The Roman Catholic Parish of Santiago Apostol, Paete, Laguna — Attraction in Paete

Visiting Santiago Apostol Parish in Paete felt like stepping into a fear-tinged museum of faith—there’s this unsettling painting of where unbaptized babies are believed to go, and another shows a giant holding a Santo Niño—enough to make you question how baptism once leaned more toward manipulation than salvation. Still, the place is packed with devotion: locals and tourists fill the pews, and unlike some smaller chapels, parking’s a breeze—plenty of car and bike space. Historically, this Baroque-mission church dates back to 1580, rebuilt several times because earthquakes—1717, 1880, 1937—leveled it, yet its adobe, egg-white mortar walls and massive buttresses stand firm today. Inside are treasured murals like the “Last Judgment” (circa 1720) and vivid wood panels by native artist José Luciano Dans—‘Heaven, Earth, and Hell’ and twin Saint Christophers—now declared National Cultural Treasures. Oh, and yes, it was once used as a dungeon during WWII. Creepy, yes—but powerful. Totally...

The first stone church and convent in Paete were built in 1646 but were destroyed by the earthquake in 1717. Another church was built in 1840 but was destroyed by an earthquake in 1880. in 1884 the church was rebuilt but was destroyed again in 1937 by an earthquake. The church served as a dungeon and torture house for the people of Paete during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines in World War II. Its patron saint is Saint James the Apostle and his feast is celebrated every 25 July. The church is known for its huge and exquisite collection of images depicting the Passion of Christ, its century-old paintings and wooden...

So I passed by this quaint and lovely town of Paete, Laguna and spent a night just to see how locals spend their day around here. I've always known Paete as a town known for its generations of skilled artisans and their woodcarvings. I've known this since when I was in grade school because it's taught in our books. And I have started young in my interest in history and culture. So it's a nice feeling to be able to finally walk around this famous town.

I came across this beautiful vintage church that's very picturesque! Paete gives off that remote Latin town that's full of art and history. Would love to come...