THE BAROQUE BETIS CHURCH OF GUAGUA,PAMPANGA

The St. James the Apostle Parish Church

The Betis Church or the Parish Church of St. James the Apostle is a Baroque church located
in Guagua, Pampanga (Betis Area). The church,established in 1607, was declared a National
Cultural Treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines and the NCCA (under R.A. 4896 as
amended by P.D. 374 and R.A. 8492), on November 5, 2001 (one of only 26 churches in the
country bestowed that honor). It is part of the Ecclesiastical Provinces of the Archdiocese of San
Fernando. In 2009, the National Museum installed a marker of its 2005 Proclamation.

The Church is dedicated to Saint James or Saint James the Moor-slayer, was one of the Twelve
Apostles of Jesus. He was a son of Zebedee and Salome, and brother of John the Apostle. He is
also called James the Greater to distinguish him from James, son of Alphaeus, who is also
known as James the Less).
 Beautification of the interior part of the church was extensively done by the last Spanish priest
named Father Santiago Blanco in 1939.

The main attraction of the Church is the original ceiling mural done by the famous painter
Simon Flores.

A lifesize image of the saint along the church

Walking towards the elevated pulpit from a
grounds,riding a white horse with his right
Catholic era, I was amazed to see that Betis Church
arm held high,ready to slay two Moors.
floors are still made of thick hardwoods.
The main door, the entrance to the Church features Outside, sculptures could be found
some heavy details. The carvings portray the including
Gates of Paradise. the monuments of Santiago de
Galicia,
Its like a grand welcome to heaven!
St. Joseph the Carpenter and the
Sacred Heart of Jesus.

LAS CASAS FILIPINAS DE ACUZAR

Panoramic View
The main attractions are the 22 mansions (that are still growing)
from the 17th to 19th century. They took down the
mostly neglected houses in a very orderly manner and the process of

rebuilding was done in precision to what its original state was.

Each brick, tile, window and door was

carefully sorted to finally reconstruct everything to its former to

make this heritage park a oneofitskind in the Philippines.
MOUNT SAMAT, BULACAN
Mt. Samat is one of the top mountains that can be reached by car or any roadworthy
vehicle. Seeing this mountain from afar is quite exciting. As you go nearer, you will be
amazed of the huge cross atop of this mountain. It was the time of former president,
Ferdinand E. Marcos when this tall cross was built. This sacred cross could be explored
inside by means of an elevator or by stairs.