The Other Side of Mae: June 2015

Monday, June 29, 2015

St. James Church and Catholic Rectory

In continuation to my previous post on Dr. Jose P. Rizal's 154th birthday, here's another post dedicated to our national hero. Just a 5 to 8-minute drive away from Rizal Shrine stands the church where Rizal heard mass every Sunday during his exile in Dapitan, the St. James Church and Catholic Rectory. It is a simple church of unpainted exterior in Baroque-style just like Jimenez's St. John the Baptist Church. And it also has a touch of Gothic with the two bell towers by the sides of the crucifix just like the only Catholic church in Vietnam that I just recently visited, the St. Joseph's Cathedral .

This is a smaller and humble church compared with the said cathedral that was built by the Jesuits during the Spanish rule in our country in 1871 to honor the town's patron saint, St. James the Greater.

It surprised me to see an image of a saint riding on a horse for it was my first time plus, I'm only accustomed to St. Michael with the devil at his foot and Señor Sto. Niño, my childhood saint.

The church's interior is even simpler with a fascinating ceiling of pink and white tiles.

Look up and you'll be mesmerized by the hypnotic design and eventually, you'll get dizzy staring at it.

Simple as it is, there are no great treasures hidden inside the church.

The only treasure is the word of God being preached during mass to the people of Dapitan who had preserved the conservative culture of Filipinos in maintaining peace and order to the silent town.

By the way, across the church is the relief map of Mindanao that was also one of the many projects of Dr. Jose Rizal in Dapitan. Nowadays, this serves as a plaza where families get together after mass for the corn, samalamig, and balloons for the kids.

Visit the peaceful town of Dapitan this July 25 for its Kinabayo festival in celebration of St. James the Greater's feast day!

Going Local on Dr. Jose P. Rizal's 154th Birthday

A Flair for Old Churches

EOS Destination #1!
Iloilo's Must-See Churches
Himala sa Simala?

Maundy Thursday: Visita Iglesia

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

Thursday, June 25, 2015

Yellow Belle

yellow jumpsuit. white cotton on cardigan from ep2x. location at Simala, Cebu. FFF

Himala sa Simala?

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Mad Mark's Creamery and Good Eats

Jollibee, McDo, Chowking, Greenwich - these are by-far the top 4 Philippine fast food chains Filipinos love the the most! And these are also the only fast food chains our little Ozamiz can franchise. FYI, we haven't got KFC, Pizza Hut, Max's, and Shakey's yet. So whenever I'm out and about, I always see to it not to eat at these most frequented eateries in Ozamiz. I always try something new and different that's why getting out keeps my blood boiling. Hehe....

From my recent trip to Manila, me and my friends happened to check-in this American-inspired resto, Mad Mark's Creamery and Good Eats in Makati. It is located at a corner of the 2/F of Glorietta 5 which is a bit outskirt from the food zone, a bit hidden from the mainstream that is. But it surprised me that the place was packed with diners of all ages even by the time of around 2 PM which is already too late for lunch yet too early for merienda. I think that just shows that people really take effort in visiting the place for its good eats so we tried some of 'em.

Johnnie Double Black Ribs

Wings and Jambalaya

Lemon Chicken

Indeed, these are all good eats! We haven't tried any of their ice cream desserts for we were already full with only these. (We also thought of strolling around and having dessert in another place for another "something new" experience. Hehe.....)

So if ever you're in the capital city of the Philippines, do visit Mad Mark's in Glorietta, Kapitolyo, or the recently opened branch in Bonifacio High Street. Like 'em on Facebook here! :)

The Eton Residences Greenbelt

Albay's Best Eats

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

The Eton Residences Greenbelt

Urban living has never been my thing because residing in big cities always wears me out physically and mentally. I couldn't withstand the land, water, air, and noise pollution, long hours on the road due to heavy traffic, and mobs of people crowding the streets which makes me dizzy. Moreover, there are plenty of people but there are no people because I don't know anyone. I was never comfortable living in Manila or Cebu that's why I came back here in the "big" OZ years ago for good!

However, visiting a big city is OK for me from time to time. Just going for "a little" business and pleasure is my breathe of fresh air. Checking into nice places, eating in posh restos, and shopping on big sales are my most looked after luxurious activities that I can only do in big cities. That's the reason why I'm also a big-city-friendly person. Hehe.....

Anyway, urban living is also desired by many especially my high school bff, Doc Che. She just loves living in the big city and had adjusted from the hustle and bustle of the city life. As a busy doctor, convenience and comfort are a must for her and looking for the perfect place to stay is like searching for Mr. Right - tedious and wearisome. But it's a great thing there's Eton Residences so welcome to her abode!

The Lobby

Lobby palang, 5-star hotel na a dating! The receptionist and bellboys treat you like a celebrity so it's really like checking-in a 5-star hotel. Now, let's see what's inside her unit.

Getting inside the building makes you feel secluded from the chaos of the city outside. It is laid-back that fits my personality. The units are in standard-unit size which is perfect for a single lady, bachelor, or newlyweds.

Additionally, the condotel is also complete with amenities and facilities like swimming pool, Jacuzzi, function hall, meditation garden, fitness gym, children's playground, etc. so you don't have to go out for recreation anymore.

Thank you for inviting us over, chog! You made us experience living on top! :)

Visit The Eton Residences Greenbelt at Makati or click here for information on leasing and buying a unit.

