tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39874996302619991512012-02-16T17:00:24.457-08:00A glimpse of what I see, hear and think while crossing around.MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08383435530397672613noreply@blogger.comBlogger361100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3987499630261999151.post-88928210698781494442010-03-31T04:51:00.000-07:002010-03-31T05:18:50.596-07:00

Two other unique churches in Iloilo are those found in the town of Guimbal and Tigbauan.The San Nicholas of Tolentino Church in Guimbal is a yellow sandstone church is made from adobe stones called igang and coral stones quarried from Guimaras. It goes against the usual Baroque style churches in the Philippines, which is emphasizing its massiveness and sturdiness. Guimbal Church gives more

MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08383435530397672613noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3987499630261999151.post-38695222989053758412010-03-23T04:42:00.000-07:002010-03-23T04:48:48.073-07:00

More than 50 kilometers from Iloilo city is town of San Joaquin. Two of the historical tourist attractions in the area are the church and the cemetery.The San Joaquin Church, which was built in 1859, is made of coral stones and limestone. What makes it unique is the design of its façade. Usually church façade has murals of angels, saints and other religious objects, but not San Joaquin. The

MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08383435530397672613noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3987499630261999151.post-18565378383264537022010-03-17T03:17:00.000-07:002010-03-23T04:13:38.232-07:00

Amongst the old churches in Iloilo, Miag-ao is simply majestic. It’s massive façade and unique design is something to marvel at.Built in 1786 by the Augustinian missionaries, it is one of the four Baroque churches in the country which was inscribed in 1993 on the World Heritage list Site pursuant to the 1972 Unesco convention concerning the protection of the World Cultural and Natural

MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08383435530397672613noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3987499630261999151.post-71830796223999362382010-03-12T22:30:00.001-08:002010-03-12T22:37:17.506-08:00

As a leading province during the Spanish Colonial Era, the province of Iloilo is widely known for its beautiful old world architecture particularly the old Spanish colonial churches. Within the city proper alone and within a radius of 4 KM, there stood 3 churches worth visiting.Jaro Cathedral.The seat of the Jaro Archbishop, the Cathedral is also known as Nuestra Senora de la Candelaria. It is

MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08383435530397672613noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3987499630261999151.post-43299342548910264202010-02-20T20:41:00.000-08:002010-02-20T20:48:59.523-08:00

Tiny and remote, Batad is a favorite destination of travelers, who rave about the abundance of cheap rooms and some of the most phenomenal rice terraces in the Philippines. Only accessible by foot, Batad remains less visited by tourist than Banaue and the surrounding towns.In Batad, the Ifugao, the Guardian of the magnificent terraces, developed and maintained a distinct culture. Talking to them,

MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08383435530397672613noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3987499630261999151.post-66152460884147101072010-01-01T05:48:00.000-08:002010-01-01T06:17:00.092-08:00

“You mean you still haven’t been to Banaue to see the terraces?” My German uncle was teasing me while waiting for the bus going to Banaue.We took the 9PM bus trip to Banaue, arriving there at around 6AM. Being a long weekend, the bus was full as there were only 2 trips going to Ifugao province that day. According to our driver, during weekdays there is only one trip going to Banaue.Upon

MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08383435530397672613noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3987499630261999151.post-8914192901195926572009-12-25T23:57:00.000-08:002009-12-26T00:05:14.398-08:00

Christmas display at the Meralco Compound. This is open to the public from 6-10PM.

MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08383435530397672613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3987499630261999151.post-13382096962332671352009-12-21T05:15:00.000-08:002009-12-21T05:21:37.712-08:00

The lights and sound parade at the Mall of Asia. One of the shows and displays all around the country during this year's Christmas season.More photos at http://mj527.multiply.com/photos/album/94/Mall_of_Asia_Parade_of_Lights

MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08383435530397672613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3987499630261999151.post-88784212520514088222009-11-20T00:31:00.000-08:002009-11-20T00:41:13.039-08:00

In the center of Paco is a place that is both sacred and historical. In the middle of the bustling city stands the Paco Cemetery. It is a remnant of Manila’s past splendor, a landmark that stood as witness to the development surrounding area and yet remained unaffected by it.Built in 1820, the Paco Cemetery was intended for the victims of cholera epidemic that was ravaging during that time. It

MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08383435530397672613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3987499630261999151.post-37464649075116942352009-11-05T03:52:00.000-08:002009-11-05T04:04:53.951-08:00

