Easter Sunday: The Symbolism of the Easter Eggs

He is risen!  Jesus is risen from the dead!  As we commemorate Jesus' resurrection today, we make use of Easter eggs.  These are any kind of eggs which are colored and hand-painted with different designs making them special.  These are given from one person to another as a way to celebrate the victory of Jesus over death!

Then what do these eggs symbolize?  Simple!  As an egg hatches, a birdling is given a new life while the shell is being left behind.  The shell symbolizes the empty tomb of Jesus and the birdling is the life that Jesus had freely given to us.  For it is written, "I am the resurrection and the life.  He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die." - John 11:25-26        

This is God's eternal promise to us.  That as we believe and receive Jesus as our personal Lord and Savior, we are being freed from the wages of sin.  And once we do, we are given a new life - the real life that God is so longing for us to have.  In the same way, the shell also symbolizes our old life and the birdling as our new life.  We should leave behind our worldly past to enjoy the eternal future God has stored for us through Jesus Christ! :)  

Easter Sunday Celebration at Happy Church

"Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with Him.  For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, He cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over Him.  The death He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life He lives, He lives to God.  In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus." - Romans 6:8-11

Happy Easter, everyone! :)

Experience the love of Christ!  Visit Happy Church at Bernard Ave., Ozamis City.

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Good Friday: Via Crusis

Via Crusis or Stations of the Cross is a series of sculptural representations of Jesus' 14 ways to the cross.  Nowadays, this has become a Lenten tradition of the Roman Catholics observed by the pious offering of prayers in every station on Good Friday.  But as a non-catholic, I also don't do this custom as posted yesterday.  So what I am going to post today are the stations of the cross that I had visited.

Stations of the Cross #1 Camiguin Walkway

This is located in Mount Vulcan or the so-called "Old Volcano" in the island of Camiguin.  During the Holy Week, pilgrims flock to this place for the Panaad (Promise) Festival. 

Stations of the Cross #2 MVC-MCCI Via Crusis

This is located in Assumption Heights, Buru-un, Iligan City.  Just a few meters away from Maria Cristina Falls, this flight of stairs was created for foot travelers to the Mabuhay Vinyl Corporation-Maria Cristina Chemicals, Inc. industrial plants complex.  

Stations of the Cross #3 Linabo Peak

This is located in Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte.  The 3003 steps here lead to the highest elevation point of the city, bringing a breathtaking view.  Just like the Camiguin Walkway, local devotees also observe Katkat Sakripisyo (Sacrificial Climb) during the Holy Week in this hill.

Related Posts:

Maundy Thursday:  Visita Iglesia 

Educational Field Trips
Camiguin for a Day and a Half

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Maundy Thursday: Visita Iglesia

Visita Iglesia or the Seven Churches Visitation is a Lenten tradition of the Roman Catholics.  It is observed by the pious visitation of seven churches or religious sites on Maundy Thursday.  But as a non-catholic, I don't do this custom.  So what I am going to post today is my top seven places of worship of various religions.

Place of Worship # 7 Sri Mariamman Temple 

This is the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore.  It has a lofty gopuram (monumental tower) at its entrance that is ornately made of Hindu deities.

Place of Worship # 6 Masjid Sultan Abu Bakar

This state mosque of Johor Bahru, Malaysia was built in between 1892 and 1900 under the direction of Sultan Abu Bakar.  It was inspired by English Victorian architecture with more of the Moorish architecture elements.  

Place of Worship # 5 Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum

This is the most visited Buddhist temple in Singapore.  It houses a hundred statues of Buddha and most importantly, the gold tooth relic of Buddha.  Buddhists from all over the world come to this sacred place as their act of veneration to the divine Buddha.

Place of Worship # 4 Cebu Taoist Temple

This Taoist Temple in Beverly Hills, Cebu was built for the Chinese community in the Philippines who believes and follows the ancient Chinese philosopher, Lao Zi.  It is where Taoist devotees climb the 81 steps which represent the 81 chapters of Taoism scripture.

Place of Worship # 3 Peñafrancia Basilica Minore

This Catholic church enshrines the image of the miraculous Our Lady of Peñafrancia in Naga City.  It has colorful glass mosaic windows and impressive hand-painted ceilings.  Thousands of pilgrims come to this church every September for the feast of the Holy Virgin.

Place of Worship # 2 Divine Mercy Hill

This Catholic shrine of the Sacred Heart in El Salvador, Misamis Oriental is the Philippine version of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janiero, Brazil.  It has a picturesque landscape of a hill overlooking the Macajalar Bay where the majestic and gigantic image of the Sacred Heart mightily stands. 

