Bell Church

Introduction

Bell Church is a historical Chinese Buddhist temple and is one of the most soothing places in Baguio City. It is located near the entrance to the La Trinidad municipality in Benguet and it is just ten minutes walk from the Valley of Colors. It sits on a 10,000 square meters property and its elevated scenery reminds the Chinese devotees of their hometowns in China and Hong Kong.

According to its history, Bell Church was established in the year 1960 by a group of Chinese immigrants led by Ng Pee coming from Guangzhou, China. Before the establishment, he preached along the Kilometer 6 mark in La Trinidad in 1954, and as the years passed by the number of devotees in the area continued to rise. The temple associates is mainly composed of ethnic Chinese farmers and when the temple was relocated at the Kilometer 3 mark, it became known as Bell Church with the support from the local Chinese community. The devotees use the church or temple as a place to interrogate answers with regards to any concerns about marriage, and other personal issues. As stated by the Ng clan, the design of the temple, both the inside and outside was constructed in accordance with the guidance of saints. An arch ornate with vibrant images of dragons and Chinese engraved inscriptions is situated at the entrance of the temple. The site’s pagodas feature images of saints and the Buddha. A bust of the founder, Ng Pee is hosted within the temple grounds and two octagon ponds with lotuses are put up in front of the main temple structure. The octagon motif known as the Bagua in Chinese culture portrays the belief in rebirth and perpetuity, and the lotus flowers signify purity and elegance. In the next decade, Bell Church was featured in local kung fu films as well as romantic films and it became a significant tourist site as well as a religious and cultural site in Baguio City. It served as a spot for cultural festivals by the Filipino-Chinese community and also hosts a gymnasium where instructors give lessons on dragon and lion dancing, and martial arts. So if you’re already in Baguio City then you don’t want to miss this place of cultural expression for the local Chinese and Filipino community.

Name: Bell Church
Location: Bell Church Road, Baguio City, Benguet, Philippines

My trip to Bell Church

Before our group visits the La Trinidad Strawberry Farm, we make sure to drop by at the Bell Church which is just along the way. Just a few meters away from the main road, we reached the main entrance and parked our van facing the wall, and our group registered before started exploring the place. As soon as we started roaming around, the first thing that caught our eyes was the intricately designed arcs ornamented by dragons and Chinese symbols as well as the sophisticated Chinese architecture that embellish the gateway.

Within its compound, as with most Chinese Buddhist temples, it is mostly red with many dragon highlights built into it. The colors of the structures or walls inside the Bell Church were either bold red, green, or yellow which are the favorite colors of most Chinese. To be honest, Bell Church reminds me a bit of the Cebu Taoist Temple. Dragons stand watch on the arches and lions guarding the place. Bell Church stands out and contrasts with the surrounding premises with her felicitous red pavilions and architecture.

A few moments later I notice several pagodas and stone pathways surrounded by landscaped gardens. Also, I spotted several placid Koi and Lotus ponds with some water lily flowers floating on them and people chose to make a wish to deliver. It is so heartwarming to see them. We entered the main hall and we saw several photographers, a Chinese temple caretaker, and one of the deities in the area of the altar. We glanced through the many photos taken in the past. Later we saw a sculpture of a tall Deity sculpture of Kuan Kong at one of the pavilions and this indicates goodness and trust in business dealings. Then we notice that the temple inlying is a cherished trove of cultural artifacts. Provocative sacred statues and emblematic ornament tell the story of Chinese and Filipino traditions. I love reading all their history engraved in every whimsical statue and artifact. Therefore I have now a little bit understanding of their religion.

As we continued to roam around, we saw the bells that are adorning and are said to be able to ward off evil spirits and they serve as musical instruments for worship and integration within the community. Also, we spotted the majestic dragon sculptures that stand guard over the temple. Furthermore, we see some typical plants which are very similar to those found in China, South Korea, and Japan. For this reason, we take our time and take good pictures of every single spot since it’s not crowded and the place is very Instagramable.

A few minutes later, our group found out that the incense that serves as an offer to the church may symbolize the prayers and desire that according to them will serve as the line to heaven. Anyway, we have a rapid exercise on climbing the stairs and more pagodas can be seen as I go up or reach the higher level. At the top of Bell Church, I can see parts of Quirino Hill and the pleasing scenery of Baguio City. The weather here is cool and the view of the many houses that occupied the hillslope opposite the temple was so remarkable. Undoubtedly, Bell Church is a vivid and fascinating religious and cultural place with an overlooking view of the city. Then I found out that some of the temples here are solely for religious purposes. Nevertheless, visitors can spend time here to meditate and refresh.

From my perspective, the place is a hidden gem in Baguio City and it’s so relaxing because visitors can see lush greenery all around. The gardens of the Bell Church are filled with flowers and plants, many of which have symbolic meaning in Chinese culture. Also, the place is very clean and well-manicured with lush foliage and with tranquil ambiance. The management did a good job at keeping the church solemn despite swarms of sightseers. No wonder this place became a major tourist attraction.

Then one member of the group who visited Bell Church three times talked to me and said that this place is trendy, especially during Chinese New Year when a lot of tourists visit this place and line up because they often give coins as well as food and enjoy the dancing dragon show. Anyway, after thirty minutes we finished going around this place and I must say it’s worth a visit.

How to Go to Bell Church

By commute

1. From Burnham Park in Baguio City, ride a jeep bound for La Trinidad and tell the jeepney driver to alight you near the entrance of Bell Church.
2. Then walk for a few meters towards the temple or church.
   
   
   
   

Reminders and Tips:

• The entrance fee to Bell Church is 20 pesos per head and the parking fee is also 20 pesos. Note: fees may be changed at any time without further notice.

• Bell Church is open from 6 am in the morning up to 5 pm in the afternoon. Note: the best time to visit this place is early morning to avoid the crowd. Tourists usually start to arrive around 9:30 am.
• No stepping, no sitting, and no standing on the rim of the octagon. 
• You may go inside their church but no taking of pictures and videos. Also, take off your cap or bonnet upon entering the church.
• Visitors can try to seek answers to questions inside the temple through the support of a Buddhist monk. 
• Bell Church is about ten minutes drive from the city center and the jeepney fare is 12 pesos.
• After exploring Bell Church, you may want to visit other well-known tourist attractions such as Valley of Colors and La Trinidad Strawberry Farm.
• Above all, minimize your voices as this temple is considered holy and a dedicated worship place. Always be mindful of their regulations and customs.
  
  
  

There you have it. Sometimes we just need a vacation to rest our minds and calm our hearts. Also, focus on the positive side to attract positive things into your life.