Retreat Hill of the Risen Jesus Christ

Travel Destination: Monasterio de Tarlac, San Jose, Tarlac
Travel Dates: February 23, 2014

Travel Buddies: Karen, Tito Lav, Tita Fe, Tita Lisa, Tita Zeny, Audrey, Adrian and cousin

A visit to the Monasterio de Tarlac of the Servants of the Risen Christ (SRC) Monastic Community, founded by Fr. Ronald Thomas Cortez in 1998. Monasterio de Tarlac is where the Relic of the Holy Cross can be found. It is rightly placed atop a mountain at San Jose in Tarlac, surrounded by lush greenery, in great contrast to the deathly Calvary which is believed to be where Jesus was crucified. And on this site in the monastery, pilgrims flock to venerate the “one true cross” and to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

It was a surreal feeling to be attending a 2 hour long mass and yet feel so focused.  For once in your life you will feel so blessed and really talking to God. Could it be the presence of the "one true cross" in the not so big chapel of the Monasterio.  You will notice that the priests of the Servant of the Risen Christ Monastic community unlike other priesthood orders (in my opinion) are really serving.  They are the ones fixing the chairs, members of the choir, clearing the table, etc.  Things that you would see the sacristans doing.  The words of the officiating priests would really be touching your hearts be it because of the relation to your family, personal, work, love life or even your relationship with people and God.

More Photos Here

Some background about the Monasterio

The relic authenticated by a papal seal is believed to be part of the cross discovered by Saint Helena in Jerusalem, the mother Emperor Constantine the Great. It was believed that Saint Helena excavated three crosses in Jerusalem, which were believed to be the crosses used during the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. She brought a woman who was about to die and asked her to touch the first two crosses but nothing happened. When the third cross was touched, the dying woman was healed.

On January 30, 2007, the sacred relic of the Holy Cross was enshrined in a beautiful chapel on the Mountain of Resurrection in San Jose, Tarlac. The enshrinement was officiated by Archbishop Fernando Filoni who was the Papal Nuncio to the Philippines back then. The relic is enshrined beneath the chapel’s altar, held by a golden arquetta adorned with religious symbols. Pilgrims are allowed to touch the relic after the masses celebrated at 10:30 a.m. every day and at 3:00 pm on Sundays.

How to Get There

To get to the monastery, guests can take the NLEX (North Luzon Expressway) from Manila to SCTEX (Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway) and exiting at Hacienda Luisita. Taking MacArthur Highway, proceed to Tarlac City and turn left after Sogo Hotel and before SM. Follow the road leading to Brgy. Tibag junction, going to Monasterio de Tarlac at Eco-Tourism Park, San Jose, Tarlac. Guests coming from the north should head to Tarlac City where they will take a right turn going to Uniwide Mall. Following the service road and turning right to Carangian Bridge, guests will see markers leading to the monastery.

Source: Islands of the Philippines

Visit to Our lady of Manaoag... Twice the Blessing

                                             

We've always planned this, go to Manaoag for some church visit. We always prayed to have a brand new car to bring there and have it blessed. The time is now. Pacho is finally going out of town - we are going to Manaoag, Pangasinan.

                                           

Travel Destination: Manaoag, Pangasinan
Travel Dates: February 8, 2014
Travel Buddies: Karen, Ma Lian, Kuya Ato and Leny

Travel Destination: Manaoag, Pangasinan
Travel Dates: February 16, 2014
Travel Buddies: Karen, Mommy Kaye, Julie and Anton

The church was still what I remembered from my visit 6 years ago. We were able to attend mass for both dates and we were fortunate to take part in the blessing after mass. We lit some candles, prayed and of course had Pacho blessed twice.  After all, it is never enough when it comes to receiving the grace of God.  We have been very blessed and it is just right to devote some time for Him.

