tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38960771563846195942024-03-05T13:33:47.807+08:00Lakbay Aral Espesyal!God bless our trip!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03177896124306793691noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3896077156384619594.post-91670355734139928432013-06-02T03:07:00.001+08:002013-06-02T03:12:21.963+08:00The Art of War, Araña't Baluarte Style<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxqw9uQ17W6F3XU_qI6JP1wBivBgrGjqsJ3tbJbc7fBiX45qSWL8FLitRrjM0ds3S9H5LxnZZoXlyFvhuDr04lMTZDgtDT2NGF7VmN0d4Hv1vxpkgCi1AWn5AWqL8UNB2_Aps89f7SDLg/s1600/_MG_6479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxqw9uQ17W6F3XU_qI6JP1wBivBgrGjqsJ3tbJbc7fBiX45qSWL8FLitRrjM0ds3S9H5LxnZZoXlyFvhuDr04lMTZDgtDT2NGF7VmN0d4Hv1vxpkgCi1AWn5AWqL8UNB2_Aps89f7SDLg/s640/_MG_6479.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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It's not always rainbows and butterflies, as sung by Adam Levine. Yes, <i>Araña't Baluarte</i> of Gumaca may seem beautiful to the eyes with the smorgasbord of fruits and vegetables and even local pastries and delicacies, bursting in a palette of greens, yellows, reds, indigos, any color you might think of are there. That is, before the patron San Isidro Labrador passes. As soon as he turns his back on the <i>arañas</i> and <i>baluarte</i>... IT'S WAR BABY!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDF0m4w5f7Etu3Nm5whk6bMb3Go_F3ViDZBZ5CP8YfOkpunZJLQGpWkhvlg7aOekHsTkhGIQ5Oyjml8Ji6CHlR7pw6VMf__i9pTXhqiW9edqtKNfg5CvVAcYbpCendhwxNpSIwYDp3wg4/s1600/_MG_6356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a>
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As a tradition, San Isidro passing through <i>baluartes</i> means that; 1. He's pleased and has blessed the produce that decorates the <i>baluartes</i> and <i>arañas</i>;<br />
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and 2. these handiwork now belongs to the people, and boy how they assert this right!<br />
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Here are some styles that <i>Gumaqueños</i> have developed on how to get what you want in life. Or what you want in the <i>baluartes</i>, in this case...<br />
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<b>1. Jump Ball/Rebound Style</b></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbP522wx7TR7NR97B4_kW1o9orruDqLLEvTtI4GMn0TuRW1mrQZCqPBd_uLxSIweRm-vSlOIFiP_uM0m7ZfRGz5k5U0GDH-xXW9kNmq_OTFXhR477Jgo3r5TNbjFiEREYbAdcoFFy6NGI/s1600/_MG_6545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbP522wx7TR7NR97B4_kW1o9orruDqLLEvTtI4GMn0TuRW1mrQZCqPBd_uLxSIweRm-vSlOIFiP_uM0m7ZfRGz5k5U0GDH-xXW9kNmq_OTFXhR477Jgo3r5TNbjFiEREYbAdcoFFy6NGI/s400/_MG_6545.JPG" width="266" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgawfsNnUR8A2zWF38Xa45UFTOTQiWOYF-7SSCCNOfUiVITfrmLphTVKuJtp9EgDCUsTK8K1y6_6LeaJJXpWG9pdpdruHKUxMhw6MFKCCojQe4z57wJAJ3Oh04cRPJjXGDHGG3WM7ZCEQA/s1600/_MG_6540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgawfsNnUR8A2zWF38Xa45UFTOTQiWOYF-7SSCCNOfUiVITfrmLphTVKuJtp9EgDCUsTK8K1y6_6LeaJJXpWG9pdpdruHKUxMhw6MFKCCojQe4z57wJAJ3Oh04cRPJjXGDHGG3WM7ZCEQA/s400/_MG_6540.JPG" width="266" /></a><br />
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This is the most popular and traditional style. Very basic, like what you do in basketball: you aim, you jump, and you grab. Aim, Jump, Grab. Playing dirty ala Jaworski not allowed. Do that, and San Isidro might do something to your <i>talongs</i> and <i>pipino</i>.<br />
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2. <i>Akyat-Bahay</i> Gang Style<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHDg1hl3jLTXCNi4i0uHk84a-Vi-XNkOXAvVHw26aPO89XIs0wpFshuTHmNT3suJ2ZgQKo9Cvz8JINoBTCuP-PUtwvW5H8VoUP-mqpHxTDgczIaNcu5bVAofIR-2fukzhU2PuW-4EbtcM/s1600/_MG_6374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHDg1hl3jLTXCNi4i0uHk84a-Vi-XNkOXAvVHw26aPO89XIs0wpFshuTHmNT3suJ2ZgQKo9Cvz8JINoBTCuP-PUtwvW5H8VoUP-mqpHxTDgczIaNcu5bVAofIR-2fukzhU2PuW-4EbtcM/s640/_MG_6374.JPG" width="426" /></a> <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKw7SIlB9C0sSMIaBQBxtHZqoQyKnibqz1rGtQQpk4OUaA3n4ImBm4G_YAUmW7lTlLFl3J5Xc5BfNq2rSbHVQWNDGqTBEpXZfwJIOv_aMzHPrEYOc1-Z50IEulEgOcmjewX9eD7za8zSg/s1600/_MG_6410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKw7SIlB9C0sSMIaBQBxtHZqoQyKnibqz1rGtQQpk4OUaA3n4ImBm4G_YAUmW7lTlLFl3J5Xc5BfNq2rSbHVQWNDGqTBEpXZfwJIOv_aMzHPrEYOc1-Z50IEulEgOcmjewX9eD7za8zSg/s400/_MG_6410.JPG" width="266" /></a><br />
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Vertically challenged like yours truly? This is the right style for you. It's the climb, Miley. (Please tell me you got the joke there.) A bit different from Style 1, what you do is aim, climb, and grab. This has a lot of advantages aside from what I mentioned earlier.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzudz2_0XLGLMc-0pgWOGrACxTD5uxvGmyzHEohx3uA4G6O9Sas3yU4Yw_OusBRi7f5AarTbBcU5licfL96fBpjMuwwU17KcZcJfkJ4utCH2clt8RcePbI-vy08Bug0hZDC1Ui7ij1jW0/s1600/_MG_6404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzudz2_0XLGLMc-0pgWOGrACxTD5uxvGmyzHEohx3uA4G6O9Sas3yU4Yw_OusBRi7f5AarTbBcU5licfL96fBpjMuwwU17KcZcJfkJ4utCH2clt8RcePbI-vy08Bug0hZDC1Ui7ij1jW0/s640/_MG_6404.JPG" width="425" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx8diH8VShvK8dXvys89LmECWeQAV-9Ek8GMh68UCUvalplRVq7vDsRK6VsgvJA58-3mPIG6FYT0F0TT0KVu31poljFTm3G6LJsdmhVA2xgUKnLhr_dIjwdlgN2FATRUR1kwc1W-oJ8_g/s1600/_MG_6461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx8diH8VShvK8dXvys89LmECWeQAV-9Ek8GMh68UCUvalplRVq7vDsRK6VsgvJA58-3mPIG6FYT0F0TT0KVu31poljFTm3G6LJsdmhVA2xgUKnLhr_dIjwdlgN2FATRUR1kwc1W-oJ8_g/s640/_MG_6461.JPG" width="428" /></a><br />
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For one, most of us wants to be on top. Yep, The Carpenters is what I hear now. Looking down on creation, and the only explanation I can find...<br />
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Also, you can be like a tag team; get a friend, ask him to wait for you below, climb, and just throw to him whatever you plan to cook for dinner. Or whatever salad you want to make.<br />
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<h3>
<b>3. Sneaky Snake Style</b></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM1jAOccb78zDdjJUiiWXe_2o3QkYUfK4izBc2gJikVC95OZMuHslFh5Y-FUh0DrsAwNXSKkfW-VNXR7mWC2X7FpXUPwOJwQzxLu9CpDua1bMx5rqd73tz3EU4FcJvq2uqh0x-cIYaIwk/s1600/_MG_6581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM1jAOccb78zDdjJUiiWXe_2o3QkYUfK4izBc2gJikVC95OZMuHslFh5Y-FUh0DrsAwNXSKkfW-VNXR7mWC2X7FpXUPwOJwQzxLu9CpDua1bMx5rqd73tz3EU4FcJvq2uqh0x-cIYaIwk/s640/_MG_6581.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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A deviation of Style 2, this happens when you've reached a certain point where you need to crawl to get what you want. More <i>buwis buhay</i> that <i>Akyat-Bahay</i>, since it's more difficult to balance. But this is the most fun to watch, in my opinion.<br />
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Funnier if they get stuck. That's where San Isidro comes in. Pray, my friend. Pray hard!<br />
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<h3>
4. 20% Discount Style</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFDvxb0kFuo6OtS5zTgC37ymV26bMlGwtv5SKw_TpzRo-V4Oct6gNAeajoxdef7j0JECmtMfN6YDoYlyumF5clTmg__PIIqkllcB_I7JK-RBYOdle50Xh_RubvVuUih9ggiw-Mlu6TitA/s1600/_MG_6421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFDvxb0kFuo6OtS5zTgC37ymV26bMlGwtv5SKw_TpzRo-V4Oct6gNAeajoxdef7j0JECmtMfN6YDoYlyumF5clTmg__PIIqkllcB_I7JK-RBYOdle50Xh_RubvVuUih9ggiw-Mlu6TitA/s400/_MG_6421.JPG" width="266" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6XEgisDdAX4BKh9f2uKNUeLljdZrEOzbCJiNjNEJuhG1mY53qgjoN03Eq72oxMgu_qaIiJnDwsWj8BWprFZaHNok9JREkvII8Mfg9OGbY4YSku3Twkzy4k0-O7CQPs0BYY-5B-2KTPrU/s1600/_MG_6700.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6XEgisDdAX4BKh9f2uKNUeLljdZrEOzbCJiNjNEJuhG1mY53qgjoN03Eq72oxMgu_qaIiJnDwsWj8BWprFZaHNok9JREkvII8Mfg9OGbY4YSku3Twkzy4k0-O7CQPs0BYY-5B-2KTPrU/s640/_MG_6700.JPG" width="425" /></a> <br />
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Yes, these are our beloved Senior Citizens and kids, who are mostly students. Knowing the Filipino culture of high respects to the elderly, and looking at kids as <i>Santo Niño</i>-like and very cute, they get to have special treatments once the <i>arañas</i> come crashing in.<br />
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The technique? None, just make sure you look frail or fragile. Like what happens in MRT, bus, and other public transpo vehicles. No disrespect though. =)<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgs5MKgKeAQ0M3WmrwCsHlTxLqOPl4byvFgouYGyEiQwM-kD_te1euBaNwP7ZgeGM7sHKWObziL0l7aDQ4j475NOWJAmwM1lhJL4BYgupw9szFujg2AMifx_aGBm_hknQvUoyjuuZ-CwI/s1600/_MG_6698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgs5MKgKeAQ0M3WmrwCsHlTxLqOPl4byvFgouYGyEiQwM-kD_te1euBaNwP7ZgeGM7sHKWObziL0l7aDQ4j475NOWJAmwM1lhJL4BYgupw9szFujg2AMifx_aGBm_hknQvUoyjuuZ-CwI/s400/_MG_6698.JPG" width="266" /></a><br />
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<h3>
5. <i>Buwitre</i> Style</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggRbLAFeuj9rMXWW8T7B2NjSjZW5wFdBobpdQdqCXUmKnFY488K0CCGtmDktZ88i8zv23_uaAXDmV75h4gPQlh3RJrRH46MXU9Rwo0jf75ahczSgWPdjJYZHEjdLpvYJuWWfP20AD8HzU/s1600/_MG_6563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggRbLAFeuj9rMXWW8T7B2NjSjZW5wFdBobpdQdqCXUmKnFY488K0CCGtmDktZ88i8zv23_uaAXDmV75h4gPQlh3RJrRH46MXU9Rwo0jf75ahczSgWPdjJYZHEjdLpvYJuWWfP20AD8HzU/s400/_MG_6563.JPG" width="265" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZE9nJATpvDpw5ffBrYfoA5pAjg7GcVMqUY7TGEfz4CBPXTVNM3Q1EAN0ydbw5gnQnZAS3LEXKnnYYzd3M141aOyI_PqqpREDUW1xaKJ4C5LBzooMtSJLa3mqT8bUnzE7KIM8uX4xYtsU/s1600/_MG_6571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZE9nJATpvDpw5ffBrYfoA5pAjg7GcVMqUY7TGEfz4CBPXTVNM3Q1EAN0ydbw5gnQnZAS3LEXKnnYYzd3M141aOyI_PqqpREDUW1xaKJ4C5LBzooMtSJLa3mqT8bUnzE7KIM8uX4xYtsU/s400/_MG_6571.JPG" width="266" /></a> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirO8Dza8ltgGf8a60F5p9TuAgXU27meEatpSTDv7tMbH34aT71mtUuPcEghBt1qDTOlMUAZu48oac6rBQMjU6Mzo2PISPQc7IQUYmyqaDxbWV13L2Lj52ZOX4nggOnO0LoxBQ9F0dTgxE/s1600/_MG_6552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirO8Dza8ltgGf8a60F5p9TuAgXU27meEatpSTDv7tMbH34aT71mtUuPcEghBt1qDTOlMUAZu48oac6rBQMjU6Mzo2PISPQc7IQUYmyqaDxbWV13L2Lj52ZOX4nggOnO0LoxBQ9F0dTgxE/s640/_MG_6552.JPG" width="426" /></a><br />
This one I tried this year, and guess what? It works! I got a <i>pipino</i>. Wag <i>ismolin</i>, this one's a biggie!<br />
