Minor Basilica of St. Lorenzo Ruiz

Quentin Paredes Street
Manila, Philippines

Binondo Church makes for an unusual example of early Catholic architecture, with its octagonal bell tower and mishmash of sections restored in later periods. Built in 1596, it is one of the oldest churches in the Philippines, and has weathered all kinds of damage, both natural and otherwise. These days, its upkeep is largely funded by wealthy Chinese businesspeople who live nearby. A vivid, blood-spattered statue of Jesus is the highlight inside and banners exhorting visitors to "Support the Seminarians!" hang everywhere The atmospheric streets around the church boast some intriguing wooden houses that survived the destruction of World War II, retaining their mother of pearl windows and tiled signs.

Santa Cruz, Manila, Philippines

The second oldest cemetery in Manila, this unique and very large attraction grew out of a small space where Chinese Filipinos could be buried, considering they were denied entry to Catholic cemeteries by the Spanish colonial authorities. The wealthier mausoleums feature all the modern conveniences, including air-conditioning, gold plating and high-end furniture-a bizarre sight that every visitor to Manila should see. Chong Hock Tong Temple here typifies Fujian pagoda style with colorful friezes and upward-pointing eaves. The striking six-storey Ruby Tower Hall commemorates all those Filipino Chinese who died in the 1968 earthquake. The roomy Martyrs' Hall is a tribute to the men and women executed by the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II.

2000 M.H. Del Pilar Street
Malate, Manila 1004, Philippines

Malate Catholic Church is an unique Muslim-baroque style church and one of the oldest churches situated outside of Intramuros. The church was probably built in the 16th century, and the original images housed in the church were shipped from Spain in 1624. The church's two main features are the consecration of the basilica to Nuestra Señora de Remedios (Our Lady of Remedies) and the statue of the Virgin Mary dominating the altar.

Corner of Remedios and M. H. del Pilar Streets
Malate, Manila 1004, Philippines

The Malate Church is an unique Muslim-baroque style church and one of the oldest churches situated outside of Intramuros. The church was probably built in the 16th century, and the original images housed in the church were shipped from Spain in 1624. The church's two main features are the consecration of the basilica to Nuestra Senora de Remedios (Our Lady of Remedies) and statue of the Virgin Mary dominating the altar.

Fort Bonifacio
Taguig City, Manila, Philippines

The Manila American Cemetery and Memorial is situated in an area covering 62 hectares (152 acres). The cemetery is the Pacific's largest memorial and holds 17,201 graves that include US, Philippine, and Allied soldiers killed during World War II. The marble headstones are arranged in eleven plots to form a circular design and are set beautifully amidst tropical trees and shrubs. The tall stone chapel is adorned with mosaic and lies near the center. Two big hemicycles with rooms occupy the front of the chapel and house 25 huge mosaic maps depicting the achievements of the US Armed Forces and the inscriptions of missing US personnel carved on Trani (fine-grained, beige) limestone platforms.

Cabildo cor. Beaterio, Intramuros
Manila 1002, Philippines

Manila Cathedral, the seat of the Archdiocese of Manila, was elevated to the position of Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in 1981. Consecrated in 1958, the cathedral was built on the site of the previous cathedral, which was destroyed by bombing in 1945. The exterior of the cathedral is dominated by travertine stone statues of famous saints, a rose-glass window, and the eight bronze panels of the main portal. The interiors consist of eight chapels and two bronze angels, the main altar, Episcopal Throne, a pulpit, crypt, and the choir loft. The main features are the naranja cupola (half-orange dome) and 134 stained glass windows.

Quezon Boulevard, Plaza Miranda
Quiapo, Manila, Philippines

The Quiapo Church (also referred to as the Church of the Black Nazarene) was originally established in 1586 and is one of Manila’s most popular churches. The church was painted its current cream color after a fire in 1928. The church is well known for the Black Nazarene, a life-sized statue that dominates the church. The church is crowded every Friday as devotees flock to offer prayers by lighting candles in front of the statue. The main feast of the church, the Feast of the Black Nazarene, is celebrated on January 9. On Good Friday, believers carry the statue through the city streets in a huge procession.

General Luna Street, Intramuros
Manila 1002, Philippines

San Agustin Church, built between 1587 and 1606, is one of the Philippines' oldest churches and one of only four Baroque churches in the country. Located in Intramuros (the walled city), the present church is the first European stone church built using a Spanish architectural style. Visitors who go through the beautifully carved entrance door can admire the 19th-century chandeliers, a magnificent pulpit, 14 side chapels, an 1800s pipe organ, and a trompe-l'oeil ceiling. The choir loft has hand-carved 17th-century seats made of molave wood. The church also houses underground tombs of the Spanish conquerors. A small museum lies next to the church and exhibits church artifacts.

Basilica Minore de San Sebastian

Pasaje del Carmen Street
Quiapo, Metro Manila 1000 Philippines

Basilica Minore de San Sebastian is a fine instance of revivalist Gothic architecture and is Asia's only all-steel church. It is situated in Quiapo district in the lot donated by Don Bernardino Castillo, a benevolent patron and a famous devotee of San Sebastian. The church became a minor basilica in 1890, and it was inaugurated and dedicated in 1891. The interior of the basilica exhibits groined vaults and steel columns, and the walls and ceilings were colored to give it an appearance of marble and jasper. The confessionals, pulpit, and, altars are all designed in a neo-Gothic style, and trompe l'oeil paintings adorn the interior walls.