Marikina City, the bustling shoe capital of the country and also one of the budding cities that opened itself up to new technology by having Business Process Outsourcing companies set up shop within its boundaries, is also home to one of the oldest churches in Metro Manila.

The Our Lady of the Abandoned Church, also known as Nuestra Señora de los Desamparados was built in the 1700s by Augustinian Friars. It has been destroyed by two earthquakes, one in 1816 and the other in 1830 and by fire in 1891, now stands beautiful along J.P Rizal Avenue within a stone’s throw away from other Marikina City landmarks.

I was awed by this magnificent structure. I stood in front of the church to admire its beautiful architecture. After admiring the front, I went to the back and passed by the left side of the church.

The church is quite big, judging from the length of its side. There weren't much windows because the side was filled with double doors that also serve as windows and as ventilation.

Along the side of the church were a couple of religious statues, including that of the Virgin Mary and Michael the Archangel with a spear in his right hand and the devil under his foot.

Before deciding to go inside the church, I went around to the front again and there I noticed the City Historical Site marker.

The marker on the front briefly states the history of the Nuestra Senora de los Desamparados in the vernacular.

It says that the first church which was made from Nipa Shingles was built in Barangka in 1572. It was then transferred to J de la Pena by the Jesuits in 1630. The first mass was held in the church on April 16, 1630.

By 1687, the church was relocated to its current location along JP Rizal Street and construction was finished in 1690.

When the Filipino-Spanish and Filipino-Americans broke, a big part of the church was destroyed by fire. The bell tower also fell into ruins during the Second World War when the Japanese Imperial Army invaded the country.

The Church was then rebuild and reconstructed in 1951 and has since then been restored and maintained with the help of the City Government and the people.

I was hesitant to go inside the church that day because there was a wedding being solemnized. I wouldn't want to barge in just because I wanted to take a good look at the altar and the interior architecture of the church.

Upon seeing the solemnity of the church, I couldn't resist the urge to take this photo. It was a grand view of the interior and it made me understand why the church is popular when it comes to starting a new life together in the sacrament of Holy Matrimony. The church gives an air of intimacy and solemnity, a perfect ambiance for the big "I Do."

Without disturbing the couple and their guests, I was able to enter the church quietly and visit the Baptismal Room.

The room was small and simple, but filled with elegance. There are only a few religious icons inside the room to give the Celebrant, the parents, the godparents and the family of the child who is about to be baptized enough room to move (and of course when the candles are lit, it will also avoid accidental burning and it also has enough ventilation so as not to keep the heat from lighted candles inside the room).

I waited for the wedding ceremony to finish so that I can go to the front of the church and take a photo of the main altar.

The main altar is smaller compared to other churches, but it was a beautiful sight. The first image you will see is that of the Blessed Virgin Mary and above it is the image of the crucified Christ.

The Our Lady of the Abandoned Church, a piece of history not just for the people of Marikina, it also for the Catholic population of the country as well.

The architecture is simple yet elegant with a solemn and sacred air, a great place for Baptismals and weddings. Or for those who are like me, a wanderer and admirer of beauty, this Historical Church is a great destination, especially if you consider going to other historical places which are just a stone's throw away from the church.