Siquijor: A Year-end Dawn with a Mangrove Family
We have visited Siquijor December of last year and I still seem to be at a loss for words on how to start my chronicles of this enchanted island. When I take a look back, the first vivid memory that always pops on my mind is about a family. A family that when I first saw during our round the island tour, they seemed to be calling out to me. “We have to go back there.” , I said aloud.
Aliwan Fiesta 2013: Philippines Grandest Fiesta
A gathering of Philippines 7,107 islands diverse cultural heritage. It is showcased through music and colorful dancing that shows not only our unique Filipino traditions but also on how we celebrate the roots of our faith, thanksgiving and our ancestors plight to keep peace in our land. From dancing with the Sto. Niño, war dances and thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest, Aliwan Fiesta is considered as Philippine’s grandest fiesta, also dubbed as the “Mother of All Fiestas”.
Chasing the Sunset at Victoria Beach
It was actually harder to plan out where to go during long holidays. Costs of travel fares and accommodations are higher, and usually the cheaper ones are already fully booked. So, when my usual travel buddies just decided to visit some old friends in Pangasinan, I tagged along. We arrived in Dagupan at 3am after a 4-hour bus ride away from Manila. We just took a short nap then went for a roadtrip.
Visita Iglesia: Visiting Philippine’s Beautiful Landmarks of Faith
7 scriptures, 7 last words, 7 holy wounds, 7 Christian Sites , 7 Deacons, 7 ancient basilicas. These are said to be the symbolism of the 7 church visitation or the traditional Visita Iglesia. It is traditionally observed during the holy week but with so many churches across the Philippines, you may just pay a visit on a different time of the year.
I have listed down 5 historical and beautiful churches in the Philippines. I’ll just have to leave the remaining two for you to fill-in.
1. Manila Cathedral
Location: Intramuros, Manila
Built: 1579
Manila Cathedral, also known as Cathedral-Basilica of Immaculate Conception. It is one of the oldest and most historical churches in the Philippines. Although it is currently closed for renovation to do some major repairs and reinforce the structure to safety, it is still a famous landmark of not only our Christian faith but also our history.
Bangkok Nightscape: A walk around Benjasiri Park and Phrom Phong
We rode the BTS (Bangkok Mass Transit System) in search of a good vantage point to shoot and take a trip around the city, a side trip for our real agenda here – WORK. We were in Bangkok, but constraint in time and budget sent us just hopping from station to station to shoot for Bangkok’s cityscape, a cheaper alternative than going to Thailand’s famous temples.
Ayala Triangle Enchanting Lights and Sounds Show 2012
Countless twinkling and colorful lights, matched with orbs that were synchronized to the sound of different Christmas songs were just some of the highlights of this year’s Light and Sound show by Ayala.
Camping in Capones Island
Camping is nature’s way of promoting the motel business.- Dave Barry
After a long drive from Manila, it was still dark when we arrived at San Antonio, Zambales at dawn. We were going to catch sunrise at Capones, an island off the coast of Pundaquit.
Sunrise in Capones Island
Powdery white sands of Capones Island’s shoreline
Capones, aka, Isla Gran de Capon, is one of the islands or coves you can visit in Zambales but unlike the other coves, Nagsasa and Anawangin, there are no people inhabiting this island. It does not have any facilities that are offered in usual beach resorts. No restroom, no huts and no stores or food sellers. It’s just you beneath the sky and the stars, the rocks, the waves and the fireflies. For some, these reasons may ward you off from staying in this island but its the perfect spot for our blissful escape from urban life and cheaper alternative to having the usual vacation – CAMPING. (more…)
Policarpio Street Lights Up in Yule season
Policarpio is a just an ordinary street in Barangay Zaniga in the city of Mandaluyong but during the Yuletide season, the residents transform their houses from plain to extra-ordinary. Their decorations ranging from Sta. Clause of different sizes, life-sized “Belens”, Christmas lights and LED lights adorning their houses from roof to ground.
Unusual Burial Customs of Sagada
Hanging Coffins of Sagada
In a country like the Philippines which is pre-dominantly Catholic in belief , the conventional funeral practice for the deceased is by being embalmed, having a wake or “lamay” offered with prayers, a mass then a funeral procession before being either buried 6 feet underground or cremated.
