Arc-shaped Vents

There were no windows in San Gullermo Parish Church in Bacolor, save for arcs like these near the floor, and vents near the ceiling.  The rainwater accumulated in the shallow half-bowls, reflecting the green of leaves outside.

I had begun to complain about the heat and wondered what kind of architect would design a church with poor ventilation.  I later realized that the arcs along the floor are actually what remain of the tall windows of the previously colossal church.  What exists now as the San Guillermo Church is only half of the original structure erected in the sixteenth century; the rest of it is now buried underground - it was covered by 6 meters of lahar when Mt. Pinatubo erupted in 1991.  The top half of the church was later remodeled and made useful.

San Guillermo Parish Church, Bacolor, Pampanga.