The Binondo Church in Manila was founded in 1596 by Dominican priests, making it one of the oldest places of Christian worship in the Philippines. Though damaged over the centuries by earthquakes, typhoons, and war, it has been reconstructed while maintaining its historic Spanish and European Baroque architectural style. Heavily damaged in World War 2, it was rebuilt in three phases and completed in 1984. The church is named after and dedicated to St. Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino saint, who was born and trained in the church before being martyred in Japan for refusing to renounce his Catholic faith.