San Agustin Church in Paoay, Ilocos Norte

The historical San Agustin Church in Paoay is located south of Ilocos Norte and about 30 minutes ride from Laoag City. We took a Laoag-Batac jeepney and told the driver that we want to visit San Agustin church; he dropped us off at the rear part of the complex.

The church is named in honor of the great Saint Augustine (A.D. 354 – 430), considered as one of the most important and influential Christian theologians of his time. If you are a travel enthusiast, I’m sure you’re familiar with the saint’s famous quote, “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.” For one who loves to travel and explore new places, this is an old adage that I know by heart.

A glass art of Saint Augustine greets church goers at the main entrance

The heat of the mid-noon sun didn’t stop us from enjoying our time at the church grounds, admiring and taking photos of the centuries-old structure, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The old and massive yet beautiful church facade depicts Earthquake Baroque architecture, derived from European Baroque architectural style but structurally adapted to our country’s seismic condition.

The imposing facade of the San Agustin Church

My travel buddy, happily posing at the side of the church

By the church main door, a marker is inscribed with brief information about its history:

Philippines Historical Committee 1950

Church of Paoay

Parish founded by Augustinian Missionaries, 1593. Cornerstone of church laid, 1704; of convent, 1707; of tower, 1793. Used before completion and kept in repair by the people under the joint auspices of the Church and the town officials. Inauguration ceremonies, 28 February 1896. Church damaged by earthquake, 1706 and 1927. Tower used as observation post by Katipuneros during the Revolution, by Guerrilleros during the Japanese Occupation.

We took a respite from the heat of the afternoon sun and went inside the church. Thankfully, we were greeted with silence as there were no tourists and other visitors that time.

The simple and no-frills church interior

A closer view of the church altar (top) and the pulpit (bottom left). At the bottom right is the statue of St. Roque.

According to the caretaker of the church who entertained us, the water stored in the jars below the statue of St. Roque is said to be miraculous. They got it from water dripping by the side of the column, the source considered to be a mystery as water never stops flowing even during dry season.

We also made some friends during our visit, which made it even more memorable. It turned out two of them also boarded the same Cebu Pacific flight from Manila to Laoag. 🙂

Thanks to one of our new friends who took this pic of me and my mom

Related posts

Discovering Ilocos Norte & Ilocos Sur: Day 2 – Paoay
Discovering Ilocos Norte & Ilocos Sur: Day 1 – Laoag City
Discovering Ilocos Norte & Ilocos Sur: Trip Preparation