More Pictures

Visita Iglesia Con Culinaria

Travel Destination: Pampanga

Travel Dates:  February 1, 2014

Travel Buddies: Karen and Leny

With so much blessing we have been receiving for the past years, Karen and I talked about doing this.  We promised that once we get our new (much awaited) brand new car we will be going around visit churches and thank the Lord for all the blessings he have entrusted to our care.

Meet Pacho... Our land travel buddy!

We of course started with the nicest - Pampanga Chruches.

Photo Gallery

Holy Rosary Parish Church, Angeles City

The Holy Rosary Church is a living monument. It is not only to the engineering and architectural skills of a certain Don Antonio de la Camara from Manila, a great admirer and exponent of the Byzantine art, but also the unselfish and untiring cooperation of the townspeople of Angeles during the church's construction for almost twenty years. The splendid spirit of cooperation was shown by all; the Parish Priest Fr. Ramon Sarrionandia OSA; the landed families under the leadership of Don Mariano V. Henson and above all small farmers and tenants, without whose patient labours the edifice would not have become a reality. It was not finally completed until Feb. 12, 1896 wherein the twin bells were rung for the first time.

Source: Pampanga Churches

Carmelite, Sto. Rosario, Angeles City

Visit Carmelite for some prayer and reflection.  It is a refuge for anyone.  Here you can offer some candles and wish.  Personally, I have seen and felt the wonderful gift from Carmelite a number of times.  Carmelite is one of the must go when you do your visita Iglesias.

Sta Monica Parish Church, Minalin

The 1721 Santa Monica Parish Church, commonly known as the Minalin Church is a Baroque (heritage) Church, located in 2019 Minalin, Pampanga (San Nicolas). It is a Spanish-era church declared a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (Philippines) (under the National Cultural Heritage Actwith the designations of Republic Act No. 10066, R.A. 4896 as amended by P.D. 374 and R.A. 8492), on August 27, 2011 (one of only 26 churches in the country bestowed that honor).

Source:WikiPedia

St. James Parish Church, Betis, Guagua

The Betis Church or the Parish Church of St. James the Apostle is a Baroque church located in Guagua, Pampanga (Betis Area). The church,established in 1607, was declared a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines and the NCCA (under R.A. 4896 as amended by P.D. 374 and R.A. 8492), on November 5, 2001 (one of only 26 churches in the country bestowed that honor).

The main attraction of the Church is the original ceiling mural done by the famous painter Simon Flores (1839-1904). Not to be missed are the original his painting of the Holy Family, the artesian well (dug in the 1800s) in the patio - the first well in the country to be so situated, and the rare betis tree nearby donated by Prof. Randy David, a sociologist and native of the town. A two-minute walk from the church is the restored David House, ancestral home of Randy David, which they christened Bale Pinauid or Bahay Pawid.

Source: WikiPedia

Saint Catherine Pastoral Church, Poblacion, Porac

Porac's oldest Catholic Church, it's bell tower graces the Brgy. Poblacion of Porac, pampanga.

San Guillermo Parish Church, Bacolor 

Named after San Guillermo, the patron saint of Bacolor, Pampanga, the Philippines, where the church is erected. The church was originally constructed by the Augustinian Friars in 1576 – also the town's founding – with Fr. Diego De Ochoa, OSA, as the town's first parish priest.having been installed as such two years after.

In 1880, the church was destroyed by an earthquake only to be rebuilt by Fr. Eugenio Alvarez in 1886. On September 3, 1995, lahar flow from the slopes of Mt. Pinatubo which erupted into world notice on June 15, 1991, buried the church at half its 12-m height prompting its more than 50,000 town residents to evacuate to safer grounds in resettlement areas.

Source: WikiPedia

St. Augustine Parish Church, Lubao

After the strong resistance of Lubenians against the invading Spaniards in the 16th century, the power of the Christian cross converted many Lubenians to Christianity.

The St. Augustine's church in Lubao was initially built in 1572 in barrio Santa Catalina. Due to annual floods in the area, it was moved to the present site thirty years later.

