GE – ART

(MWF 10:30 – 11:30)

SUBMITTED BY:

CHAVEZ, NICOLE LORIZ

ERAN, BIANCA

GABUTERO, ANIESA

MOSQUERA, KAYE CATHERINE

YBAÑEZ, LAVENZEL NIÑA

SUBMITTED TO:

MS. SONRISA SAMSON

 THE SIMALA CHURCH IN SIBONGA, CEBU

VENUSTATIS

A) What architectural style does it follow?

The style of the Simala Church follows the arches, arcade and the Gothic
architecture.

B) What is the relevance of this architectural style?

The gothic architectural design is relevant in that it follows the traditional

architecture of Churches built during the Spanish era. Such design, aside from
being grand in size and height, also tends to create a holy and sacred
atmosphere. The design and structure of the church continue to draw attention to
local and foreign tourists. Its grandeur is also a representation of the pronounced
miraculous events that had happened in the place where the shrine was built.
That is why it had been flocked by devotee and believers hoping that their
prayers and wishes be granted.

C) Standing some distance away from the structure, such that you can see it
entirely, describe what you see.

The church as seen from afar resembles a European castle from the middle-ages
– that when you remove the spiritual aspect of it one might even think that it
 would resemble castles in fairy tales and movies like Hogwarts in Harry Potter.
Because of its unique and picturesque design, people wouldn’t even think that
they are in Cebu but in some enchanted kingdom.
.
D) Is the building balanced? If so, what impression does that give to you?

Yes. The building is balanced judging from its design having two parallel towers
with symmetrical arches perfectly placed in the middle. Aside from design, there
is also a balance in the colour and theme of the church in that it matches the
style and design of the architecture.

UTILITATIS

A) Based on your preliminary readings and your present observation, do you

think it is useful?

Simala Shrine is one of the well-known religious place in the Philippines where
thousands of devotees visit the shrine every week which located on Lindogon,
Sibonga, Cebu.

Simala is a place for people who believes in miracles. This place has been
known to be miraculous. The Monastery of the Holy Eucharist is a church in
Sibonga for the Marian devotees. The church is very popular among believers
not only because it is considered the home of the image of the miraculous Virgin
but also because the place is truly amazing and spectacular.

Pilgrimages or visiting religious places is one of the most important aspects that
most Filipino Catholics have. This aspect keeps their faith alive and keeps them
going despite all the challenges in life.

B) If it can have another function other than the present one, what do you
think it would be?

Aside from being a place where people used to dwell in their faith, Simala church
could also be an attraction for tourist because of its inseresting and amazing
features.

In Sibonga, southern town of Cebu, lies the prestigious Simala Church. Simala
church stretches its grandiose arm as if to welcome religious people all over the
globe.
 The design is inspired from European cathedrals. Not only is the place
magnificent in structure, but this also reveals a culture that is deeply seated
among Cebuanos – the essence of Roman Catholicism. It is place where cultural
values of every cebuanos is very much visible. It enables foreigners to engage
on the respected beliefs of the believers.

Monks who are devoted to the Virgin Mary reside in this church. Believers are
frequently going to the huge statue of the Virgin Mary since many consider it
miraculous. Also, the multitude of Marys dressed in various cultural themes
interests visitors.

FIRMITATIS

Based on your preliminary readings:

A) When was it built? Name the architect who has the credit for its design and
structure.

It was built on 1998 by Frater Martin and the Marian Monks from Pampanga.
B) Was it ever destroyed during the war or during a natural calamity (if an old
building)

No, it was not destroyed by a natural calamity or had been affected from the war.

C) Do you think it would still survive in the coming years?

Yes. Aside from its miraculous place, it was perfectly built by Frater Martin and
the Marian monks with big hopes and prayers. The structure also of the church is
horizontal not vertical so it is not that easily to be destroyed when natural
calamities occurs like typhoons, earthquake, etc.