Malolos City—Century-old churches like the historic Barasoain Church here have stood as silent witnesses to the country’s colorful history and rich cultural heritage. As cultural treasures of the nation, these colonial structures have served as sanctuaries, landmarks, and popular destinations for tourists.
In partnership with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the Filipino Heritage Festival Inc., the SM Malls in San Jose Del Monte, Marilao, and Baliwag celebrate National Heritage Month with an unique exhibition of Philippine colonial churches from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
Dubbed “Up Front: Encountering the Sacred,” the exhibit consists of photos by members of photobugs from FUNtastic Philippines. The vast collection aims to promote Philippine heritage through featured photographs of churches that has been officially declared as either a National Cultural Treasure, a National Historical Landmark, an Important Cultural Property, or a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The exhibit at the SM City San Jose Del Monte ran until May 26. Exhibitions in other SM Malls are slated today until May 31 at SM City Marilao and June 3 to 7 at SM City Baliwag.
Mallgoers will have the rare opportunity to see the architectural legacy of Filipino craftsmen across the regions through the range of intricate architectural designs and styles of colonial churches.
The exhibit will also encourage viewers not only to appreciate the form and ornamentation of these structure, but also the history that shaped our nation and makes us proud Filipinos.
“Each church has a unique story. By understanding its significance, we gain better insights of the nation’s diverse and multifaceted identity,” Mall Manager Jose Mari Emmanuel Correa of SM City San Jose Del Monte said.
Aside from Bulacan’s Barasoain Church and Malolos Cathedral, the exhibit features equally popular churches like the Basilica Menor de Sto. Niño de Cebu and Daraga in Albay; the San Agustin Church in Intramuros, Manila; Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion Church in Ilocos Sur; Paoay Church in Ilocos Norte; and Miag-ao Church in Iloilo.
“We hope the exhibit will serve as a platform for viewers to ponder, contemplate and preserve the country’s rich cultural heritage for the next generations to come,” said SM City Marilao Mall Manager Emmanuel Gatmaitan.