St. James the Great Parish Church - Poblacion, Bolinao, Pangasinan (Diocese of Alaminos)

The Church is very old and beautiful and still stand until today. More than four centuries old church.

Being the history buff that I am, I do have an eternal romantic affair with edifices that could be vintage, culturally significant or historically important to a particular town or city.

So back when Bolinao was still void of an exodus of tourists, I used to spend lots of weekends here with my family or friends (I live in Pangasinan, lucky me, so places like this are just on my backyard, so to say) , and every time we go, a visit to this church is always a must. And oh, must I say, I am not a catholic, so I do not have a religious obligation to visit every time I go there. I am just simply in love with this church. That's all.

There was this trivial info that fascinated me a lot. Bolinao is actually contesting the first mass ever held in the Philippines. Apparently, It is said that St James the Great Fortress in Bolinao is where the first mass in the country was celebrated in 1324 by Blessed Fr. Odorico, a Franciscan missionary who also baptized several locals before returning to his homeland. The mass was conducted as a thanksgiving as their fleet was ravaged by a storm at sea and that they landed safely in Bolinao.

This historical information is contesting the mass that happened on March 31, 1521, where Ferdinand Magellan ordered a Mass to be celebrated, officiated by the Andalusian chaplain of the fleet and the only priest then, Father Pedro Valderrama. Conducting near the shores of the island, this First Holy Mass marked the birth of Roman Catholicism in the Philippines and is widely regarded as the first ever mass in the Philippines.

These pieces of Historical information are just mind-boggling. But disregard the historical data, Bolinao church is just simply a structure to behold. Just looking at its massive facade made out of black coral stones, you'll already be amazed at how it survived the passing of time.

If you ever get to visit Bolinao for a beach holiday, do visit this church first. Its located right in the heart of the town. You can also buy stuff or food you might need while on the coastal side. The market is just right beside it and of course, prices there are way cheaper than buying whatever you might need from the resort you're staying.

Try the amazing Binungey too! I am not going to describe it here but do google it. There's lots of vendors of Binungey outside the church.

That's all folks.

Good view. Very historic church. Has free parking space. Very near the market and the cityhall.

Nice historical place a 400 year old church. With a painted ceiling about the bible. From old testament to new testament.

Historical church, with an amazing structure of the walls and wonderful painting on the ceiling.

Very nice place to explore when in Bolinao. Old Church with amazing art on the ceiling.

The first church where I heard The Apostle's Creed being sung. A very historical place. There are interior improvements from its original state but the facade still shows how ancient the structure is.

It's amazing considering that this church stood during the Spanish era. A great piece of history.

Nice and old church, think was build in 1509,

The beautiful view of an old classic church

Do not forget to pass by this place when you visit Bolinao 👍

great arts ceiling, antiquity church

The church definitely looks like from a century built years ago. The feeling is very solemn.

Repaired now but even better when it looked like the old days, whoever did the repair/renovation for this Church didn't respect the essence of that old structure hence authenticity no longer exist within the structure except the MASS being held in it

They're renovating the altar of the church when we came. But its still beautiful. If you like history. Its an old church. Maintained well.

It was a very old church but it was well maintained. We attended the 6AM Sunday English mass here. The church was full! Might as well visit the binunguey sellers at the side of the church for a taste of local delicacy.

This place just has that tourist attraction vibe to it

What a Beautiful Church. The ceiling is hand painted. The alter is Beautiful. It is one of the oldest Church's in the far east.

Nice historical church

The best way to stay in Bolinao. Stay at the Balay Ni Baeng Resthouse a superhost status on Airbnb.