Feature Friday: Amateurishly Mowdel

Feature Friday highlights businesses, people, fashion, and basically anything under the sun!

with alvite, analyn, and christ.  racerback top and bracelet from june ann.  shorts from rio fidgi.  earrings and ring from april love.  seiko wristwatch from mama.  shoes from joy-joy.  hair, make-up, and photos by marvel.  other photos by jerome and deo.  FFF

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EOS Destination #1!

Right after getting my first DSLR camera, I'm onto my first blog destination!  And it's no other than, the town of the oldest church in the province of Misamis Occidental - Jimenez!  I had traveled with triple purpose - to attend the christening of the firstborn of my college classmate Angelie, blog about the town's national cultural treasure, and get some shots of old houses in the municipality.  Unfortunately, I was late for the baptismal rites so I just grabbed the chance to interview the churchkeepers who were left behind after the service.
  

Founded by the Augustinian recollects on the day of St. John the Baptist, June 24, 1859, the Parish Church of St. John the Baptist is at the forefront of the municipality's history.  Like any other Catholic churches, the aim is not just to further spread Christianity but also to serve as a political backbone of Spanish colonial rule.  When during those times, the church and state were regarded as one.    

Nonetheless, the church served as a fortress during the Spanish and Japanese wars.  There was a hidden tunnel as passageway for the townsfolk to use whenever there were rumblings around them.  I didn't fail to imagine all the chaos the church must had been.  But like a mighty fortress, it stood the tests of times and is standing still as a cradle of Christianity in the locality.

As a centuries old church, its facade tells its antiquity.  It is made up of coral stones from each churchgoer who were obliged to bring one during its construction as folktales said so.    

Holy Water Basin Made From Coral Stone

The interior boasts of its ceiling which is painted Trompe-l'oeil style.  The three-dimensional illusion is something to be compared with that of the churches in Vatican.  Most importantly, the gold-plated altar hosts a number of saint relics of course including St. John the Baptist.  But sad to say, it is not the original relic anymore because the former was stolen right before his feast in  the beginning of the 21st century. 

The wooden pillars along the sides are also intricately decorated.  In order to preserve them from termites, careful inspection and protection are made regularly. 

And never ignore the floor.  Once you step on it, you can experience stepping back in time as it is made of tisa tiles.  These are not just ordinary tiles.  These were handmade out from clay, the ones made from make-shift ovens in the olden days.   

At present, Father Mario Magcanam is the parish priest governing the church wherein baptism and weddings are frequently held.  Even engaged couples from other places go to the town of Jimenez just to get wed! 

Related Posts:

A Flair for Old Churches

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Hanoi's Historical Sites Series: Nhà thờ Lớn Hà Nội

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Monday Matters: The JCI Stand on Mindanao Environment

Monday Matters is dedicated to all things that matter.

As a leading global network of young active citizens to create positive change, Junior Chamber International (JCI) Philippines is again taking part in saving Mother Earth.  Particularly in Mindanao wherein conservation of watersheds is highly prioritized, JCI Mindanao Area declared its support for the Mindanao Nurturing Our Waters (MindaNOW) program last September 8, 2012 in Iligan City.  Here's the 32nd Mindanao Area Conference (MAC) Output (Our Stand on Mindanao Environment) official press release:

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32nd Mindanao Area Conference

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Tech Tuesday: My Precious Cameras

Tech Tuesday tells about the techie side of me!

Anything in my possession are all products of hard work.  Every material thing that I have has its story with corresponding processes before having it in my hands.  Say for instance, I had scavenged for bottles and sold 'em to junk shops so I could buy paper stationeries when I was in grade school.  I had sold candies to classmates so I could buy hair clips and hair ponytails.  Additionally, I had saved up more from my weekly allowance rather than eating during recesses so I could buy some material "wants".

Then in college, I had resourced into selling Avon products to take hold of a precious dream, which is having my very own camera!  It was the cheapest manual camera at that time.  The brand was at the peak of its popularity which offered free roll of film after having the pictures of spent film developed.  With the use of this camera, I was always surprised with the outcome!  I had printed out pictures of people's feet with the ground only, captured blurry landscapes, and developed dark photos because I had covered the flash with one of my fingers before clicking.  

My First Manual Cam

Just right after I purchased my manual cam, the digital camera was introduced in the market.  When a certain college classmate had one, we were so amazed to see our photos right then and there!  Much more, we were thrilled upon seeing our pictures in the big computer screen!  Then I realized that my new cam is already obsolete.

