I have passed this road many times, and knew there was this church. But it seemed strange that from the main road, it is the back of the church that is visible. That is why I have always ignored it. 
Until one day when I stopped. Since then, I have recommended to friends that they visit this church when they are in the area.
From WIKIPEDIA: St. Mary Magdalene Church in Kawit, Cavite (Parokya ni Santa Maria Magdalena) is one of the oldest churches in the Philippines. It was initially said to be built of wood as early as 1638 through the help of six Filipino families from the towns of Maragondon and Silang Cavite. The town Kawit which was formerly known as Cavite Viejo during Spanish occupation was frequent by Spanish marines and slowly turned into a “Red Light District” and to help solve the bad reputation of the place Manila Archbishop Miguel Garcia Serrano (1618–1629) ordered to place St. Mary Magdalene as patroness of the town. Some people and researchers say that it is possible that she may not be the original patron saint of the town since most of the old parishes in Cavite was consecrated to the Virgin Mary. The Church is known for healing and helping resolve personal problems
The interiors are one of the best in the country
(From wikipedia) The antique and miraculous life-size image of Mary Magdalene in Kawit, Cavite has a “mark” in the middle of her forehead, it resembles a mole and no living local in Kawit knows why the statue has such a mark. Speculations suggests that this is the symbolic mark of Jesus’s finger tips during the resurrection when he had appeared to Magdalene and said Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not). Some suggests that this mark is to clearly identify her identity from the Virgin Mary. The statue is traditionally danced in the streets of Kawit as a procession in the month of May and on the eve of her feast day which is July 22, this is called “Karakol” or “Caracol” which is Spanish word meaning “snail”. The statue is a detailed wooden sculpture with carved hair, draped clothing and a pair of silver shoes, she holds a crucifix on her left hand and a jar or perfume on the right hand. The color of her detailed wardrobe is a mixture of pink, orange, gold and a hint of light green beneath the orange draping. Although this detailed carved clothing is not usually seen because by tradition the image is clothed with a gown usually red in color with gold embroideries and orange, yellow or golden cape. The image also has a wig on top of the carved hair, the wig is long and reaches until the hem of the gown, three yellow strips of ribbon (or sash) is pinned horizontally at the gown to secure the wig from being displaced, and at the bottom a pocket that secures the tip of her wig. Only the face and hands are repainted from time to time the rest of the image’s original paint is untouched.
The details are unbelievable
The years have tinted the church’s facade with a characteristic patina, prevalent in the brick walls, making the plastered cornices and pilasters that divide the facade stand out to the eye. The facade is otherwise devoid of any flamboyant decorative elements. The first level is marked off by pilasters into vertical bays. The arched main portal dominates the center of the facade, topped by the seal of the church’s patroness represented by two capital letter M’s. Rectangular windows line the second level. The pediment features a central niche which enshrines the statue of Saint Mary Magdalene. A tall bell tower is attached to the left side of the facade and its lower levels are square. These levels have windows on every side. The top level is tapered and octagonal. All of the bell tower’s windows have arched windows marked by ‘ventanilla’ latticework below the sills. The belfry is capped by a metal dome which is in turn topped with a weathervane. (from wikipedia)
The Church is a favorite location for filming, the music video “Tell The World of His Love” produced for the World Youth Day in 1995 was filmed in the interiors of the church which starred many big stars of the Philippines such as Sharon Cuneta. Recently in 2011 a historical movie entitled “El Presidente” the life of Emilio Aguinaldo was filmed there with Philippine superstar Nora Aunor. (from wikipedia)
old red bricks at the side entrance
red bricks and moss-covered adobe
I suggest you visit, too.
On public transportation, jeepneys and mini buses ply this route from Baclaran or Zapote. The church is just past the famous Kawit landmark – – the Aguinaldo Shrine. In fact it is within walking distance.
Amazing and beautiful. Do you know how old this church is?
The present structure was built in 1737. The church was first built in 1638 using wood, but was destroyed by typhoons.
we always go to church here. we live in kawit. and true enough, the interiors of it are really amazing!! someday i am gonna write a post about it too on my blog 🙂
What a beautiful church! I haven’t been to that part of Cavite for aaaaaaages… and this is a wonderful reason to go back there again. Thank you for this post, BoyP!
May I add that our church (i’m proud to be a true blue Kawitenyo) is 99% made out of bricks and our ancestors are said to have used egg whites to cement them together. This is also where our first president, Aguinaldo was baptized. His “Magdalo” faction was named after our patroness, St. Mary Magdalene and she is also regarded as the Patron Saint of the 1898 Phil. Revolution. We are also famous for our “Maytinis” held on Christmas eve where more than a dozen floats are paraded to portray our history of Salvation from that of the Fall of Adam and Eve to the Nativity of Jesus.
It is said that before St. Mary Magdalene became our patroness, our church was dedicated to Nstra Snra De Guia. As mentioned above, the first 3 churches established in Cavite are Nstra Snra de Asuncion on the mountains, Nstra Snra de Candelaria on the plains and Nstra Snra de Guia near the shores. Probadly why the back of our church is on the main road because it faces the bay as guide to the spanish galleons that maroons on the Cavite Bay.
* I was born and raised in Kawit and really very proud to be a Kawiteno…I love so much our Dear St. Mary Magdalene and I am a living witness to be part of her miracles and blessings..Though at present I am living in Imus its neighboring town but still my heart is in Kawit and I still seek for St. Mary Magdalenes’ help and guidance through her intercessions to our dear Lord Jesus Christ… I am truly so proud of our Church to be one of the oldest church in the history..Thank you so much for this post and article and More Power to you..Godbless..*
Ei how can we go there if we’re from alabang?
If on public transport, take Alabang-Zapote. From Zapote there are rides to Kawit.
I’ve never been there but I saw pictures of the place from fridens’ albums and all I can say is that Island Cove is beautiful. One of the best places here in the Philippines.
If from Sm molino how will I go to this church..using public transportation..thanks..i will attend mass there 4pm tomorrow..
From Sm molino how will i go to that church..attend mass tomorrow at 4pm.thanks
Been busy so I have not opened my blog lately. Anyway, next time you can just take a mini bus from SM going to either Cavite City or Rosario. Asked to be dropped at the church, beside the old municipal hall.
hi.. ask q lng kung paano pumunta sa st mary mgdalene kpag my sariling sasakyan.. we are from mrkina pa.. kung manggaling kmi sa carmona cavite (meron po kc kmi ksahan doon), paano po pumunta?..
From Carmona, take the Governor’s Drive route and then to General Trias, on to Rosario (Salinas, then to Noveleta. After Noveleta from that route is Kawit where you will find this church. Ask for directions on how to get to the old municipio, because the church is beside it. Best if you have WAZE app on your phone (it is a free app) and then just input the church name and add Kawit.