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Since usually the <i>arañas</i> would come crashing down, what you do is act like a <i>buwitre</i> (vulture), scavenge my friend. But of course be a choosy vulture. Fresh and blemish-free only.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDoYLAQ5PLSKk5snDJfGy_QvoO3yOZkrNHkSHqB-7s5hD_prlX0Xldsehx0eOXNEsYzOdCQ04aEXNwSCddBBOlt4Hfn8HeBmoPRm3u6c2Z4bphtnfTC3S4Recqv-pCMXH64wf6LUmcbIE/s1600/_MG_6569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDoYLAQ5PLSKk5snDJfGy_QvoO3yOZkrNHkSHqB-7s5hD_prlX0Xldsehx0eOXNEsYzOdCQ04aEXNwSCddBBOlt4Hfn8HeBmoPRm3u6c2Z4bphtnfTC3S4Recqv-pCMXH64wf6LUmcbIE/s640/_MG_6569.JPG" width="426" /></a><br />
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These are only a few of the many styles you can employ if you are caught in a <i>Araña't Baluarte</i> crossfire. But do not be afraid; though this might look like war, this is a friendly war. Specially if you're a tourist, you'll be surprised that some might even give you some of their hard-earned fruit or vegetable.<br />
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At the end of the day, what's important is the experience of getting into a bloodless war. Where rather than sorrow and hunger, abundance, fun, and smiles emanate through; an authentic Gumaqueño character.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTiMhm7PaeU6e5zQFD9gaBdtr26RofPUBNiJ4U7VcBJEABGvmMKXK9vBD-v6xS1FqXTCEh92uXPVKH1MHcWCZVa59mB3nVzlRGiLdCtmeaOJagCLPvWI19voO4JCv6J63xK1-4xOUMXJk/s1600/_MG_6601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTiMhm7PaeU6e5zQFD9gaBdtr26RofPUBNiJ4U7VcBJEABGvmMKXK9vBD-v6xS1FqXTCEh92uXPVKH1MHcWCZVa59mB3nVzlRGiLdCtmeaOJagCLPvWI19voO4JCv6J63xK1-4xOUMXJk/s400/_MG_6601.JPG" width="266" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLIxqw696_wmRSkt7YemlzQKyng8mrxgcnSZ_46sKrT6WlxtZorApwn2O8jKJysXsm255yP3qTtPaDWPQ1oB7PTtq663OqrQ0TDuTBiM-kO36qDw63RMFU9A3-gZX47RG550cJFBVUJE0/s1600/_MG_6586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLIxqw696_wmRSkt7YemlzQKyng8mrxgcnSZ_46sKrT6WlxtZorApwn2O8jKJysXsm255yP3qTtPaDWPQ1oB7PTtq663OqrQ0TDuTBiM-kO36qDw63RMFU9A3-gZX47RG550cJFBVUJE0/s400/_MG_6586.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb1gYG72s6Q3Zoa3jrw6ZHFsjEcL_IX6NcI8Zsl6VlxTzDmYJUQOOooIw0h9TLLKgZ4NoMCiH_F9c1YWhzG9v5ySkup_KwoAcQ98DRFt4_arUTps2EjPcY649DYv36FaDmARgpJcZCT0U/s1600/_MG_6735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb1gYG72s6Q3Zoa3jrw6ZHFsjEcL_IX6NcI8Zsl6VlxTzDmYJUQOOooIw0h9TLLKgZ4NoMCiH_F9c1YWhzG9v5ySkup_KwoAcQ98DRFt4_arUTps2EjPcY649DYv36FaDmARgpJcZCT0U/s640/_MG_6735.JPG" width="425" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTiMhm7PaeU6e5zQFD9gaBdtr26RofPUBNiJ4U7VcBJEABGvmMKXK9vBD-v6xS1FqXTCEh92uXPVKH1MHcWCZVa59mB3nVzlRGiLdCtmeaOJagCLPvWI19voO4JCv6J63xK1-4xOUMXJk/s1600/_MG_6601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTiMhm7PaeU6e5zQFD9gaBdtr26RofPUBNiJ4U7VcBJEABGvmMKXK9vBD-v6xS1FqXTCEh92uXPVKH1MHcWCZVa59mB3nVzlRGiLdCtmeaOJagCLPvWI19voO4JCv6J63xK1-4xOUMXJk/s1600/_MG_6601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03177896124306793691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3896077156384619594.post-43900697232516627892013-05-28T16:17:00.001+08:002013-05-30T10:14:02.542+08:00No, this is not Pahiyas... It's Araña't Baluarte of Gumaca!<span style="font-family: inherit;">Say May 15, San Isidro, and Quezon; and people will automatically say "<i>Pahiyas</i>!" Well, there's life beyond <i>Pahiyas</i> my friends. Guys, I'd like to introduce to you, the <i>Araña't Baluarte</i> Festival.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">San Isidro Labrador with San Diego de Alcala Cathedral as background</td></tr>
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Yes, it might sound very Spanish, but <br />
<a name='more'></a>the concept and origin is really <i>Gumaqueño</i>.<br /><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXDxkvciK-G_ZKiZw6wdUd8dBS4Vtd6MzuCAWPbBQeKrAkE8GTU-zK7hllLMNhvrx1M2BUh3Qs_oiQjXqwum0B4t-2WVoQxws-RIh4brZqIOFehnsgdP5YCjt6AVnzlkLA0CCx_1NeUwo/s1600/_MG_5490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUN6IHob_KvwKPcSIQxdxaTtQb0YqbxA5VnaOZvXj7GCS6BF3Cf2G6jiFuGuNx6xC-lsm3VgtGRuDUdxTt2Szo94xU6YDjcB2i-VzhO6s2ThmJawn-svMyAk9CoJ1BDWiKNiS8HTdf8CA/s1600/_MG_5499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUN6IHob_KvwKPcSIQxdxaTtQb0YqbxA5VnaOZvXj7GCS6BF3Cf2G6jiFuGuNx6xC-lsm3VgtGRuDUdxTt2Szo94xU6YDjcB2i-VzhO6s2ThmJawn-svMyAk9CoJ1BDWiKNiS8HTdf8CA/s640/_MG_5499.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXDxkvciK-G_ZKiZw6wdUd8dBS4Vtd6MzuCAWPbBQeKrAkE8GTU-zK7hllLMNhvrx1M2BUh3Qs_oiQjXqwum0B4t-2WVoQxws-RIh4brZqIOFehnsgdP5YCjt6AVnzlkLA0CCx_1NeUwo/s1600/_MG_5490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXDxkvciK-G_ZKiZw6wdUd8dBS4Vtd6MzuCAWPbBQeKrAkE8GTU-zK7hllLMNhvrx1M2BUh3Qs_oiQjXqwum0B4t-2WVoQxws-RIh4brZqIOFehnsgdP5YCjt6AVnzlkLA0CCx_1NeUwo/s640/_MG_5490.JPG" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">From the words<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 14px;"> <i>Araña</i> (Chandelier) and <i>Baluarte</i> (Fort/Bastion), this is perhaps based on the town's ever famous landmark, the San Diego de Alcala Fortress, fondly called as <i>Kastilyo.</i></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiADQMZrHMCloNxAGrJPPCX6gyQi1vA8vLjdOIu7r3v4Igh_jGo9XTZrsfoRvNNWYOUAwI2iptto0gEOelo41EzOMLr_lbnZfJcrE52UXJh7UwW1DA2gX2h29meRmyaUGBpUUwsOxqB9i0/s1600/_MG_5725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiADQMZrHMCloNxAGrJPPCX6gyQi1vA8vLjdOIu7r3v4Igh_jGo9XTZrsfoRvNNWYOUAwI2iptto0gEOelo41EzOMLr_lbnZfJcrE52UXJh7UwW1DA2gX2h29meRmyaUGBpUUwsOxqB9i0/s640/_MG_5725.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So instead of decorating the houses (which would only involve the house owners, <i>pag sinipag sila!</i>), <i>Gumaqueños</i> of olden and golden times thought of setting up <i>Kastilyo</i>-like structures in the main streets, then decorate it with fruits, vegetables, (and even poultry!) in a chandelier-like fashion... <i>voila</i>! <i>Araña't Baluarte</i>!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinjUee9P73DSXau6TeL5JEy97by8PVhKibW_z5dEjv9rIgC0-YZLtlBBxw87w5eBdMwx7TI0pheLrf6uAGUNHBd-4f8sRX7TVD8OxOlppBij8Mi-eOfxnUKGrjYoSYBQ1JF1DPP0GGMao/s1600/_MG_5629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinjUee9P73DSXau6TeL5JEy97by8PVhKibW_z5dEjv9rIgC0-YZLtlBBxw87w5eBdMwx7TI0pheLrf6uAGUNHBd-4f8sRX7TVD8OxOlppBij8Mi-eOfxnUKGrjYoSYBQ1JF1DPP0GGMao/s640/_MG_5629.JPG" width="425" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">The festival serves two purpose: first is to give thanks to San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of farmers, for a bountiful harvest they have for the year.</span><br />
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The second? It acts as a supplication for an even more harvest for next year, and for the coming years.<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
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Townsfolk think of unique and creative ways of how to showcase their produce every year, still sticking to the <i>araña</i> and <i>baluarte</i> theme.<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A</span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 14px;"> procession is done in the afternoon, after which the produce hanging from the Baluartes will be given to the crowd. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 14px;">Impatient?</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; line-height: 14px;"> You can jump and grab whatever decoration you fancy, ala-jumpball and rebound!</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJxekgYly3Sx12FqkhWYtStyOGlZoQreP8eKTZ-VdCbE0gD8cjohz0Qkfx_d07ORxK823pp0K-RZuhhCTGy-czm7BMJEHZOdrEO5nL9peop94OV7EEisHbI30kRwnRuUdTlaANeVQsxhg/s1600/_MG_6567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJxekgYly3Sx12FqkhWYtStyOGlZoQreP8eKTZ-VdCbE0gD8cjohz0Qkfx_d07ORxK823pp0K-RZuhhCTGy-czm7BMJEHZOdrEO5nL9peop94OV7EEisHbI30kRwnRuUdTlaANeVQsxhg/s640/_MG_6567.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03177896124306793691noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3896077156384619594.post-44400816133031931952013-04-02T11:33:00.001+08:002013-04-02T11:40:14.614+08:00Did Jesus Dance?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLPq-1PoXzYzwIHDFuvHgFsoePgvEXXerSAvN0KjdWQpLATDUieA3TJgLFhcgSm9vWBMyULIey2nB-vqFmbePIikAPshQRGJw5Ejyha3kzOrJTLjXuBfcq8KCGgSb1wRSTMKghg6PmZP4/s1600/_MG_3980.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLPq-1PoXzYzwIHDFuvHgFsoePgvEXXerSAvN0KjdWQpLATDUieA3TJgLFhcgSm9vWBMyULIey2nB-vqFmbePIikAPshQRGJw5Ejyha3kzOrJTLjXuBfcq8KCGgSb1wRSTMKghg6PmZP4/s400/_MG_3980.JPG" width="266" /></a>I've seen this image of Jesus joining the traditional <a href="http://lakbayaralespesyal.blogspot.com/2013/04/viernes-santo-in-gumaca-quezon.html" target="_blank">Good Friday procession</a> in <a href="http://lakbayaralespesyal.blogspot.com/2013/01/a-beautiful-affair-my-hometown-and-i.html" target="_blank">Gumaca</a>, but it's just this last Viernes Santo that I noticed: Is Jesus dancing?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2AMQUnZKkZn8lyWRUKSDigyo1Nt7Lba__94oIKzDUvh0Nc14BryA9KfTZIM3QNjDqp6ml_jq0c7sopKxsqaDIN8Tegqy-ZBZ8am7YAd5enhFJV8_vgusD2l5v0_BAiTh1btRbHkhVkog/s1600/_MG_3864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2AMQUnZKkZn8lyWRUKSDigyo1Nt7Lba__94oIKzDUvh0Nc14BryA9KfTZIM3QNjDqp6ml_jq0c7sopKxsqaDIN8Tegqy-ZBZ8am7YAd5enhFJV8_vgusD2l5v0_BAiTh1btRbHkhVkog/s320/_MG_3864.JPG" width="212" /></a>No disrespect or blasphemy intended,<br />
<a name='more'></a>but it's just that the way the image was posed, it seemed like He's dancing; more specifically, the very viral Gangnam Style dance!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw-K8OoDqriFhZBd0rE5ZYcWN00cezQYSO6ZAYbbrfmSsYwxK1kuuj-Y2qSpCBvjM2l-RkgMFNKH3nBgMRklvgQvVitNZT1k6voM06X4dTkDccc0lotmu7W2TG743loQQ5wfN3VCz0LCY/s1600/_MG_3978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw-K8OoDqriFhZBd0rE5ZYcWN00cezQYSO6ZAYbbrfmSsYwxK1kuuj-Y2qSpCBvjM2l-RkgMFNKH3nBgMRklvgQvVitNZT1k6voM06X4dTkDccc0lotmu7W2TG743loQQ5wfN3VCz0LCY/s320/_MG_3978.JPG" width="213" /></a><br />
This one though is a relatively new image, unlike some of the other <i>santos</i> which are decades, or even centuries old like the <i>Santo Intierro. </i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4rsRw_ZOuQr5XloRe_9FAdmq3tX2V4MtpFTw9LYcmlBljzS9L6fN0gDrDK8I11M15pEqrE9jrOoqfGeGHqp0T7mBLQL7a0m6dsfbY3yObSLwFlKviYW8HPw_fhyuwrWoK3h3D_E3OSMc/s1600/_MG_3863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4rsRw_ZOuQr5XloRe_9FAdmq3tX2V4MtpFTw9LYcmlBljzS9L6fN0gDrDK8I11M15pEqrE9jrOoqfGeGHqp0T7mBLQL7a0m6dsfbY3yObSLwFlKviYW8HPw_fhyuwrWoK3h3D_E3OSMc/s320/_MG_3863.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
However, I can't help but think; did Jesus dance in his lifetime? What made Him dance? What song did He dance with? With whom? With Psy maybe? Just kidding! How long? Was He an excellent dancer? Did Mama Mary teach Him?<br />
