San Agustin Church, Intramuros, Manila -One of Philippines Historical Church

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I have a stressfull week last week as my co-worker is on leave. She works full-time while I work in the afternoon as part-time worker. Since I know the job she requested me to work full -time which is fine with me as it would add to my earnings. I was happy although a little bit stressed but I love the work. The only problem is I could not write my blog and post it. I really miss blogging though sometimes I skip a day posting. There are times that I got busy doing house chores and go out for errands that prohibits me from opening my computer and do the blogs. Another thing that made me stress last week is the planning of our upcoming church wedding which is next year 2010. Unlike my civil wedding here in the US that I personally do the bookings , making the wedding favors and making the list for the guest. Pretty easy for me. But this time it is far, as the wedding will be held in the Philippines so some of my relatives can partake this once in a lifetime and memorable event of my life. It not easy to work this out when you are far. Good that my former officemate volunteer to help me in the planning. She was the one who contacted the church administrator for the booking. Same with the venue which is also inside the Intramuros area. Triatrillo was the place that we choose for our reception. As early as now, we were able set the date of our wedding at the church of San Agustin in Intramuros. I do this in advance because this church is historical and there are lots of weddings held in this place. For you to be on the list, it takes like the wait-lists had a span of over a year. Our is scheduled on February of next year but we were able to get the slot of 6:30 in the evening because the day that we take is Saturday and there are lots of couples who are on the list already and its fully book . Anyway even its already evening at least we were able to get the date. To give you an idea of the place I have here the pictures to show where it is located.

This is the view of the whole Intramuros, Manila. According to history this is the city within the walls.In(Latin) intra means within and muros means walls. This is the popular name given to the walled city of Spanish Manila. The name “Manila” (it is claimed) derives from nilad, a type of mangrove that bore white waxy flowers (Ixora).

Designed and built by Jesuit priest Antonio Sedeo from 1586 to 1587, this is one of the oldest stone fortifications in this place Intramuros.This Began as a circular fort called Nuestra Seora de Guia. Renovated in 1593 to join the walls of the city. Fort fell in disrepair and, in 1644, construction began for a new baluarte which was completed between 1653 and 1663. Resembling an ace of spades, it housed a foundry during the 18th century.

San Agustin church is the only colonial church that has retained its original vaulting, despite the destructive forces that shelled the church during WW II. It was a fortuitous turn because San Agustin church flaunts one of the most artistically decorated interiors among all of the colonial churches in the country. A side chapel next to the main altar is dedicated to the Spanish Miguel Lopez de Legaspi, the founder of Manila. His remains were re-buried here by the Augustinians, unidentified and mixed along with others, after they were ruthlessly unearthed by the British who were searching for golden treasures in 1762. It is quite scarry when you look at it on the outside because it is very old already.but take a look at the church is more than just an architectural icon.The playful effect of chiaroscuro-light and shadows-and perspective, restrained only by the limited palette of a few earthly colors, is a visual spectacle. Perhaps, the grandiosity of the painting is a bit too presumptuous to some critics, but one can assume that the vitality of the interior must have roused the imaginations of Simon Flores, a local artist who later became responsible in decorating the interiors of several other churches.

From a clearer view of the inside when it is lighted you will be amazed of its architectural design.The reason why most of the celebrities and those who belong to the upper class (elite) who could afford to held a wedding here get their share of memories. Modesty aside I am one of them who dreams to hold a wedding here and a dream come true. Though we do not belong to the society mentioned above. We just want to make our day a memorable one.If you want further knowledge of this church history just click the picture and this will explain why this church was on the list of the Philippines treasures.

How we Filipinos Celebrate Holy Week

Holy Week in the Philippines is a unique, solemncelebration; it is so different from almost any place in the world. Palm Sunday signals the beginning of Holy Week. Since this week commemorates Jesus Christ's suffering and death, traditionally, Filipinos believe that ... almost the entire holy week is considered sacred. Many would take a vacation from work starting Holy Monday, and would resume work after Easter. Going to the provinces is a common thing, thus, the sight of full-packed buses is expected. People from the metro will flock back to their own provinces and security is tight in almost all ports. The new National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) Chief Roberto Rosales has even ordered the few thousand policemen to watch over people at these times. Which would mean no holiday for them too... I hope they really keep peace and order like what they are supposed to do. I watch from the TFC, that Rosales tasked his District Director to assure that there will be visible police men on public terminals, ports, airports and malls.

As early as Holy Wednesday, some do the "Penitencia"(Penance). This is when men (and some women) would reenact the the sufferings of Jesus by carrying wooden cross, flagellating themselves with thorny and sharp objects and ropes, and even allow themselves to be nailed on the cross. Just like these people from San Fernando, Pampanga who join the traditional marching and crucifying their way of repenting from their sin. Most foriegners visit this place to witness this event every year. See pics...

