Discover the Philippines

The Grand Betis Church in Pampanga


 

 

Planning a trip? Those who love to travel know the essence of all travel is about you and your enjoyment. Travelers know that the destination is a major part in planning a trip, experiencing and delving deeper into an unfamiliar places, people and culture is paramount.

Expand your horizons and set your sight to the Philippines, an off the beaten path travel site! An undiscovered paradise made of thousands of islands and white sand beaches all around! A tiny dot in the map of the world, and yet a haven for travelers, backpackers, retirees and even passersby.

It offers awesome tourist attractions, magnificent beaches, hot spring resorts, colorful festivals, hundreds of scenic spots and world-class hotels and facilities. Not to mention the tropical climate, the affordable prices as well as the friendly and hospitable, English-speaking people! You will be glad you came, and we’re sure, you WILL come back for more FUN in the Philippines!

 

THE GRAND BETIS CHURCH

 Photo from:  byahilo.com

 

The baroque-inspired Betis Church was built around 1660 and it was headed by Father Jose de la Cruz. The preliminary structure was made out of light materials which was composed mainly of wood and stucco. Fire broke out within the church several times due to these light materials so it was finally built with concrete materials in 1770.

 

Photo from:  trekearth.com

 

In the last quarter of 19th century, Father Manuel Camañes dug an artesian well on the north-side of the church which served as a source of potable water not only for the Betis townsfolk, but to the other nearby towns as well. On the other hand, the present-day concrete fence with caryatids was built in the 2nd quarter of the 20th century.

 

Photo from:  brybautista.blogspot.com

 

In 1908, the rectory of the church was burned with fire and all the documents about baptism and other historical catalogues of the church turned into ashes.

 

Photo from:  digitalphotographer.com.ph

 

Beautification of the interior part of the church was extensively done by the last Spanish priest named Father Santiago Blanco in 1939. The ceiling paintings were repainted by a native of San Agustin named Macario Ligon. His assistant named Victor Ramos, who was in his teen years then was also the one who restored these paintings in the 1970s.

 

Photo from:  brybautista.blogspot.com

 

During the Spanish-Colonial period, Betis is an independent town which has its own autonomy as a municipality. But due to migration of its inhabitants to the nearby Guagua in the American Period, it was merged to this town in 1904 under the Act 943.

 

Photo from:  ourawesomeplanet.com

 

Today, although part of the municipality of Guagua, the Betis church has its own parochial priest and has its patron saint named St. James the Great.  

 

Photo from:  flickr.com/photos/basiliojubacdecastro/favorites/page152/?view=lg

 

Text from: betis.wetpaint.com

 

Watch the Videos:

 

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Pampanga – Culinary Center of the Philippines

Interesting Tourist Spots and Events in Pampanga

Colorful Festivals in Pampanga

Fun Things To Do in Pampanga

Pampanga Photo Gallery

Pampanga Video Collection

 

 

 

 

admin

Recent Posts

Have a Splash at the Laswitan Falls and Lagoon

  LASWITAN FALLS AND LAGOON   Photo from: https://www.sarwrites.com/2017/01/laswitan-lagoon.html   The Laswitan Falls and Lagoon…

4 years ago

Cagpangi / Green Falls Lies in the Deep Medieval Forest

  CAGPANGI / GREEN FALLS     Photo from: https://www.solitarywanderer.com/the-green-falls/   Just about 16 kilometers…

4 years ago

Lanuza Surfing Grounds is a Remote Surfing Destination

  LANUZA SURFING GROUNDS   Photo from: https://www.surf-forecast.com/breaks/Lanuza-Rivermouth   Lanuza in Surigao del Sur is…

4 years ago

Cagwait Beach is Often Compared to Boracay

  CAGWAIT BEACH   Photo from: https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/367043438355829159/   Cagwait White Beach Resort is formerly known…

4 years ago

Cabgan Island is Waiting to be Discovered

  CABGAN ISLAND   Photo from: https://en-gb.facebook.com/BaroboSurigaoDelSur27/posts   Cabgan Island (or just Cabgan), is the…

4 years ago

Discover the Mystery of the Enchanted River

  ENCHANTED RIVER   Photo from: https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/hinatuan-enchanted-river   Enchanted River is as mysterious as its…

4 years ago