On the day of my Birthday 6th of September 2015, I was blessed to attend Holy Sunday Mass at this century old Malate church with my Ate's and Kuya.
Malate Church (formally known as Our Lady of Remedies Parish Church) is a church in Manila, Philippines. It is a Baroque-style church fronted by Plaza Rajah Sulayman and, ultimately, Manila Bay. The church is dedicated to Nuestra Señora de los Remedios ("Our Lady of Remedies"), the patroness of childbirth. A revered statue of the Virgin Mary in her role as Our Lady of Remedies was brought from Spain in 1624 and stands at the altar.
Malate used to be known as Maalat due to the saline waters of the bay; and as Laguio or Lagunoi, the name of the street which separated it from Ermita. it is located by Manila Bay, very close to the sea. One main street crosses it at the center; it is wide and beautiful and leads up to Cavite. The numerous trees make this road a pleasant walk. It lies just three kilometers from the center of Manila.
Malate used to be known as Maalat due to the saline waters of the bay; and as Laguio or Lagunoi, the name of the street which separated it from Ermita. it is located by Manila Bay, very close to the sea. One main street crosses it at the center; it is wide and beautiful and leads up to Cavite. The numerous trees make this road a pleasant walk. It lies just three kilometers from the center of Manila.
 |
| The Altar at the chancel |
Inside is an image of Our Lady of Remedies or Nuestra Señora de los Remedios enshrined on the main altar. It came from Spain and was brought here by the Augustinian Fathers who were the early administrators of the church in the 16th century. This image is known to serve towards the mothers with sick children. Today, the mothers manifest their devotion by lighting special candles and pouring forth their private petitions.
 |
| The Nave and and the gathering of faithful. |
Baroque Interior of Malate Church. The Augustinian Chapter held on 18 September 1581 accepted the house of Maalat as a house of the Order under the name of Lagunoi and the ad-vocation of the Conception of Our Lady (Immaculate Conception).
 |
| Right side of the Transept facing the Altar. |
 |
| Left sife of the transept facing the Altar. |
 |
| I love looking at the century heavy wood carvings on the altar and the cathedra on Chancel. |
Their antique chandeliers truly blends well with stained glass windows.
A geometric pattern on their flooring and the holy water bowl which is made of white marble.
 |
| Plaza Rajah Sulayman, also known as Rajah Sulayman Park. |
 |
| It is bounded by Roxas Boulevard to the west, San Andrés Street to the south and Remedios Street to the north. The plaza is considered the center of Malate as it fronts the Malate Church, the main church of the district. |
 |
| The square is named after Rajah Sulayman, the late 16th-century sovereign of the Kingdom of Maynila, who died in the Battle of Bangkusay Channel while resisting invading Spanish troops led by Miguel López de Legazpi. |
 |
| The Malate Church exterior is now under renovation (Picture taken on the 6th of September 2015) |
The Malate Church near Roxas Boulevard is only one of the two that has a twisted column and has in effect a retablo type facade, the other being the Franciscan church in Daraga.
The Malate Church was considered to be a dangerous stronghold if captured by outside forces. Stone churches outside Intramuros can be a convenient cover for the enemy. When the British came in 1762 they operated from the church’s tower and Manila was subsequently sacked.
Architecture and Furnishings