Place of Worship # 1 Happy Church

This is an evangelical born-again Christian church in Ozamis City founded by Pastor Elvie Go.  In here, there are no religious relics of deities, personas, nor saints.  For in here, we worship God in spirit and in truth.  That is why, we had become the largest born-again Christian church in the city reaching over 30 years and still going stronger!

For a Spirit-filled Sunday service and fellowship, visit Happy Church at Bernard Ave., Ozamiz City.

Related Posts:

Johor Bahru Side Trip

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Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum

A Flair for Old Churches

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EOS Destination #1!

  

".....you alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth.  You have made heaven and earth." - Isaiah 37:16

"They have thrown their gods into the fire and destroyed them, for they were not gods but only wood and stone, fashioned by human hands." - Isaiah 37:19

".....all kingdoms on earth may know that you alone, O LORD, are God." - Isaiah 37:20

     

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Officially Summer!

with alvite, analyn, and christ.  floral maxi dress from april love.  native brim hat.  capiz shell earrings.  shell necklace.  shell wristlet.  sunnies ring.  ipanema sandals.  make-up by marvel.  photos by aidalyn alcopra.  other photos by jerome artworks and deo.  FFF

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Feature Friday: Nail Art On the Go!

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

Alas!  It's already vacation and we teachers finally have our break from books, lessons, and nasty students.  So, it was girls' mani-pedi session yesterday at MUHS!  Here are the evidences of our pretty nails courtesy of Ate Armi:

Have your nails prettified with these artsy designs for as low as P100!  Call or text Ate Armi Sagario at 09301540414 for home services! :)

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#throwbackthursday

In lieu of Instagram’s famous hashtag #throwbackthursday, I had my first post today which was my first laboratory class at Medina College.  Oh, how time flies so fast!  I am now on my fourth year in teaching (part-time) General and Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Analytical Chemistry to BS in Pharmacy, BS in Medical Technology, and BS in Nursing students!  I couldn’t believe that I had gone this far in my teaching career!

Photo Credits to Ms. Louieginette Aba, Registered Pharmacist

Recalling the day when Ms. Felma “En2x” Luceño went to the store to ask me to substitute for her, I was so hesitant to say yes.  I was still on my second year teaching high school students and I  lack a great deal of experience in teaching.  Much more, I would be handling higher chemistry subjects which means needing a lot of mastery to teach.

Luckily, my first batch of students was so generous to consider, so eager to learn, and so diligent to study.  Together, we ended up Biochemistry and Analytical Chemistry with plenty of learning from each other.

Then came my second batch – my all-girl pharmacy group.  This time, I started Chem 1 and carefully laid out the foundation of chemistry with them. I wanted them to perfectly understand the whole context of chemistry that I became so tough to them.  Forgive me, dear students for the sleepless nights and group studies I caused you.  And as I had promised on the first day of our class, I really did finish you through until Chem 3.  Now that makes all of you my babies in chemistry.

Intramurals 2011

Pharmacy Week 2012

Intramurals 2012

Pharmacy Week 2013

Semester after semester, batch after batch, four shirts had said it all - my life goes on in Medina College.  Despite all my “lates” in coming to class (given that I would still be travelling from MUHS), my students would be there patiently waiting for me.  I am still overwhelmed with the feeling of fulfillment in imparting knowledge to every student who comes my way.

So for the next in line, look forward for tougher chemistry courses as we aim for the new and bright horizon in modern education.  But guaranteeing that we’ll play a lot more in the laboratory!

BS Pharma - I (2012-2013)

And for those who were through under me, I would really love to see all of you being licensed pharmacists wearing your white coat legally!

BS Pharma - II (2012-2013)

 Visit Medina College at Maningcol, Ozamis City or click here to visit our website.

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Whimsical Wednesday: My High School Alma Mater

Whimsical Wednesday shows my fancy in a myriad of beautiful things.  

After more than a decade, I got back to my high school alma mater - the Immaculate Conception College-La Salle! Yeah, ICC-La Salle (now La Salle University) is just a 5-minute walk away from our house.  But I never really had the time and opportunity to visit my past campus after graduation.  I was so glad that last Friday, Marvel and Reloufe invited me to go with them to submit Marvel's application.  So I instantly grabbed the chance to stroll down again at my high school home.

It was so great walking past by old memory lane - where I first soared academically, where I first showed my hidden talents, where I first found my BFFs, and where I first had my puppy love.  Surely, high school life have nothing to compare it with.  It is the best chapter in any one's life, the most fun experience in adolescent period, and the greatest thing that could ever happen to everybody! :)

Our High School Campus Before, Now the College of Engineering

Our Second Year Classroom, Now a Cradle for Future Engineers

Circa 99 - From Ninety Nine to Infinity 

Visit La Salle University in their three campuses - Bro. Martin Simpson Laboratory School at Ledesma St., La Salle Integrated School at Abanil St., and the main campus in Valconcha St.  Or LIKE here for more information and updates on La Salle University Ozamis City.

