LEARN MORE
Timeline
Follow the timeline of Turumba by seeing where and how it appears in preserved stories and Church history. Each mention reflects the devotion's lasting significance.
Iñigo G. Vito
Iñigo G. Vito was born in Pakil, Laguna on January 21, 1921. He was a prominent advocate of religious and cultural traditions in Pakil. Beyond his roles as a teacher, historian, musician, and philanthropist, Vito actively contributed in church activities as kantor, bassist, and violinist during processions, masses, and rosaryo cantada.
He played a significant role in the Turumba festivities, leading the singing and revising the lyrics of the “Awit ng Turumba” during the post-liberation period to improve its rhythm and structure. He also helped expand the festival’s reach and signifance by inviting devotees from neighboring towns to participate in the Turumba.
Among his notable contributions was the reenactment of the discovery of the image of Our Lady of Sorrows along the shores of Laguna de Bay, in which he served as both organizer and narrator. He also developed a standardized choreography for the Turumba dance and was a member of Pakil’s Banda Dos.
KEY FIGURE
Turumba sa Birhen Maria de los Dolores
This Filipino book documents the stories, legends, history, and miracles associated with
the image of “Birhen ng Turumba” in the town of Pakil, Laguna.
Reference from Vito, I. G. (1997). Turumba sa Birhen de los Dolores: Mga Kwento, Alamat, Kasaysayan, Himala ng Mahal na Birhen ng Hapis. Echanis Press, Inc.
The book of “Turumba sa Birhen Maria de los Dolores” serves as a cultural and devotional archive centered on the Nuestra Señora de los Dolores de Turumba. It preserves the rich stories passed down orally among Pakileños.
As a resource, this book serves as a primary source on Turumba practices before modernization. It records the early interpretations of the dance, music, and miracles, and stands as a heritage material that is now rare to access. It also fills knowledge gaps at a time when formal academic research on Turumba was still limited in the late 20th century.
St. Peter of Alcantara
Parish Church
St. Peter of Alcantara Parish Church is the central Roman Catholic church located in Pakil, Laguna. It serves as the main place of worship for the community and is the home of the revered image of the Nuestra Señora de los Dolores de Turumba.
Before Spanish colonization, a makeshift bamboo and nipa church already existed in Pakil. The current stone church was built in 1732 under San Pedro Bautista and was completed in 1767, taking 35 years to finish. Local stories say that each layer of the structure took a year to build.
The church is also known for surviving World War II without suffering damage. While nearby towns suffered destruction from heavy bombings, the church was miraculously spared. Devotees attribute this to divine protection, with oral stories describing a “blanket of clouds” covering the church from enemy bombers, while others recount sightings of a woman in white believed to be Our Lady of Turumba appearing and driving away enemy aircraft.
HISTORICAL LANDMARK
The Turumba Museum
The Turumba Museum is a small cultural and religious museum located beside the St. Peter of Alcantara Parish Church in Pakil, Laguna. It serves as a central repository of materials connected to the devotion to Our Lady of Turumba.
Inside are historical records, religious garments (ranging from early hand-sewn, metal-threaded clothing to modern embroidered versions), jewelry, old photographs, festival memorabilia, offerings from devotees, and other ceremonial items.
The museum plays an important role in preserving the heritage of the Turumba devotion. By displaying these objects, it shows how the practice and expression of faith in Pakil have developed over time. It also serves as an educational space for visitors, pilgrims, and researchers interested in learning about the history, culture, and religious life of the community.
Books that document the history and practices of the Turumba devotion are also available, including Inigo Vito’s “Turumba sa Birhen Maria de los Dolores: Mga Kuwento, Alamat, Kasaysayan, Himala ng Mahal na Birhen ng Hapis” and the souvenir book “Ang Reyna ng Bayan ng Pakil, published in honor of the Canonical Coronation of Our Lady of Turumba in 2024. These are often commonly sold in the church area.
Gallery
Discover St. Peter of Alcantara Parish Church through images of its historical facade and sacred spaces. This collection offers a glimpse into its importance as the home of the revered Turumba devotion.
Copyright © Turumba Experience. | All Rights Reserved.