After a while of whipping themselves they start the 4 KM long procession to the cross

penitents passing in by a Sari-Sari store with a crowd watching

The first penetents approaches

Here The Roman soldier is looking for the right spot where to nail his feet to the cross while sustaining to the devotee as minimal damage as possible.

one approaches with a six inch nail in his hand

the cruxified person

Maundy Thursday is a day of a lot of prayers. The tradition starts with a mass in the late afternoon or early evening, which is highlighted by the "Washing of the Feet". Instead of a regular mass, there are 12 men who would pose as Jesus' disciples. The priest officiating the mass plays the role of Jesus. They have a ready basin with water and a piece of cloth. To explain the meaning of humility and service, Jesus (as represented by the priest) would wash the feet of the 12 men.
After the mass, there is a short procession to move the consecrated host from the tabernacle to the altar of repose. This is an altar that is beautifully adorned by flowers, lacy white cloths and lighted by many candles. This is going to be visited by plenty of people who would go from
one church to another to do their traditional "Visita Iglesia"(Visit the Blessed Sacrament). Some choose to do a many as 13 different churches, while others could opt for at least 7. They would visit the altar of repose and say their prayers. The side of the church that holds the altar of repose would be open until 12 midnight. There is a continuous vigil of prayers and songs until midnight. After visiting the churches in Manila we go to the places like The Divine Mercy Shrine in Bulacan and the famous Grotto also in Bulacan where we do our Station of the Cross. There is a new place where you can go if you want a solemn day of Prayer it is located in the Hill Lucban, Quezon.Here is the Video:

Some houses hold what is called the "Pabasa" which actually is a reading of a book about the Passions of Christ. It is read however, in a sing-song tone. Certain verses can be read using a different "tune", and then the readers would shift to another for the next parts. Individuals or groups take turns. This is non-stop and the entire book is usually finished the following day. In some provinces, the "Pabasa" is done in the churches. You can read and sing with the other church goers, and then have a helping of the refreshments outside the church. On Good Friday, the is no more mass to be held. A service is done to reflect on the "Seven Last Words" said by Jesus Christ on the cross. A priest and other guests would take turns in discussing. It usually starts as 12 noon and ends at 3 o'clock in the afternoon, the supposed time of death of Jesus. At 3 p.m. everyone is quietly in prayer. Some have the tradition of praying the Apostle's Creed 7 times, kneeling and with outstretched arms. This could be done at home with the entire family. A long procession follows after this. The "Santo Entierro" or the statue of bloodied and dead body of Jesus usually encased in glass, is at the very end of the procession. Joining the procession are other religious images of different saints and images of the Virgin Mary. The rosary is said over and over during this lengthy procession.
People are encourage do be silent and reflective until Saturday evening. The mood changes only the following day during the "Salubong" (meeting). At dawn, two groups of procession would come from different directions. The first group would be led by the image of the risen Christ, while
the other group is led by the image of the Mater Dolorosa, or the sorrowing mother of Jesus. At a designated spot, a real girl would be dressed as an angel and be helped to stay in a high platform. Once the two images meet, the "angel" would lift the black veil of the virgin mother, to signify the end of her sorrow and see her resurrected son. Bells would toll, singing will be heard and there is joyfulness around as they shout: "The Lord is risen!". A mass would follow after this and for the first time again, the Gloria will be sung.Filipinos take these religious customs seriously. The older ones try to teach these to their children and their children's children. Images are considered as family heirlooms and prized possessions. They rent places for safekeeping of the images and the important materials needed for the processions. They hire people to clean, take care of these images and do the intricately-designed expensive clothes. The practices are taught, explained and done so the younger ones would understand and continue them. For Filipinos, these customs show their love for their faith and their culture. Aside from believing that these would help them atone for their sins, these practices are their unique way of expressing their religious beliefs and values.

AMANPULO HOTEL

The Amanpulo is a beautiful hotel in a perfect setting. I could say that this place is unique and it is the best beach resort in Asia. A Peacefully Elegant Resort situated on private island of Pamalican, part of the Quiniluban group of Cuyo islands. Amazing place for honeymooners. And best romantic get-away for lovers. For those who want the serenity. This is the best place where you could breathe well because of fresh air, no pollution and say WOW this place is really perfect. If you love nature this is the best place with the Beach where in you could walk the sand,


snorkeling so you could see the beauty of God’s creation underwater,

boating if you love it , diving

and swimming.
If you are alone best to be one in one with mother nature where you can think, reminisce, or you can compose if you are a composer, write if you are a writer, the place is also good for retreats for those who want healing he he he lol, for this place is really quite and very far from the hustle bustle cities of Manila. And yes, you can witness the perfect view

sunset and take pictures without disturbance. It’s beautiful. Mind you this place is expensive but your vacation is really worth it.

