Simbahang Bato, simbahan (church) and Bato (stone or rock) are naturally made church. It is one of a mother earth beauty creations.

History

It is a legendary story about a cave in Brgy. San Gabriel, Laurel, Batangas is now known as the “Kapilya ni San Gabriel Archangel or San Gabriel Archangel Church” or “Simbahang Bato”.

According to the elders and my grandmother stories, even before this place became a church, the locals considered it sacred. It is covered with large trees and plants and only birds and wild animals can approach it. There are also those who say that the people hear beautiful and unique music and different sounds from here. But, despite of the cave beauty, no one can come close because they believe that they will get sick according to those who have tried to approach it.

As time went on, people gradually approached it and only heard the chirping of animals and birds. It also served as a hiding place for the people during the time of Spanish and American war. It is said that it also has a secret tunnel from Brgy. San Gabriel to Brgy. Paliparan, Laurel, Batangas.

After that war, the cave become the shelter of the people when there is a typhoon because they are safe there than to their house. We all know that old house before are made from light materials like bamboo and wood. They are more secure in the cave if there is a typhoon.

After many years, one Parish Priest notice it and he made the cave into a church. He called it San Gabriel Archangel Church or Simbahang Bato. Until now many devotees are still going there especially in Holy Week season.They meditate and pray there.

My own experience

Simbahang Bato is located at Laurel, Batangas, 3 to 4 hours drive from Manila. It is the place where I grow up. I remember when I am in grade school we went there every Holy Week. Together with my friends we are walking only to go there. Many people are coming and visiting from different places.That time the church is not like that.It is very simple.They only have one replica of saint, Jesus Christ and Mother Mary image and a few chairs. But because of government help and the people living nearby the cave turns out to be a very beautiful and famous church now. And I am lucky that I witness the very good improvement of the church. Many people and tourist are going there. But because pandemic happened they closed it for safety purposes. And I don't know if it is already open now.

According to my grandmother stories, there are many golds and treasures found in that cave. They found antique materials and some skeleton in there. They believe it is a hide out of the Spanish before when there is an American and Spanish thingy. They lived and hide there and when the war ends it became their cemetery too. It is a very horrible place that time but now it is a famous church.

If you want to find a quiet and solemn place to pray and meditate, it is the one I recommended for you. If you want to go there with your family it is the very good idea to bond and to pray together. Always remember the family that prays together stays together. You can go there also for your "Bisita Iglesia"of the Roman Catholic to meditate and to relent. Asking our God to forgive us our sins.

It is the best place too in a wedding ceremony. Imagine yourself in here exchanging wedding vows and promises with the love of your life, that you will be together for better and for worst, till death do us part is a very nice feeling. You are closer to God and closer to the nature. Embrace Mother Mary while embracing Mother Nature.