The enigmatic Simboryo of Taguig

Established in 1587, Taguig is one of the oldest communities of Metro Manila. In Brgy. Tuktukan is the Simboryo, the city's tangible link to its past. 

The Simboryo of Plaridel: What can be done?

The grounds surrounding the 19th-century Simboryo of Plaridel, Bulacan, consists of a densely-packed neighborhood, erasing any trace of the cemetery that was believed to have existed there before. As such, the consequences of human habitation are everywhere: litter-filled niches, damaged fences, a vandalized interior.

The Simboryo of Quingua

Despite the neglect it has suffered, the so-called Simboryo or mortuary chapel of Plaridel, Bulacan is often mentioned in listings of the province's historical sites. Although there is no hard information on its establishment, the structure was evidently built sometime in the 19th century back when the town was still known as Quingua. 

The neo-Baroque chapel of Lipa's Campo Santo

The jewel of the 19th century cemetery of Lipa, Batangas is its neo-Baroque chapel--a visual delight. 

The stately engaged columns of the facade support a symphony of recessed lines making up the entablature and cornice. The pronounced curvilinear emphasis is also not that common in colonial Philippine architecture.

1880? 1890? The hidden grandeur of Lipa's Campo Santo

From 1887 to 1889, Lipa, Batangas became the wonder of the world. After a virus wiped out plantations in Africa, Java, and Brazil, the town became the world's lone supplier of coffee beans. The town became so prosperous that Queen Maria Cristina of Spain granted Lipa with its own coat of arms and the noble title of Villa.

Discover another part of our heritage

Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery in Laguna, the only one of its kind in the Philippines

Welcome to Sementeryo: Heritage Cemeteries of the Philippines!

We aim to pioneer in creating a unique online collection dedicated solely to some of the most underrated and threatened heritage areas in the Philippines: cemeteries and cemetery structures.

Specifically, this blog aims to feature cemeteries, grave sites, mausoleums, other forms of cemetery art and architecture along with related sites/scenes that can be considered as heritage-worthy, from three time periods ONLY:

- pre-Hispanic period
- Spanish colonial period
- and the period leading up to World War 2.

We also have an active Facebook page Sementeryo: Heritage Cemeteries of the Philippines where you can submit contributions which we also feature. 

Let's help create awareness and appreciation for this sometimes underrated aspect of Philippine heritage.

Thank you and read on...