Houses full of Christmas Lights

This pictures are just a few of biggest famous houses in Policarpio St. Mandaluyong City, Philippines. It has been tradition of the people in the area to decorate their houses with as much christmas lights and decorations their houses can carry. Every thing is covered with small twinkling lights, from the gazebo to the roof deck and even up to the small antenna. About 150m of the street is closed to vehicular traffic on weekends beginning late November 'til early January every year to give way to the big crowd flocking the place to get a glimpse of these enchanting houses as if the electricity bill doesnt matter to the owners.One of the owner said they are happy if they saw people happy. It goes to show that the spirit of love is really in their hearts and one aim is to make some people happy.Visitors would have to park their vehicles in the adjacent streets and walk down through Policarpio St. to experience the event named "Pasko-Pasko sa Policarpio". Keep those cameras clicking for that cool combination of starry lights. Thus this place became a tourist attraction.

Palawan's Beaches

For nature lovers another good place for adventure is Palawan, Philippines. An elongated island southwest of Mindoro, it is a 55 minute flight from Manila. It is rich in natural resources and boasts of exotic wildlife, white sand beaches, world class snorkeling and scuba diving. Also known as "the last frontier", it is a haven for adventure seekers and nature lovers. Dive spots in Palawan are plentiful, with each site offering a unique array of marine life. The Tubbataha Reefs are the best dive spots in the area.See pics.....
under ground river
El Nido
Sabang beach

Palawan Club Paradise
Coron Bay
Honda Bay-Snake Island

Tabon Cave
Tubbataha Coral Reefs

Palawan's clear waters

Palawan is appoximately 586 kilorneters southwest of Manila. The island province extends toward the southwest forming a partial land bridge between Mindoro and North Borneo. The western side of the island faces South China Sea. Puerto Princesa, the capital city, is the chief seaport and the center of trade and commerce.

Hundred Islands, Philippines

For nature lovers, this group of islands is a sight to behold! A friend sent me these pictures and lo when i see the view i said ahhh and uhhh!!! I love travelling and taking pitures and i haven't been to this place when i was in the Philippines. Was asking myself what is it this place that people like to go on adventure and to see. NOw i know why some people keep on visiting this beautiful place, if you are tired of living in the city and you plan to go places this serves as a good a gate away from bustle and hustle City of Manila.This became Pangasinan's best-known attraction.Hundreds of tiny rock islands are dotted over Lingayen Gulf near Lucap. From a distance they appear as a single land mass but a closer view shows them to be islands. Ranging in area from a few square meters to three hectares, some thirty of the islands are bordered by white, sandy beaches and surrounded by coral. The crystal clear waters are suited for swimmers, snorkelers and scuba divers. However, several coral reefs there have already been destroyed by dynamite fishing. One cannot get directly to many of the islands by boat because of the coral reefs which lie just below the water surface. Two islands, Urduja and Cathedral, are interesting because of their caves.
The tourist office at the pier in Lucap gives information about the islands and round trips by boat.
Urduja Island
Cathedral islandpassage into one of the caves

Here are few pictures of other islands that was sent to me;
Governors island
Shell island
Turtle island

These are the pictures of souvenirs that you can buy from the Lucap pier it is made of sea shells that is abundant in that area.
To my friend V, (she doesn't want me to mention her name here) thank you for giving me these pictures, i choose to post it here so that people all over the world reading my blog could see that there are places in our country Philippines that is safe to visit. I just hope one day you could also have a chance to look and read my blog. My regards to you new baby and your hubby.I want you to know too that one of my dream to see is this islets that make Hundred islands famous.I just don't have a chance while in there as you know i am much busy with the work and if i had the chance to travel it is just in connection with my work and not for liesure.One day if i had a chance to visit Philippines i want to explore the place and see it myself.

Tagaytay City, Philippines famous for Taal Volcano and Lake

My vacation in this place called Tagaytay is an unforgettable one, the place is very serene and far from noise and bustling Manila.While in Tagaytay I stayed at the Taal Vista Hotel. I choose the place because it is overlooking the famous Taal lake and Taal Volcano.
From what I learned "Taal Volcano has been called the smallest active volcano in the world. It is located about 70 km south of Manila in the middle of a lake called Taal Lake. What makes Taal Volcano unique is the fact, that the volcano itself forms an island that has a lake
of its own inside the crater which is called the "Crater Lake",
thus it is a lake within a lake." the volcano island can be reached by taking a half hour boat ride from any town on the shores of Taal Lake but the most popular jump-off point is from the town of Talisay. It was known that thousands of local and foreign tourists visiting is Tagaytay City every week. Taal Volcano remains a mystery that can only be viewed from a safe distance. It remains active up this date and continuously spews out steams from several small vents. For the growing number of people with a small sense of adventure and urge for discovery, they would find out that one can actually set foot on the volcano island, some curious visitors ride a horse to reach the rim of the main crater and wonder in awe at the view of a small island and the serene lake that formed in the gaping mouth created by the 1911 eruption of the volcano It is by no means a rewarding experience to be able to witness up close the impressive work of nature.