FEATURE - SVFPP Bamboo Chapel: Heaven’s Worldly Disguise

 

SVFPP Bamboo Chapel: Heaven’s Worldly Disguise
by Noellah Jeannica R. Macam, Bayambang National High School

If you’re in search of a modernized place of worship that maintains the solemnity of traditional chapels, you have come into the right place.

Beaming among the array of highlights characterizing the Saint Vincent Ferrer Prayer Park is a unique chapel sitting at the left hand of the tallest bamboo sculpture in the world. Situated on an elevated platform, the chapel is preceded by a flight of stairs leading upwards to a covered terrace before an exquisite archway.

This new attraction designed by Architect Jerry Q. Suratos -- the same architect behind the Guinness record-holding St. Vincent Ferrer supported bamboo sculpture and St. Vincent Ferrer Prayer Park -- has three main entrances: A primary wooden door embellished with intricate golden patterns located in front of the building, and two secondary side doors made of glass.

Upon entering, a churchgoer is welcomed with long rows of wooden benches stretching from the entrance to the altar, complemented by a Mediterranean style of flooring using traditional Machuca tiles. Such feature already presents a glimpse of this chapel’s architectural concept – a wonderful cross between modern and old-fashioned designs. Perhaps its flagship is its glistening altar: a grand frontage of gold, silver, and white, embossed with delicate curvatures and symbolic designs that give prominence to Jesus Christ at the center, Saint Vincent Ferrer to the left, and the Blessed Virgin Mary to the right. Likewise, the stage upraising the altar includes a similarly ornamented podium and table for clerical events.

Moreover, while the right wall seems to come from a typical chapel – lined with colorful frescoes embedded on cement, its counterpart is a transparent façade peering over another set of pews. In addition, going out the glass walls by the left will give a breathtaking overview of Saint Vincent Ferrer’s bamboo statue, never failing to remind visitors of their devotion and faith to the patron saint.

According to Architect Suratos, "the window panels are made of stained glass usually used for cathedrals made by Tiffany Co. and the wall paint is an Italian Vassari Paint mixed with powdered marble to achieve the rich marble effect."

Furthermore, to promote comfort during masses, a couple of smart televisions and ventilators are incorporated within the chapel, adding to the modern touch. To also ensure it is well-lit any time of the day, rows of LED lights are installed on the chapel’s pristine ceilings.

Undeniably, getting through this chapel stirs a surge of internal feelings of harmony distinct from commonplace emotions. It is a portal merging the earth and the unseen kingdom of angels, where God’s close presence is always felt.

Finally, the entirety of this chapel is shielded by an enormous metallic crown that ensconces the sacred place in a gracefully protective curve. Such distinction from conventional places of worship is an indirect call for everyone to come and enter a different dimension at the heart of an unsuspecting world – where sincere spirituality is the sole prerequisite.

Not only is the Saint Vincent Prayer Park bamboo chapel a leap in religious architecture, but it also serves as a unifying reserve for the devout and hopeful. Indeed, it is God’s way of bringing His heavenly paradise closer to those who live and believe – a sanctuary of joy and reassurance on earth below. (RSO)

(Photo by Vernaliza M. Ferrer)