Just for one day: Here's how you can explore Manila Cathedral's formerly restricted areas for free

This Independence Day, Manila Cathedral is joining in on the patriotic fun by holding an open house. 

It isn't just any regular tour, however. On Friday, June 12, Manila Cathedral will allow visitors free access to three areas previously closed to the public. From 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., anyone can explore the cathedral crypt, choir loft, and roof deck to learn more about the cathedral.

Free guided tours will also be available at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. 

There's more: Manila Cathedral, which is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila, is officially recognized as having the largest pipe organ in the Philippines. It's also known to have the largest church organ in Southeast Asia. On June 12, the pipes will be dusted off during free pipe organ concerts at 9:30 a.m. and another at 1:30 p.m.

For the faithful, two holy masses will be celebrated to mark the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus; one at 7:30 a.m., another at 12:10 p.m.

In the crypt, visitors can expect to see the final resting places of deceased archbishops of the Archdiocese of Manila. As of 2023, there were four archbishops buried in the crypt. 

The choir loft, which sits above the cathedral's main entrance, right behind the facade, contains the historic pipe organ. Get your phone cameras ready to capture sunlight streaming in through the two round stained-glass windows in the loft. 

On the roof deck, if you arrive there right before dusk, you might be able to catch one of the famous Manila sunsets. Don't forget to enjoy your closer-than-normal view of the copper-roofed dome of the cathedral. Designed by Filipino architect Fernando Ocampo during the cathedral's post-war reconstruction, the interior base of the octagonal drum is illuminated by eight pairs of stained-glass windows.  

Have a fun, patriotic day!