Liliw and Nagcarlan Church

As the popular tradition goes, one can make a wish when it’s your first time going to a church. In our trip, we were able to make two, that is, for Liliw Church and Nagcarlan Church.

Past the shoes lane, and upper still the path, we arrived at the red-bricked church of Liliw Laguna. Behind its gates, we were greeted by a relaxing big open space and a view of the mountains seen from the right of the church. At the front entrance lined statues of the saints, and of course, at the center was Jesus, gestured as though welcoming all the churchgoers. At the left of the church there were footprints leading to the grotto of Mother Mary. The feel of the place was very fresh; it was unlike other churches that are too populated by the vendors outside. The church itself was inviting in all its antiquity and history.

Inside was even more beautiful. The altar at the center housed 13 images, one of which was the image of Jesus. Highlighting the church’s centuries-old history was the pulpito which was located at the right side. This is something that cannot be seen on modern churches, and for me, it is a fascinating display of the Spanish influence in church design. Typically, there were the stained glass windows which show bright religious scenes and images.

And of course, one can wish/pray by lighting candles—red for strength, white for holiness, etc. This tirikan is located at the left side of the church. Beside it, there is a small and quiet prayer room where people can say their prayers before lighting a candle.

The other church that we visited was the Nagcarlan Church. Built in 1752, it was uniquely made with bricks and stone. This church was even used as a major setting for a famous local TV series. Its interior looked simpler compared to Liliw Church, but all the same quiet and solemn. Outside the church lined a couple of vendors selling pasalubong like espasol, uraro cookies, puto seko, and barquillos.