Footprints: Bulacan and “Visita Iglesia” Featured Pilgrimage -14 Oldest Churches

“Visita Iglesia” (Visiting Churches) is one of the most practiced traditions among faithful Filipino Roman Catholics during the observance of Lent.  Some may ask, why is it part of the holy week’s observances?  Let me give you a short version of the reason.

“Visita Iglesia is a Biblical recount of Jesus Christ’s suffering.  It was when Jesus was most sorrowful and praying in the garden of Gethsemane. Jesus asked His apostles Peter,  James and John to keep him company and perform the vigil, to which they agreed.  The apostles fell asleep several times, and Judas Iscariot betrayed his master with a kiss. This is considered the beginning of the Lord's passion. 

The essence of Visita Iglesia is the meditation of the mysteries of the Holy Rosary. It is also the “Via Crucis” (Stations of the Cross), on Christ’s way to Calvary.  The original custom was for the followers to pray two stations per church visited, however, faithfuls have expanded the number of churches to be visited to fourteen making one Via Crucis per church.

Bulacan, the gatehouse of the north, has many of the oldest churches in the country. It provides a great opportunity and experience for many pilgrims who make great efforts and spend significant amounts of money to perform the annual tradition.  

 Bulacan is also known as the cradle of the nation’s noble heroes, and home of it’s greatest artists. It’s citizens take great pride in this rich religious and historical heritage. It is also a mecca of sweets, desserts and rice delicacies.  Last but certainly not least, Bulacan is the birthplace of the First Constitutional Democracy in Asia.  

My recent visit to the Philippines in 2011 coincided with the observance of the holy week. I enthusiastically encouraged my family to celebrate “Visita Iglesia” respecting 14 of the oldest churches in our home province. We completed our Visita Iglesia between Palm Sunday and Good Friday by visiting the 14 churches described below.  

The heat exhaustion, typical for that time of year,  was overcome by our amazement with the architectural designs of the churches . We were delighted to have carried out the "Visita Iglesia” in such a nostalgic, historic and meaningful way.  Our rendition of the practice might not be traditional, but the spiritual journey was very rewarding. We felt enriched both spiritually and historically.

In your next visit to your hometown in whatever part of the Philippines it may be, I encourage you to experience “Vista Iglesia” among the historic churches in your home town. I am certain that you will be very surprised at what you will discover.

 But for now, allow me to take you to the 14 oldest houses of prayer in Bulacan.

1. San Juan Bautista Parish Church (Calumpit). Nestled in the oldest town to have been Christianized in the province, the citizens of Calumpit built their church in 1575. The most notable among the designs are the elaborate stucco carvings on the main and side portals. The simple facade is highlighted with Corinthian columns.

1. Assumption of Our Lady Church (Bulacan). It was originally built in 1578 and then transformed in 1884. This is one of the most elaborately designed churches incorporating a blend of Baroque, Neo-Byzantine and Muslim influences. 

1. Basilica Minore de Immaculada Concepcion ( Malolos).  Located at the heart of this city capital, the church was originally built in 1591.The facade is divided into three segments.  The centre segment features the emblem of the Augustinians and the papal insignia. Besides being the seat of the first Philippine Republic, there is also the century old “Kalayaan” Tree, planted by Emilio Aguinaldo, the first president of the Philippines.

1. San Ildefonso Parish Church (Guiginto). Built in 1621 together with a convent on it’s west side, it employs a similar Baroque style as is found in the Baliuag Church, but on a simpler and smaller scale. The most celebrated parts of the church are the intricate carvings found at the front and in the altar, made from bronze and silver. 

1. Parish Church of Sta Monica (Angat). It’s interior wall is a replica of the Sistine Chapel by MichelAngelo. This church was built around 1683 and is one of the most beautiful churches in the country, boasting marvelous Baroque architecture. The simple facade is embellished with an eye catching carving on the main doors which hold the images of St Augustine and his crying mother, St. Monica.

1. Parish of Santiago Apostol (Plaridel). Also known as Quingua, it was originally built between 1580 and1595, then rebuilt in 1722. It has the most unique and elaborate pediments among all the churches in the province. It is believed that in this church, money was kept by Augustinian friars during the British occupation.

1. Parish Church of San Agustin- (Baliuag). Constructed between 1769 and 1774, it also has a Baroque face and interior. The most striking feature is it’s bell tower. The latest addition of a portico completed the style. 

1. San Miguel De Arcangel Church (San Miguel). Nestled in the very famous town of San Miguel De Mayumo, it’s simplicity of design makes this mid 1800’s built church very attractive. It is the only church with an integrated belfry.