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I've heard the question 'Did Jesus Weep?' before. I'd like to know how well He danced.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03177896124306793691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3896077156384619594.post-66921807829995430822013-04-01T16:30:00.001+08:002013-04-01T16:40:02.591+08:00Viernes Santo in Gumaca, Quezon<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQqwrraw7ebRQRnBhIXAPvoq7FU5_Asi_pjcAW0kFo662-D6x2Pda0fcjJFemDARZNnvHL5YBg_PGn6An4HQki-xvB6zJ2HImq1lPlxlsK5BWLI-Gjmtl_I3JUVGAq1P4615B1DxcEOs/s1600/_MG_3726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQqwrraw7ebRQRnBhIXAPvoq7FU5_Asi_pjcAW0kFo662-D6x2Pda0fcjJFemDARZNnvHL5YBg_PGn6An4HQki-xvB6zJ2HImq1lPlxlsK5BWLI-Gjmtl_I3JUVGAq1P4615B1DxcEOs/s400/_MG_3726.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">San Diego de Alcala Cathedral before Palm Sunday</td></tr>
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I was initially planning of going to either Paete or the nearer Carcar, Cebu (LOL!) to witness a different <i>semana santa</i> observance there, but I opted to get traditional and spend the long weekend in my hometown <a href="http://lakbayaralespesyal.blogspot.com/2013/03/san-diego-de-alcala-cathedral-southern.html" target="_blank">Gumaca</a> with my sister.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A not so usual bus scene: an Islam emblem<br />
instead of the usual rosary</td></tr>
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Good thing about traveling during Good Friday is that there are less vehicles, <br />
<a name='more'></a>therefore traffic is really light, and you'll get to your destination before you can say <i>"mukha kang viernes santo"</i>. Though, it also translates to less public buses commuting, and results to <i>tayuan</i> specially in provincial trips. I get to experience that, not because my sister and I ran out of seats, but rather being a good samaritan on a Good Friday, and let an elderly sit despite of you not knowing until when will you be standing because of that good deed. I'm a <i>lola's </i>boy indeed.<br />
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But the good deed paid off. The trip got really fast and we arrived in Gumaca after just 4 and a half hours. That's 3 hours faster than the usual. After a few hours of rest, we went off to join the <i>prusisyon</i>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBdh_pX8sIs3H1BhJ6JwPo0sRxDCJBOAosHiIhgbMltQQBWNwWk1GSkQNo3wkjv77nnSW6kFwRszhNq-7mXfGkko_8yB72DxEObT0L44d2weX2b78o5OthF2ylTHsaCgDMsp9VuiVWj4U/s1600/_MG_3937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBdh_pX8sIs3H1BhJ6JwPo0sRxDCJBOAosHiIhgbMltQQBWNwWk1GSkQNo3wkjv77nnSW6kFwRszhNq-7mXfGkko_8yB72DxEObT0L44d2weX2b78o5OthF2ylTHsaCgDMsp9VuiVWj4U/s640/_MG_3937.JPG" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The <i>namamanata</i>s</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jesus falls the first time</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiECNq06KWkTH-So_5Bk1ammEt00EezQPcN7i7SGcyhEs-lFW2L7UUYa4FUaDOJtm-v0k9IjcYdVOq8qhwJw7S4jhenMhX3WGkQWe3GAQhY77klCueVzXBjPhrKvU0rrySQpEzUq5knJro/s1600/_MG_3870.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiECNq06KWkTH-So_5Bk1ammEt00EezQPcN7i7SGcyhEs-lFW2L7UUYa4FUaDOJtm-v0k9IjcYdVOq8qhwJw7S4jhenMhX3WGkQWe3GAQhY77klCueVzXBjPhrKvU0rrySQpEzUq5knJro/s320/_MG_3870.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The crowning of thorns</td></tr>
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I do look forward to this event ever since I was a kid, and I feel the solemnity of the event more whenever I see the <i>poons</i> (not the singer my goodness) and <i>santos </i>placed in their antique <i>anda</i> carried over the shoulders of the <i>namamanata </i>or in the <i>carroza </i>with families who have been the caretaker of the images for decades.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saint Veronica</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-dHNwo7jey69Bg0zc4x0ZLc-qnHIDirUv13UHRC_EO9OLG45AgYLr4ZVH-kyMj5fARcTE3NCQWS-202Y8WShZn3Gm5VtHypOkOCTV74EC0DM5IWQPmqGmAK4-ExxoHwzV_ITaEZrfVBQ/s320/_MG_3977.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="213" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saint Peter</td></tr>
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However, only some of the images are antique. Actually, most of them are new, basing on how it it carved and the appearance. I personally like the old ones more; faces are really expressive and life-like, some parts showing signs of age, which tells that it has been handed through generations, and is a mute witness of history of a town which is now on the verge of being forgotten.<br />
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Crowd favorites are the <i>Santo Intierro </i>and the <i>Mater Dolorosa. </i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwDcyK9OjHTFtLSNSQTbfcXe2NE9d2-4Q_BHJ60FCenuM7-8QL4iOxxJ1CMhah-o59p_zg7jPF_7CaObk3raFFuUuS3tC4mm-DyGxSPxeauAg-u27pfjKolyu6ryxjVRg-ziPeF9YEQNU/s1600/_MG_3927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwDcyK9OjHTFtLSNSQTbfcXe2NE9d2-4Q_BHJ60FCenuM7-8QL4iOxxJ1CMhah-o59p_zg7jPF_7CaObk3raFFuUuS3tC4mm-DyGxSPxeauAg-u27pfjKolyu6ryxjVRg-ziPeF9YEQNU/s320/_MG_3927.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mater Dolorosa</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtyVMwOz6H9hKM_gPQjJssJNp2OVA-IK2FqCwoXVNr0vE5LIZZBPhfp5lpAqAHzUlrVojIu15sRayLaksf6tTfHQdv-oH-xq-bWMNgTJpsqi33Cq7kcfUDpBQ6oTfxAN3vEpP3pq_chDk/s1600/_MG_4064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtyVMwOz6H9hKM_gPQjJssJNp2OVA-IK2FqCwoXVNr0vE5LIZZBPhfp5lpAqAHzUlrVojIu15sRayLaksf6tTfHQdv-oH-xq-bWMNgTJpsqi33Cq7kcfUDpBQ6oTfxAN3vEpP3pq_chDk/s320/_MG_4064.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Santo Intierro</td></tr>
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Almost a thousand (yes, Gumaca is becoming a bit crowded!) attended and watched the Good Friday procession, which includes those on the sidestreets. <i>At pagkahaba-haba man daw ng prusisyon, sa simbahan din ang tuloy, </i>where the icons are blessed.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scourging at the Pillar</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcED9nfnfz1fYIh98q-oPAuodF7qHBh0Y0Y9mBCIyCX4IkPALfMBroijruoRpube7IqMVmHH9GCejqFzNR2sjDmUA-y8DIMu4p7LK76L7cjyOwhK2hG71KI9LuLCLKDo17FN1rSlldi_Q/s1600/_MG_3962.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcED9nfnfz1fYIh98q-oPAuodF7qHBh0Y0Y9mBCIyCX4IkPALfMBroijruoRpube7IqMVmHH9GCejqFzNR2sjDmUA-y8DIMu4p7LK76L7cjyOwhK2hG71KI9LuLCLKDo17FN1rSlldi_Q/s320/_MG_3962.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Last Supper</td></tr>
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These traditions during lent in the Philippines will surely live on, but hopefully we do stick to what and why we observe these events. There might be some who don't believe in these customs, but being imbedded in our culture and heritage, it's here to stay.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXjGuadRHxysEhwcFOpRawj3-PzgB1XXQCrk-RHUNGqd5dOtyexiQz71eaIOIkD4vQJWAneZ8e6YE6NzM2nWiE0gevCh4lObn4thlwouqq91g978DkOR5CceVCcnjmmEoSmoVbGMuz9eQ/s1600/_MG_3957a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXjGuadRHxysEhwcFOpRawj3-PzgB1XXQCrk-RHUNGqd5dOtyexiQz71eaIOIkD4vQJWAneZ8e6YE6NzM2nWiE0gevCh4lObn4thlwouqq91g978DkOR5CceVCcnjmmEoSmoVbGMuz9eQ/s400/_MG_3957a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A woman watching the procession outside their house. It's customary to light a candle if the procession will be passing by your house.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A devout wiping her handkerchief during the Veneration of the Cross , done after the Good Friday mass.</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03177896124306793691noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3896077156384619594.post-35952674091452241952013-03-23T01:39:00.000+08:002013-03-23T01:50:28.739+08:00The Unassumingly Elaborate Macalelon ChurchNeatly tucked inside the town of Macalelon is the Immaculate Conception Church. Quaint, but packed with a lot of carvings and bas reliefs, particularly the facade. A definite feast for the eyes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLDt_AD-fS_2ZPSxoAgL7zimGXd0qS5EfZYPCUEdu69CWO-jhLvGM4t0K8OdGYLDdC464e-VtAtOeix9KNId07Arb3mgAYnQYO8QDLH51uvxzV9bPTe51ZOuMd-m6Hk8hY-HoG90jwlF4/s1600/_MG_6994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLDt_AD-fS_2ZPSxoAgL7zimGXd0qS5EfZYPCUEdu69CWO-jhLvGM4t0K8OdGYLDdC464e-VtAtOeix9KNId07Arb3mgAYnQYO8QDLH51uvxzV9bPTe51ZOuMd-m6Hk8hY-HoG90jwlF4/s640/_MG_6994.JPG" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Immaculate Conception Parish Church. Note the angel-like figures with wings in the second tier, and the wave swirls decorating the main portal. Scroll projections also adorn the pediment.<br />
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No one can expect such beauty and ornateness in a very small and laidback town. Not very famous for history or culture, it was quite a surprise. Coral stone blocks make up this edifice which was erected 1854. Flanked by two small belfry (which I think are just reconstructed), it projects quaint but grand appeal.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqpr4W6VPRzYOEaz0v7rbVwWBKyCskoYE2tATuRCZcJ0KvcvrSlERzGKX1WNXWcfq9pxgN3y74FjxsevTs_x27nXHgxwYUyHzkj7ZPDeO_G_gxvPADua9qQFKwIlR9ehg29QHwCLNo5wM/s1600/_MG_6998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqpr4W6VPRzYOEaz0v7rbVwWBKyCskoYE2tATuRCZcJ0KvcvrSlERzGKX1WNXWcfq9pxgN3y74FjxsevTs_x27nXHgxwYUyHzkj7ZPDeO_G_gxvPADua9qQFKwIlR9ehg29QHwCLNo5wM/s640/_MG_6998.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twin belfries seems like a reconstruction. Tasteful reconstruction, if that's the case.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWyo1CDK3u8uuel1Wl_6Ry77chyFit7oGlPYrD5VUUYx5z4PXkqibFFwbns2h7Jc53nEZk1VhkPLNmepLr2IHW-J7E3in7H07gOHIjgo1u3YtYL1NoTT_x9EGdwxIoT_RyPFuP52YqbdY/s1600/_MG_7003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWyo1CDK3u8uuel1Wl_6Ry77chyFit7oGlPYrD5VUUYx5z4PXkqibFFwbns2h7Jc53nEZk1VhkPLNmepLr2IHW-J7E3in7H07gOHIjgo1u3YtYL1NoTT_x9EGdwxIoT_RyPFuP52YqbdY/s320/_MG_7003.JPG" width="213" /></a>No traces of antiquity in the interior, though. Somewhat modest, only the usual main altar niches with icons of saints, stained glass, and it's white with wood detail ceiling can be seen inside. The walls are thick, but only for a few feet, which is then extended with a cement add-on. Perhaps the original high thick walls collapsed after an earthquake before, leaving a very low ruins.<br />
