Taal Basilica, Batangas + Mass Schedule. Photo by Junsierra
Contents
I have always been fascinated by visiting historical places, either local or abroad. I have the habit of tracing back history and visiting sites that holds unique characteristics or features. In the Philippines, one of which is the Taal Basilica. With its proximity to Metro Manila (about a couple of hours away), this church is indeed a place to visit.
Taal Basilica, Batangas + Mass Schedule. Photo by Lragasa
The Taal Basilica or also known as the Minor Basilica of Saint Martin of Tours is located at Taal, Batangas and is supervised by the Archdiocese of Lipa. It is dedicated to St. Martin of Tours, who also happens to be the patron saint of the place. It was built back in 1575 under the supervision of Father Diego Espinar (O.S.A). Continuous building and strengthening of the church took place in 1624, 1754, and 1777. Earthquakes and other catastrophic calamities hit the church. Though a part of it was damaged, people were able to rebuild it. In 1974, the Taal Basilica was declared as a National Shrine under the Presidential Decree No. 375. For the past four years, a series of earthquakes significantly damaged the church and the bell tower. But with the work dedicated to restoring it into its original structure, continuous renovation and retrofitting are already taking place.
Taal Basilica, Batangas + Mass Schedule
Architecture
The altar of the church is inspired by Doric architecture, and it is about 79 feet high and 33 feet wide. The overall structure of the church was made up of solid adobe and coral stones while the tiles were imported from Europe. The vast area of the church makes it look majestic, especially with the overall elegance of the combined ionic and Doric architecture. Outside the church, there is a small tower that contains a large bell at the top.
Taal Basilica, Batangas + Mass Schedule. Photo by Eric Jam
Interior
The combined white and peach color of the church inside makes it look lighter and brighter. Contrary to other ancient churches, the Taal Basilica does not trigger any scary or weird vibes. It is, in fact, very light and chills in general. The intricate way of painting the wall inside gives a three-dimensional feature, leading to different patterns. The altar area has numerous images of angels and saints. Thus, the light coming from the churches’ dome is also another spot to look forward to.
Fiesta
November 11 of every year serves as the feast celebration of the town and the church. Just like other festivities in the country, except that there would be numerous activities prepared by the church and for the local government unit. These activities aim to give you the utmost entertainment and satisfaction.
Taal Basilica, Batangas + Mass Schedule. Photo by Ramiltibayan
Trivia
The Taal Basilica is hailed as the largest church in the entire country and Asia as a whole. Yes! This church indeed is a titleholder. It is standing in 291 feet long, and it covers 157 feet wide. With such a vast area, visiting this church is an ideal thing to do among pilgrims and tourists alike.
Are you now thrilled to get a glimpse of the largest church in Asia? Come here and visit the Taal Basilica.
Taal Basilica, Batangas + Mass Schedule. Photo by Junsierra
I have always been fascinated by visiting historical places, either local or abroad. I have the habit of tracing back history and visiting sites that holds unique characteristics or features. In the Philippines, one of which is the Taal Basilica. With its proximity to Metro Manila (about a couple of hours away), this church is indeed a place to visit.
Taal Basilica, Batangas + Mass Schedule. Photo by Lragasa
The Taal Basilica or also known as the Minor Basilica of Saint Martin of Tours is located at Taal, Batangas and is supervised by the Archdiocese of Lipa. It is dedicated to St. Martin of Tours, who also happens to be the patron saint of the place. It was built back in 1575 under the supervision of Father Diego Espinar (O.S.A). Continuous building and strengthening of the church took place in 1624, 1754, and 1777. Earthquakes and other catastrophic calamities hit the church. Though a part of it was damaged, people were able to rebuild it. In 1974, the Taal Basilica was declared as a National Shrine under the Presidential Decree No. 375. For the past four years, a series of earthquakes significantly damaged the church and the bell tower. But with the work dedicated to restoring it into its original structure, continuous renovation and retrofitting are already taking place.
Taal Basilica, Batangas + Mass Schedule
Architecture
The altar of the church is inspired by Doric architecture, and it is about 79 feet high and 33 feet wide. The overall structure of the church was made up of solid adobe and coral stones while the tiles were imported from Europe. The vast area of the church makes it look majestic, especially with the overall elegance of the combined ionic and Doric architecture. Outside the church, there is a small tower that contains a large bell at the top.
Taal Basilica, Batangas + Mass Schedule. Photo by Eric Jam
Interior
The combined white and peach color of the church inside makes it look lighter and brighter. Contrary to other ancient churches, the Taal Basilica does not trigger any scary or weird vibes. It is, in fact, very light and chills in general. The intricate way of painting the wall inside gives a three-dimensional feature, leading to different patterns. The altar area has numerous images of angels and saints. Thus, the light coming from the churches’ dome is also another spot to look forward to.
