Daraga Church

Daraga Church

About 20 minutes tricycle ride from Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave, we have reach the last leg of our tour from our Kuya driver, Daraga Church (Our Lady of the Gate Parish Church).  

"The church was built by the Franciscans in 1772 under the patronage of the Our Lady of the Gate. Certain church sections were declared as a National Cultural Treasure of the Philippines in 2007. Daraga was established as a settlement by people relocating from Cagsawa, who feared another eruption of the Mayon Volcano in that region. They requested permission from the Spanish government to establish a new community and church south of Cagsawa.[1] Their request was granted by Governor-General Simon de Salazar through a communication to the Alcade-mayor of the province of Camarines, dated June 12, 1772" (Source: Wikipedia)

You can tell by looking at its design that this church was built ages ago, during the times when Spanish was still introducing Christianity to our ancestors. I can compare it to Paoay Church in Ilocos (the design at the side of the church is similar). I have also read that the church was built with volcanic rock, maybe that's why it survived decades of storms and heat of summer.

Since the church is located up the hill it is quite windy in Daraga church grounds. Like any other spots here in Albay, you can also have a great view of Mayon Volcano plus you can capture it with the statue of a woman carrying a siling labuyo (red hot chili pepper, Bicolanos are known for their love of spicy food). The statue belongs to a restaurant at the side of Daraga Church called "Red Labuyo Restaurant". We never had a chance to dine here due to lack of time, we need to check out from Mayon Lodging House at 12 noon. 

The Altar

Statue of a woman carrying Sili (Red hot chili pepper)

Inside the church, you can see tourist, some are devotees, praying and roaming around. At the leftmost side of the church you can take a view and say a little prayer for your own patron saint. I observed that there were a lot of people sitting, I am just not sure if a mass has just ended or a mass will begin any time from then because it is a Sunday.

Patron Saints 

Bicol Adventure Links:

Day 2: 
Where to Stay in Bicol : Mayon Lodging House
Lignon Hill
Foodtrip: 1st Colonial Grill
Embarcadero de Legazpi


Day 3: 
Cagsawa Ruins 
Cagsawa ATV Adventure
Sumlang Lake
Hoyop Hoyopan Cave
Daraga Church
Albay Pili Nut Candy
Foodtrip :  Bigg's Diner and DJC Halo Halo