I suck at remembering dates, so don’t think I memorized when Pedro Calungsod, the 2nd Filipino saint (after St. Lorenzo Ruiz) was born. It was 360 years ago to this day, on July 21, 1654, when his story began. I thought it fitting, then, to post about this small place, the Chapel of San Pedro Calungsod, dedicated to him in Cebu. (Check out his official website here, and read about his life here.)
Before that, however, we go to another place, smack in the middle of the currently-being-developed complex of SM Seaside City Cebu, set to open in 2015. It’s the San Pedro Calungsod templete in the South Road Properties lot. This templete, or template, is the structure that was used as a shrine during the canonization of the Filipino saint on October 21, 2012. Made of bamboo, it is where dance offerings and presentations were made after the National Thanksgiving Mass.
It was right after lunchtime when we arrived at the Complex, and it was scorching hot. There were no shades or trees in sight, so… this is what it must feel like to be in a desert. Sans the dunes.
The place was deserted, except for two guards. One security guard, and one dog.
Here you get a glimpse of a small part of what will soon be occupied by the SM Seaside City Complex.
We spent all of five minutes at the San Pedro Calungsod templete, then went back to the AC comfort of our van, which then brought us to the Chapel of San Pedro Calungsod. It was just less than three minutes drive away, since it was also located within the SM Seaside City Complex.
The Chapel of San Pedro Calungsod occupies a 5,001 sq m lot. It was designed by US-based architect Carlos Arnaiz, and donated by Henry Sy, Sr. and his wife Felicidad, both of SM Prime Holdings, Inc.
The main materials used were sand, stone and glass, and designed to represent the Cebuano contemporary aesthetic. It is said to be able to accommodate 803 people.
When we arrived, there weren’t a lot of people. But there were guards, and maintenance crew keeping the place clean, constantly sweeping the aisles and the floors. The place was solemn, and I must say the location was perfect. It was hot and humid, but there was a gentle breeze blowing, further aided by tall bamboo trees on the sides of the chapel.
Off to one side, close to the entrance, is an alcove where there were running visual presentations of the life of Pedro Calungsod. Photos of the canonization celebrations, both in the Vatican and in Cebu, were also framed and displayed for posterity.
On the right side is a Baptistry; on the left is a Children’s Room. Both have glass walls separating them from the main chapel.
The Chapel of San Pedro Calungsod was designed with 100 walls of varying heights and widths. Set against the backdrop of the blue sky, it took my breath away. There were also pocket gardens around the walls, and they supposedly represent the 14 stations of the Cross.
I must say, this is a fitting tribute to the Filipino saint. I hope they are able to maintain it for the years – and decades – to come.
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