So I dreamed again of having a digicam.  And this was realized when my aunt gifted me with a Singapore tour after graduation in college.  This time, I had sacrificed not to eat and skipped some tours in SG just to save up a whole lot from my pocket money to buy my second camera.  It was such a great opportunity since electronics in SG are cheap plus I was a tourist so I had purchased my first digicam tax-free!

My First Digital Camera

And as I've written last April (Dreams Do Cam True!), another dream of mine did really cam true just recently!  I now have my very first DSLR camera!!!  So let me introduce to you, my second splurge!

My First DSLR Camera

When I started blogging last year, I had plenty of things in mind to feature.  But, I was quite hesitant because I was ashamed with my old digicam.  Luckily, God blessed me with these online jobs so a million thanks to my virtual bosses, James Jackson and Kazeem!  Through their generosity, I had the license to make my second splurge. So watch out for more features here in The Other Side of Mae!  

In viewpoint, desiring for material things is not bad.  It will only turn bad when you do undesirable means in order to acquire 'em.  So my advice to you my dear blog readers, if you want something, work hard for it and don't you dare borrow or loan some money to have it.  Do save up so you can have your "want" in God's perfect time!:)

  

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Feature Friday: Big J Grill House

Feature Friday highlights businesses, people, fashion, and basically anything under the sun!

Photo Grabbed from Enshong Miranda Photography

Everytime a high school batchmate who had gone out to live in big cities ask me about what's new in Ozamiz, I always say "There's nothing new..." with a sigh.  Because for so long, Ozamiz had been sleeping compared with some adjacent towns in Misamis Occidental.  In fact, one batchmate had stated that Ozamiz has turned out to be a "ghost town"!

But just last August 8, 2012, a new business complex (Time Square) opened at Juan Luna Cor. J. Sanciangco Jr. Sts., Brgy. Aguada.  It is just across the Philippine Independent Church (PIC), comprising of an auto-repair shop/car wash shop (Taps Auto Care), a laundry shop (Mama Mia), a spa (Thai Boran), a coffee shop (Cafe Eduardo), and a grill house (Big J).  

Mama and I had opted to check out the place and tried out what Big J offers.

Owned and managed by Chef Niῆo Tang, Big J has a wide variety of selection.  You get to choose from steaks, baby back ribs, sausages, chicken barbecue, to fish skewers.  You can also pick your preferable chunk of meat before heating it up on the grill!  

Baby Back Ribs and Hungarian Sausage

Fish Skewers with Bagoong

The stylish ambiance of Big J is also something "new" in town!  The interior is Texanish with cowboy hats, horseshoe, cowboy pics, and old frying pans hanging against the walls.  With cowboys and cowgirls in waiting, it is an added feature for a unique restaurant in the city.

Mama and I enjoyed our dinner at Big J eventhough she was on a tough diet. So come and visit Big J, a new rendezvous in town wherein you'll never know who you'll be bumping into!  

Mama with BFF Shiela Hallares

Try Big J wherein everything is fresh and hot from the grill!!!

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Monday Matters: 32nd Mindanao Area Conference

Monday Matters is dedicated to all things that matter.

1st Area Council Meeting / Regional Council Meeting - absent

2nd Area Council Meeting / Regional Council Meeting - absent

3rd Area Council Meeting / Regional Council Meeting - absent

4th Area Council Meeting / Regional Council Meeting - present!

That had been my record of attendance for the major major functions in the JCI world.  Why was that so?  

Before my presidency, I told myself not to miss any function or event in JCI.  But when I turned president, I hadn't kept my word.  There were plenty of circumstances that happened just before the dates of the said functions came.  As such, I had to attend to my various jobs, business, and family first.  At those times, I couldn't compromise.  I had to prioritize the most important things at the moment.  But this doesn't mean that JCI isn't important to me.  This doesn't mean that JCI doesn't matter at all.  It was just for a while that it became the least of my priorities.     

Luckily, I had breathe a bit this past days that I had made time to attend the AreaCon!  It was held at Iligan City last September 7-9, 2012 and was being hosted by JCI-Dayang Dayang.  

Arrival at Iligan with baby Edz Gutierrez

With the theme, Opportunities, New Hope and Challenges Empowerment (O.N.E.) for Mindanao, the conference started with the Incoming LO Presidents Forum at the Conference Room, Cheradel Suites.  Since I haven't brought with me our incoming president, I got to sat there to re-echo some briefing and instructions for the upcoming 2012 Presidents Academy. 

I Haven't Attended Mine Last Year.....:(

The forum only took for a while for me since I was late but I was glad enough to have ample time for the Opening Ceremony at the Celebrity Dome, Cheradel Suites.

My First Time to Walk Down the Aisle with the Other Chapter Presidents!

