2017 Parade of Lights in Tanauan City, Batangas

Gazing at the Stars in Shercon Resort and Ecology Park

Talisay and Tagaytay Day Trip

2017 Fluvial Procession of Sto. Niño ng Batangas

A religious event ‘just around the corner’. Saw this announcement yesterday on the website of Batangas City Government.  This year’s Fluvial Procession of Sto. Niño ng Batangas will have the following itinerary. These are from the PIO of Batangas City.

 

1:00 pm - Assembly at the Basilica to Pick-up the Sto. Nino

1:15 pm - Motorcade with the Sto. Nino going to the Batangas City Convention Center

3:15 pm - Motorcade with the Sto. Nino from Convention Center via BSU and right to D. Silang St. Going to new market to Cuta Buhanginan

3:30 pm - Fluvial Procession along Calumpang River going to Brgy. 4 and back to Calumpang bridge

5:00 pm - Procession to the Basilica through the City main streets, Route: Calumpang Bridge to MH. Del Pilar St. Left to D. Atienza St. Left to D. Silang St. Left to P. Burgos St. Left to MH. Del Pilar St. Enter right to Basilica of the Immaculate Concepcion

I am yet to dig for details about this event.

Source: http://www.batangascity.gov.ph/web/current-news/1211-january-5-thursday-sto-nino-ng-batangan-fluvial-procession | Photo Credit: batangascity.gov.ph

Revisiting Malvar Shrine in Santo Tomas, Batangas

Food for the Trails: Old San Juan Hotel and Restaurant, San Juan, Batangas

Throwback Christmas: Santo Tomas, Batangas

Throwback Christmas: Tanauan City, Batangas

St. Padre Pio Parish and Shrine, Santo Tomas, Batangas

This year’s Holy Week is not even halfway through yet and so there’s still a lot chance to visit churches and shrine. One place a would-be pilgrim and religious can visit, one place not is just one bus ride away from Metro Manila is the St. Padre Pio Parish and Shrine in Santo Tomas, Batangas.

Found in the midst of Batangas greeneries, the shrine is indeed ideal for prayer and meditation. You should expect of course the constant hum and buzz from the people doing their business in the periphery of the shrine as well as from the visitors. One thing that we have observed in these kinds of places is that the distinction between shrine and tourist destination is quite blurred. (Note that we do these visits for their general cultural significance to the Filipino.)
  

Anyway, what can be found inside the shrine? Prayer and meditation can be done in a number of ways. The shrine has a several chapels where you could do your personal devotions. There is also what looked like a main hall or church where regular masses are being held. Upon entering, there is also a store where religious items can be purchased for use in the shrine and later.

What is most interesting – both from the religious’ and tourist’s view point, I believe – is the several-feet high tower. It is basically a place where you can know more about the life of Padre Pio. But note that you have to pay 20 pesos for the entrance fee in exchange for a small prayer booklet of sort. This 20 pesos of yours buys you a literally breath-taking view of the surrounding countryside. Photos will not be enough to relay the feeling. You better climb up that tower.

On the tower’s ground floor you have an image of the glorious cross and for the succeeding floors, the life of Padre Pio in pictures.

 

Padre Pio’s Life: A Brief Outline (from the photos in the tower)

• he was given the name Franceso Forgione after St. Francis of Assisi
• second of the five living children of Maria Giuseppa del Nunzio Forgione and Grazio Mario Forgione
• 1897: at the age of 10, he had already expressed his desire to become a priest
• 1903: at the age of 15, Padre Pio entered the novitiate of the Capuchin Friars in Morcone and took the habit of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin (O. F. M. Cap.) and took the name Fra Pio (Brother Pio) in honor of Saint Pius V, the patron saint of Pietrelcina in Southern Italy
• August 1, 1910: At the age of 23, Fra Pio was ordained to priesthood, now called Padre Pio, the Capuchin priest. He said: “I want to be a friar with a beard…like Brother Camillo.”
• 1915-1918: served in the military
• September 23, 1968: Padre Pio died at the age of 81
• Gesú, Maria: with his rosary in his hands, he declared these words over and over until he breathed his last

His life was as adventurous as any outgoing person indeed.  What remains to be known is how Padre Pio was chosen to be venerated by the people in this place in Santo Tomas.

