Often overlooked by visitors to BINONDO CHURCH is one of the oldest documented paintings in the Philippines: N.S. Se Pronto Soco...

Often overlooked by visitors to BINONDO CHURCH is one of the oldest documented paintings in the Philippines: N.S. Se Pronto Socorro [Our Lady of Prompt Help]. The image was venerated as early as 1588 in the church of San Gabriel in the Parian or ghetto for the Chinese, outside the walls of Intramuros. It is believed to be the only 16th century painting by a Chinese artisan in the Philippines. Copied from a European model (perhaps an estampita) this painting on metal has been adorned with gold, s...