Location: 183 F. Blumentritt Street, San Juan City, Metro Manila, Philippines
The imposing church's facade
One of the nearby places I have frequented to during the lockdown was this place, the Santuario Del Sto. Cristo Parish or formerly known as the Church of San Juan del Monte. It has a Baroque architectural style or much the same as an Earthquake Baroque style. This was also the place that my wife and I has been frequenting to when she was still pregnant with our son between August 2019 till January 2020 where she had her delivery on February 2, 2020.
The church interior
This church is just around 2 kilometers from our residence in Mandaluyong, and by jeepney public transport, it is just one trip. I am planning to take with me my 10-month son to this church to experience its lush green garden at the back.
Still at the church's interior
The last time I visited this place was last December 24, 2020 with my grand daughter from my nephew in the name of Ayessa Namocatcat along with my wife. It was such a refreshing afternoon stroll.
Capturing my moment at the church's facade
I have visited this church for 9 times already, but was only able to attend one holy mass. In a few instances, my wife and I would stop at this point going to San Juan Park where we do have our jogging session.
The passage to the convent and to the open garden cemetery
As a background, the church and convent were built in 1602 - 1604 by the Dominican Province of the Most Holy Rosary on a site donated by Capitan Julian de Cuenca. Both buildings were burned during the Chinese uprising of 1639. The new church and convent was constructed in 1641, but was later set on fire in July 1763 during the British occupation of Manila. The present church and convent was constructed in 1774 which were used by the insurgent forces of the revolution of 1898. This Sanctuary is the seat of the Cofraternity of Santisimo Cristo de San Juan del Monte which was approved by Pope Innocent X on March 4, 1648.
The pathway towards the convent
There is an inner garden leading to the convent through a concrete pathway. The priests that I have frequently meet going to the convent are very accommodating as well as the staff. I discovered the place when I asked the guard where I can find a comfort room.
A shade just next to the clean comfort rooms (Model: Stephanie, my wife)
When the direction was given to me by the guard, I explored going inside and pass thru the convent and eventually to the external open garden with shades where church organizations members can conduct there meetings.
The lush green external open garden
Part of the external open garden
Staying at the shades with benches is such a refreshing experience. It is so peaceful there and you will just hear the chirping of the wild birds.
The internal open garden or cemetery
From the lush green external garden connects another part of the compound, the cemetery. I happened to see some loved ones visited their dead relatives and light a candle on their tomb. I did not ask but I think, these tombs might be open for rental for sale.
Such a hassle-free cemetery
By the way, the church offers Resurrection Chapel for funeral to the public with a fee of P2,000. Schedule of wake is based by appointment with the Parish Office.
Contact Number
Landline No. (63 2) 8724 5466
