Located in the municipality of Oas in the province of Albay, Oas Church is one of the oldest religious structures in the province.
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| Oas Church |
Oas Church details
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| Oas Church - Oas, Albay |
Oas Church is also known as St. Michael the Archangel Parish Church. It was founded in 1605 by Franciscan missionaries. The church was initially made from wood and cogon grass up until it was renovated in 1825. This time the church was built using bricks and volcanic rocks.
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| Oas Church interior |
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| The view of the interior from the altar |
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| Oas Church altar |
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| Oas Church baptismal bowl |
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| The old stained windows are really stained |
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| The baptismal area of Oas Church |
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| The ruins at the back of Oas Church |
Oas Church was damaged by fire in 1866 and was rebuilt later in the same year. It was partially destroyed in 1884 by a strong earthquake. It didn't end there, in 1947 a strong typhoon damaged the church heavily that it had to be rebuilt. In 1997 the church underwent a major renovation. Today, the church serves as a symbol of unity and hope for the people of Oas.
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| Oas Church belfry |
My family and I got to visit Oas Church during our CamSur-Albay Road Trip 2014. However, visiting the municipality of Oas was actually not part of our itinerary. We were actually heading to Kawa-Kawa Hill in the City of Ligao after swimming on the beaches of Pasacao. Several circumstances (probably by fate) brought me to the church. First, the bridge leading to the diversion road was under renovation. Hence we had no choice but to enter the city proper of Oas. Second, my sister and mom felt the urge to empty their bladder contents. Lastly, the comfort rooms of the gas stations didn't offer clean restrooms while the restroom in the church was tolerable. All these led to me being able to explore Oas Church, its grounds, and its bat-infested belfry.
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| Can you see the bats inside the belltower? |
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| Check out how deep that bell sunk in bat poop |
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| Upon closer inspection... |
Speaking of the old bell tower of Oas Church, I followed a path leading to its entrance. Since the small gate is open, I entered it and was welcomed by a very foul smell. At first, I thought there's a dead animal inside. Finding none, I observed that the floor was a bit mushy. It was there that I discovered the culprit(s) -bats. I was amazed to find hundreds of them hanging from the dome of the bell tower. I immediately left the scene bringing with me the stench of but poop and pee (but I'm happy with that mini-adventure).
Oas Church Entrance Fee
It's FREE to enter Oas Church to explore it and its grounds.
Oas Church Mass Schedule
Sunday: 6AM - 7AM / 8AM - 9AM
Why visit Oas Church?
Oas Church is one of the Spanish-colonial era churches that you should visit whenever you are on a pilgrimage or Visita Iglesia in the province of Albay.
Getting to Oas Church:
From Manila, ride a bus heading to Legazpi City. Tell the conductor to drop you off before the intersection of Oas. From there, ride a tricycle or a jeepney to the church.
bus fare: 750 - 950 pesos depending on the bus type and the bus company
Ratings:
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| Pilgrims |
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| Cleanliness |
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