Mad Mark's Creamery and Good Eats

Pueblo de Oro CDO

Friday, June 19, 2015

Going Local on Dr. Jose P. Rizal's 154th Birthday

It's our national hero's birthday today so let me take you down memory lane to Jose Rizal's life (as if I was there when he was living). Hehe..... But I won't feed you with too much facts from history as this may come in boring. Instead, I'll just give you anything I can remember from my Rizal class way back in college and from the field trip we had some two years ago with our La Salle students in Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte. As we all know, Rizal was exiled to Dapitan for his revolutionary writing against the Spanish rule in the Philippines where he spent four productive years.

This is the first historical spot you'll see once you arrive in Dapitan. It is just along the shore of Santa Cruz, Rizal's landing site in 1892 now known as The Punto Del Desembarco de Rizal. The boulevard is spacious like a park where you can stroll around, enjoying the calming sea breeze.

Moving further down the street, you'll reach Rizal Shrine. Entering its gates, you'll be welcomed by the statue of Dr. Rizal which is exactly in his own size.

Before touring around, a lecture was given in the amphitheater so we got our students seated down for more particulars on Rizal's projects, whereabouts, whatabouts, and even love life.

So when we had our sightseeing, we were already filled with enthusiasm to get the feel of the place where Rizal set foot on.

This is the elevated nipa hut which is called Casa Residencia, a replica of Rizal's house where he lived with Josephine Bracken, his common-law foreigner wife in Dapitan.

This is also a replica of Rizal's kitchen which is detached from the house.

And this is the replica of Rizal's clinic where he voluntarily attends to his patients with or without pay ('coz paying in kind was also accepted).

Jose Rizal's artworks and other memorabilia are also exhibited in a modern-day building where you can buy keychains and other handmade souvenirs for pasalubong.

The Two Satirical Novels of Dr. Jose P. Rizal

And a field trip would never be complete without goofing around doing pictorial! Excuse us for being pasaway teachers even for just these snapshots.

Thank you to the kind staff of Rizal Shrine in Dapitan! 'Till our next field trip for our Rizal course! :) #tosomtravels

Katutubong Kasuotan Then and Now

Beaches Up North!

Sunday, June 14, 2015

Spiritual Sunday: Himala sa Simala?

Spiritual Sunday teaches all about life and our Big Boss.

Let them construct a sanctuary for Me, that I may dwell among them.

- Exodus 25:8

And Mary said, "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to Thy word." And the angel departed from her.

- Luke 1:38

You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and the fourth generations of those who hate Me,

- Exodus 20:5

For Thou wilt light my candle: the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness.

- Psalm 18:28

O Lord my God, I called to you for help and you healed me.

- Psalm 30:2

Take delight in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart.

- Psalm 37:4

On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink."

- John 7:37

God is spirit, and His worshipers must worship Him in spirit and in truth.

- John 4:24

Jesus answered, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

- John 14:6

He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted.
- Job 5:9 and Job 9:10

A Flair for Old Churches

Iloilo's Must-See Churches

EOS Destination #1!

Maundy Thursday: Visita Iglesia

Labor Day: Upon This Rock I Will Build My Church

Friday, June 12, 2015

#JustSaying on Philippines Independence Day

Today is the 117th year of our independence as a nation. How far has the Philippines gone after 1898? From one president to another, are we moving forward or going backward? As we can observe from our television today, political ads are now airing. It is still too early for the 2016 election and there they go, showing off what they had done to our country and what they still want to do to our country. They do their respective pasikat, outshining one another and I guess, that's how politicians are. That's it! Too much politics in our country, too much showbizness, too much desire for power and authority! And these are of no help at all but rather, dragging the Philippines down.

As ordinary citizens, can we still do something for a change? We often think, "leave it to them". We don't care, we just complain. "Let's just save ourselves!" But how about those who are not privileged enough? Those who are living in poverty day after day? Who's gonna be there to help them? I do believe that life goes on in circles. That what you do to yourself and to others could not only affect you and them but also the whole community. Everything we do, even the littlest one can create a big benefit or disaster to the society. So we are also accountable.

Just like what our national heroes and ancestors did. If it were not for them, we could not have enjoyed the independence we have today. Through them, we have our own identity as a nation. We are not in bondage to a greater conquistador, we are the master of our own land. Come to think of it. How would it be if we are still under the Spaniards, Americans, or Japanese? Can you imagine yourself toiling our own ground just for them, the invaders? A big NO! So we have to pay tribute and thank our national heroes for the freedom we're having right now.

However, are we really free? Haven't you think to yourself that the Spaniards, Americans, or Japanese had turned into our very own countrymen? Are we really enjoying what our ancestors gave us? Or has everything been taken away? So, think!

A whole new world? That's too idealistic! How about the next generation?

Philippine Independence Day: A Letter to the Youngsters

My Thoughts on PNoy's Fourth SONA

Monday, June 08, 2015

Wanted: #tosomtravels Buddy/ies

In continuation to my previous post, a journey won't be complete if you don't have company. Obediently following all those tips I've mentioned won't make your trip perfect if you don't have somebody to share it with. I admit, I've always dreamed of traveling alone (Outside my comfort zone, that is. For I've been going 'round some common places in the Philippines by myself.) but until now, I still don't have the guts. So I need some travel buddy/ies to stand by me in this vice. Hehe.....

Hear ye, hear ye! Wanted: #tosomtravels Buddy/ies!

Qualifications:

1. He/she/they must be up for adventure into the unknown and not afraid to get lost.