Pila

San Antonio de Padua Parish

Since its establishment as a mission center in 1578, the Pila was located near the shores of Laguna in a place called Pagalangan. But because of frequent flooding the town was transferred inland to its present site in 1800. Its civil establishment as a "Villa" traces to 1580. Although permission was granted to build a stone church in 1599, it was not until 1617 that the church and convent were completed. But in 1800, the complex was demolished because of the transfer of town site. It is conjectured that work on the church began immediately at the new site, and between 1840-49, a convento was built. The Franciscans maintained a resthouse for the old and infirm friars from 1618-1673, after which it was transferred to Santa Cruz. They also established a printing press in 1606, run by master printers Domingo Loeg and Tomás Pinpin. Pinpin is the better known of the two having written a book that teaches Tagalogs the Spanish language.

Heritage Features: The church of Pila bears the mark of classic simplicity characteristic of 19th century revivalist architecture. The interior has been renovated. The plaza in front of the church is impressive for its proportion, very close to the dimensions deemed appropriate by the urbanization laws promulgated by Philip II in 1573. However, recent constructions on the plaza mar its vista. Around the plaza are some turn of the century and early 20th century houses. One structure has been converted into a museum, housing Chinese tradeware excavated in Pila, proving that it was once a thriving settlement and trade center in pre-colonial times.

Pila Museum

Rizal St., Pila. Under the Pila Municipal Government. Open: Monday to Friday, 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Closed: Weekends.