Did Jesus Dance?

I've seen this image of Jesus joining the traditional Good Friday procession in Gumaca, but it's just this last Viernes Santo that I noticed: Is Jesus dancing?




















No disrespect or blasphemy intended,

Viernes Santo in Gumaca, Quezon

San Diego de Alcala Cathedral before Palm Sunday

I was initially planning of going to either Paete or the nearer Carcar, Cebu (LOL!) to witness a different semana santa observance there, but I opted to get traditional and spend the long weekend in my hometown Gumaca with my sister.

A not so usual bus scene: an Islam emblem
 instead of the usual rosary

Good thing about traveling during Good Friday is that there are less vehicles,

The Unassumingly Elaborate Macalelon Church

Neatly 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.

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.

View from the Top: Conversion of Saint Paul Church

Blame 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.

Conversion of Saint Paul Church

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

Church facade

San Diego de Alcala Cathedral: Southern Quezon's Last Heritage Frontier

If 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.

San Diego de Alcala Cathedral, a National Historical Site

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.

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 pueblo to it's former location in Gumaca's shores for good.

An old photo of Gumaca from the Franciscan website archives

San Guillermo Church of Bacolor: The Phoenix of Pampanga

After travelling for about 8 hours from Gumaca, I finally got a glimpse of what I only see in photos and the TV show May Bukas Pa. Peeking from the trees in a middle of a vast lahar field is the belltower of San Guillermo Church.

The half-buried Church of Bacolor

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 lahar.

Detail of a bas relief on the facade, half buried as well

A Beautiful Affair: My Hometown and I

Yep, I know that you noticed the connection of my title to your oh-so-loved Kapamilya primetime teleseryes. 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...




It molded me to what I am right now. Brought up in the traditional, Catholic culture that I really treasure and is proud of:

Though traces of history are slowly being forgotten and neglected, pockets of memories are still intact, and give a sense of identity and pride:



Despite modernity creeping in, traditional values and culture are deeply embedded, as strong as a fortress watching over it's people:



And it's faith in God, very evident in it's values, makes them resilient and happy whatever turmoil comes:

Now tell me, how can I not fall in love with her?