Kapistahan ni Santiago Apostol (Plaridel, Bulacan)

Sa tuwing nagtatapos ang taon, bumabalik ako sa kung saan ako muling nagsimula.

At sa bawat salitang binibitawan, sa kataimtiman ng mga panalangin,

Habambuhay kong daramhin ang taos-pusong pasasalamat para sa pagliligtas mo.

Mahal na Poon ng Krus ng Wawa/Pagoda Festival, Bocaue

It wasn't my first time, but it still feels like so.

As I look around me, the festivity shows.

I bask on the warmth of faith of everyone,

remarkable, outstanding - comparable to none.

The proud spectacle of a crown-like beauty

embodies the joyous feelings of everybody

As I took in the unbelievable display of devotion,

My mind began to formulate some little questions.

A devotion backed up with a tragic story

Has undeniably captivated me;

And as I send myself to sleep tonight,

I hope that I have finally seen the light.

The Fiesta ng Mahal na Poon ng Krus ng Wawa is celebrated by the Parish of St. Martin of Tours in Bocaue, now a Diocesan Shrine. It is a popular piety, believed upon by thousands of devotees from all over Bulacan and other nearby provinces. One of the most anticipated parts of the said fiesta is the fluvial procession of the cross in the Pagoda.

Contrary to popular belief though, the Pagoda procession wasn't stopped after the horrendous tragedy on July 2, 1993. It was continued, only not as grandiose. Only last year, when Msgr. Albert Suatengco was appointed as parish priest did Bocaue got the permission to bring back the old times.

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Immaculate Concepcion Seminary, Guiguinto

A place so beautiful, a place so serene

A shelter of souls who heed their callings;

The sanctuary where faith is formed and honed;

A paradise made with wood and stone.

With its name taken from the Blessed Virgin Mary,

One cannot question its calming effect on me.

With the greens and blues complementing the space,

It emphasizes nothing else but solace.

The Immaculate Concepcion Seminary is located in Brgy. Tabe, Guiguinto, Bulacan. It has minor and major seminaries where the religious men of Bulacan are educated, honed and trained to be priests of the Diocese of Malolos.

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Undas 2014

Way way before Halloween parties were adopted in the Philippine culture from the westerners,

the Filipinos had been known for the tradition of visiting their departed loved ones in the cemetery every November 1st.

Although technically the day for the saints, we visit the graves of our dead to pay homage to them.

Cafe+, Plaridel

Pausing to breathe,we craved for rest.

The goal to fill ourselves with satisfying grace arouse.

Though a little off track, we then decided to visit

What probably is a prime epitome of comfort and luxury.

Parish of St. Augustine, Baliuag

I trampled on the fear of distance -

Stepping out of my comfort zone.

But as I laid eyes on my destination,

Dread vanished at once.

For I have seen beauty beyond words,

Adorned by the charming stories of the past

My mouth hung open as I stared at this treasure,

My heart was swelling with pride.

I have seen corners not everyone could see - 

and to be honest, it stunned me.

The alluring charm that sweeps me off my feet,

I could never, ever forget.

It was all beauty ingrained by hundred years of existence

Everything just speaks to me like an ancient friend

But in the midst of all these enchanting antiquity,

I have realized that religion is never about this kind of luxury...

The Parish of St. Augustine is one of the oldest churches in Bulacan. It is located in Baliuag, Bulacan, in a place they call 'kabayanan'. But from what I know, only the floors, convent and part of the facade's walls are original. All other parts are actually parts of the reconstructions conducted throughout the years.

A beautiful heritage site of the province, it is currently under the religious leadership of Msgr. Andres Valera.

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Bisita ng Lawa, Obando

A relatively new structure built over an older one,

To avoid submergence, that is never avoidable.

A normal-looking home of one’s faith -

With a basement so inexplicably cold.

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St. Andrew Kim Taegon, Lolomboy, Bocaue

I submit myself to splendor and grace

As I found my immaculate sanctuary.

My soul basks on a wonderful paradise - 

the closest thing I can get to my dreams of a lifetime

A charm so enthralling, rippling through what I am,

like the placid river it used to be.

My mind sets off to an indescribable peace,

my heart feels greatly at ease.

The place is an escape from my frustrating reality,

a symbol of that hope, which I badly need.

Prayers leading to miracles, faith proving its worth.

It's just a matter of knowing what you're believing in.

I was once lost but have found my way back.

It's a mystery, how I did... really.

But like the flowers that bloom in this paradise,

I must have been well taken care of by my Gardener.

And prepared me for harvest.

The Shrine of St. Andrew Kim Taegon can be found at Lolomboy, Bocaue, near the Parish of Sto. Cristo-Kim Taegon. It occupies a piece of land owned by the Dominicans, and is currently run by Korean nuns. The whole shrine is still under construction, yet the beauty is already obvious. Sr. Joanna made the plans clear to me when I was there, and my heart couldn't help but flatter as I thought of the truth that a part of my dream is within reach.

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St. Michael the Archangel Parish, San Miguel

It was an end to end travel for us that Sunday morning.

Our destination - one of the oldest churches in Bulacan.

Although it doesn't seem so, its history is supported by the immortality of its surrounding.

This is the Parish of St. Michael the Archangel in San Miguel, Bulacan.

As the dead lies in the middle, I take memories -

observing people who cares, and people who don't.

And as the dead lies in the middle - families and friends mourning,

solace was found by someone must have felt like dying everyday.

The Parish of St. Michael the Archangel in San Miguel, Bulacan is located two and half hours away from Meycauayan. It is an interesting church, which history I am yet to discover, tucked close to some of the most important historical tourist attractions in Bulacan like Biak-na-Bato, Tecson House, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site Madlum Caves and River.

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