An Augustinian priest and architect, Fr. Antonio Herrera constructed this parish church in 1614-1630 out of locally made bricks and sand mixed in egg albumen provided by the people of Lubao.

The church was occupied by the Philippine revolutionary forces in 1898. In 1899, it was used also as a hospital by American soldiers and in 1942, it was damaged by Japanese shelling.

Under the direction of Fr. Melencio Garcia and other priests, it was repaired in 1949-1952.

Source: Pampanga Churches

San Fernando Cathedral, San Fernando

In 1755 the first structure of wood and thatch was built on this site by the Augustinian friars under the patronage of San Fernando III, King of Castile. Fray Sebastian Moreno, O.S.A. was its first cura parroco. On October 17, 1757, townsfolk petitioned the governor-general for exemptions from tribute to enable them to build the church and convent.

Source: WikiPedia

We also had the chance to take a pit stop in one of the known Kapampangan Restaurant in a pond setting (Marangle, Kapampangan term for Fish Pond) - Apag Marangle in Olongapo-Gapan Road Sta. Barbara, Bacolor, Pampanga.  It was more or less a whole day trip to visit all these old, rustic churches -it is all worth it.

Thailand: The Journey to the Land of Smiles and Beyond

Travel Dates: January 4 to 7, 2014
Travel Buddies: Pachochay, Ate Wilma & Kuya Ato

We've traveled to places before, but this is the first travel package we got from a local travelling agency.  It was a "super peak" travel because of the travel dates we chose.  We mainly, followed ate Wilma's availability (4 days off from her 2 week visit here in the Philippines).  As usual, it was a month's worth of planning, but the package was paid for since November 2013.  It wasn't much difference in the rate because of the so called "super peak season".

The package inclusions were 3 nights accommodation at First House Hotel with daily buffet breakfast (super enjoyed the bacon, cereal and my very own milk tea mix), half day Bangkok city tour and round trip airport-hotel airport transfer. ("Thanks for sponsoring this whole package ate Wilma.") Well worth it, especially the hotel was at the very heart of the city- we got an easy access of almost everything we wanted.

First House Hotel @ Newpetchburi Road

Corner going to First House Hotel

Day 1 (January 4, Saturday)

Right after check-in, we went direct to Chatuchak Wekend market to grab our first Thai food.  The whole place was filled with a lot of "cheap" nice Thai street food.

Flight Till Touch Down Pictures
Calypso Show Pictures.01
Calypso Show Pictures.02

Day 2 (January 5, Sunday)

Wat Traimit - The Temple of the Golden Buddha

The Golden Buddha, officially titled Phra Phuttha Maha Suwan Patimakon (Thai: พระพุทธมหาสุวรรณปฏิมากร), is the world's largest solid gold statue. It is located in the temple of Wat Traimit, Bangkok (district of Samphanthawong, in Chinatown), Thailand.

The statue is 3 metres (9.8 ft) tall and weighs 5.5 tonnes (5.4 long tons; 6.1 short tons). (According to another account, the statue measures 3.91 meters from base to top, and 3.10 meters across the lap from knee to knee.) It can be disassembled into nine pieces.[8] The statue was housed in a wat in Ayutthaya until mid 19th century, and its provenance from Ayutthaya excludes the possibility of it having been made after about 1750.  


Source: Wikipedia

Wat Pho - The Temple of the Reclining Buddha

Wat Pho (the Temple of the Reclining Buddha), or Wat Phra Chetuphon, is located behind the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and a must-do for any first-time visitor in Bangkok. It's one of the largest temple complexes in the city and famed for its giant reclining Buddha that measures 46 metres long and is covered in gold leaf.
The figures here are impressive: 15 metres tall, 46 metres long, so large it feels like it has been squeezed into the building. The Buddha's feet are 5 metres long and exquisitely decorated in mother-of-pearl illustrations of auspicious 'laksanas' (characteristics) of the Buddha. 108 is a significant number, referring to the 108 positive actions and symbols that helped lead Buddha to perfection.

