpia house, the smell of it makes our tummy feel really hungry. Alas! the food was served, of course we didn't miss the chance to taste their special fresh lumpia. After some chit-chat with my friends, after enjoying the food and after being friendly with the canteen's crew, we found out the secret behind their unkabogable fresh lumpia. We  also had the chance to observe clearly on how the Lumpia was made and prepared, ingredients consists of crashed peanuts, sugar, green leafy vegetables which seems to be baguio petchay if were right and other seasoned veggies. Globe Lumpia House's fresh lumpia costs Php. 16 with its unlimited secret sauce.Cheap but it sure will make you crave for more :)


While inside the eatery. you'll actually noticed their wallpost saying " NO BRANCH"..seems so curious about the post we asked one male server in the eatery if having branches is not an option in behalf of the eatery.. and then he simply smiled and said " syempre only in quiapo kame!.. the best talaga!".

Trivia: Globe Lumpia only in Quiapo is now on its 47th year with its single menu, fresh lumpia, still kicking. Wednesday and Friday is their busiest day and this Globe Lumpia House was actually featured by many personalities such as : Charlene Muhlach, and Susan Enriquez.




Trivia: There are many fruit stands at the 0ngpin and we see this fruit called CHERRY. Its special because 1 cherry cost P. 20.00 and 1 kilo is P 700.00. Too expensive for a small fruit like that, hope its worth the price :)

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Manila Churches: Then and Now by Yrwyn Policarpio

It'll be nice if we will be able to look at the pictures of these historical churches around Manila. Changes were made but still the story of its existence remains.


Since the construction of Binondo Church on 1596, the church had experienced great damages during the second world war, not to mention the typhoons and earthquakes that it gone through.
This is the picture of  Binondo Church after the 1863 earthquake.

The Binondo Chruch at present, more than one hundred years later.
After lots of renovations and constructions, the church was able to maintain the original structure of the octagonal bell tower. 










Old Quiapo Church, before it got burned down, rebuilt, and renovated to its present architecture.




Quiapo Church at present, having some renovations.
National artist Juan Nakpil, who also made several notable buildings in Manila, designed the plan for the new church structure.
 source




Old Sta. Cruz Church built in 1608 by the Society of Jesus, better known as Jesuits.




Sta. Cruz Church now, completed in 1957.



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