When I still lived in the Philippines, every Good Friday, my family and I used to visit different churches around Batangas, and the Taal Basilica, or Basilica de San Martin de Tours, was always my favorite. I loved the old facade, the stairs leading up to the church, and how simple it was even in its grandness. So different from the usual opulence one sees. These days, whenever I visit the country, I try to visit Taal Basilica. Last December, we attended a wedding held there. I was so excited because I heard the church was newly restored.

I love the combination of blue and gold.

I wonder how many people had their pictures taken at this spot!

Okay, the Taal Cultural Center nearby isn’t really part of the church, but I loved the steps and the casual red carpet.

I was easily distracted by the ceiling (or is it a dome?). The light coming in was so beautiful, I couldn’t really capture it with the camera. I was so mesmerized that I didn’t take that many photos inside the church. I just wanted to look at it.

Mary among bricks. I didn’t see any sign nearby, but there must be an interesting story to this.