Historical Baler Church in Aurora

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BALER CHURCH

Photo from: http://aurora-philippines.blogspot.com/2012/10/municipalities-of-aurora-province.html

The Baler Catholic Church is a historic church constructed from stone and brick which is found in the town of Baler in the province of Aurora. Originally constructed in 1611, the church is dedicated to San Luis Obispo de Tolosa and is known as the site of the Siege of Baler, which took place from 1898-1899 shortly following the end of the Spanish colonization of the Philippines. The current church was built in 1939 but authentic original details may be seen inside, including the old bell, La Campana de Baler. There are markers that indicate the locations where events connected with the Siege of Baler took place. The film Baler (film), presented during the 2008 Metro Manila Film Festival, was based on this historic event.

The Baler Church lies south of the Quezon Memorial Park, near the town museum, Museo de Baler, and the Mount Carmel College (Baler, Aurora). Near the plaza in front of the church is a marker in the spot where American military personnel stood when they came to negotiate with the Spaniards who were besieged in the church in 1899. Read More: http://en.wikipilipinas.org/index.php/Baler_Catholic_Church

Photo from: http://www.filipinoamericanwar.com/spanishholdouts.htm

The Baler Catholic church is still standing at the south of Quezon Memorial Park which is close to the town museum called Museo De Baler. You can also notice a plaza near the church of Baler a marker where American Military forces stood when they appeared and came out to negotiate with the spanish forces who were besieged in the church in 1899.

The impressive and historical church stands still in the province of Baler in its proud majesty. However , buried in silence are the roots of the history of spanish colonization in the Philippines Islands.It was in 1939, when the First Lady Aurora Quezon started a movement to rebuild and renovate the historical church. The stone church was painted and the interior was highly been preserved.Today, the church serves as one of the great tourist spots in town. Read More: http://www.juanderfulpinoy.com/baler-catholic-church-and-the-siege-of-baler/

Photo from: https://www.flickr.com/photos/treetop_apple_juice/9363017401

Baler Church is also called the “Last Spanish Garrison in the Philippines” and the site of the “Siege of Baler.”

The “last Spanish Garrison” was named so because it was the last place the Spaniards fortified as a military post even after the Philippine independence has already been declared. They had no idea the war was over. It is also the site of the “Siege of Baler” because it was sieged for 11 months.

In June 1898, 54 Spaniards made this their fort and found themselves trapped. More than 800 Filipino revolutionaries surrounded the church and demanded they surrender. Though the country already won independence from Spanish colonization, the news didn’t reach the Spaniards in Baler. They believed the Philippines was still under Spanish rule.

It took them 11 months to finally surrender. Read More: http://www.appetizingadventure.com/5-amazing-facts-about-baler-church/

Photo from: https://pharmacistontherocks.wordpress.com/2013/03/18/discovering-baler-aurora/