San Guillermo Parish / Bacolor Church of Pampanga
After visiting the Metropolitan Cathedral of San Fernando, our group headed next to yet another famous church in Pampanga – the San Guillermo Parish in Bacolor. Built by Augustinian friars in 1576, it was one of the oldest and largest churches in Pampanga. The church was named after Saint William the Hermit (also known as San Guillermo in Spanish-speaking countries). The church was originally constructed in 1576 (the year Bacolor was founded) by the Augustinian Friars (the first orders of missionaries who arrived in the Philippines). It was constructed on the lot of Don Guillermo Manabat, a rich landlord believed to be the founder of Bacolor.
The church has witnessed several natural disasters over its long history, which have contributed to its unique and enduring character. The church’s original structure underwent several rebuilds after being damaged in different calamities, including earthquakes in 1645, 1880, and other incidents that necessitated repairs and reconstruction over the years. An earthquake destroyed the church and a new church was built by Fr. Manuel Diaz in 1897. The early architectural design of the church depicts advanced stage of Baroque and Rococo.
The most defining event in San Guillermo’s history was the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991. The massive eruption caused catastrophic lahar flows that buried much of Bacolor, including San Guillermo Parish. Only about the top third of the church remained visible, with around 12 meters of the structure submerged under the volcanic debris.
Despite the burial, locals preserved what remained of the church, turning the visible part into a functional chapel. The sunken church has since become a symbol of resilience and an attraction for both pilgrims and tourists.
The surviving structure underwent restoration to make it accessible for worship again. Today, it houses relics and artifacts, some dating back to the Spanish colonial period, preserved as part of the San Guillermo Museum or the Museo de Bacolor, located within the church. It showcases the church’s historical significance and Pampanga’s rich culture and heritage.
The church is a prominent symbol of the Kapampangan people’s strength and faith, highlighting the community’s capacity to withstand and rebuild in the face of adversity. It has been featured in various Philippine films and TV shows, often symbolizing the resilience and spirit of the locals. Probably one of the most notable is the 2009 Television Series “May Bukas Pa” where “Bro” (referring to character depicted as Jesus Christ) became a household name.
The church’s impressive height and architecture were once among its defining features. Before the 1991 Mount Pinatubo eruption, San Guillermo Parish in Bacolor, Pampanga, stood at an estimated height of around 12 meters (about 40 feet). However, after the lahar flows from the eruption, approximately half of the church’s structure was buried, leaving only the top portion—about 6 meters (20 feet)—visible above ground.
The entrances of the current church are the church’s former niches. Only half of the original facade of the church can be seen after it was half-buried by the eruption.
Shortly after the lahar flow subsided, locals began efforts to uncover the church, with many volunteering to remove debris manually. Using shovels, buckets, and whatever tools they had, they started excavating areas around the main entrance and the altar, which were mostly buried under meters of volcanic ash and mud. Professional equipment and machinery were later brought in to support these efforts, especially for the deeper sections and more sensitive areas, like the altar and main sanctuary.
Despite being half-buried, the altar and other key parts of the sanctuary were restored as much as possible. The exposed parts were cleaned, repaired, and decorated, allowing for functional use even within the limited space. After the excavation, the church was modified to accommodate its new “sunken” structure. The top portion became the main area of worship, and additional entrances were created at the newly adjusted ground level.
The partially excavated San Guillermo Parish Church continues to receive support for preservation, as it has become both a place of worship and a historical landmark. The church’s unique condition attracts tourists and pilgrims, prompting local authorities and heritage organizations to maintain the structure and prevent further erosion or damage.
The exterior of Bacolor Church
The first thing you will notice on its facade is the large image of a shrining cross. The center of the beautifully ornate cross enshrines the image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
On top of the cross is a Latin inscription “Rex Regum Et Dominus Dominantium” which translates to “King of Kings and Lord of Lords”
On top of its facade is a niche that enshrines a statue of San Guillermo.
Wind vane on top of the church’s belfry
The interior of the church is equally fascinating. It is so impressive how they manage to restore the church despite being half buried.
The stunning retablo mayor of San Guillermo Parish of Bacolor. After the eruption, the town’s people excavated the altar and the retablo and relocated it under the dome. The retablos niches are filled with centuries-old statues which were saved from destruction of the lahar.
The altar comes in two layers with 5 niches below and one niche on top.
The image of San Guillermo was enshrined on the upper niche
The center of the lower layer of the retablo lies the image of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary
The image of San Juan Nepomuceno
Saint Joseph
San Louis Obispo de Tolosa
San Alberto Magno
The two sanctuaries were also recovered and restored from the lahar incident.
The beautifully ornate altars are still intact. It is impressive how they managed to restore them back to their former glory.
The main altar
Located near the main entrance and before entering the parish museum, you’ll find a replica of Apung Mamacalulu or the Santo Entierro.
The image of the Santo Entierro of Bacolor Church
Near the entrance of the Museo de Bacolor, you’ll find two important relics. This one is a bone relic of Saint William the Hermit (San Guillermo, the town’s patron saint)
The second is from the veil of the Blessed Virgin Mary. They were both displayed along with certification to prove their authenticity.
Inside the Belfry, you’ll find a couple of old bells
exposed beams of the tower
This Post is part of my Pampanga Pilgrimage series. Feel free to revisit my previous articles here
- A Pilgrimage to Pampanga: A Visit to Seven Beautiful Churches in Pampanga
- Holy Rosary Parish Church (Big Church) of Angeles City, Pampanga
- Apung Macalulu Shrine of Angeles City, Pampanga
- San Fernando Cathedral, San Fernando, Pampanga
- San Guillermo Parish of Bacolor, Pampanga
- Museo de Bacolor
- Betis Church of Guagua, Pampanga
- Santa Catalina de Alejandria Parish of Arayat, Pampanga
- Kabigting Halo-Halo of Arayat
- San Pedro Apostol Parish of Apalit Pampanga