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Nevertheless, the church is still a sight to see, and definitely a very unique one; far different from any other church in Quezon. Good to note that a flight of stairs precedes the church, so if you're looking for a place to do <i>Visita Iglesia</i> and <i>penitecia</i>, this is just perfect.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLmSZyPy1W0Mjx5BWV883SWh9Abe8NxDP4PzbcPGpA58u0J3kll7mdcx1Lv7IKy0MAQ8-I2xMFnLhx-kVBPZ7XTU45D1KAzY6rI_oPkmr9eWRARe4WE4BkzqedAgF85h-72qDrnRmJo0o/s1600/_MG_6996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLmSZyPy1W0Mjx5BWV883SWh9Abe8NxDP4PzbcPGpA58u0J3kll7mdcx1Lv7IKy0MAQ8-I2xMFnLhx-kVBPZ7XTU45D1KAzY6rI_oPkmr9eWRARe4WE4BkzqedAgF85h-72qDrnRmJo0o/s640/_MG_6996.JPG" width="425" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03177896124306793691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3896077156384619594.post-18633367179585327742013-03-11T16:28:00.000+08:002013-03-12T05:10:22.471+08:00View from the Top: Conversion of Saint Paul ChurchBlame the Moro and Dutch marauders during the 16th and 17th century for this church's magnificent location. Located on top of a hill where one can see the whole town, the sea, and neighboring island of Marinduque stands a church named not after a saint, but an event on the life of a saint.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUJ0dez61NZnVEQ0H-3JBX-ukgtT2DJbGPlHFxy0Q-0k0-g9QWnkf55SzmYEmZrDmUNDXIwQRMYEkrfrU5jZaTZ9zDBh8os1EH1Xw-jxfKzET4UPJi3DVcVJZLADBl15pEtqpDPV5e79I/s1600/_MG_6903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUJ0dez61NZnVEQ0H-3JBX-ukgtT2DJbGPlHFxy0Q-0k0-g9QWnkf55SzmYEmZrDmUNDXIwQRMYEkrfrU5jZaTZ9zDBh8os1EH1Xw-jxfKzET4UPJi3DVcVJZLADBl15pEtqpDPV5e79I/s640/_MG_6903.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Conversion of Saint Paul Church</td></tr>
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Built in 1817, this house of worship was constructed under Geronimo delos Angeles. Though the town was founded in the same location as early as 1766, it is only after 51 years that the present church was constructed due to the Moro's frequent raiding at that time. Realizing the strategic importance of Maaliw Hill, and the finding the lost image of St. Paul under a Pitogo tree on the same hill, they decided to settle in, which is now the town of Pitogo, Quezon<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOZo_7QEQGSp9MHeykBHR4EHQDqWwKwXIPROnsOQh9c25GZRC6NAVMWCr8ZoXoCAs0i-0pVSAywn3umi2BieH0pQLj-SME31V93Seggu85mpj_Klg3P6xVeYiF0xgOVMMTrvpfPwaelmE/s1600/_MG_6878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOZo_7QEQGSp9MHeykBHR4EHQDqWwKwXIPROnsOQh9c25GZRC6NAVMWCr8ZoXoCAs0i-0pVSAywn3umi2BieH0pQLj-SME31V93Seggu85mpj_Klg3P6xVeYiF0xgOVMMTrvpfPwaelmE/s640/_MG_6878.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Church facade</td></tr>
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<a name='more'></a><br />Like a crown jewel placed on a pedestal, the church imposes an immediate sense of reverence with it's massive facade made of cut coral stone blocks. The three tier front is divided by decorative Doric columns, in between each are hollow niches and windows with stained glass. A <i>media naraja </i>(half orange) pediment with a small belfy on top finishes the edifice, with the image of St. Paul enshrined in a niche in it's center.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_hqY0GTlRhCopizYRzjk88dbJl7RuCSyF1LsDKhS48BRl4SwYhaRQFulMz8s9sbIQWe42br0AcC2BlkDvguwjUrQN1XqLdJv6yfOMM3RfHRxWhQ6VptiqUK2SDONdIf0sr_CwcG1WKbg/s1600/_MG_6882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_hqY0GTlRhCopizYRzjk88dbJl7RuCSyF1LsDKhS48BRl4SwYhaRQFulMz8s9sbIQWe42br0AcC2BlkDvguwjUrQN1XqLdJv6yfOMM3RfHRxWhQ6VptiqUK2SDONdIf0sr_CwcG1WKbg/s640/_MG_6882.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Floral bas reliefs with emblems decorate the facade</td></tr>
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The church was able to maintain it's thick walls, which I guess are about more than a meter thick. Now I can only imagine how hard it is to transport the stone blocks from the beach to the hilltop! Crossfit and P90X? Chickenfeed...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBO_yAKEBd9eR3mlOW80uwtxBoshxhWYuUrTiLuXnjlt8TKMTJfm9Ey5r_K7lbQtstJhVhrWfJ7PR9QmPD2NTLwHa3-sNgi_8rgd_PEPhlET87d5rRu7cY7olC6qzpWtEKMK4ZCCAaT9o/s1600/_MG_6900.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBO_yAKEBd9eR3mlOW80uwtxBoshxhWYuUrTiLuXnjlt8TKMTJfm9Ey5r_K7lbQtstJhVhrWfJ7PR9QmPD2NTLwHa3-sNgi_8rgd_PEPhlET87d5rRu7cY7olC6qzpWtEKMK4ZCCAaT9o/s640/_MG_6900.JPG" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Benches in the patio fronting the church</td></tr>
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Interiors are already renovated, with <i>paletada</i> on it's walls, and a contemporary <i>retablo </i>and fixtures; except for the chandeliers which I do remember resemble the ones we had in Gumaca. Donated, perhaps?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ3ATqIFE7l6hU5-bDFZJp39GAddNZpvfuqUzkUjFaD911FbhvIs9lJvu91W6EAw7fFKMCY8l2lgnWhvTKNzBFmoButpoiMGUXvacB1bxmlualAuDJGzmKlHq3vHBXkMEAqbd6gx4c34M/s1600/_MG_6916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ3ATqIFE7l6hU5-bDFZJp39GAddNZpvfuqUzkUjFaD911FbhvIs9lJvu91W6EAw7fFKMCY8l2lgnWhvTKNzBFmoButpoiMGUXvacB1bxmlualAuDJGzmKlHq3vHBXkMEAqbd6gx4c34M/s640/_MG_6916.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Renovated interiors, good thing it it not overdone</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flight of stairs to the belfry</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0CCCb1MTahW3sJ6e4WVYlmhN-CfuEGAAqZBZzc5g9BTXnvzjVWkIjZeaxjTayVxg_77ApdCYGeWacZRjr-nVi7F7W7f6az6QHoUcNpA7XV3ylW5ViQptTOOUkto_XQhyphenhyphenyZ6un6llqOZc/s1600/_MG_6929.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0CCCb1MTahW3sJ6e4WVYlmhN-CfuEGAAqZBZzc5g9BTXnvzjVWkIjZeaxjTayVxg_77ApdCYGeWacZRjr-nVi7F7W7f6az6QHoUcNpA7XV3ylW5ViQptTOOUkto_XQhyphenhyphenyZ6un6llqOZc/s400/_MG_6929.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old beams in the ceiling</td></tr>
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I was quite surprised that access to the belfry was quite open. A few flight of stairs to the choirloft, a spiral staircase to the ceiling, and a few more steps, you're in the belfry already. However, it's accessibility is evident with the graffiti on it's walls.<br />
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<span style="text-align: start;">Good to note that even if it's open, the way is a bit narrow. But the way to heaven, as they say, is no heaven. But the hard work is surely paid off with the magnificent view of the town that awaits you.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Antique icon on St. Paul guarding the town</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: start;">It's nearing noon, but the air in the belfry is still cool and fresh. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhTJyXtQg3d14DMB9sb3l1MCoS8B0mLH7YVYAF6JpqJFsjSKYrz4OhV7co38hd4hAcX-jVrM3-A4JaYmEdfhnR8VKO8lVfDk8Hyk2xA-sw4zKaV7g3zkaLD1oHNKQuog4AcXoOehJSuvk/s1600/_MG_6933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhTJyXtQg3d14DMB9sb3l1MCoS8B0mLH7YVYAF6JpqJFsjSKYrz4OhV7co38hd4hAcX-jVrM3-A4JaYmEdfhnR8VKO8lVfDk8Hyk2xA-sw4zKaV7g3zkaLD1oHNKQuog4AcXoOehJSuvk/s640/_MG_6933.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the Tower of Power</td></tr>
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Two old bells can be found in the belfry, one is dated 1872.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Año 1872</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyxzPqExgL_9g_8Wr_PTsgRZGgfoi42g3xA-0fVkYkvpsBxnrcfr8ZeNMnnMSCfkgCXmLrgzg-d9wEN7RurEmKZ21BIliqGXFzcMvo-uiV63MH-_UVyhwFld9LovTOj0U49oq-Lvz51A/s1600/_MG_6954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyxzPqExgL_9g_8Wr_PTsgRZGgfoi42g3xA-0fVkYkvpsBxnrcfr8ZeNMnnMSCfkgCXmLrgzg-d9wEN7RurEmKZ21BIliqGXFzcMvo-uiV63MH-_UVyhwFld9LovTOj0U49oq-Lvz51A/s400/_MG_6954.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alarm clock anyone?</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: start;">See the cracked part? Clumsy as always, I scraped my arm, creating a shallow wound. Great souvenir. =)</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij64EwexYvQkqGzt6YKvKwMkUvocrKomooqJDK1vycSSHXaGx-SvlKh3Vkc_uNBD_-y-HETtTP75JCO8Iwh6H_TuwUy0n7ExTgEC5biXEaqPkAVI2aHN3kzEdMftF1XpX1ANu5XD31m0c/s1600/DSC02685.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij64EwexYvQkqGzt6YKvKwMkUvocrKomooqJDK1vycSSHXaGx-SvlKh3Vkc_uNBD_-y-HETtTP75JCO8Iwh6H_TuwUy0n7ExTgEC5biXEaqPkAVI2aHN3kzEdMftF1XpX1ANu5XD31m0c/s400/DSC02685.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Araguy...</td></tr>
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Also interesting to see are the carvings on the right side entrance, as well as the old convent which is now converted into a multi-purpose hall, but still were able to maintain the old coral stone walls.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOMR6jv9pkr9URu-ZTDfxqnmv-AuwthhBN0u0KnXF_ENCl9fUGhx8el79ASNU7DXGwGtq2w01fElKULKObuV_-tiUE00RwyhPtmhsB27BVbBdQjqs3QS_gzqpWZpD2r9Qwjc8ysrBwBJ0/s1600/_MG_6969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOMR6jv9pkr9URu-ZTDfxqnmv-AuwthhBN0u0KnXF_ENCl9fUGhx8el79ASNU7DXGwGtq2w01fElKULKObuV_-tiUE00RwyhPtmhsB27BVbBdQjqs3QS_gzqpWZpD2r9Qwjc8ysrBwBJ0/s640/_MG_6969.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side entrance and large wooden beams</td></tr>
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Thinking of a sidetrip? Me and my friend, multi-awarded blogger Estan Cabigas of <a href="http://simbahan.net/" target="_blank">simbahan.net</a> found this old watchtower locally known as <i>castillo</i>. Just ride a tricycle from the church, and tell the driver to take you to the '<i>lumang castillo'.</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9KR18zrejKVDhugSMWlkXy0TBJrhZaaybfv3GvuwLb-fYActgVI328NL9NYQY1FLekF4iU0w9CKS1RxKdq0e7t86pIYqBIS162J4MDHM3Uq8c05KF0PSb08zTI1O0nrCIOggPROFo2BM/s1600/_MG_6979.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9KR18zrejKVDhugSMWlkXy0TBJrhZaaybfv3GvuwLb-fYActgVI328NL9NYQY1FLekF4iU0w9CKS1RxKdq0e7t86pIYqBIS162J4MDHM3Uq8c05KF0PSb08zTI1O0nrCIOggPROFo2BM/s640/_MG_6979.JPG" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old watchtower made of cut coral blocks. Beachfront immediately below it with clear and clean waters</td></tr>
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<i><br /></i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03177896124306793691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3896077156384619594.post-25153840922523744442013-03-10T16:08:00.000+08:002013-03-12T05:08:16.042+08:00San Diego de Alcala Cathedral: Southern Quezon's Last Heritage FrontierIf there's a church that I know almost every nook and cranny, it will be my hometown's crown jewel. Located in Gumaca, province of Quezon, is the seat of the Diocese of Gumaca, the San Diego de Alcala Cathedral.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggUkTmihQRxlGu2VNicX-sTRGdZBjmVdnVtJ6a1ZFanEIr_Z1M6_vIJ_oyOCp5y6v6SLHNBWo7zGxN39AIoTe44eL4VMCg3r1joq1rFwiW1a1iyMezvYWesJh1XNJI7kLaXtf7rGJwO68/s1600/IMG_5302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggUkTmihQRxlGu2VNicX-sTRGdZBjmVdnVtJ6a1ZFanEIr_Z1M6_vIJ_oyOCp5y6v6SLHNBWo7zGxN39AIoTe44eL4VMCg3r1joq1rFwiW1a1iyMezvYWesJh1XNJI7kLaXtf7rGJwO68/s640/IMG_5302.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">San Diego de Alcala Cathedral, a National Historical Site</td></tr>
