St. Joseph the Worker Parish | SJDM, Bulacan

The fact that Bulacan has shared a significant role in our country most especially on colonial time. Perhaps, as one of the earliest province in Central Luzon, concentration of historic site is indeed diverse. Just like its neighboring provinces, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and among others, the province houses numbers of old structures. Churches must be the best example.

Aside from Barasaoin, the infamous Church which was once placed in an old version 10 peso bill, Bulacan has more old worship building. And one is located in San Jose Del Monte.-- The Saint Joseph the worker Parish.

 

Truly, I'm a heritage buff. Every time on a travel, rest assured that I included heritage site to be visited. I don't know why. I just love the feeling of seeing things from past mostly old edifice that have gone a long time and survived over the years. Beside, I'm an architect no wonder I love and fascinated by buildings.

Though I didn't get the exact fact about how old the church was and when it was built, I'm pretty sure that it is more than 50 years. Building with that age is protected by NCH Act of 2009. 

Over the years, it is obvious that the church have gone rehabilitation and enhancement, which can be seen mostly in its interior. However, the exterior fabric of the building remains as it seem it was before.

Adobe blocks was used to build the massive wall of the church. While the windows that has stained glass enhances the exterior look and illuminated the interior with hue of colours -- a kaleidoscope of lights.

What was also remembering is the painted relief attached in the façade of the church. It is the image the parish patron saint -- St. Joseph with Mary and the Child Jesus

While the interior finishes adopted classical features with touch of modernity. The ceiling followed obviously the inclination of the gable roof with barrel arch on its ridge. Surfaces was painted with combination of glossy brown paint accented with gold but was dominated by white paint.

The floor was topped with ceramic tiles that show modernity as well.

Above all, I admire this church preservation with modern approach. It is another good example of an old building that has adapted the contemporary era while conserving its vital role from the past.

This is just among the old churches of Bulacan and there's a lot more to visit most likely if you are doing a Visita Iglesia -- then the province of Bulacan is also a placed to be.