There is no charge to visit Sts. Peter and Paul Church, although donations are always welcome. While the towering exterior feels more impressive than the rather modern interior, it’s worth taking a look inside to see the historic pieces that have been preserved and the sacred statue of the Virgin of the Rose.
Some Makati tours make stops to look at the exterior of the church en route to other landmarks such as the American Memorial Cemetery, while others take a peek inside.
Close to the Pasig River in Makati, part of Metro Manila, Sts. Peter and Paul Church is a little over a mile (1.8 kilometers) from the Buendia MRT station or about half a mile (one kilometer) from the Valenzuela Ferry stop on the Pasig River. Parking can be tricky, so many travelers prefer a private driver to self-driving.
Sts. Peter and Paul Church is a bustling parish church with a busy schedule of Sunday services plus morning and evening services throughout the week. Unless you are there to pray, avoid visiting during Mass. On June 29 and 30, the square outside the church plays host to a historical festival, the Baile de Los Arcos, where girls dance to the Virgin Mary.
The Church of Sts. Peter and St. Paul was once home to an ivory statue of the Virgin of the Rose. Dating back to 1718, it was believed to contain a strand of the Virgin Mary’s hair. While the original statue was destroyed in battle, a wooden replacement statue is believed to have miraculous powers and remains a symbol of Macati.