The Metropolitan Cathedral and Parish of St. John the Evangelist - Part 2

We were finally able to enter the cathedral on our next visit to Naga City. Here are photos from that trip, all taken in the morning. We actually did our morning walk around the city and our final stop was at the cathedral.

The Porta Mariae - he main gateway of the cathedral featuring an image of Our Lady of Penafrancia and two angels blowing trumpets.

The dome with the cathedral in the background

The cathedral is being repainted

A peak inside through the main door showing the main altar.

Large churches like this usually have one or more minor altars where prayers, novenas, other rites or even Masses may be held. Altars like this 

One of the main doors of the cathedral

Photo showing the expanse of the cathedral including the ceiling of this grand church.

A close-up of the main altar. Note that this is not the shrine or basilica to Our Lady of Penafrancia. The retablo is simpler and features the Crucifix, Mother Mary and St. John the Evangelist (who is also St. John of the Cross or San Juan dela Cruz, the beloved apostle).

I will share photos of the Shrine and Basilica in the next posts. 

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The Metropolitan Cathedral and Parish of St. John the Evangelist - Part 1

The seat of the Archdiocese of Caceres The Diocese of Nueva Caceres (Naga) was established in 1595 at the same time 3 others were established - the Archdiocese of Manila, the Diocese of Cebu, and the Diocese of Nueva Segovia (Vigan).

The dome across from the cathedral is where the image of Our Lady of Penafrancia is placed during the fiesta. There is a similar dome at the basilica grounds.

The present church was built in 1808 and consecrated in 1843.

Main gateway to the cathedral grounds

A closer look at the dome

The cathedral was already closed when we passed by. The facade at night is stunning.

Close-up of the main door of the cathedral, which is the seat of the Archdiocese of Naga.

Stained glass depicting the Holy Spirit as a dove.

Just across from the cathedral is the Archbishop's residence. Major Catholic schools are also nearby like the Ateneo de Naga, University of Nueva Caceres and Universidad de Sta. Isabel.

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Delicious Spanish bread in Naga City c/o Ednorm's Bakery

Yesterday, the wife sent me a link to a post of a popular chef checking out the Spanish bread in Naga City. The vlog identified the bakery's name so I was able to find it immediately on the map. It was along the same street as our hotel and right across the school where we had our meetings last week. Ednorm's Bakery is located at the ground floor of a house, probably a family business. Aside from the neighborhood, the schools nearby probably make them profitable.

The bakery is along Penafrancia Avenue and right across from BISCAST. There wasn't a long line for Spanish bread or pandesal. It was only 6AM on a Saturday and there was no school. We decided to pass by for our breads on our return. We were headed to the Penafrancia shrine and basilica on our morning walk yesterday.

There were breads on display and two of my favorites were available - star bread and pinagong. I got some of each aside from the Spanish bread.

We got a few to eat for our walk back to our hotel. Its small size makes you crave for more but I think its precisely the size that helps deliver the taste that's somewhat concentrated in this small sized serving.

Ednorm's Spanish bread is the real deal. I myself have tried Spanish bread in most cities I've went to and I would say this is the best so far. I think my only regret for this Spanish bread is that I only brought home a dozen pieces. This is a must try and must buy for those visiting Naga City. The people there probably think its ordinary because they're used to this but I'm sure that if they tried other Spanish bread elsewhere, they would remark that this one's better.

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