One last detail that I was able to note was this curious little monument found just as you enter the shrine. It is dedicated to the memory of Ernesto M. Gonzaga (Dec. 27, 1930 – Dec. 5, 2005) who apparently made the development of the shrine possible.

Schedule of Liturgical Services of Padre Pio Parish
* Note that the parish itself is different from the shrine. The main parish or church is found a short walk from the corner along the highway that leads to the shrine. See directions below.
Masses
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, 06:30 am (parish)
- Wednesday, Friday, 05:00 pm (parish)
- Sunday, 06:00 am (parish), 08:30 am, 04:30 pm (shrine)

Regular Confession
- every Friday, 04:00 – 05:00 pm

Baptism (regular schedule)
- Sunday, 07:00 am

Confirmation
- to be announced
- as per schedule

Wedding
- as per schedule

Anointing of the Sick
- anytime urgently necessary
For blessing of houses, offices, cars, religious items, etc.
- inquire at the office or at telephone numbers (043) 784-3568 or 455-0894
 

[How to go to St. Padre Pio Parish and Shrine, Santo Tomas, Batangas: Whether you are coming from Cubao area of LRT-Gil Puyat station area, simply board a bus headed for Lucena City, Quezon. You simply ask the conductor to stop the bus at the corner that would lead you to the shrine. This corner is in Bregy. San Pedro. Upon alighting the bus, tricycles are available near the 7-Eleven store. Minimum fare would be around 10 pesos but that would depend whether you are visiting solo or in group.]

The Galahads of Batangas

As we visited the city of Tanauan I passed by this marker mounted on a wall on a busy Tanauan City intersection. The plaque mentions the formation of The Galahads in the summer of 1954 in that very corner where the marker is found. This makes The Galahads now sixty (60) years old! From the original eleven members, it has grown to include more members. Admittedly, I have never heard of the group until that chance encounter with marker. It would be interesting to meet a member or members and know more about The Galahads, its formative years, and its current activities.
 

The Year That Was 2013: Christmas Tours and Celebrations

The so-called Christmas break has always been a chance to literally breathe in respite, however brief. Ever since Back Trails began, traveling has become part of this two- or three-week break. And last year was no different. Although not far, neighboring towns are always infinite sources of historical delights (for lack of a better term).

San Pablo City Plaza

From home first. The city plaza has been, in recent years, surprisingly open to the public (see one of the first entries in Back Trails which included the town plaza here: A Visit to San Pablo City Saint Paul the First Hermit Cathedral). The gates before were only open during the week-long Coco Festival during January. Last December the plaza was covered with hundred of blinking lights in celebration of the coming Christmas. I still found it somewhat surprising, seeing people stroll within this space in the middle of the city proper or seat on its stone benches.

Santo Tomas, Batangas

Bus rides have always been fun. So a bus we hailed and alighted on the town of Santo Tomas in the province of Batangas. We naturally gravitated to the town church (which I have covered before; see my entry:  Afternoon Stroll in Santo Tomas, Batangas: Santo Tomas Church Part 3). Besides visiting the interior of a chapel on the side of the church, I ‘discovered’ this marker that is World War II-related, most likely missed out during my first documentation of the church due to many photo taking.

A plaque entitled ‘Memorial’ contained the following words:

“The Parish Church of Sto. Tomas de Aquino, facing the legendary Mt. Makiling, bears a historical memory of World War II-1941-1945, for on its ground men, women, and children courageously faced death with the weapons of savage warface [could probably meant to be warfare -fme] and missile of modern artillery.

“In loving memory of the fifteen (15) Missionary Sisters of the Holy Spirit who were killed during the heavy artillery barrage in Sto. Tomas, the Alumni and Alumnae of St. Thomas Academy (1920-1945), dedicate this place as a silent tribute to their work as educators and missionaries;

“To the numberless unknown men, women and children who were massacred by Japanese soldiers on the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, February 11, 1945, the townspeople of Sto. Tomas highly remember them as harbingers of PEACE AND UNITY.”

On a separate plaque are the names of the sister referred to in the memorial. They were:

• Sr. Cesaria Arjonilla (American)
• Sr. Benedicta Diancourt (German)
• Sr. Isburga Faulstich (German)
• Sr. Passima Hartelt (German)
• Sr. Francisceta Hoerth (German)
• Sr. Ansberta Hoffman (German)
• Sr. Victimaria Jurcovic (Slovakian)
• Sr. Richarde Mzyk (Polish)
• Sr. Aloysius Meder (German)
• Sr. Celia Molina (Filipina)
• Sr. Gumberta Piebler (German)
• Sr. Placida Schofs (German)
• Sr. Cleophana Schnettler (German)
• Sr. Adelheida Unterscher (German)
• Sr. Bernia Weissert (German)

As I write this entry, I believe this historical event is worth studying, the story of their presence in that place and perhaps their individual biographies.

