Heritage Series: Our Beautiful Wedding at St. John Bosco Parish Church, Makati

I’ve written a lot of articles about the churches that we’ve visited before. However, I realized just recently that I’ve not written anything about the most significant church in our lives, the St. John Bosco Parish Church in Makati. The special place in which our wedding was solemnized more than a decade ago.

The St. John Bosco Parish Church is also one of the most popular wedding churches in Metro Manila for its modern design, serene atmosphere, and stunning interiors. When Mommy Khris first saw the altar with the starburst tabernacle framed by golden anahaw leaf design, she instantly fell in love with it. Upon showing me the photo of the interiors, I knew that it was the perfect church for us. It was much more spectacular in person, with the ceiling rendered in a fisherman’s net pattern.

The history of the St. John Bosco Parish Church started in 1951 with the arrival of the Salesians in Makati City, back when the Central Business District was a vast grassland.

In the 1970s, several parts of Makati City were organized into the St John Bosco Parish. It was dedicated to John Melchior Bosco (August 16, 1815 to January 31, 1888), also known as Don Bosco, an Italian Catholic priest, educator, and writer.

He dedicated his life to catechism and became well-known for helping orphaned and abandoned boys, teaching them religious ways as well as the necessary skills to help them find employment. Don Bosco's sainthood cause was opened after his death, and following his beatification in 1929, he was canonized by Pope Pius XI in 1934.

The church was completed in the late 1970s and has since then been a recognizable landmark in Makati City.

What we like best about the admin office at St. John Bosco Church was how accommodating the staff were. They were easy to talk to, and we were able to secure the date that we were eyeing, although the reservation rule is at least six months before the planned wedding date.

We also had to pay the contribution, which covers the wedding ceremony essentials, flower arrangements, and church amenities. Couples also have to fulfill the usual appointments such as the Canonical Interview, Pre-Cana Seminar, and Marriage Counseling/Confession/Rehearsal prior to the wedding.

It was just a pity that we have only been back once after our wedding, and that was to attend the wake of a former colleague’s mom.

The St. John Bosco Parish Church is one of the most beautiful modern churches in Metro Manila. It’s a small church with striking interiors that has borne witness to countless weddings and baptisms. I'm sure, a lot of people also have good memories of St. John Bosco Parish Church.

St. John Bosco Parish Church is one of Metro Manila's most sought-after wedding churches because of its distinctive modern architecture, peaceful ambiance, and beautiful interiors. Its iconic starburst tabernacle framed by a golden anahaw leaf design, along with its fisherman's net-inspired ceiling, creates a memorable backdrop for wedding ceremonies.

St. John Bosco, also known as Don Bosco, was an Italian Catholic priest, educator, and writer who devoted his life to caring for orphaned and underprivileged boys. He established schools and vocational training programs to help young people build better futures. He was canonized as a saint by Pope Pius XI in 1934.

Couples planning to get married at St. John Bosco Parish Church are generally required to reserve their preferred wedding date at least six months in advance. They must also complete church requirements such as the Canonical Interview, Pre-Cana Seminar, Marriage Counseling or Confession, and the wedding rehearsal. A church contribution covering ceremony essentials and amenities is also required.

The parish traces its roots to 1951 when the Salesians arrived in Makati. The parish was formally organized in the 1970s, and the present church building was completed later that decade. Today, it remains one of Makati City's most recognizable Catholic landmarks.

Yes. Beyond being a popular wedding venue, St. John Bosco Parish Church is worth visiting for its remarkable architecture, serene atmosphere, and rich parish history. Whether you're attending Mass, admiring its unique design, or exploring heritage churches in Metro Manila, it offers a meaningful and memorable experience.

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