After the formalities, the White Rave Party began!  It was hosted by JCI-Cagayan de Oro chapters for their bid for NatCon 2014.

A Night of Dancing and Tequila!!!

The Red Roses enjoyed CDO night with the unlimited street foods offered by the CDO We Go food carts! 

CDO We Go!  Natcon 2014

The following day was the Opening Plenary Session at FKF Party Plaza.  That was my first time to attend a plenary as a president.  It was good enough that I had attended one when I was still a secretary.  So I wasn't that naive on what to do during the plenary.  Hehe....

My First Time to Sit in the Red Rose Seat After All My Absences

Soon after, a project on saving the environment was proposed.  MindaNOW was officially launched and all the chapter presidents signed the commitment on preserving Mother Earth.  It was a ceremonial signing for us to always remember the duty we now have.

I Can Take Part in Saving the Environment! 

On the second night of the conference was the Gawad Mindanaw Awards Night.  Honestly, I never had the idea what would the awards be until that night.  For that was also my first time to attend an Awards Night in JCI.  If only I knew some mechanics, I would have tried.  But it's best to work without aiming for awards that much, right?  Because by then, the motive would be changed thus defeating the purpose of true service to humanity. 

   

Parade of Colors (Lining Up With the Other Chapter Presidents)

After the awarding ceremonies was the Roaring 20's Party hosted by JCI-Davao chapters for their bid for NatCon 2014.  The ladies glammed up in their feathered hats, long pearl necklaces, and gloves!  At the same time, the men were in their three-piece suits, suspenders, and homburg hats!

 Dashing Men  and Glamorous Ladies of JCI

The Red Roses also enjoyed Davao night with the Davao Unconventional blast of music and giveaway shirts!  This time, JCI went wild and partied hard for it was the last night of the conference - the best time to let loose!  The best time to bond more and the best time to be out of the ordinary!  

Davao Unconventional 2014!

The morning after was a headache but we had to kick our ass out from bed for the Closing Plenary Session at Kuzina Iliganon.

The Last Plenary for 2012

The JCI Election followed and together with other two Red Roses, I casted my vote.  The election was not that challenging for me since there were no choices for the top three national officers.  Meanwhile, I was glad because NT 2012 Ryan Ravanzo is now NP 2013!  Congratulations, NP and good luck to your term!  Rest assured that the Red Roses are just here to support you all the way!:)

Dropping In My Ballot

And that ended the three-day conference.  Then there's no other way to celebrate a very successful onto but a scoop of ice cream for every beautiful Red Rose!

At Gaizano Mall, Iligan

Congratulations, AVP 2012 Steve Arquiza for a job very well done for Area V!:)

Red Roses with AVP Steve

Related Posts:

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September 4 Missing You

It just sucks when memories of you still turns me into crying!  I want you to know that until then, I don't think I'm alive.  Until then, I haven't smiled at all.  I am so effin' foolish for this craziness!  Yet, I'm still thankful for the whole damn experience I had with you.  As I've tweeted last night:    

I still miss you, my ______!:(


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Saturday Surprise: Start of a Happy Christmas!:)

Saturday Surprise is all about the good things in life ought to be celebrated!:)

Life is indeed full of surprises!:)  My heart overflows with happiness today for I received not just one but a total of three surprises!  To start with, I now have my personalized laboratory gown!  After three years and counting of my stay in Medina College and obliging my students to have their lab gowns, I am now obeying my own rule.  This time, I am now practicing what I preach.  So, FYI students:  "No lab gown, no entry, no laboratory grade!"

Thank you for the surprise!:)

As I got home after my laboratory class in Medina and NAT review class in MUHS, another surprise was there waiting for me!  My dear mom had a shelf installed in our living room for my awards!  She said that my awards should not be hidden in my room but should be showcased outside.  She also had the shelf bigger for some upcoming awards.  My mom just knows and so confident that I'm gonna receive more awards in the future because I was not that an achiever way back then.  So now which is better:  awards garnered in school as a pupil or student or awards  garnered after school as a better individual?

Thank you so much, ma!:)

After thanking the Lord for the advance Christmas gifts I had that day, there's still another surprise waiting for me to discover!  My cousin had tagged me hours ago that she already bought my very first DSLR camera!:)  And it is for a very reasonable cheap price!  I was so happy for the big discount that I had compared to buying the camera here in the Philippines.  Another wish was granted and another dream did cam true!  

Thank you, online jobs!:)

Truly, it is a very happy September 1 for me!  One with a great kick start of a happy Christmas season!:)  Contrary to the past Septembers that I had, I wish that this September 2012 will be a different one.  I wish this time, it would be the happiest September to remember!  Advance Happy Christmas, everyone!:)

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