Libingan ng mga Bayani.Within a stone throw away from the American Cemetery stands Libingan ng mga Bayani. It was formerly known as the Republic Memorial Cemetery. It was established as a tribute to the Filipino men and women who brought honor to the country and fought for the sake of freedom and democracy.Upon entry to the Cemetery, one will be greeted by the Heroes Memorial Gate, a structure

MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08383435530397672613noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3987499630261999151.post-26699712639694453662009-10-31T05:22:00.000-07:002009-10-31T05:36:16.136-07:00

In other countries, some cemeteries are considered as tourist attractions. Cemeteries such as the Arlington Cemetery in the US, the Les Invalides in Paris, France are considered major tourist attraction and a must stop for visitors. So why not check-out some of the cemeteries here in Manila and see what it can offer.American Cemetery and Memorial.It is located in Taguig City and within the Fort

MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08383435530397672613noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3987499630261999151.post-88047559867809948162009-10-17T04:53:00.001-07:002009-10-17T04:59:09.151-07:00

Sunset is always amazing. Always different each day.Below are some sunset shots taken last May in Zambales

MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08383435530397672613noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3987499630261999151.post-17601863401155657612009-09-25T06:53:00.000-07:002009-09-25T07:05:50.836-07:00

From the Guisi Lighthouse one can also take a hike down towards Guisi Beach. The beach area has no resort but still offers a good place to bum around. View from above. Fisherfolks Ilo-ilo Province from afar Clear and refreshing water. The RockMore Photos at http://mj527.multiply.com/photos/album/87/View_from_Guisi_Beach#

MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08383435530397672613noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3987499630261999151.post-15928242305519873132009-09-21T00:02:00.000-07:002009-09-21T00:44:08.176-07:00

For our family vacation, we are looking for a place we really haven’t visited yet. We thought of Zambales since we haven’t been really been to there, not counting Subic. It was decided that we go to the town of Candelaria so that we can go on a day trip to Potipot Island.Potipot Island is located roughly 1 km from the mainland shore of Uacon, Candelaria, Zambales. Uacon is about 240+km from

MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08383435530397672613noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3987499630261999151.post-89117481416494340522009-09-16T05:49:00.000-07:002009-09-16T05:58:27.588-07:00

We were on our way to Nueva Ecija and we were planning to take the SCTEX route but as a series of minor vehicular accident diverted us to take the San Simon Pampanga route. Well it was a blessing in disguise because while passing along the Olongapo-Gapan road, we were offered with a clear and pleasant view of Mt. Arayat. It was a good opportunity to do some photo shooting.After our breakfast at

MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08383435530397672613noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3987499630261999151.post-6684045550105616812009-09-05T04:21:00.000-07:002009-09-05T05:31:10.440-07:00

One of the historical sightseeing spots in Guimaras is the Guisi Beach and Lighthouse, which is located at Guisi Point within Barangay Dolores in Nueva Valencia.Guisi Lighthouse was erected during the Spanish times to help Spanish ships sail as it enters the gulf.Below are some photos of the lighthouse and surrounding area. Old iron lighthouse

MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08383435530397672613noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3987499630261999151.post-37707930204727887042009-08-27T05:14:00.000-07:002009-09-05T05:30:46.621-07:00

It was raining when we arrived at the Iloilo airport. Our first destination is the island province of Guimaras. We took a taxi and went to the wharf going to Jordan.Crossing to Guimaras is a short 10-15 minutes boat ride. The Banca can accommodate around 40 people. The dispatcher controls the number of passenger to avoid overloading. Each passenger was required to wear a life-vest while on the

MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08383435530397672613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3987499630261999151.post-83639209554917062592009-08-07T06:04:00.000-07:002009-08-08T05:54:21.749-07:00

We parked at the CCP complex and decided to walk towards Luneta. At the Luneta, we will wait for the procession and join them until Quirino Ave. Strong winds and heavy rains forces us to take cover under a tree. Since the place provide a good vantage point of the procession, we decided to just wait there.So for 3 hours we stand there, waiting for the procession to arrive. And a few minutes before

MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08383435530397672613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3987499630261999151.post-1696480141302626952009-08-01T06:05:00.000-07:002009-08-01T06:21:12.846-07:00

