This Flashback Friday, I am going to write about one of my out-of-town-trips-taken-on-a-whim with my friend John. We drove to Laguna to visit two specific places — Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery and Liliw Church. Along the way, we stopped at a restaurant that served exotic dishes with wild boar, snakes and crocodiles, doubted ourselves when we found ourselves in the middle of a long and winding road with thick trees on either side with only a map as our guide, and I almost did not go inside Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery.
Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery
Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery, the only underground cemetery in the Philippines, is a National Historical Landmark. It was built in 1845 under the guidance of Franciscan priest, Fr. Vicente Velloc. In its one hectare area stood 276 niches, with the common people occupying the 240 niches above ground and the remaining 36 niches underground reserved for the friars, devout Catholics and local elite.
The baroque cemetery did not only serve its purpose for those who can no longer speak, it also helped the living at that time. Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery was a meeting place and hideout of the Filipino revolutionary leaders and guerillas during the the struggle for Philippine independence against Spain, the Philippine-American War and World War II.
Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery in Nagcarlan, Laguna. The only underground cemetery in the Philippines is now a National Historical Landmark and a museum.
The underground crypt located below the chapel of Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery. The underground crypt is cool and spacious enough to hold 36 niches.
Liliw Church
Liliw Church or Saint John the Baptist Church is one of the most beautiful red brick edifices I have seen. I grew up attending mass in another red-bricked façade church in Iloilo, and red bricks and old churches have always fascinated me. So I digress. The current Liliw Church was built in 1643 and was completed three years later.
Liliw Church in Laguna. Right above the main door is a white sculpted image of the Baptism of Jesus Christ by St. John the Baptist.
Along the Way
Father and son preparing the buko (coconut) for buko pie, one of the most popular pasalubong from Laguna.
The “men” and “women” bathroom signs at the restaurant where we had lunch. Laguna is known for its wood carving, and these two are not the best examples of it but they will do.
Photos on this entry are by John.
I was born in Laguna and Nagcarlan is just 30 - 45 mins away from our town. Funny thing , is that the underground cemetery is near to me and I haven’t been able to go there. The jeepney that I rode just passes by .. the only thing that I need to do is shout ‘PARA” (STOP) … 😉 I went to Nagcarlan whenever there is fiesta because most of my college classmates live there.. Were you able to buy sandals in Liliw? Liliw is like Marikina .. a lot of shoe & sandal store.. You should go to Pagsanjan Falls too.. Just eat, swim, and camera pose.. What a life 😉
Next time you are in Nagcarlan, visit the underground cemetery. It is worth the short ride from the town center.
Yes, I bought six pairs of shoes in Liliw. I have one pair left and I actively use it. The shoes are cute, comfortable and stylish enough for my needs.
I have not been to Pagsanjan Falls, I will keep what you said in mind. Thank you.
Interesting artistry…
Yes, Pats. Nice no? Let us visit the church next time.