On September 3, 1995, lahar flow from the slopes of Mount Pinatubo which erupted on June 15, 1991, buried the church to half its 12-metre (39 ft) height, prompting more than 50,000 town residents to evacuate to safer grounds in resettlement areas.

The first church was built by the Augustinian friars in 1576 on the lot of Don Guillermo Manabat, a rich landlord believed to be the founder of Bacolor.

[1] After the Mount Pinatubo eruption in 1991 which caused the lahars to flow into the municipality that half-buried the church,[2] the structure remained in use as a place of worship.

The citizens of Bacolor carefully excavated the ornately carved main and side altars and restored in its immaculate condition.

Jesus Manabat Jr. since the show's story has religious themes, and letting the crew film there helped in the maintenance and repair of the whole church compound.

The Filipino Channel's aid in exposure led to an influx of foreigners and locals visiting the church.