Church of St. Isidore the Farmer
The 19th-century Church of St. Isidore the Farmer (San Isidro Labrador), dedicated to Saint Isidore, the Laborer, was first built, with light materials, immediately after the erection of the parish. In 1826, Fr. Juan Rico started the construction of a new church. It was greatly damaged during the June 3, 1863 and July 19, 1880 earthquakes and was rebuilt by Fr. Miguel de Celis a few years after.
The triangular pediment with the Augustinian emblem in the center
Its plastered, predominantly Baroque and Neo-Classical façade, punctured by rectangular openings (three rectangular windows and one canopied rectangular main portal), contrasts greatly with the bare stone walls on the side and interior of the church. It is divided, by rectangular pilasters (the ones at the ends are topped by urn-like finials), into three vertical sections capped off by a triangular pediment. The 3-storey bell tower, on the left side, with the top level done in concrete, has a balustrade on the second level.
The 3-storey bell tower
Devoid of heavily detailed ornamentation, only the Augustinian emblem, motifs on the cornice and the balustrade on the belfry break the monotony of design.
Church of St. Isidore the Farmer: Brgy. Poblacion, Pulilan, Bulacan. Tel: (044) 676-1294. Feast of St. Isidore the Farmer: May 15.
How to Get There: Pulilan is located 50.5 kms. (a 1.25-hour drive) from Manila an 19.8 kms. (a 45-min. drive) from Malolos City.