Source: bangkok.com

Wat Intharawihan - The Temple of the Standing Buddha

Wat Intharawihan or Wat Intharavihan (Thai: วัดอินทรวิหาร, Thai pronunciation: [wát ʔintʰaráʔwíʔhǎːn]) is a wat located in the Nakhon District of Bangkok, Thailand. It was built at the beginning of the Ayutthaya period and was originally called Wat Rai Phrik.

One of the main features is a 32-metre high, 10-metre wide standing Buddha referred to as Luang Pho To or "Phra Si Ariyamettrai" (Maitreya). It took over 60 years to complete and is decorated in glass mosaics and 24-carat gold. The topknot of the Buddha image contains a relic of Lord Buddha brought from Sri Lanka.

Source: Wikipedia

Wat Phra Kaew - The Temple of the Emerald Buddha

Wat Phra Kaeo has a plethora of buildings within the precincts of the Grand Palace, which covers a total area of over 94.5 hectares (234 acres). It has over 100 buildings with “200 years royal history and architectural experimentation” linked to it.
Model of Angkor Wat

The temple complex also contains a model of Angkor Wat (the most sacred of all Cambodian shrines), that was started by King Mongkut and completed by King Nangklao (Rama III), as the memorial of Angkor Wat and Kingdom of Cambodia that have been occupied by Siam for many hundred years until the colonization of Kingdom of Cambodia by France .

Source: Wikipedia

Wat Arun 

Wat Arun, the most iconic temple of Bangkok is located on Thonburi side of Bangkok, almost opposite to the Grand Palace and Wat Pho. Built during seventeenth century on the bank of the Chao Phraya river, its full name 'Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan' is rather hard to remember so it is often called 'Temple of Dawn. The distinctive shape of Wat Arun consists of a central 'Prang' (a khmer style tower) surrounded by four smaller towers all incrusted with faience from plates and potteries. The stairs to reach a balcony on the main tower are quite steep, usually easier to climb up than to walk down, but the view from up there is really worth it. Despite its name, the Temple of Dawn looks amazing at sunset. Wat Arun can be easily accessed via ferry across the Chao Phraya River to Maharaj pier.

Wat (Temple) Visits

WAT (Temple) Visits.01

WAT (Temple) Visits.02

Day 3 (January 6, Monday)

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Damnoen Saduak was actually the name of the canal dug in the reign of King Rama IV. He had the canal dug to connect the Taachin River in Samutsakorn Province and Maklong River in Samutsongkram Province together.
Nowadays, most people live densely along both sides of the canal from one end of the canal to another. They grow different kinds of fruit and vegetable. Apart from providing transportation, Damnoen Saduak Canal also provides farmers with adequate water for agricultural purposes for the whole year around.

Photo Gallery

Source: Wikitravel

Chang Puak Camp

30 minute ride with the elephant and its mahout (term used pertaining to elephant trainer).  The elephant will be walking in a very steep pathway and let you experience as the elephant will go down the water (shoulder level).

There were so much more we did in Thailand.  I say the days and nights were truly maximized.  One more thing was the opportunity to watch the ever famous, Siam Niramit stage play.  One of the most impressive stage play ever.  Imagine an elephant walking around the stage, having 2 boats sail right in front of your eyes.  Real rain fall right before your eyes!  Whoah all this happened all within the show.

Walk Like a Dinosaur @ Clark Dinosaurs Island

Travel Destination: Clark Dinosaurs Island @ Clarkfield, Pampanga
Travel Dates: December 27, 2013
Travel Buddies: Karen, Ate Wilma, Kuya Renato and Kristine

More Pictures

Thanks to the promo rates at Metrodeal we were able to get 50% off tickets (which we gave off as Christmas gifts).  IT was actually our second time to see this Clark attraction of life size animatronics dinosaurs, but it was just as exciting because we heard that it now has more things to see.  It was at least 1 1/2 hour activity (depending on the "picture, picture" stops you would have).



