St. Augustine Church of Paoay

Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands! (Psalm 100:1)

Thanking is a pride, it’s not a shame. It opens an entrance, it closes an exit. Hellos are cherished, goodbyes are perished. It welcomes the new, it strengthens the old. It gives happiness as much as it withholds anger. It’s countless, it’s harmless.

The above photo showcases the famous and stunning Paoay Church in Ilocos Norte. The church was built after 190 years of processing coral blocks, tree sap, stucco-plastered bricks and lumber, inspired by the baroque, gothic and oriental architecture. Now, that's what you call art - there's patience, there's creativity.

What is unique with it includes the walls, extending more than 3 feet; the 24 buttresses, displaying mosaic patterns; and the bell tower, standing few meters away from the main edifice. The church is still preserved after an almost-massive destruction from two earthquakes.