The round chapel of Pio
Porac's 1861 circular chapel survived Pinatubo and an earthquake, then a debate over who should repair it and how.
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Discover Pampanga Editors · October 2026
Photo: Judgefloro on Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA · via Wikimedia Commons
Most Spanish-era churches in Pampanga are long and rectangular. In Barangay Pio, Porac, stands an exception: the San Vicente Ferrer Chapel, built in 1861 and known as the first circular chapel in the Philippines.
Damage and repair
The chapel was battered by the 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo, and again by the 2019 earthquake that also shortened the belfry of Porac's parish church. With limited funds and little advice from conservationists, the people of Pio repaired it themselves.
The do-it-yourself restoration became controversial among heritage advocates.
Visiting
The chapel is in Barangay Pio, a short drive from the town centre. Treat it as a place of worship, and combine it with Porac Church and the Hacienda Dolores Chapel. See the Pio Chapel listing.
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More in Porac
© Ralff Nestor Nacor on Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SATravel
Tutulari: Porac's Avatar canyon
Wind and water carved a canyon of mossy sandstone in Porac's uplands. Why visitors call it the Avatar gorge.
Community
Porac after Pinatubo
How the 1991 eruption buried Porac's villages and river in lahar, and how the town rebuilt on two sides of the Pasig-Potrero.
Things to do nearby
© Joelaldor on Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SAAttractions
Hacienda Dolores Chapel (Virgen Dolores Chapel)
Spanish-era barangay chapel of 1838 on the Porac Access Road, repaired after the 2019 earthquake.
© Joelaldor on Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SAAttractions
Pio Chapel (San Vicente Ferrer Chapel)
The first known circular chapel in the Philippines, built in 1861 in Barangay Pio and repaired by residents after Pinatubo and the 2019 quake.
Adventure
Mount Pinatubo via the Inararo trail
A 40 km, 8 to 10 hour 4x4 and hiking route through lahar gullies to Pinatubo's crater lake, guided mostly by resident Aeta.
Where to eat nearby
Food Trips
The Black Yard, Porac
New food and lifestyle yard of tenant stalls in Barangay Siñura, Porac, opened on October 11, 2026.
Restaurants
Bigroys Boodle Fight, Porac
Boodle-fight restaurant in Manibaug, Porac, opened on October 11, 2026, built around communal meals eaten by hand.
Budget Eats
Wings City, Porac
Chicken wings restaurant on the main road in Barangay Santa Cruz, Porac.
Where to stay nearby
Hotels
Blue Hotel and Resort, Porac
Hotel and resort in Manibaug Pasig, Porac, with an outdoor pool, garden, restaurant and bar.