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Already registered in the Franciscan annals as early as 1582, Gumaca is considered one of the oldest towns in Quezon. With the town's establishment is the building of the church; a sign of Spain's christianization and declaration of authority.<br />
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However, due to frequent moro raidings, the people transferred to town to Silangan, a town in Alabat Island which faces the former town. But moros, and even the Dutch, did not spared the new town. They were attacked and burned by the Dutch in 1664. Once again, they transferred the <i>pueblo</i> to it's former location in Gumaca's shores for good.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7lOPw-8S8bi0OY4v3lwr28tbkWabYu-jx7JJjJRdejhqUf-t6vuW_orjVXL7DkI-funI-ErF0puVeAnmWFP8foXhCLeoXWzOV6aoMhWyPrFxZtvCkj1gvN7SvQaxXDr-YNc1oeMzNt5s/s1600/GumacaQuezon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7lOPw-8S8bi0OY4v3lwr28tbkWabYu-jx7JJjJRdejhqUf-t6vuW_orjVXL7DkI-funI-ErF0puVeAnmWFP8foXhCLeoXWzOV6aoMhWyPrFxZtvCkj1gvN7SvQaxXDr-YNc1oeMzNt5s/s640/GumacaQuezon.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An old photo of Gumaca from the Franciscan website archives</td></tr>
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Eventually in 1690, the building of what is now the cathedral began. Free communal labor was used; men, women, and even children worked to construct the church. Bricks and coral stones made up the walls and belltower, with lime, water, molasses, and pounded <i>puso-puso</i> as binders. Sturdy lumber and <i>tejas</i> served as it's roof to finish the religious edifice, meant to last for a hundred years.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEVch3mbiFR7-uifudKL7jFZREVd2UYZ8UyjG026vHdlIZIg2isUScGiTmjkBikRLy5pCnvMw4q96TYm8Er_QbbcoKVbbUk4uZuOZP8VSSOHAjnj3TxN1wZeJa0KD9pMA1OYxhunUeSZA/s1600/6921699895_160cf3f1e9_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEVch3mbiFR7-uifudKL7jFZREVd2UYZ8UyjG026vHdlIZIg2isUScGiTmjkBikRLy5pCnvMw4q96TYm8Er_QbbcoKVbbUk4uZuOZP8VSSOHAjnj3TxN1wZeJa0KD9pMA1OYxhunUeSZA/s640/6921699895_160cf3f1e9_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The interior with the old <i>retablo</i> and pulpit. Both are now non-existent</td></tr>
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Currently, the church has maintained it's ancient walls and the <i>convento</i>. Style is primarily Baroque, which is very common in Colonial churches.<br />
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Carvings of seals and emblem adorn the facade. It has three levels, first one having the main portal and two niches. The second level has three windows with new stained glass depicting the Resurrection, Descent of the Holy Spirit, and the Creation of Man. Decorating the windows are different emblems, both royal and religious. A triangular pediment tops it with a central niche bearing the patron saint's image, and is flanked by two blind oculi.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWaMge3dmxRkXLUIvMmt8iUpVFdXvpbCFsSzkwO9uveUXLMJnrRswINt3nRFGbD52Z3Kgur9Rp-Qd92ijuSUuqbrP5I34SqmzVs5GDWPY00sY3nGCLODXlgy_cpfmHrFy1JYwnY_kzRNs/s1600/IMG_5285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWaMge3dmxRkXLUIvMmt8iUpVFdXvpbCFsSzkwO9uveUXLMJnrRswINt3nRFGbD52Z3Kgur9Rp-Qd92ijuSUuqbrP5I34SqmzVs5GDWPY00sY3nGCLODXlgy_cpfmHrFy1JYwnY_kzRNs/s640/IMG_5285.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Facade and belfry</td></tr>
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Inside, bricks dominate the walls, giving the interior a brownish tinge. Measuring at least two meters thick, it gives the church a sense of massiveness, as well as solemnity. The single nave bears antique tiles with floral motifs, which leads the eyes to the transept and altar.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbEiyUJuA0AY0YNUALKlFYQ0Z9Emo6NpuW-bqTkO4SD71TsYyMOclNDX5n9hPKbU5obAAMhCl5RvJRAVVfgbQ1zrVZUbuTkLlHPZekOVL6eY7J7j5iC1vYRLGnlPImYEcgoiDRMQY_qdI/s1600/IMG_5440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbEiyUJuA0AY0YNUALKlFYQ0Z9Emo6NpuW-bqTkO4SD71TsYyMOclNDX5n9hPKbU5obAAMhCl5RvJRAVVfgbQ1zrVZUbuTkLlHPZekOVL6eY7J7j5iC1vYRLGnlPImYEcgoiDRMQY_qdI/s640/IMG_5440.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nave and altar. Notice the thick walls, more evident in the left side</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy4Jsu0vodSBIKUM7Xm89O0JeQn5UF-Qe0Ji_2SHTQEWYlVVU-WvdK1USH54cCqvBIZUUI5ZZugyEJi452VHxAS_53HnOZVXLURusQZAa7BJ2Omt3Sa6_n1JE8dtL6kf8_y4cxXKprPDk/s1600/IMG_5401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy4Jsu0vodSBIKUM7Xm89O0JeQn5UF-Qe0Ji_2SHTQEWYlVVU-WvdK1USH54cCqvBIZUUI5ZZugyEJi452VHxAS_53HnOZVXLURusQZAa7BJ2Omt3Sa6_n1JE8dtL6kf8_y4cxXKprPDk/s400/IMG_5401.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Paul's niche</td></tr>
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Two niches with the saints Peter and Paul are at the two ends of the transept. Basing on old photos, these are really old stone icons. It's age shows on how it looks though; slowly deteriorating.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-zJ8MM-J7H3p-kLWain277qOwa57AbIFC9V1Kpij_hQYJwcOw3RtU-t_aRW4QkXQaPj2QogHJvuHyJzS5pRsjPiu-I1Gqw72_8aEZKlA9XLkpT5A9tnliRrjjPb3js93LVNXHL-g1Kc/s1600/IMG_5454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-zJ8MM-J7H3p-kLWain277qOwa57AbIFC9V1Kpij_hQYJwcOw3RtU-t_aRW4QkXQaPj2QogHJvuHyJzS5pRsjPiu-I1Gqw72_8aEZKlA9XLkpT5A9tnliRrjjPb3js93LVNXHL-g1Kc/s1600/IMG_5454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-zJ8MM-J7H3p-kLWain277qOwa57AbIFC9V1Kpij_hQYJwcOw3RtU-t_aRW4QkXQaPj2QogHJvuHyJzS5pRsjPiu-I1Gqw72_8aEZKlA9XLkpT5A9tnliRrjjPb3js93LVNXHL-g1Kc/s400/IMG_5454.JPG" width="268" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Peter's niche</td></tr>
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The <i>retablo</i>, dome, and ceiling are just later additions, which I personally see as distracting and disconnected with the old feel of the church. The intentions were good, but the execution was... you guys be the judge.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGhPiwxqyPhGmdLI6D2eNSrJC-H24oSlGdMVIKQcXJo68N7-iL00EOLfPZLBItCls2J5-hZ57dqSSyryvSHN-Au_UgzbulkY1ZjIzvYAOeaSuHtqfxreLLJSmHkm-DBz76rp56lFmDqtI/s1600/_MG_9173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGhPiwxqyPhGmdLI6D2eNSrJC-H24oSlGdMVIKQcXJo68N7-iL00EOLfPZLBItCls2J5-hZ57dqSSyryvSHN-Au_UgzbulkY1ZjIzvYAOeaSuHtqfxreLLJSmHkm-DBz76rp56lFmDqtI/s640/_MG_9173.JPG" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Main altar and dome</td></tr>
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Though heavily renovated, the San Diego de Alcala Cathedral is still worth visiting with it's massive walls and facade, and still intact <i>convento</i>. Clearly reflecting what once a very rich <i>pueblo</i>, this is one of the very few heritage structures in Gumaca, and I hope it will be spared from further 'beautification' projects, like the fate of most colonial churches in Southern Quezon.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJ-JwkFPgu6wgFRCVeS5x7p4Asf-aZlkx46XmjvN8G_hxG1wz4WKSFkvt9l6DJv0PUIQ6joz3-qGcw_NptHjSsPrxqpLZaFIpv85VH7UYBDdJcqODMLrT72MSf-3EN4fWXGPGpUxvpJk/s1600/IMG_5269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJ-JwkFPgu6wgFRCVeS5x7p4Asf-aZlkx46XmjvN8G_hxG1wz4WKSFkvt9l6DJv0PUIQ6joz3-qGcw_NptHjSsPrxqpLZaFIpv85VH7UYBDdJcqODMLrT72MSf-3EN4fWXGPGpUxvpJk/s640/IMG_5269.JPG" width="418" /></a></div>
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For more photos, click this link:<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.482934771738305.108551.100000653580825&type=1&l=3462ee39d8" target="_blank">San Diego de Alcala Cathedral</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03177896124306793691noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3896077156384619594.post-74090252930428079082013-03-10T01:47:00.002+08:002013-03-10T14:04:01.454+08:00San Guillermo Church of Bacolor: The Phoenix of PampangaAfter travelling for about 8 hours from Gumaca, I finally got a glimpse of what I only see in photos and the TV show <i>May Bukas Pa</i>. Peeking from the trees in a middle of a vast <i>lahar</i> field is the belltower of San Guillermo Church.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpg29Ri043y0YBOnDhQQ0eF-MB9-yJcfXr0I-8aC4H2DLNzidOzEuCZJl79urdNwaOCaLooB8D2etGY5Ty8l4UeDqQERY6pLn2w4KGZxyjMpnbqS-6gsP1OImrARNQ62Wxa_yFyJrnR6A/s1600/_MG_3375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="church bacolor" border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpg29Ri043y0YBOnDhQQ0eF-MB9-yJcfXr0I-8aC4H2DLNzidOzEuCZJl79urdNwaOCaLooB8D2etGY5Ty8l4UeDqQERY6pLn2w4KGZxyjMpnbqS-6gsP1OImrARNQ62Wxa_yFyJrnR6A/s640/_MG_3375.JPG" title="church bacolor" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The half-buried Church of Bacolor</td></tr>
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The church might looks small, or short, considering that it's a Spanish Colonial era edifice. The reason why? Half of it is already buried under <i>lahar</i>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWi3hTtpX_KrU_njobrs107Qotoy2S2dLhqPHo9thpQBrZpG6-MALFVzt2CBy5xvOpYwc7tZoh7Z66xSlFJCHrMAXDGYeYW_xTmKCfq0IPhrD9kpk2-3zpkHr6aQ3JUEIY-TFlA6Ogj-Q/s1600/_MG_3300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWi3hTtpX_KrU_njobrs107Qotoy2S2dLhqPHo9thpQBrZpG6-MALFVzt2CBy5xvOpYwc7tZoh7Z66xSlFJCHrMAXDGYeYW_xTmKCfq0IPhrD9kpk2-3zpkHr6aQ3JUEIY-TFlA6Ogj-Q/s640/_MG_3300.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Detail of a bas relief on the facade, half buried as well</td></tr>
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First built in 1576 (that's 437 years ago!), the church made up of light materials was destroyed in an earthquake, which is quite common during those era. Thinking of making a more permanent and earth-movement proof house of worship, it was rebuilt in 1886. Made up of cut stones and bricks, Bacolor townspeople painstakingly created a masterpiece built to withstand any force of nature. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBAi_jCqk9oGFz778n-Vg9-ojAz2y-fj_cn-3POCzCpz20SFDLZfP2LXS5xCiQBlC00ikTjwQCTZqtM856KY1f5sH7rPjUgLV8pORH_vdApMf0lzWkpMQelI_UAK6isPg91GA7CFenDtw/s1600/_MG_3348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBAi_jCqk9oGFz778n-Vg9-ojAz2y-fj_cn-3POCzCpz20SFDLZfP2LXS5xCiQBlC00ikTjwQCTZqtM856KY1f5sH7rPjUgLV8pORH_vdApMf0lzWkpMQelI_UAK6isPg91GA7CFenDtw/s640/_MG_3348.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Retablo restored. A church adminstrator closing the gate towards my eye candy!</td></tr>
