Artists / Wood Carvers Capital in Luzon: Welcome to Paete, Laguna

Paete is a fourth class municipality in the province of Laguna, Philippines.  It was founded in 1580 by Spanish friars Juan de Plasencia and Diego de Oropesa of the Franciscan Order. It is believed that the earliest inhabitants were of Malay lineage, coming all the way from Borneo in their swift and sturdy boats called "Balangay".

Now, what makes Paete special?

It's a place where you can find a lot of artists and craftsmen. Check it out!

  

 

  

 

Santiago Apostol Parish Church

The Saint James the Apostle Parish Church also known as Santiago Apostol Parish Church, Saint James the Great Parish Church or commonly known as Paete Church is the only Roman Catholic church in Paete, Laguna, Philippines. Its patron saint is Saint James the Apostle and his feast is celebrated every 25 July. The church is known for its huge and exqusite collection of images depicting the Passion of Christ, its century-old paintings and wooden images of saints (or poon).

Paete was established as town in 1580 by Franciscan priest, Fray Juan Plasencia under the patronage of Saint Lawrence. The first stone church and convent were built by Paete natives under the supervision of Fray Andres de Puertellanoin 1646 but it was later destroyed by an earthquake in 1717.A new stone church was started the same year under Fray Francisco de la Fuente.It was completed in 1840 under the term of Fray Luis de Nambroca.The church and convent was again destroyed by the 1880 Luzon earthquake.  In 1884, the church was rebuilt under Father Pedro Galiano, now facing the Laguna lake but this was again destroyed by another earthquake in August 20, 1937.The church served as a dungeon and torture house to the people of Paete during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines in World War II.