Liliw, Laguna

A continuation of my Laguna tour, I visited the church of St. John the Baptist in Liliw.  Liliw in Laguna is bounded on the north by Magdalena, on the east by Majayjay, on the west by Nagcarlan and on the south by Quezon.  Another small municiality of Laguna, it is famous for its slippers-making cottage industry.

I am not certain if the province has hotels available, but with its close proximity to Manila, it isn't really necessary.  Of course being me, I wasn't attracted to the place because of its slippers, it was the beautiful, brick church that really caught my eye.

The church of St. John the Baptist was built in 1605 but was damaged by an earthquake in 1800.  It was renovated but partially burned in 1898.

The inside of this bell tower is the stuff of hunchback stories.  Rickety wooden stairs, very cold interior... 

Beautiful facade.  I am always taken in by beautiful, old churches.  I always wonder what stories these churches have to tell. 

Intricate church altar.  Rumor has it that only one person designed most of the Laguna altars because of their similarity in design.

Church facade details. 

A sculpture of St. John the Baptist baptizing Jesus in the river Jordan on the church facade.

Recently added bricks.  Not sure how recent though.  But it was too new to be more than 20 years old.

Older bricks of the church. 

Vegetation in the church facade.  Moss covered bricks, and a few other plants. 

More vegetation.

Though I know that the real attraction to Liliw is the slippers industry, the town has a few more treasures worth looking at.  On the street leading to the church, there are still a few old houses that would make you think Kapitan Tiyago and Cabesang Tales.  So much history and character.  

When going to a certain destination, explore the surrounding areas.  Make the most of every trip.  Maximize.  In Liliw, don't just stop at all the shops that sell slippers.  Go further into the town proper.  So much to explore and discover.  Look for an old resident.  Share a cup of coffee or a bottle of soda.  Ask about the town.  Listen to the stories they have to tell.  It is oftentimes more fascinating than reading a history book!