Ever wonder why San Pedro Macati Church stands so proudly here? This isn’t just another old church. It’s a landmark steeped in centuries of history and Filipino culture.
San Pedro Macati Church also known as Saints Peter and Paul Parish Church is the mother church of Makati. Its story began long before the skyscrapers came.
Back in 1578 Franciscan missionaries converted the local Tagalog people to Christianity. By 1620 the first church was finished. Pedro de los Montes directed its construction. The church earned at least 30000 pesos annually. They were able to build an imposing structure because of earthenware production.
Look closely at the facade of San Pedro Macati Church. You will see a three-tiered papal tiara with the cross keys of Saint Peter.
In 1718 an ivory image of the Blessed Virgin Mary arrived. It was known as Virgen de la Rosa. Jesuit Juan Delgado brought it from Mexico. People venerated the image because it supposedly contained a relic of the Virgin’s hair. Nick Joaquin described this treasure. He quoted Pedro Murillo’s words about a strand of hair from the Virgin’s head. Sadly the reliquary got lost during the Revolution of 1899.
Two famous festivals are held here. The first is on June 29 for Apostles Peter and Paul. The second is on June 30 for Nuestra Señora dela Rosa. The Panatang Sayaw is part of the celebration. It features the Bailes de los Arcos or Dance of the Arches. This tradition dates back to the early 19th century. It is a ritual of praise and thanksgiving.
The British destroyed the church during their occupation of Manila in 1762. It was rebuilt in 1849 with stones from Guadalupe and Meycauayan. Yakal and molave were used as wood. Kapre shells were used for windows.
During the Philippine–American War the church became a hospital. It cared for wounded American soldiers. American volunteers camped here. The ivory head and hands of the Virgen de la Rosa disappeared during this time.
After the Second Vatican Council Saint Paul became the second titular. The church was renamed Saints Peter and Paul Parish Church in 1965. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle re-dedicated the church on January 30 2015.
The National Museum of the Philippines declared San Pedro Macati Church an Important Cultural Property on June 9 2023.
Notice the Baroque style. Churches during the Spanish colonial period typically had a single rectangular nave. The altar has its original carved reredos. It features Baroque Rococo motifs of flowers and fruits.
Fr Juan Delgado brought the La Virgen de la Rosa statue from Mexico in 1718. It arrived via the Manila–Acapulco Galleon trade. The statue once had a reliquary with a strand of the Virgin Mary’s hair. Pope Francis granted a pontifical decree of pontifical coronation. The canonical coronation rites were held on March 16 2019.
San Pedro Macati Church has witnessed centuries of Philippine history. It has survived wars and natural disasters. It remains a testament to faith and Filipino heritage. As you leave remember the stories within these walls. They echo the enduring spirit of Makati.