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A for Ánimo!

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Papa @ 62

Papa turned 62 yesterday!  Thank God for giving him good health and long life! :)  As a thanksgiving, he celebrated his birthday with three other high school batch mates at Rama Beach.

Celebration with Uncle Jaime and Uncle Tivo.  Uncle Rosendo Didn't Make It to the Party.

With a heart for the children's ministry, Papa also celebrated with our neighborhood kids.  Pastor Joe read a story from the Bible and they also taught the kids "It's love, it's love, it's love that makes the world go round...." 

Afterwards, sandwiches (prepared by Ella) and juices were distributed to the kids.  Good news is, Auntie Bebot pledged that the Bible story-reading sessions will be held every Sunday this summer.  So for the kids who had missed the session last Sunday, you still have plenty of Sundays to come! :)

On Papa's actual birthday, we shared a family dinner.  Krishna brought a cake for Papa as well as Ella, Reija, and Kelzi.  Lopaw was very happy and overwhelmed by the surprises!

So for the not-so-old man, Happy Happy Birthday! :)  I wish you more birthdays to come, Papa! Thank you for being "you"!  I love you! <3

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Monday Matters: JV Para sa Bayan

Monday Matters is dedicated to all things that matter.

Heto, sa maikling salita, ang plataporma at rekord ng serbisyong pampubliko ni Joseph Victor "JV" Ejercito Estrada.  Sana ito'y ipabahagi natin upang mas mabuting masuri ng ating mga kababayan ang mga kandidato sa darating na eleksyon.

Ito ay isang repost mula sa Facebook page na JV Para sa Bayan.  Sa aking pananaw, dapat nating kilatising mabuti ang mga tumatakbong kandidato para sa darating na halalan.  Sana ay nakapagbigay liwanag ito sa lahat ng mga mamboboto lalo na sa mga kababayan kong taga-Ozamis at karatig na mga lungsod sa Mindanao.

Si Congressman JV ay may layunin na payabungin ang lokal na ekonomiya dito sa Mindanao sa pamamagitan ng pagbigay tuon sa agrikultura.  Tulungan natin siyang matupad ang layuning ito kaya sa darating na ika-dose ng Mayo, huwag natin siyang kalimutang markahan sa ating mga balota.  Ating ipagmalaki na si JV ay Para sa Bayan!

Paki-LIKE dito para sa karagdagang impormasyon at updates ukol kay Congressman JV Ejercito para sa senado.

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Egg Sandwich: As Easy As 1,2,3

Preparing sandwiches for the Cotta kids is something I often do.  I started doing this the other year for my 29th birthday, followed by having this as our project during my JCI term 2012, and this time my parents continue our cause.  But for Papa's birthday tomorrow, we decided to do something different like reaching out to what is near to us instead.  So Papa opted for a Bible story reading to our neighborhood kids.  Additionally, our cause was also very special today because I had my guest in preparing the sandwiches.  Presenting to you, my very dear niece - Ella Venice Garcia.

Ella loves to see us cook ever since!  She's very eager in learning how to cook.  And since she's already turning six next month, it's about time to let her experience hands-on.  But this is with the exemption of the hot stove and flames.  So for the newbie, I had her practice on making egg sandwiches.  This is very easy for kids like her!  Now here are Ella's Egg Sandwich Easy Steps:

1.  Peel off the shells of hard-boiled eggs (boil eggs with the help of an adult).

Tita Instructs How to Peel Off Egg Shells Properly

2.  Smash eggs, mix in mayonnaise, and add salt, pepper, and sugar to taste.

3.  Spread on loaf bread evenly and wrap in cellophane.

There you have Ella's Egg Sandwich Recipe as easy as 1, 2, 3!  Plenty of kids enjoyed her sandwiches that made Lopaw very happy! :)

Job very well done, baby langga!  Watch out for more of Ella's cooking diary.....

Summer cooking classes for kids are now open for registration at Misamis Union High School!   Call (088) 521-0042 and look for Ms. Jennifer Salud for more information.

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Black and White

black and white mismatch earrings from mama.  bead rings from ate michelle.  quartz wristwatch from june ann.  juicy bracelet from ninang naida.  coach bag from xianse tere.  black and white havaianas from mama.  ray-ban wayfarer clear glasses from june ann.  fifty shades freed of christ.  photos by rio fidgi.  FFF

  

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