'Heritage Churches of the Cagayan River Basin' book launched at National Museum

A book by  Dr. Javier Galvan Guijo on the magnificent heritage churches on the northeastern part of Luzon was launched recently at the National Museum of Anthropology. Dr. Galvan, who I initially knew as the director of the Instituto Cervantes in Manila, has a PhD in Architecture with a thesis on the religious constructions in the Philippines. 

Present during the event were His Excellency Miguel Utray Delgado, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain to the Philippines, National Museum Director-General Jeremy Barnes, National Commission for Culture and the Arts Chairman Dr. Rene R. Escalante and renowned cultural heritage expert Professor Regalado Trota Jose, who wrote the book's foreword.  

"Heritage Churches of the Cagayan River Basin" is a wellspring of information on some of what I would say as the most unique and truly beautiful churches in the country, perhaps even the world. While browsing the book, it was particularly nostalgic for me as I had seen some of the churches up close when I was sent to Cagayan in 2007 for the National Heritage Month celebrations. 

I remember being in awe of Ermita de San Jacinto in Tuguegarao City that was built by Dominican Friars in 1604, the Nassiping Church Ruins (Saint Michael the Archangel) in Gattaran, the St. Dominic Parish Church in Lal-lo, the St. Peter and Paul Metropolitan Cathedral, and of course the Our Lady of Piat Basilica where I got to spend my birthday and even brought home an image of the 16th century icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary. 

The structures, the design, and the materials especially the red bricks all really stand out in my memory to this day. 

I had lunch a couple of months ago with Dr. Galvan at Rafael's Tapas Bar and Restaurant and he was telling me about his research--even his choice of music--on the heritage churches and of course the influence the Spanish had.

During the book launch last October 25, Dr. Galvan said that he hopes the book will help Filipinos love their heritage and identity and pointed out that the Philippines is the only Catholic country in Asia. 

"You won't see these anywhere else in the world," Dr. Galvan said.

After the book launch, guests also had the chance to view the exhibition “Las Iglesias de Tierra Roja: Heritage Churches of the Cagayan Valley Region” at the 4th floor of the National Museum of Anthropology. It features archival drawings, photos, documents, videos, and even samples of the red bricks, all of which illustrate in detail the artistic heritage of the churches of the Cagayan Valley. By Dexter R. Matilla

("Heritage Churches of the Cagayan River Basin" will be available on Vibal Group’s online shop, Shopee, and Lazada.)