It has been my dream to visit
significant places in the Philippines. What made me too enthralled of traveling
around my beloved country is that I am a firm believer of this Filipino
saying that goes, “Huwag maging dayuhan sa sariling bayan”.
Last March 30, after getting my
sister’s passport at DFA Alabang, I decided to see one of Las Pinas’ famous
churches, the Nature Church. I first learned of the church after watching an
old episode of a local travel show, “I love Pinas” over You Tube. After
watching that episode, I said to myself, I wanted to visit that church. I
researched on how to get to the church via commute. Thanks to Google Maps, I
made it to the church without any hassle.
Located at Moonwalk Village in Las
Pinas, the so- called “nature church” is the Mary Immaculate Parish. It was
coined as “nature church” due to its structural architecture and design. The
church is sort of a haven in the city as this sacred place is made from materials
seen in nature. National Artist,
Francisco “Bobby” Manosa was the one who designed this beautiful and one-of-a-kind
church.
 |
| Inside the Nature Church |
The idea of “Nature Church” came
from the brilliant mind of its former parish priest, Fr. Pierino Rogliardi. Since
the church was within the 4000 square meters of mango orchard, it was only
fitting to construct a church that was inspired by nature.
A Church Inspired by Nature
When I entered the church
premises, I was welcomed with fresh breeze of air coming from mango trees. I
walked straight to the church and I was in awe. I never thought that such kind
of structure existed in the city, never in my wildest imagination.
At first, I seated at the side of
the church. I noticed that logs were used as church’s seat instead of the usual
pews. I transferred seat at the middle and looked up the ceiling. The
dove-shaped capiz lantern caught my attention. Those dove-like lanterns adorned
the church’s high ceiling. I have already imagined how they looked at night. With
that, I could not help but to take photos of this stunning church.
 |
| church's seat |
 |
| the ceiling- look at the doves |
After I said my short prayer and
took photos of the church, I went out and checked other facilities. I saw a
small garden with some birds and fowls living in. It was a mini-zoo of sort. At
the back of the church was the ossuary. I did not go any farther because there were
few constructions being made in the premises. I went back to the church’s
entrance when I noticed an arch leading to its chapel. I entered that way and I was again amazed. Like
its church, the chapel, known as San Lorenzo de Manila was also
nature-inspired. The sacred structure’s ceiling is made from abaniko. Hanging
at the center was a chandelier made of twigs and capiz. The chairs were made
from trees’ used trunks.
 |
| entrance to the chapel |
 |
| Inside San Lorenzo Chapel |
 |
| not your usual pews |
 |
| native chandelier |
Meanwhile, the altar was
minimalist in design with a small crucifix hanging at the back. The palm leaves
served as a background of the altar.
 |
| The Minimalist Altar |
I stayed there for a while. During
my brief stay, I realized how creatively geniuses were the people behind the
construction of the church. I have high respects for people who dutifully built
this parish not only a relaxing place to worship but also a tourist spot worthy
of a visit.
The short visit that I did was
indeed a memorable experience. I vowed to visit this church again. Likewise, I
wanted to attend one Sunday mass there any time this year. I want to experience
how it is like to hear a mass in a Nature Church