Tanauan, Batangas

A short jeepney ride would bring you to the city of Tanauan. Its church, although still modern-looking (except perhaps the elaborate designs of the door borders; I don’t know if it has a more formal term). One curious item I saw was this charcoal artwork which depicts the Tanauan church with an adjacent building, like a convento or school, I am not sure. A short review of its historical background that the location of the church dates back to 1754 and so this Spanish period structure definitely has basis. Although I am yet to see old photos of the church.

On the town’s ‘plaza’ we found a giant Christmas tree that resembles the town Christmas tree in 2012. But I cannot directly claim that they are one and the same. A short walk would bring you to an abandoned lot with a remaining wall of what could have been a big house.

What could catch your attention are the ‘stones within the paletada. I am not an expert in building materials but they appeared to me as if they are crude stones, not exactly hollow blocks. Better look at them more closely next time. This could probably be part of a big house as I have said earlier. This is probable given the fact the street on which this lone wall is found is lined with big, old houses.

Malvar, Batangas

Next stop: Malvar, a town that is yet to be ‘discovered’ by Back Trails. The town church has resemblance to the church found in Alupay, Rosario, Batangas (see my entry here: Holy Family Parish Church in Alupay, Rosario, Batangas). I have never actually slept inside a Roman Catholic Church, much more slept during a mass. But that was precisely what happened on this visit: dozed off during a wedding ceremony! But still we co-celebrated in the happy nuptials, however silent.

A marble slab outside contained the ‘Decree of Dedication’ of the church to the Immaculate Conception. Beyond this dedication, it is actually public source of the church’s history. From the decree I quote:

“In 1970, a new church rose on this site during the tenure of then parish priest, Msgr. Jose Aquino. Today 16 Sept. 2007, this 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time, our newly renovated altar and church are dedicated in behalf of the ecclesial community of this parish during the incumbency of Fr. Virgilio B. Hernandez, its pastor. The rite of dedication is presided over by His Excellency, Most Rev. Ramon Arguelles D.D., Archbishop of Lipa, in the presence of some priest-concelebrants. The parish community, together with the good mayor of the municipality of Malvar Hon. Cristeta Cuevas Reyes, and the parish pastoral council led by Mrs. Teresita A. Ong (President) and Mr. Elpidio Aguilera (Vice President), and guests witness the occasion and participate in the said liturgical celebration.”

(The happy tour ended when that big small came into view. Companions’ shopping prospects won over further travel. Will tackle Lipa again soon.)

Christmas

I am not exactly an active participant of the so-called Christmas for reasons both academic and religious. But this event, whatever its motivations and supposed origins, gives one a glimpse of our long-acquired traditions and ways of celebrating it. Athough it cannot be denied that this holiday in the country is now heavily influenced by Western traditions, particularly American. Sad but true. History-wise, Christmas reminds me of several scenes in José Rizal’s “Noli Me Tangere” and at the same time makes you more open to the concept of giving than in any time of the year.

Once, we woke up just to get a glimpse of the morning masses held a few days before Christmas: the Misa de Gallo. It was just disappointing to see people selling cigarettes on church grounds. Catholic or non-Catholic, it was quite obvious that it was disrespectful. Pan de Sal gave way to Puto Bumbong which was eaten happily together with a large cup of milk. Add to that another set of meal later in the morning with the hard-to-get (at least in our case) tawilis.


As I close this entry, it seemed more like a truncated Visita Iglesia rather than a Christmas tour. Still, my view stands that this break should be exploited not just for unhampered shopping and arbitrary giving but also to know more of difference places in the country.
  

The Year That Was 2013: A Taste of Local Flavors at Café de Lipa

  
Home of Filipino Coffee.

True enough. With the ambience and taste you will be truly at home at Café de Lipa. An occasional detour to Lipa City, Batangas eventually led us to several coffee shops in the city. But in terms of local taste and price, Café de Lipa is the place to be. Found adjacent to the main entrance of SM Lipa, it gives a relaxing view of a wide expanse of Lipa skies. Couple your brief respite with either a hot cold coffee plus their wide selection of cookies and de leches.

