Category Archives: culture

Quadricentennial church remains standing in Paracale

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The Spanish conquerors brought Catholicism to the Philippines in 1521. One of the proofs of this influence was the church.

Century-old churches hold so much mystery on how they were built and withstood the test of time. In my recent trip to Paracale, Camarines Norte, I came to see the 400 year-old Our Lady of Candelaria Parish Church. The church was one of the first three churches in Camarines Norte. Historians told that this church was built in 1611 under  Fray Jose de la Torre (source: daetdiocese.net).

The facade of the church gave me an impression on how it withstood calamities. The main door of the church was closed but I tried to enter through the back door.  It was a right choice to do so.

The ceiling may have been renovated but the walls were not. The stain glass perfectly matched the coral stone walls decorated by moss. It was a natural decoration. Camarines Norte Provincial Tourism head Atty. Debbee Francisco said that even if the parishioners tried cleaning the walls, they could not remove the mosses.

But it was perfect. The mosses added character to the quadricentennial-old church of Candelaria.

After your beach-bumming experience in Mahabang Buhangin in Calaguas, visit  this church as well and say a little prayer of thanks for a safe and memorable journey.

Church in an island: The Holy Rosary Parish of Boracay

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Wherever you are this Lenten Season, never forget the reason of the season. Take time to reflect and repent. If you happen to be in party island Boracay, visit the Holy Rosary Parish Church, which is near Station 1.

It’s not as grandiose as the other churches in Aklan, but it holds its own character. You will be welcomed by the Resurrected Christ’s image in tile mosaic. When you enter the Church, you would notice how simple the altar is. The wall of the Altar is decorated with limestones while the ceiling is made of wood.

Sometimes, we only need to be silent and listen to what HE wants to tell us. If you want to attend the Holy Mass, below is the schedule that I saw on the front door of the church.

Holy Mass Schedule

Monday 6:30 AM
Tuesday 6:30 AM
Wednesday 5:00 PM
Thursday 6:30 AM
Friday 6:30 AM
Saturday 6:30 AM
4:00 PM (Anticipated Mass)
Sunday 8:00 AM (Visayan Mass)
4:00 PM (English Mass)
5:30 PM

You might also want to say a little prayer in front of the Grotto of Our Lady located at the famous Willy’s Rock, which is Boracay’s icon. It’s just a few steps away from the church.

Trip@dora Published: Visita Iglesia on a budget

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photo by izah morales

Palm Sunday marks the start of the Holy Week. It’s a time to reflect and repent for Roman Catholics. For those who want to go on a pilgrimage without hurting the pocket, you don’t need to fly out of the country.

In Iloilo, you can marvel at the architecture wonders and at the same time take a spiritual journey. Starweek features my story today, April 1, 2012:  Visita Iglesia on a budget. Click the photo or the link to read more.

Cover Photo by Izah Morales

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Kasadyahan Festival 2012: A showcase of festivals in Western Visayas

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The Kasadyahan Festival 2012, composed of nine groups, brought its audience to a cultural journey to the different parts of Western Visayas.

Among the nine competing groups in this year’s Kasadyahan, the Salakayan Miagao: Ipadayaw group stood out as champions. The Salakayan portrayed how the people of Miag-ao fought for their faith. The participants showed variety of emotions, one of which are the wailing young women.

The Mandaragat of San Jose, Antique followed as first runner-up. This group showed that they enjoyed their performance even under the scorching heat of the sun.

The Hubon Sinulog Sang Oracon of Sibunag Guimaras and Sinadya sa Halaran Festival of Roxas City placed second and third runners-up, respectively.

Meanwhile, Tribu Maragtas composed of students of West Visayas State University ended up as 4th runner-up.

In just a day, the audience witnessed a glimpse to different festivals in the Western Visayas region. Other participants in the Kasadyahan included Sigabong Sang Mga Kanyon of Bago City, Hugyaw Kansilay of Silay City, Palayag Sang Buenavista of Guimaras, Tribu Panguyang of Tibiao, Antique.

The Kasadyahan Festival 2012 was one of the highlights of the Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo.

Tips: The Black Nazarene Procession in Quiapo

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Every 9th of January, millions of devotees flocked Quiapo to celebrate the Feast of the Black Nazarene. The translacion dates back four centuries ago when the image of the Nazarene was brought to the Philippines from Mexico. The Nazarene, which turned black after a fire, is believed to be miraculous.The unwavering faith of the devotees is always inspiring. From Quirino Grandstand, they will walk barefoot all the way to Quiapo.

The route for the procession this 2012 (source: Philippine Information Agency)

  • Route from Quirino Grandstand (Rizal Park), right Katigbak Drive thru P. Burgos
  • Turn Left Taft Ave(P.Burgos) thru McArthur Bridge, right Palanca, thru under Quezon Bridge
  • Left Quezon Blvd, right Arlegui, right Fratenal, right Vergara. left Duque de Alba, left Castillejos, left Farneclo, right Arlegui, left Nepomuceno, left Aguila, right Carcer
  • Right Hidalgo thru Plaza del Carmen, left Bilibid Viejo thru Puyat, left Guzman. right Hidlago.
  • Left Barbosa, right Globo de Oro thru under Quezon Bridge, right Palanca, right Villalobos thru Palza Miranda to Quiapo Chruch.

Here are some tips when participating in this religious feast:

1. MOBILE PHONE. As much as possible, don’t bring a mobile phone. Yes, it’s very important but then again, there’s always the risk of losing it. This is possible especially if you see yourself in the middle of the sea of people. But if you insist, put it in your front pocket or if you’re wearing a jacket with a secret pocket, then put it in there.

2. CASH. Don’t bring your wallet. Just bring enough cash for your return fare to wherever you’re going and for food.

3. WATER. Yes, it’s essential to bring a bottle of water to prevent dehydration. Expect to sweat a lot. Or if you’re lazy to bring a bottle of water, there are numerous vendors who follow the procession as well. Bring a sandwich or an energy bar too.

4. CAMERA. If your purpose is to shoot the procession, be at the venues early. Early means around 3:00 AM. Usually, a mass is held at the Quirino Grandstand at around 6AM.

  • You can find a statue in the middle of the Quirino Grandstand, where you can climb and shoot at a wide angle showing devotees waving their white hankies.

  • If you’re satisfied with your shots, head on to Quiapo ahead of the devotees. Find a building that will allow you to climb to the top. During our Black Nazarene experience in 2009 and 2010, we got to the 2nd floor of a building across Plaza Fair to shoot the aerial view of the devotees

  • If you want to feel the action, then shoot on the ground. But again, there’s the risk. Don’t do this if you have a lot of lenses with you. You might be trapped in a stampede. Stampede incidents had happened in the past years.

  • You will find a lot of interesting subjects for photography in Quiapo. It’s so fun!

  • Here’s another interesting subject. Maybe you can find him at the Plaza Miranda.

5. TRAFFIC. For motorists, check out the rerouting of vehicles as issued by the Manila Metropolitan Development Authority.

6. TIME. Expect the procession to last 10 hours.