9While the temples and stupas may be the architectural icons of much of Asia, the church is arguably the Philippines' most distinctive building. Tellingly, despite three hundred years of the Hispanic rule, the Filipinos opted to retain their indigenous names for places of worship, instead of the Spanish iglesia. Thus, simbahan - "church" in much of central and southern Philippines - was chosen as the title of this book. From the Manila way of naming things, simbahan accented in the middle syllable, it moves away towards the far and the unheard of simbahan accented on the last syllable. Simbahan introduces fifty sites chosen among the country's most culturally or esthetically significant churches. Their descriptions are among the tidbits culled from anthropology, linguistics, geography, popular devotions, a bit of history (art history) and local culture. Some churches in this book are brimming with devotees, such as Manaoag, Quiapo or Cebu; some are historic, such as the Manila Cathedral of Barasoain. A few have been awarded international status, such as Paoay and Miag-ao, while others have been given the country's highest artistic honors, such as Malaueg, Guiuan or Jimenez. Some are easy to reach, like San Sebastian or Baclaran, but others challenge even the hardened traveler, such as Mahatao, Capul or Caraga. A few are really ancient, like San Agustin, some are audaciously modern, like Victorias. Each one effuses some facet of that cultural fusion of art, life and nature that could only blossom in the Philippines. As the unabashedly Roman Catholic country celebrates 500 years of Christianity, Simbahan hopes to provoke a "wander lust" among pilgrims and tourists - beyond the beaches and "fun" - to visit 50 remarkable monuments to the piety and artistry of the Filipinos.