lmost every barangay has a church or chapel. In some parts of Manila and in most of the countryside, churches date back to the 16^th or 17^th century, products of the religious zeal of missionaries and the ingenuity and artistry of indigenous craftsmen. These churches were built solidly, to withstand typhoons and fires, but unfortunately did not always survive earthquakes. San Agustin, for example, has been severely damaged by several earthquakes.

            A typical church has a squarish nave and a bell tower, and the priest’s residence is located beside or behind the church. The bell tower was traditionally a measure of the church’s prosperity – the taller it was, the wealthier its congregation. But more important, the bell serves to announce baptism or weddings and to call the community to Mass.