When visiting another place or province, it is suggested that one must be able to taste the different food specialties of the place. So when we were in Iloilo, there is no excuse for us not to taste their foods, Iloilo being the home of La-Paz Batchoy and Pancit Molo.Our first stop the La-Paz public market to eat some of its batchoy. Aside from the original way of preparing it, we found out that

MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08383435530397672613noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3987499630261999151.post-17758038704634364712009-06-14T02:31:00.000-07:002009-06-14T06:58:49.244-07:00

On June 19 Pepe will be 148 years old. He was born to a well-to-do family in a small town in Laguna. He lived a very interesting life, he is a doctor, an essayist, a diarist, a correspondent, a novelist and he speaks at least 10 languages. But most of all he serves as an inspiration while he was living and more so during his death. Yes, I'm taking about Dr. Jose Rizal.In Manila, we can trace the

MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08383435530397672613noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3987499630261999151.post-9596791771949244932009-06-05T22:03:00.000-07:002009-06-14T02:31:03.230-07:00

We were once again Hundred Islands bound. That time, I was more of a tourist guide to my German cousin and his GF. My cousin had been in the place when he was still a kid. Now he wanted to visit it again. Halfway through the trip, I exchanged driving duties with my uncle. It was good thing I that I did, having the whole back seat of the Revo, I had a 360 degree view of the scenery. It was

MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08383435530397672613noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3987499630261999151.post-54693254220468958012009-06-01T05:54:00.000-07:002009-06-01T06:30:06.882-07:00

I don't usually like going to Chinatown in Manila. First the streets are narrow, specially if cars are parked on both side of the road. Then there is the issue of parking.Then I heard the "Great Binondo Food Wok". So one afternoon, together with dodongflores, we decided to join our 1st ever walking tour of Manila. Tour Guide is Ivan Man Dy. I was also surprised on the participants, most of us are

MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08383435530397672613noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3987499630261999151.post-48885710328599776822009-04-27T07:43:00.000-07:002009-04-27T08:05:24.172-07:00

Every year on the night of April 30th until dawn of May 1, people commemorates the transfer of the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage (also known as the Birhen ng Antipolo) from Quiapo Church to the current location. People from all walks of life join the "Alay Lakad" to give homage to the blessed Virgin.The origin of our Virgin of Antipolo dates back to Spanish era in the Philippines, when

MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08383435530397672613noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3987499630261999151.post-74794519442876627452009-04-02T07:57:00.000-07:002009-06-14T03:00:42.935-07:00

Via Mc Arthur highway, Calumpit is the last town before Pampanga. The town’s church is not within the highway but about 500m in one of the inner streets of the town.The St. John the Baptist Church is the oldest in Bulacan. The church had been a witness to the Filipino’s struggle against the Spanish, American and Japanese rule. Inside the church is a tunnel, which according to history, was used by

MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08383435530397672613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3987499630261999151.post-23673059797062710092009-03-28T00:00:00.000-07:002009-03-28T00:22:14.027-07:00

From our Visita Iglesia from 2008.It was a late minute decision that we go to Bulacan for this year’s Visita Iglesia. The only notable church that I know in Bulacan is Barasoain. So I checked the web for other churches we can visit. I also tried to remember the location of the different towns of Bulacan where we will look for the local church.We started the trip to Bulacan 5:00 AM Thursday. I was

MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08383435530397672613noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3987499630261999151.post-77868823511582091642009-03-23T03:01:00.000-07:002009-03-23T07:05:43.938-07:00

I always love shooting sunset in Manila Bay. Each sunset is always different from the previous one. The colors varies depending on the season and pollution level.Another good subjects are the lovers seated along the breakwater also waiting for the romantic moment while the sun is setting.During weekend, families would stroll along the bay side as the coll breeze from the sea becomes a refreshing

MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08383435530397672613noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3987499630261999151.post-37607861691480692312009-03-20T08:34:00.000-07:002009-03-20T08:45:24.616-07:00

Second set of interesting churches around Metro Manila for your Visita Iglesia.Cathedral of ManilaThe first cathedral was built in 1581. The center of the cross on the dome is a reference point of astronomical longitudes of the archipelago.Malate ChurchThe titular patroness of this church is Nuestra Senora de los Remedios whose statue was brought from Spain in 1624.Binondo ChurchAlso known as

MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08383435530397672613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3987499630261999151.post-22017193111100585392009-03-13T08:47:00.000-07:002009-03-20T08:46:37.266-07:00

Lenten Season is already here and one of the activities during time is the Visita Iglesia. It is one traditions that Catholics observe during the Lenten Season. Below are some churches that is worth visiting as they offer a rich cultural history of our past. Make sure to look for the National Historic Institute marker.Church of QuiapoThe first Church was built in 1586 from Bamboo and Nipa.

MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08383435530397672613noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3987499630261999151.post-80752429215350389282009-03-05T04:25:00.000-08:002009-03-13T07:58:50.861-07:00

"Tayo na sa Antipolo at doon maligo tayo sa batis na kung tawagin ay Hi-hinulugang Taktak..."That how's the song goes.Hinulugang Taktak was once a favorite stop for visitors coming to Antipolo. As it is a short drive away from Manila, the HInulugang Taktak was a destination for family picnics and outings and of-course swimming at the basin of the falls.That was then, before they developed the

MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08383435530397672613noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3987499630261999151.post-26631797422665696682009-02-17T05:08:00.000-08:002009-02-17T05:26:06.796-08:00

I was having my car checked, which would take s couple of hours, and I was thinking of where I could spend some time waiting. I don’t want to go to the mall and since I have my camera with me, I decided to spend those hours in Manila zoo, which is just nearby.The Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden opened on 1959. It provided the public with interesting information on the Philippine flora and

MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08383435530397672613noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3987499630261999151.post-39331286794324873962009-02-12T05:20:00.000-08:002009-02-12T05:28:38.269-08:00

The article below serves as an alarm to the Heritage lovers as another heritage structure in Ilocos Norte is set to be demolished. Since i started to loving photography, i have been looking forward to see old heritage structures and reading this article made me think, what can i do to help. One thing i can do is to spread the news around and maybe the people responsible will come to their senses.

MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08383435530397672613noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3987499630261999151.post-10447282230352480162009-02-12T04:36:00.000-08:002009-02-12T04:57:30.889-08:00

The Blue Boys Street Dancers Group pictures Butterfly Boy Probably the most photograph girl at the festival. She is the only one wearing this kind of make-up and costume.Other Photos seehttp://mj527.multiply.com/photos/album71/Makati_Caracol_Festival_2009_-_Pre_Parade_Photoshttp://mj527.multiply.com/photos/album/69/Caracol_Festival_2009_-_Group_Pictureshttp://mj527.multiply.com/photos/album/72/

MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08383435530397672613noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3987499630261999151.post-77707591625291641892009-02-07T02:09:00.000-08:002009-02-07T03:03:16.268-08:00

If you are in Makati CBD during Sunday Morning, instead of going to the Mall why not drop-by the Legazpi Weekend Market. One can buy fresh organic fruits and vegetables, some seafood, different artworks and most of all a good variety of foods. Foods ranging from Filipino, Spanish, Chinese, Turkish and Asian are available for dine-in or to go.For the Filipino food lovers, foods like okoy, Ilocos

MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08383435530397672613noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3987499630261999151.post-11862887302329462882009-01-31T18:27:00.000-08:002009-02-01T05:22:20.675-08:00

Tired of the taste of foods at fast food joints, try being nostalgic and drop-by the restaurant which still produces the original Mami – Ma Mon Luk. The first Ma Mon Luk branch was opened in 1948 in Ascaraga. Now they only have 2 branches one in Quezon Ave. near Banaue and one in Quezon Blvd in Quiapo.In the Quezon avenue branch, the place still has the same old ambience with a high-ceiling with

MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08383435530397672613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3987499630261999151.post-44051288100912896382009-01-29T07:00:00.000-08:002009-01-30T22:57:12.352-08:00

Last January 18, 2009 Ayala Avenue, from Makati Ave. to Paseo de Roxas, was again closed. It is not because of an Anti-Cha-Cha rally but due to the city’s annual Caracol festival. Caracol festival is Makati’s own version of the Mardi Gras. The focus of this is the preservation of the environment. Caracol which is a Spanish term for snail was conceptualized in 1986. It features students from

MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08383435530397672613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3987499630261999151.post-56585383375901370612009-01-29T06:28:00.000-08:002009-01-29T07:32:52.887-08:00

As of this writing Puerto Princesa Subterranean River is in the #1 position. Voting ends on July 7. So what are you waiting for? Let's put the Philippines in the global tourism map. Vote for the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River in the New 7 wonders of Nature. Just click the link to vote.http://www.new7wonders.com/classic/en/index/

MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08383435530397672613noreply@blogger.com0