1. National Shrine of St. Anne (Hagonoy). A 16th century church with the most recognizable spacious plaza, it is the only church in the Philippines where The Virgin Mary’s parents, St Anne and Jhoaquim are venerated.

1. San Juan de Dios Parish Church (San Rafael). Site a the historic battle during the Spanish colonization and built circa 1863. Although the facade is simple, the Doric columns make quite an impression.

1. San Miguel Arcangel (Marilao). Built in 1863, the church features an elegant facade, decorative columns and a slightly recessed bell tower.

1. Sta. Isabel Church (Malolos). Its facade is similar to those found in Bulacan  churches, except it adds Muslim embellishments. This church was built in 1865 and was integrated into Malolos in 1903.

1. The Barasoain Church (Malolos). This national shrine is also the site of the Constitutional Convention of the Philippine Republic.The neo-classic touches of the facade and the rounded pediment gives a very distinct character to it’s architecture. The initial stone edifice was built in 1871, the church was constructed 1885, while the bell tower was done in 1889.

1. San Pascual Baylon/Sta. Clara Church-(Obando). The annual fertility rites is a tradition in which this church takes much pride. The pediment and facade are a simple echoing of the Marilao Church.  The most noticeable character is the octagonal 5-level bell tower.

My Backyard: Calgary, The Heart of the West

Being a proud citizen of this vibrant city was the first reason that I made sure my parents had a glimpse of the place we call home. The next reason is my fondness for travel which continually inspires me to feature my downtown home for the past 13 years. My husband & I recently had a “couples weekend” ,  thus a stay- cation re-discovery of the city through the eyes of local tourists such us seems such a great idea!.  The devastating flood g that temporarily paralyzed this resilient city  for a month has compelled me  more than ever to showcase this remarkable place that the world can envy because of  the magnificent people who dwell within it.

Here are my 10 unique reasons why everyone should visit Calgary:

1. Calgary Stampede - Hailed as “ The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth” for 101 years. This is a 10-day extravaganza of western traditions, costumes and festivities at its finest. Even the flood that tried to destroy the Stampede Grounds failed miserably to dampen the western spirit. It literally kicked off having less than two weeks to re-cooperate from the flood, with most of the scheduled events going on as usual. It is truly the resilient spirit of city mayor Nenshi, the organizers, volunteers and spectators that made it happen. Calgary Stampede went ahead, as the slogan goes “Come Hell or High Water”, along with the extravaganza that comes with it. It is one of the top 20 events international visitors want to see and experience.
2. Gateway to the Rockies - within 1.5 hours you will be mesmerized by the majestic mountains, pristine lakes, beautiful  landscapes and variety of wildlife.  It is very close to some of the most visited natural scenery in the world - Banff National Park.
3. GlobalFest-  Praised as the most explosive show in Alberta! It is one of the biggest  pyro-musical competitions both within in Canada and internationally. This seven-day celebration comes with ethno-cultural performances, cultural displays and pavilions, and of course ethnic food kiosks. 
4. Chinook Winds - The phenomenon unique to Calgary comes from the mountain foothills which are described as warm, dry winds which bring an instant temporary spring in the middle of winter. 
5. Calgary Olympic Park - Venue of the 1988 Winter Olympic Games, continues to offer year round activities for adventure seekers and sports enthusiasts here and abroad.
6. Heritage Park - A step back in time showing how the West used to be, this 127 acre historical park is Canada’s largest living history museum. Here you can tour Alberta in a day with combinations of antiques, preserved or replica buildings, homesteads and activities.
7. Spruce Meadows - All year show jumping at its finest. This equestrian paradise is considered a prestigious summer sport but tournaments are held all year long .  This place is not exclusive for equestrian aficionados, it is also a well rounded family outdoor attraction, a shopping fair and international food and dining venue. 
8. Parks - Calgary boasts several public parks within the city and vicinity.  There are hundreds of parks within the city of Calgary, but here are the major parks  within the city and vicinity: Fish Creek Provincial Park, Nose Hill Park, Bowness Park, Edworthy Park, Glenmore Park, Ingelwood Bird Sanctuary, Prince’s Island Park, Prairie Winds Park, Battalion Park and Confederation Park.
9. Food - Calgary is not only home to the finest Alberta beef, it is also the cuisine’s scene for both local and international appetites. 
10. Food and Shopping - The proliferation of shops in the city’s central neighborhood, within the belt line and outskirts is proof of a strong and thriving city.  Calgary has a wide range of restaurants, cafes, food courts, shops, boutiques and malls.   The diversity of  culture reflects  numerous restaurants all over the city that will suit each and every palate. The shopping centres range from outlet malls that fit to every budget to exclusive boutiques that meet every high fashion style money can afford. 

