Calasiao : "Lugar de Rayos"

Three hundred sixty one (361) years ago, "Calasiao" was founded by the Dominican Missionaries next to the town of San Carlos, formerly "Binalatongan". It was advocated by N.P. Domingo de Gabon. Its first Vicar was Rev. Juan Maldonado de San Pedro Martir. Because of the controversy between the said missionaries and N.P. Sto. Domingo de Gabon, the missionaries were maltreated and threatened to be killed if they would not leave the place. As a result because of their fear of being liquidated, the missionaries moved to a place between the barrios of Gabon and Dinalaoan, the very place where the Roman Catholic Church is now found.

These missionaries named this place, "Calasiao" or "Lugar de Rayos" in the Spanish language. When they left the town, N.P. Domingo de Gabon took over and erected a temporary church giving it the name of "The House of N.P. Sto. Domingo de Gabon de Calasiao."

One hundred forty five (145) years later, the followers of N.P. Sto. Domingo de Gabon under the leadership of Fr. Luis Candullo began the construction of another church for the Patron Saints San Pedro y San Pablo de Calasiao. This was ruined by an earthquake a few years later. Soon after, it was rebuilt by the people who were avowed catholics without the aid of present-day machines but with perseverance and determination to finish a work begun.

In 1736 the insurrectos led by Palaris of Binalatongan (now San Carlos) burned the church. After a few years, Fr. Daimau reconstructed it this time with strong materials, and this is the church that we find today in Calasiao. It is 88.30 meters long, 25 meters wide and 27.30 meters high. Construction began in 1753 and it was completed in 1858. Its convent is 75 meters long and 25 meters wide with two yards, one at the left side and another in front. The tower is about 30 meters high, this church is considered one of the best in Pangasinan architectural design and as a matter of fact some scenes in Everlasting Pictures' "Vivas Señoritas" were shot in and around the premises of the same. #