Launch of "A Tourist Guide to Notable Philippine Churches"

During the Philippine International Bookfair held at the New Day Publishers booth at the SMX, I launched my third book (my second with New Day Publishers)"A Tourist Guide to Notable Philippine Churches."

The Philippines is known far and wide as the only predominantly Roman Catholic country in Asia and,as a result of almost four centuries of Spanish rule, have many outstanding churches, the most in the region.

This book delves, in detail, on the historical, religious and aesthetic significance, as well as tourist appeal, of these churches.Churches are extremely valuable for their aesthetic and historical significance, being built not only to provide permanent structures for worship but also to impress early Filipino non-believers with the strength of the Catholic faith.  

Aside from many being pilgrimage sites (Basilica Minore de Peñafrancia in Camarines Sur, Minor Basilica of the Santo Niño in Cebu, etc.), a number of churches are also sites of significant historical events in the country (Barasoain Church in Bulacan, Santa Barbara Church in Iloilo, etc.).  Churches are also unique structures in themselves, using diverse materials (stone, wood, concrete, etc.) as well as styles: Aztec, Byzantine, Chinese, Gothic, Islamic, Mudejar, Renaissance and Romanesque, used singularly or in combination.  The resulting exuberantly eclectic ornamentation has created stunning churches with whimsical facades and lavish interiors.

The book is available at select National Bookstores and Powerbook outlets. You can also email New Day Publishers at sales@newdaypublishers.com and newday@pworld.com.ph for details, or call telephone numbers 928-8046 and 927-5982.  You can also order, via the internet, at www.newdaypublishers.com.