    

 

Syempre, hindi mawawala ang kapeng barako (brewed coffee)!

Do not ask the coffee or cookie names, dear reader; they all got lost with the cell phone that broke down a few months back. Although found on a popular mall, I think there is still another shop of the same name found a short walk away from the Lipa City bus terminal. Do try Lipa coffee!

  

Rest Day at Bluroze Farms Parks and Wildlife in Lipa City, Batangas

* the road to Bluroze proper
   

* the Family Garden

 

* Pransis in poses

If one is given a chance to take a respite but desires to have all the possible fun, Bluroze can give that to you. Officially called Bluroze Farms Parks and Wildlife, this big park is tucked within the area of Lodlod in Lipa City, Batangas.

* road to Bluroze again

* the water tower / view deck

The term farm evokes a view of domesticated animals which is partially true for this place. There are a bunch of animals here much like a typical zoo. You can find here ostriches, lambs, doves, rabbits, and turkeys. The wilder or exotic ones include a kalaw bird (or Rufuous Hornbill), several species of pythons, and monkeys. One great sight here is a bear cat, an animal I read about during my elementary school days and in which I became fond of.

 * flower shots

Amenities-wise, they have numerous huts and huts (although some of them I think are subject to payment before using them), play areas for the kids, legions of benches, and pavilions and halls for the more formal occasions. But one must not overlook the more enjoyable feeling of being outside with nature.

* ostriches and lambs

* rufuos hornbill or kalaw

     

* an albino phyton

* an Indian phyton

  

* Burmese phyton

 

For the more religious types, Bluroze has a chapel adorned on it sides with many images of saints, reflection pool, and an area dedicated to the Stations of the Cross. If I remember it right, visitors in this area are requested to refrain from eating or from making too much noise.

 

* monkey

* a bear cat

* rabbits!

* turkeys!

* doves and their house

* a lone lamb

  
Foods are readily available from some of the food stores found inside. But expect that they may be a bit costly than the ones sold in the city proper. One good move for the visit is for you to bring your own food since this is not prohibited and you can always spread some cloth on the wide grassy areas and have a chow with your friends or family. And they do have rentals for bikes too!

* Bluroze chapel

* “Bawal ang nakasimangot dito!”

* stores, restaurants, camp sites, pavilions, name it!

  

* “On my way nails broke and fell into the wishing well!” –ATDI

* Pransis, again, in poses

Perhaps one of the more popular areas of Bluroze is its water tower / view deck. Indeed it was a challenge to climb up several feet of metal. When my sister first came here and told us of her ordeal climbing the tower, I thought it was only a joke. I soon found out that it was not when we tried it and she came down literally a few seconds after starting to clim it. It was a matter of pride of course and a challenge laid down in front of you. The height, honestly, was scary. One only has to look down while climbing. I was supposed to post here a photo of mine the moment I was able to climbed up but thought it would not be good to see an ashen face. To dampen the fright, I climbed the tower twice and that I think was one big accomplishment during that day.

 

* little saints by a pool

* 14 Stations of the Cross

   

* creature, creature, what are you?

* ice candies!

* souvenir shop

* bicycles for rent

Addition information about Bluroze: accomodation (rooms and cottages), camping rates. Bluroze is located at Purok 6, Brgy. Lodlod, Lipa City, Philippines.  For contact details and/or inquiries: (043) 756-5452, (043) 312-4705 [telephone/fax], 0917-4774486 [mobile]; E-mail: info@bluroze.com; Website: www.bluroze.com

  * over the bridge

* open area for the animals

   * view of the ground from the top of the water tank / view deck

 * bonsai?

 * uwian na!

* darkening sky as we went home

[How to go to Bluroze Farms Parks and Wildlife, Lipa City, Batangas: From Manila, one can board a bus bound for Batangas Pier via Lipa, Tanauan (these buses can found along Taft Avenue near Gil Puyat LRT Station or along EDSA). Drop off at Robinson’s Lipa or what they commonly called as Bus Stop. From there you can hail a tricycle and ask the driver to take you to Bluroze. Fare can reach up to 60 pesos depending on your negotiations. If coming with a private vehicle, the route is quite circuitous including traversing of a big part of Brgy. Lodlod in which Bluroze is found.]