San Fernando de Dilao Church, Manila

The Paco Church also known as the San Fernando de Dilao Church in Manila,the Philippines was built in 1580.This parochial building was initially built with light material and was later replaced with a stronger material by Fr. Juan de Garrovillas. The Church has a history of undergoing several damages. However, it has always managed to inspire the locals and be rebuilt. In 1603 during the Chinese uprising, the Church was set on fire and had to be reconstructed. It was burnt again in 1762 during British invasion and a temporary structure was constructed in 1791 by Fr. Joaquin Segui as a replacement. In 1809, Fr. Bernardo dela Concepcion constructed a new stone church and in 1839 a bell tower was added to it by Fr. Miguel Richar.

The newly built church suffered heavy damages during the earthquakes of 1852 and 1880. Required repairs were made after the first earthquake but the church had to be rebuilt after the second one. Fr. Gilberto Martin started the reconstruction in 1881 but it was partly damaged by the typhoon. The construction was finally completed in 1896. However, this structure was ruined yet again in 1909 during the Filipino-American war and later the Belgian mission Fr. Raymundo Esquinet of Congregatio Immaculatie Cordis Mariae built a temporary church alongside the ruins of the earlier church. Fr. Godoferdo Aldenhuijsen built the present church in 1931 on the basis of the proposal given by Fr. Jose Billie. This church again suffered damages during the World War II but in 1948 all the required repairs were made. Having gone through such turmoil, this old church is now hosts a picture-perfect venue for small weddings.