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However, after 109 years of dominating Bacolor's landscape, it gave in to Apo Namalyari's fury. Mount Pinatubo's mud, ash, and pyroclastic materials buried around half of the church's height. 12 meters, as it was published. All of it's jewels; pews, <i>santo's </i>and antique <i>poon's</i>, all gone.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A clerestory window, supposed to be high and above eye level, now serves as <i>ventanilla</i></td></tr>
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But just like a saying goes, 'what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger', the <i>Kapampangans</i> of Bacolor got back on their feet, excavated the relics buried, and restored those into it's original condition. Rising from the deadly ashes, like a phoenix, they resurrected.<br />
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The original <i>retablo</i>, unable to fit in the altar, is now housed under the dome to accommodate it's height. Based on how it looks now, you wouldn't even think that it was once buried in mud and ash!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The main <i>retablo </i>placed under to dome to accomodate it's height</td></tr>
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Unfortunately, a church administrator already closed the main altar grills, so I only got a chance to peek at the equally beautiful side <i>retablo. </i>It is richly carved and decorated, I'm tempted to cross the fence and take more pictures! But a good boy that I am, I restrained myself.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side <i>retablo</i>, as beautiful as the main</td></tr>
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To give the nave more vertical space, ceiling was made bare, showing the original trusses of the church. Dormer windows are added to let light in and for good ventilation as well.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ceiling exposing the old goods: brick, wood, and antique chandeliers</td></tr>
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Curious as I was, I tried going to the church's belfry entrance since it was open (though I'n not sure if visitors are allowed), and saw the original church bells and marvelous wood and stone works in the tower's frame.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wooden stairs and floors of the belltower</td></tr>
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At the tower's opposite side is a museum. I think it was the <i>convento</i> before, basing on it's architecture and attachment to the church. Other relics and old <i>santo</i> and photos pre-volcanic eruption are on display here.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The museum, a <i>lahar </i>survivor</td></tr>
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Disappointingly, this is the only church in Pampanga that our trip went to. And it whet my appetite, congratulations, which made my hunger for more <i>Kapampangan</i> heritage intensified. Quoting Gen. McArthur; Pampanga, I shall return!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03177896124306793691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3896077156384619594.post-84649474558221754312013-01-07T12:31:00.002+08:002013-01-07T12:31:16.792+08:00A Beautiful Affair: My Hometown and IYep, I know that you noticed the connection of my title to your oh-so-loved <i>Kapamilya</i> primetime <i>teleseryes</i>. My apologies, but that is how I exactly feel about my hometown, Gumaca. You see, it has been in my blood since I learned how to read and write. I've been having an affair with her for almost 25 years (I transferred here from Manila when I was around 2 years old). How can I not fall? It's beauty is striking, as soon as you enter her confines...<br />
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It molded me to what I am right now. Brought up in the traditional, Catholic culture that I really treasure and is proud of:<br />
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Though traces of history are slowly being forgotten and neglected, pockets of memories are still intact, and give a sense of identity and pride:<br />
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Despite modernity creeping in, traditional values and culture are deeply embedded, as strong as a fortress watching over it's people:<br />
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And it's faith in God, very evident in it's values, makes them resilient and happy whatever turmoil comes:<br />
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Now tell me, how can I not fall in love with her?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03177896124306793691noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3896077156384619594.post-47349838601927633272012-11-05T16:12:00.003+08:002012-11-05T16:12:50.772+08:00Khana, Chalo! Let's Eat!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As a continuation to my India travel posts, I'd like to share to you some of the local cuisine that I tried when I was in Pune. Though I wasn't that adventurous, I was able to have a taste of some local delicacies thanks to my trainees' persistence. LOL!<br />
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Biryani is one of my most favorite (and frequently eaten!) food in Pune. Made up of basmati rice, chicken or mutton (lamb), and a lot of spices. Yes, A LOT. I don't know what spices do they put in it, but it was damn delicious! Interesting to know that the meat and the rice are cooked at the same time in the same container. Neat!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sige, i-microwave mo...</i></td></tr>
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It is often served with a sauce, chili, slices of red onion, and a quarter of lemon. I was surprised the first time I bought one, because they won't give you any utensils; you need to eat it with your bare hands. <i>Kamayan </i> style anyone?<br />
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If biryani is my favorite dish, malai pedha is my favorite sweet. I was hesitant to taste it at first, thinking that all foods in India are spiced, even desserts! But once you sink your teeth in this milk-based treat, I bet, one box won't be enough.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://sulemanusmanmithaiwala.com/sweets/Malai%20Peda.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: <a href="http://sulemanusmanmithaiwala.com/Malai%20Peda.html">sulemanusmanmithaiwala.com</a></td></tr>
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This delicacy (also called milk fudge) is made up of milk, sugar, cardamom seeds, saffron, and pistachios or almonds on top. It's very much like our <i>pastillas</i>, but a bit savory and much creamy. The first pedha was actually made 175 years ago!<br />
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Kulfi is India's local version of ice cream. Much similar to your regular ice cream, but this cold treat is milkier in taste, thus more delectable. It's topped with pistachios (like pedha), which made me think it's the national nut of India. =)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chili chicken, fried rice, and Kulfi. <i>Bahut accha!</i></td></tr>
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Thinking of it at first as <i>tokwa</i>, paneer is actually cottage cheese made from curdling milk with vinegar or lemon. Tastes like tofu, but milder. It is sometimes used as meat replacement, and is a staple among non-veg dishes. By the way, meals in India are classified as veg, or non-veg.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: <a href="http://www.mediatinker.com/blog/2007/04/cottage-cheese-paneer.html">mediatinker</a></td></tr>
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I was able to get hold of these weird looking empty shells on my last few days in India. I wasn't interested at first, but my trainees insisted. And it was quite an experience I'll never forget. Much like eating a bomb loaded with a concoction of tamarind juice, peas, potato, and chili, it will literally burst in your mouth! I was given a serving, little did I know that one serving is equal to 8 shells!<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicGKmZynLMktD4YXzO0pg1HKJKpB0w_tkznsBQaaz06MwxG0aCN9siMYsrdJR8_8EHVV4rPtsaTAtXi9yFrr8POe0v3prmtwgg04O7JVyUao9QC93dG6hMwpl2rxn5YJgSyasn1_atzszi/s400/Pani_Puri.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: <a href="http://goldsilveralert.blogspot.com/2011/04/pani-puri-squads-to-be-aided-by-shiv.html">goldsilveralert.blogspot.com</a></td></tr>
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It might not be a native dish in India, but it's only found in India. Folks, I had an encounter with Big Mac's brother: the Maharajah Mac.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBSYAKh_5TNJUvBkoG7fb0TYd6oxJW-NfmLIYlo-gGJCwhcAPMwsL2KAo_U4qoYuM_ATmmsSqyRdGuhSB3Yl3y3nA22AbxiBmf-l5WDSf7CcxKP4nFaBbMXAt955ZiZSEL4xEB-Hf86Ww/s1600/2012-02-05+17.57.46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBSYAKh_5TNJUvBkoG7fb0TYd6oxJW-NfmLIYlo-gGJCwhcAPMwsL2KAo_U4qoYuM_ATmmsSqyRdGuhSB3Yl3y3nA22AbxiBmf-l5WDSf7CcxKP4nFaBbMXAt955ZiZSEL4xEB-Hf86Ww/s400/2012-02-05+17.57.46.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crisp veggies, tasty patty. Attack!</td></tr>
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Due to India's reverence to cows, burgers are made up of chicken (and paneer, I think). Out of curiosity, I ordered one when we went McDonald's (which they fondly call McD.) I loved the taste, specially with the fresh and crunchy vegetables that goes with it.</div>
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Most of my friends ask, "Have you tasted chicken curry in India?" </div>
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Blank stare...</div>
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P.S. An interesting <i>chichirya </i>from India:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge5ouLpT13jaUa9B943KyvVfRgSdlDREnZNPi-4AN5tuh68TlpVPQ9qf9WptVyMy6C1FZPezO0Y91v3GKoG7aaj8b71PsaBiw3P-Xs8WevPhyRARczEYNgByvKih_o_ifgA7TlSUNWPzw/s1600/2012-01-21+06.49.22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge5ouLpT13jaUa9B943KyvVfRgSdlDREnZNPi-4AN5tuh68TlpVPQ9qf9WptVyMy6C1FZPezO0Y91v3GKoG7aaj8b71PsaBiw3P-Xs8WevPhyRARczEYNgByvKih_o_ifgA7TlSUNWPzw/s320/2012-01-21+06.49.22.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03177896124306793691noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3896077156384619594.post-75497455965576605952012-10-22T15:33:00.001+08:002012-10-22T16:04:51.011+08:00Pune's Divisoria, M.G. Road<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After feeling down not celebrating Christmas and New Year in the Philippines, I got perked up when my friend, my training assistant, and I decided to go to a place near where we could buy authentic Indian and Maharashtran stuff, good <i>pasalubong</i> location. Come afternoon, we find ourselves riding a rickshaw speeding towards M.G. Road.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let's go, <i>sago!</i></td></tr>
