Last Saturday, I went on a tour at the San Sebastián Minor Basilica. As a heritage conservation advocate, I am constantly on the lookout for experiences which could enable me to witness restoration efforts first-hand. Since the church is undergoing extensive restoration, I joined the tour to help support the worthwhile endeavor.
This beautiful church is located in Quiapo, Manila. It is the first and only all-metal building in the Philippines.
It is important to help save the basilica as it is already a part of our history.
I was there early, so I got to roam around the church and warmed up to my beautiful surroundings.
I also bought merch from their souvenir tent. Proceeds from the sale of their Save San Sebastián merch go to the restoration fund.
There was no shortage of beauty in this metal wonder.
The lighting of the chandeliers signaled the beginning of our tour.
We began our tour by testing out the metallic surfaces on the church. I used my souvenir magnet, and yes, the basilica really is all-metal.
This is Ysabel. She is the one-woman restoration tour guide and tech person behind the cause.
I opened the doors and it was fascinating to see the church with awe.
Ysabel gave us a sense of place with vintage photographs from another era.
All the walls, columns, and ceiling panels were painted to conceal the rivets and metal parts. This church is a beautiful masterpiece in concealment.
The restoration is being undertaken by an international team of experts in their own fields.
As you can see, the paintings on the wall are fading fast.
They need to be restored using the latest techniques so that the grandeur of this basilica can be preserved and brought to life.
Our tour continued to the choir loft, where the best view of the house could be enjoyed.
I relaxed a bit on the pews and appreciated the majestic view.
The gothic architecture resonated with my steampunk leanings, I must admit.
We then proceeded to the upper levels, where the concealment ends. Here, the rivets are clearly visible, and the metal parts are bare.
Even the hidden upper levels are filled with unexpected beauty.
I found the upper part of the ceiling beautiful. It reminded me of a ship.
This is a sample of the restoration undertakings.
As you can see, rust is the enemy of a metal structure. This is why it is crucial that this gem gets restored stat.
The dome is a piece of beauty amidst the urban skyline.
I enjoyed this, and I highly recommend that you join one of their Saturday tours! It is a chance to appreciate history, architecture, engineering, and art all in one morning. Plus, you will help support the restoration as well.
Join the tour, take pictures, and experience Manila as it should be- with a renewed appreciation for our rich heritage.