I would personally recommend this to families who would like to treat their children or even the child at hearts.  You get to enjoy the roaring giants as they move (they are motion sensors - no need to worry there are no live dinosaurs now).

Hop Hop Island - Off to Hundred Islands, Alaminos, Pangasinan

Travel Destination: Hundred Islands National Park (Alaminos City, Pangasinan)
Travel Dates: December 21, 2013
Travel Buddies: Karen, Ate Wilma, Ate Ethel, Kuya Ato, Ate Rina, Kurt, Kristine, Ma Lian, Noemi, Karl, Tack, Stanley and Leny

Having to attend the NorthPhil Expo 2013 in SM Clark, we found out that Hundred Islands National Park in Alaminos City, Pangasinan already  have activities added to the park after our last visit. We got some tickets for the helmet diving at 50% off.

When Ate Wilma and Ate Rina sponsored the transpo - it was a GO for everyone. Packed our packs and off we went!

Picture Gallery 1

Picture Gallery 2

We went helmet diving just as we did in Boracay before.  It was also a nice experience.  They had a small area they closed where divers can view and even touch the corals, starfish and other fishes that roam around the helmet diving area.  Though the water was not as clear as you'd want probably because the diving area was quite shallow at 10 feet, the sand is easily disturbed causing blurry vision while underwater.  It was, nonetheless, a good experience, especially for most as it was their first time to do helmet diving.

We also did some snorkeling around the Giant Clams locally called as the "Taklobos" viewing area.  Whew...what a view!

Fact about Hundred Islands National park, it is composed of 123 Islands and Islets.

Time Travel: Back To Childhood off to Enchanted Kingdom and Manila Ocean Park

Travel Destination: Sta. Rosa, Laguna (Enchanted Kingdom) and Luneta, Manila (Manila Ocean Park)
Travel Dates: December 14 to 15, 2013
Travel Buddies: Karen, Leny and Glenn

We were invited to celebrate the birthday of a friend, Leny with her husband Glenn the weekend of December 14 thru 15. They sponsored the Enchanted Kingdom Theme Park tickets and our overnight stay at the cozy Tune Hotel, Makati.

Thanks you guys!  :)

Day 1 (December 14, 2014 - Saturday)

The 4 of us took the bus to ride the EK Shuttle at Edsa Car Park, Ayala Center for Php 300/pax. Not bad at all as it was quite a comfy van ride straight to EK.

It was my first (Yes! My first!) so I am crazy excited.  The rides were quite awesome.  Up, Up and Away hot air balloon ride was the first one we knocked down; The Dodgem bump car ride was cool, the park's mini roller coaster Roller Skater was another must shout for Karen; Jungle Log Jam was of course another water ride we just can't miss. We of course took time to see the shows of Rialto and 4D Discovery Theater. 

4D Discovery Theater

Phot Op with the Princess and Eldar

The Rialto Theater

Meet & Greet with Santa Claus

Rio Grande Rapids

The knock - out ride of all though was the Rio Grande Rapids, continuous water flow ride. 

All Wet after the Ride

And something to blow you away, Karen really wanted to ride the... The Grand Carousel, and so we did!

     

The Grand Carousel

                                                                   

Day 2 (December 15, 2014 - Sunday)

We started the day early, checked out and headed directly to Manila Ocean Park for another whole day fun and sightseeing activities.  I booked online and took the Metrodeal promo taking advantage of 64% discount - paying for all 13 attractions for only Php 950/pax instead of the usual Php 2,650.

Oceanarium (Underwater viewing tunnel)

Ocean Adventure Photo Gallery

Ocean Adventure 12152013.01
Ocean Adventure 12152013.02

How else would you close the night? None the less but by watching the awesome Musical Fountain show.

The Musical Fountain Show

Watch a part of this wonderful show HERE.