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My training assistant met us up at SGS Mall, together with his friend. After some introductions, off we go to the heart of M.G.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, they also have <i>parol</i> here at M.G.!</td></tr>
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Much like Divisoria, stores abound M.G.; from shoes to <i>Pathani</i> , local and imported, from the cheapest to the most expensive brands. Even Blackberry and Samsung Note phones are being peddled in the sidewalk!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs9b5g8b1pvMTjtsaVBcIFqZ8w0nqD0_FqaRNFuig3DvQ-TM5gEjLpNglO6i_riZ_7z6R6C126Wbzl0W4YSRL3FwDOdHWpM94tuT2BC5zJAbvkrsV45RwYJ8JCtDHZdCuiQWeQuAByRB4/s1600/2012-01-02+20.11.09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs9b5g8b1pvMTjtsaVBcIFqZ8w0nqD0_FqaRNFuig3DvQ-TM5gEjLpNglO6i_riZ_7z6R6C126Wbzl0W4YSRL3FwDOdHWpM94tuT2BC5zJAbvkrsV45RwYJ8JCtDHZdCuiQWeQuAByRB4/s400/2012-01-02+20.11.09.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aurora Towers, M.G. Road's landmark</td></tr>
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First we went to Fashion Street. If you like <i>tiangge</i> or <i>ukay</i>, you'll enjoy this place. However, we were warned about the quality of the products sold here. <i>Di nila alam</i>, Pinoys know this very well. <evil grin></div>
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Not finding a perfect <i>pasalubong, </i>we decided to walk further. Boom! We found the treasure:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1O9n813RnyVaCcTGQ2Vp8jHiFsX9BRqAUD_gES1WMwvtxtUWSgHmAe3DJhO8QXnWsexrrHKCfh-8WRJxmZIlgOxH_w4hmcOfhL2skH5mAQDSMUDhNpG0rLzbRKW3GZBhAahgkQ-gcvUE/s1600/2012-01-08+19.39.59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1O9n813RnyVaCcTGQ2Vp8jHiFsX9BRqAUD_gES1WMwvtxtUWSgHmAe3DJhO8QXnWsexrrHKCfh-8WRJxmZIlgOxH_w4hmcOfhL2skH5mAQDSMUDhNpG0rLzbRKW3GZBhAahgkQ-gcvUE/s400/2012-01-08+19.39.59.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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A shop that sells local slippers.Yes! I bought four pairs for just 1,300 rupees. That's with some <i>tawad </i>made by our friends.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcBIIWPcdiMb6kawMmZoPBGgcVyiOv9OIqWkoP6zWeZV-ebx_gBX-CiD4CNTZFoV1TL5vRnz0LIF-ptz37h7uAYo3Zeah4GgqimEMdHunfh9u4QFU7oz5Wb4Gi0sktXkkDPmcI50md3OY/s1600/2012-01-09+11.47.44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcBIIWPcdiMb6kawMmZoPBGgcVyiOv9OIqWkoP6zWeZV-ebx_gBX-CiD4CNTZFoV1TL5vRnz0LIF-ptz37h7uAYo3Zeah4GgqimEMdHunfh9u4QFU7oz5Wb4Gi0sktXkkDPmcI50md3OY/s200/2012-01-09+11.47.44.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigfS0MQnvZChsLNTBQ6nV5FmXkYIgyvcE8b44hIvj3kPVh-d0UoWU5VzsaqDeOB8qoK3hQc6aY6PSdVh2-vfGLqhzss5hg1W13c1Bxo6Jt6_DmxD83dYHDRi-uS58h6hX9joeovezQBaw/s1600/2012-01-09+11.51.48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigfS0MQnvZChsLNTBQ6nV5FmXkYIgyvcE8b44hIvj3kPVh-d0UoWU5VzsaqDeOB8qoK3hQc6aY6PSdVh2-vfGLqhzss5hg1W13c1Bxo6Jt6_DmxD83dYHDRi-uS58h6hX9joeovezQBaw/s200/2012-01-09+11.51.48.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXuhccng4nCZ5Gl8P8NCaD_Gzg2NauM6zkc7EHBy4KKMpmHbgqQuZDVck9auPrvJfFwx-7e_nwrl2q_6mWQBh5DcgVSz0XJi-MO9aRtqe_d6xV3FsJ1kHH5N0sUM3EzWSnKkoyn55XWyg/s1600/2012-01-09+11.53.39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXuhccng4nCZ5Gl8P8NCaD_Gzg2NauM6zkc7EHBy4KKMpmHbgqQuZDVck9auPrvJfFwx-7e_nwrl2q_6mWQBh5DcgVSz0XJi-MO9aRtqe_d6xV3FsJ1kHH5N0sUM3EzWSnKkoyn55XWyg/s200/2012-01-09+11.53.39.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03177896124306793691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3896077156384619594.post-5217699184350574132012-10-22T13:38:00.001+08:002012-10-22T13:46:18.139+08:00Nostalgia: India"So, I need to ask some personal information from you, I'll be filling out your passport application."<br />
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This was our account's big boss talking to me on the phone. He's in Eastwood, I'm in Gumaca. Our boss filling out my passport application. Like a boss. And that was the precursor of my journey to the land of a thousand spices: India.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqLYCk3O0jzpziijtutEx-wjpvchxHHPeCWWmbBDCBmj5qbUt8NMdNlKwZtCjZlLc1eYrRw-SWqY5z9HkC2-qKyFLC0_URlXCswUHGUFlImNwgKJxeCvHgq1_SLTt2c8plceo9-xWzVqs/s1600/IMG_9393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqLYCk3O0jzpziijtutEx-wjpvchxHHPeCWWmbBDCBmj5qbUt8NMdNlKwZtCjZlLc1eYrRw-SWqY5z9HkC2-qKyFLC0_URlXCswUHGUFlImNwgKJxeCvHgq1_SLTt2c8plceo9-xWzVqs/s400/IMG_9393.JPG" width="280" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A shrine in Pune, India. Almost every street has one, big and small.</td></tr>
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Here, I trained a class of 10, whom I eventually become friends with. I was hesitant to go around due to difficulty communicating with the locals. They understand English, but find it hard to speak it. But that became one of my biggest regret. Being scared of the unknown, in effect, deprived me of knowing, of knowledge. A once in a lifetime experience, wasted.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">India's sunset, one of the most beautiful I've seen</td></tr>
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Confined in the comforts of the hotel and occasional visits to the mall, I treated the place like I'm in my own turf. But later on, realizing that the place has a lot to offer, I decided to do some walks, unfortunately without my camera. Though I didn't had that much pics, I was able to get a taste of day-to-day life in Pune.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU-rkZJdDyuaf_ZwHSEL1-RucoIrRknvnn1m1n9O9fjePyklJLrnKaiyUn2GNh_-AFKkcyTby-YJCqJJBQaeGAXF9CnlJzCreEw20D8MFfxwNMs4JFnBNcvaba1EkEQkKB5U81o3JZ24g/s1600/IMG_9345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU-rkZJdDyuaf_ZwHSEL1-RucoIrRknvnn1m1n9O9fjePyklJLrnKaiyUn2GNh_-AFKkcyTby-YJCqJJBQaeGAXF9CnlJzCreEw20D8MFfxwNMs4JFnBNcvaba1EkEQkKB5U81o3JZ24g/s400/IMG_9345.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Parang Pinas lang</i>. The difference? <i>Mas maraming Indians.</i></td></tr>
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Didn't realize that three months can pass by so quick. Time for me to leave, thanks to some problems with my visa extension. Visit to the Aga Khan Palace, Laxmi Road, and maybe Taj Majal, <i>poof!</i> They became Koko Crunch.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifhdLo5Kr2C24ViV7YpFyVBjAdUs_WTG4wOTnWWVJq8kpxe9AesH9tTm9Wu4-yWTKRE6I7QbGSDnPcVauSGvDXY8Sn9oScw5MAJbLJL1VOZu__VDGDeyOEv1s6G12xFmDM-_N_IoRhVGw/s1600/IMG_9392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifhdLo5Kr2C24ViV7YpFyVBjAdUs_WTG4wOTnWWVJq8kpxe9AesH9tTm9Wu4-yWTKRE6I7QbGSDnPcVauSGvDXY8Sn9oScw5MAJbLJL1VOZu__VDGDeyOEv1s6G12xFmDM-_N_IoRhVGw/s400/IMG_9392.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An old bridge in Pune</td></tr>
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They said India is an acronym for I'll Never Do It Again. I beg to differ.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03177896124306793691noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3896077156384619594.post-89936706303282435282012-10-08T15:00:00.000+08:002012-10-08T15:06:32.733+08:00Sundo Sa T2: The NAIA Terminal 2 ExperienceI wasn't expecting anything this weekend. I turned down my officemate's invitation to come to our company's family day, since I think this is just a hassle for my family <considering the difficulty of commuting in the metro, and we have a kid with us>. But I was in for a treat: a friend from Japan will be flying in on Sunday, so we'll meet her at the NAIA Terminal 2 while she waits for her connecting flight to Davao. It was quite a while since I last seen T2, and I'd love to see how it looks like now.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhom6DqfTiWQjaWKwqKg-hY5PeGPxaD6A8kJUoEYJ22HLUSxNQX1g1vNSTuj56FHPD0Jc55yxpC4G0U5MgLAy7bYt8lxmJcGkZjWQCHtUWIlEvzgAir_jp6b60sNrSn5TY8qA_98MNtG-c/s1600/_MG_5593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhom6DqfTiWQjaWKwqKg-hY5PeGPxaD6A8kJUoEYJ22HLUSxNQX1g1vNSTuj56FHPD0Jc55yxpC4G0U5MgLAy7bYt8lxmJcGkZjWQCHtUWIlEvzgAir_jp6b60sNrSn5TY8qA_98MNtG-c/s640/_MG_5593.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Manong, Terminal 2 lang po...</i></td></tr>
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Sunday, 1 PM, we got on a bus from 6-11 to get to T2. It's just a 5-minute ride, and just a few secs after we paid, we have to get off. (<i>sayang, sarap pa naman ng air-con!). </i></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dubai? Middle East? Nope, our very own Terminal 1 and 2 junction.</td></tr>
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We walked a few steps, and saw the air traffic control tower greeting us:</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welcome to the Philippines all PAL passengers!</td></tr>
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We walked towards the international passenger's arrival area. Not hard to find since the airport posts directions as to where the arrival and departure areas are, both for international and domestic flights.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Andyan na ba sina Anne Curtis at Piolo Pascual?</i></td></tr>
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Finally, we saw our <i>susunduin, </i>and she requested (actually, insisted!) that we eat at Jolibee. Surprisingly, I was also craving for any Jolibee meal when I came back to Manila from India! I guess <i>iba talaga ang lasang Pinoy! </i>I was happy of Jolibee's service crew; enthusiastic, very courteous. Prices are a bit more expensive than the regular <Php47 for a Regular Yum with Cheese>, but hey, I guess it's better than a Php40 siopao! Whew!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Anak ng siopao... Mahal!</i></td></tr>
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It's time for our friend's flight to Davao, so we accompanied her to the domestic passenger's departure area. A few more photo ops, then we're out.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Terminal 2's Domestic Flight Arrival Area</td></tr>
