Nature Church: Las Pinas’ solemn haven

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