Fiesta
November 11 of every year serves as the feast celebration of the town and the church. Just like other festivities in the country, except that there would be numerous activities prepared by the church and for the local government unit. These activities aim to give you the utmost entertainment and satisfaction.
Taal Basilica, Batangas + Mass Schedule. Photo by Ramiltibayan
Trivia
The Taal Basilica is hailed as the largest church in the entire country and Asia as a whole. Yes! This church indeed is a titleholder. It is standing in 291 feet long, and it covers 157 feet wide. With such a vast area, visiting this church is an ideal thing to do among pilgrims and tourists alike.
Are you now thrilled to get a glimpse of the largest church in Asia? Come here and visit the Taal Basilica.
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With the diverse spread of religion here in the Philippines, employers should not force their employees to follow other religions beliefs just because the company said to do so. The company should also respect other peoples religion ang their beliefs and disregard the thought of having the majority of catholics and not force others of other religion just for the sake of the company.
No, because every people have different perspective in life so they choose what most fit for them every person has belief and faith in life that they follow from the day they are born until now. For me being in other religion doesn't affect the work in company it is from the performance of the employee if they are capable in that work.
Virgel S. Gabud
In my opinion, I disagree to the idea that the catholic institution should force their employees to be baptized as catholic because everyone has the right to choose what they believe is right. As a catholic person myself I respect all people no matter what religion they are. Everyone should embrace diversity and understand one another because in that way we can find peace and harmony.
Gisnil S. Giltendez BSIT 3-F3
No, they should not force their employees to be baptized as Catholic unlike other religions that force you to enter or go to their church and they will say that those who believe will listen to them, but that they will be persuaded once and force them to convert you to their religion. Because they have their own rights and beliefs as an individual as well. They should respect their employees for what they believe or should not be compared what they belief and what's your beliefs that should be treated fairly despite in their religion beliefs and practices. Even if others believe differently in their religions we know that being unity and build an inclusive environment as work together as a team in short one for all, we are all for one and grant time off to employees for religious reasons and have open throughout your relationship like friendship, generous, acceptance, compromise and appreciation. To show them good manners because we know that in the eyes of God we are all equal.
Jan Marie D. Uy BSIT 3F3
In my opinion, no one should be forced to be baptized whatever religion there may be. I believe a person should have their own set of beliefs and this should be inclined with our topic DIVERSITY. For instance I'm an employer I would hire employees whether they are baptized with any religion or not because it's their choice. And hiring non-catholic personnel could also contribute things on my institution that other catholic baptized could not. That's where DIVERSITY comes it's always good to be with someone with different culture traditions or beliefs so that exchanging of ideas or knowledge wouldn't be repeated over and over again.
MARIA ENNAH G. ZAMORA
BSIT 3F3
I believe it is not appropriate to force someone in things that they don't want to. So it is a no for me, we all have our freedom to choose what we want and neglect we don't want. Forcing the employees to baptized in catholic is I can consider as discrimination to the rights and choices of an individual. As long as they can do their jobs and they are qualified to that position regarding of what religion they belong, they should not be force to baptized in catholic religion. We should learn how to respect each other's choices. To relate with diversity, it is really important to learn diversity so that we are all aware of our differences with each individuals specifically in terms of religion.
Baptism is seen as the sacrament of initiation into the faith and bestows sanctifying grace on the one who receives it. Infant baptism is the most prevalent type of christian baptizing, although anyone who is not baptized and wants to become a Christian must also get the sacrament. A person may only be baptized once in their lifetime, yet the Catholic Church accepts as legitimate baptisms performed by the majority of other Christian groups. A new self is claimed to emerge after the old self is said to have died in the waves, simulating Christ's death and resurrection. Given that the sacrament is believed to be necessary for salvation, anyone including those who have never been baptizedncan perform baptisms when necessary.
Definitely not. As a Catholic person, you have no right to force your employee to be baptized as a Catholic. Even though you're a diverse person, having different kinds of beliefs or practices in life, we can still get along and, according to our last discussion last time about diversity, we should value our differences, accepting who we are according to our differences of ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, color, disabilities, and national religion.
BANTILLO, SHARMAINE BSIT 3F3
The freedom to choose a religion is one of the many rights that each of us has. I believe that no Religious institution should force thier employees to get baptized in the religion they belong to. We should respect everyone’s choice of religion just like how we respect our own religion. I believe that with diverse religions we can gain each other’s respect. With diverse religions, we can learn from each other’s cultures, traditions, and beliefs without giving up our own traditions.
Villarosa, Kristel Joy R.
BSIT 3f3
In my opinion, catholic institution should not force their employees to be baptized as catholic because we don't need to force someone to be the same with us. We must appreciate everyone's choice because we have our own perspective. Having a difference religion is not a hindrance to have a respect to each and everyone. The employees have the right to make decisions and we must respect them and not impose our will on them.
Mena M. Alolod