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I can't help but to compare terminals 1, 2, and 3, and compare all of them to other airports that I've been (Kuala Lumpur Int'l and Mumbai Int'l airports). I'm wondering what happened to, and what's happening with T1. It's the first point of contact of most of our visitors (local and foreign), and personally, it doesn't give a great (not even good!) impression of our country. Though to tell you the truth, it looks like Mumbai's. But the latter have been improving theirs, while we "make do with what we have". </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Anak, kaway ka kay nanay, ha?</i></td></tr>
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What I think our saving grace is our warmth and hospitality. Cliché, I know. But basing on my latest travel experience, you'll yearn for that "Filipino hospitality". Yes, other nationalities are really accommodating as well, but I didn't feel that unique warmth Filipinos are world-famous for.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sino ang mas dakila? Ang naghihintay, o ang hinihintay?</i></td></tr>
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From <i>sunduan </i>to disappointment to <i>Pinoy </i>pride, I'm still happy with what I saw at T2. Well-kept gardens, visible and very useful directions, clean and secured waiting areas, and quite accessible too! I just wish the next time I travel, I'll be proud to say "Airports. More Fun in the Philippines!"</div>
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P.S.</div>
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On the way to T2, I saw <i>Nayong Pilipino </i>and the Philippine Village Hotel. What happened to these national landmarks? New blog topic for me <i>no? </i>=)</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03177896124306793691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3896077156384619594.post-48456027927232984672012-10-01T14:08:00.002+08:002012-10-08T10:01:55.635+08:00Mi Casa, Su Casa. Gumaca!After a cup of coffee, a few pieces of <i>pan de sal</i>, and a few chats with my friends on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/janmichael.marasigan" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, here I am writing my second entry with excitement and gusto.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJCeaROpqFVbzk0azQheFEiZJxTuj4TLXMq0Y0OiHwxsqL2NVjrhnhvwzqdok2mRPV0IXri36Y6V_9mW5mdASQbVV8QFwUeKQ1BZjVXGntQJiR2rsFFZOVUayH0QNXNfhHWDjXKPENxkk/s1600/gusto_vienna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJCeaROpqFVbzk0azQheFEiZJxTuj4TLXMq0Y0OiHwxsqL2NVjrhnhvwzqdok2mRPV0IXri36Y6V_9mW5mdASQbVV8QFwUeKQ1BZjVXGntQJiR2rsFFZOVUayH0QNXNfhHWDjXKPENxkk/s1600/gusto_vienna.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credits: <a href="http://www.sanmiguelexports.com/meats.php" target="_blank">San Miguel Exports</a></td></tr>
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No, no, not really this type of gusto... But the <i>dekada</i> 90 babies do love this, don't you?<br />
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For the main topic, ladies and gentlemen, and those in between, I'd like to introduce to you <i>mi casa</i>, Gumaca.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ82Vuih03vizyVu_LUP5zSP06S9ANuHUAE5Ar0a1nGkW5F8OCLaBw7yfN4EnacgV4gCBAcNSUYtqMddw9aD6se9AmIWSq9IbzitGaI-6SZuutBVA0rZD_4aQYbkf8thl8buZmk1E767Y/s1600/Ph_locator_quezon_gumaca.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ82Vuih03vizyVu_LUP5zSP06S9ANuHUAE5Ar0a1nGkW5F8OCLaBw7yfN4EnacgV4gCBAcNSUYtqMddw9aD6se9AmIWSq9IbzitGaI-6SZuutBVA0rZD_4aQYbkf8thl8buZmk1E767Y/s320/Ph_locator_quezon_gumaca.png" width="274" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credits: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ph_locator_quezon_gumaca.png" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a></td></tr>
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Gumaca is a coastal town situated at the heart of Quezon Province. Located 142.72 km from Manila, a 5-7 hour drive will take you to this agricultural town famous for it's centuries-old cathedral, fort, a festival bordering on the wild side, and a rather unusual delicacy called <i>tikoy anahaw</i>. Lifestyle is a bit on the laidback side, so if you just want to see the day go by while relaxing on a hammock, or on my favorite <i>tumba-tumba</i>, this is the place to be my friend. Not to worry for them yuppies, modern facilities and establishments dot the town, you won't even remember that you're miles away from Manila.</div>
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One of the most loved town landmark (and personally my favorite) is the San Diego de Alcala Fortress. Locally known as <i>kastilyo</i>, just mention the name and see a <i>Gumaqueño's</i> face light up, wanting to take you there immediately. Sounds freaky, but this is the "it" place here!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Kapitan, andyan na ang mga pirata mula sa kaharian ng DVD!</i></td></tr>
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Heck, this place is so loved, it's even in the municipal seal!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yep, a fortcentric town. <i>Di magigiba!</i></td></tr>
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Since this is located along Lamon Bay, there's also a paved boulevard where you can stroll and see the sun go down. Or have a drink or two. Or take your special someone with you to take a walk, HHWW, PSSP (holding hands while walking, <i>pa</i>-sway-sway <i>pa</i> for those who don't know what I just typed!) This is Gumaca's answer to Manila's Baywalk.</div>
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Another must-see attraction is the centuries-old San Diego de Alcala Cathedral. Built by the Franciscans, this baroque church is actually <b>265 years old</b>!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perfect wedding church?</td></tr>
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Come May 15, a riotous display of <i>Gumaqueno's</i> ingenuity and devotion for San Isidro Labrador is the Araña't Baluarte Festival. The name means chandelier (<i>araña</i>) and bastion or fort (<i>baluarte</i>). Local produce are arranged in <i>arañas </i>and <i>baluartes</i> to create this beautiful tapestry showing how creative and resourceful <i>Gumaque</i><i>ños</i> and Filipinos are.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Hanging Gardens of Babylon? Nope, it's <span style="text-align: start;"><i>Araña't Baluarte</i> Festival!</span></span></td></tr>
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<i>Bitin?</i> I'll post more details on these attraction soon, but for now, Imma enjoy this <i>Chicharron ni Mang Juan Espesyal na Suka't Sili</i> before taking my lunch of <i>daing na bangus.</i></div>
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Comments? Suggestions? Reactions? C'mon, I know you have one. Bring it on! =)</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03177896124306793691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3896077156384619594.post-82303039624480557382012-09-30T14:20:00.001+08:002012-10-08T10:01:08.334+08:00Test mike... Test Mike...<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Don't really know what to do with my first post. Clueless. Haha! Well, since it's only me, a friend whom I chatted with last night, and my mentor BernieMack Arellano, who knows that I haphazardly set-up a blog, I'd like to welcome myself to the blogging world.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Mike, welcome to the world of blogging!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">How did I had interest in blogging? Well, for starters, </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I love to talk. I love talking to a fault. If you happen to know the song "My Stupid Mouth" by John Mayer, you will have an idea of how I feel at times. I like sharing my two cents worth, but only when solicited. But since this is MY blog, I guess you have to put up with what I post, whether you like it or not...<evil grin> Oh, wait... Anti-Cyber Crime Law? Shoot...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My love for photography also nudged my to set-up a blog of my own. I really like shooting pictures, even when I didn't actually have a camera of my own. I remembered borrowing a camera from a friend for a <i>visita iglesia</i> trip (thanks <i>Ate </i>Lab!), taking some shots at them churches, and since then I realized that I'll venture to one of the most expensive hobbies a man will ever have (heck, you can actually buy a second hand car with the prices of some lenses!). Here's one of my most fave shot was with the Taal Basilica facade, circa 2009:</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Basilica de San Martin de Tours (Taal, Batangas)</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Digicams (P&S) was the in thing then, </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">and I don't know what aperture, shutter speed, and ISO was back then. I let the cam do the thinking for me. Until I got hold of a DSLR. And *poof!* There goes my 48,000 bucks! April 17, 2011. My baby, BungBong, was born...</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgEwMy5er5JdZurVDIh-NUh_hs0IPd8OpUC8vRQXWr6_v3aL4dMgVmwPY_9haK13Fz1iSUrnL665HiFrB_de5lfb4FCyUlFY3MGNwqDHcQ35UTeUPRUDzS6cWVmz8astI_BpuY8JWVdo0/s1600/Image1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgEwMy5er5JdZurVDIh-NUh_hs0IPd8OpUC8vRQXWr6_v3aL4dMgVmwPY_9haK13Fz1iSUrnL665HiFrB_de5lfb4FCyUlFY3MGNwqDHcQ35UTeUPRUDzS6cWVmz8astI_BpuY8JWVdo0/s1600/Image1024.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">My Canon EOS 550d, a.k.a. BungBong</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Traveling, another expensive activity that humans invented, is another thing that I really wanted to do. Being a tourism graduate gives me enough reason to practice what I preach. Or learned in this case. And seeing the likes of Estan Cabigas, journeyingjames, and Berniemack Arellano, even the most forlorn creature would really get off their feet and start traveling the Philippines. C'mon, even traveling thru traffic is more fun in the Philippines! Plus, you learn a lot when you're travelling. Lessons that you won't learn while browsing the net, burning your a** off looking at places you would like to visit, activities you would like to get into, history and heritage and culture that you would like to discover and rediscover.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I really don't have a specific or clear-cut idea of how my blog should look like, or what it should contain. But I guess that's the beauty of a blog. Just tell your story. And I'm starting to tell mine. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But I would like to make this a fusion of Funny Komiks and Lonely Planet! =)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03177896124306793691noreply@blogger.com2