Details of pediment: left, the symbol of the trinity; middle, a statue of the patron saint; right, the
balustrade located at the open terrace

The embelishments on the facade are subtle that a casual observer might fail to notice it from a distance. One of the striking decoration is the triangle found just below the statue of the patron saint, St. Therese of Avila. Representing the Trinity, it has 40 rays emanating from it. I am not sure if the original has an eye drawn at the center but now its just a plain surface.

Belfry details: left, detail of column; middle, wind vane located at top of dome; right, belfry corner detail

Tuscan columns decorate the facade with a small but simple floral embelishment found at the capital. The windvane topped with a cross is still original.

Belfry window details

The two belfries have an unusual decoration: round windows with the left one blind but surprisingly, a small crowned double headed eagle, symbol of the Hapsburgs as well as that given to the image of the Sto. Nino de Cebu can be found at the center.

Detail of belfry just below the brick dome

Even with its muted decorations, the facade comes out still elegant and imposing.

Left, detail of side entrance and windows of nave with patches of its surface covered with cement; right, the wooden flooring of the terrace

The left transept of the church

The wall at the left of the nave is a meter thick, which are parts of the original that might have escaped destruction during WWII. Unfortunately, the opposite side is now just a thin cement partition expanded and covered to accommodate more parishioners. Notice that the side portal’s design echoes that of the main entrance. At the top of the main door is a wooden ceiling that marks as the flooring of the open terrace.

Regarding the nave openings other than the side entrances consisting of a glass paneled window at the upper part and a wrought iron door at the lower part, I haven’t seen any photos of the nave before WWII but I think that these might not what it looks today. These openings might actually were just windows but were expanded by removing the lower portion. I’m sure that entry to the church was only limited to the main portal, one each at both sides of the nave and another one at the left and right transept perpendicular to the nave.

Photo at top left shows the left transept of this cruciform church. Notice also the simple shelter running the side of the nave. It might just be a matter of time that this side will also be renovated and expanded. I just hope when it will be done, the thick walls will be retained.

Estan Cabigas is a multiawarded blogger and freelance photographer based in Makati City, the Philippines. A true blue Cebuano, he makes stunning images and meaningful photo stories. He has writtten for CNN Go and his photograph will be published in the May 2010 issue of the National Geographic Magazine.

To know more about him and his photography, visit estancabigas.com.

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