Calgary Stampede, every July

MY BACKYARD: TOP 10 UNIQUE Reasons To Visit Calgary

Being a proud citizen of this vibrant city was the first reason that I made sure my parents had a glimpse of the place we call home. The next reason is my fondness for travel which continually inspires me to feature my downtown home for the past 13 years. My husband & I recently had a “couples weekend” downtown vacation and experienced a re-discovery of the city through the eyes of local tourists.  But now I firmIy believe it was the recent flooding that temporarily paralyzed this resilient city that compelled me to showcase this remarkable place that the world can envy because of  the magnificent people who dwell within it.

Here are my 10 unique reasons why everyone should visit Calgary:

1. Calgary Stampede - Hailed as “ The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth” for 101 years. This is a 10-day extravaganza of western traditions, costumes and festivities at its finest. Even the flood that tried to destroy the Stampede Grounds failed miserably to dampen the western spirit. It literally kicked off having less than two weeks to re-cooperate from the flood, with most of the scheduled events going on as usual. It is truly the resilient spirit of city mayor Nenshi, the organizers, volunteers and spectators that made it happen. Calgary Stampede went ahead, as the slogan goes “Come Hell or High Water”, along with the extravaganza that comes with it. It is one of the top 20 events international visitors want to see and experience.
2. Gateway to the Rockies - within 1.5 hours you will be mesmerized by the majestic mountains, pristine lakes, beautiful  landscapes and variety of wildlife.  It is very close to some of the most visited natural scenery in the world - Banff National Park.
3. GlobalFest-  Praised as the most explosive show in Alberta! It is one of the biggest  pyro-musical competitions both within in Canada and internationally. This seven-day celebration comes with ethno-cultural performances, cultural displays and pavilions, and of course ethnic food kiosks. 
4. Chinook Winds - The phenomenon unique to Calgary comes from the mountain foothills which are described as warm, dry winds which bring an instant temporary spring in the middle of winter. 
5. Calgary Olympic Park - Venue of the 1988 Winter Olympic Games, continues to offer year round activities for adventure seekers and sports enthusiasts here and abroad.
6. Heritage Park - A step back in time showing how the West used to be, this 127 acre historical park is Canada’s largest living history museum. Here you can tour Alberta in a day with combinations of antiques, preserved or replica buildings, homesteads and activities.
7. Spruce Meadows - All year show jumping at its finest. This equestrian paradise is considered a prestigious summer sport but tournaments are held all year long .  This place is not exclusive for equestrian aficionados, it is also a well rounded family outdoor attraction, a shopping fair and international food and dining venue. 
8. Parks - Calgary boasts several public parks within the city and vicinity.  There are hundreds of parks within the city of Calgary, but here are the major parks  within the city and vicinity: Fish Creek Provincial Park, Nose Hill Park, Bowness Park, Edworthy Park, Glenmore Park, Ingelwood Bird Sanctuary, Prince’s Island Park, Prairie Winds Park, Battalion Park and Confederation Park.
9. Food - Calgary is not only home to the finest Alberta beef, it is also the cuisine’s scene for both local and international appetites. 
10. Shopping - The proliferation of shops in the city’s central neighborhood, within the belt line and outskirts is proof of a strong and thriving city.  Calgary has a wide range of shops, boutiques and malls.  The shopping centres range from outlet malls that fit to every budget to exclusive boutiques that meet every high fashion style money can afford. 

Footprints: The Capital city-MANILA, Philippines

Whenever people ask where was I originally from, my spontaneous response is The Philippines. More often than not they will re-affirm me back that I was from MANILA. Synonymously and interchangeably used by plenty of foreigners, no one can blame them because, after all, MANILA is the Philippines’ heart and soul.

Of course, as all Filipinos know, the history of Manila begins around 500 B.C., long before the Christian era and even before Spanish Conquistadores (Conquerors) set foot in this Malay-Indo land. Thus, Filipino culture is old and has been blended and influenced by several cultures in history.Manila’s name is believed to come from may -Nilad or maynilad – which means, there is nilad (nilad- a white flowered mangrove plant).

During the middle ages, Muslim and Chinese settlements significantly increased due to the enhanced trade and commerce in Manila. It was in 1571 that Manila took a fateful turn with the Spanish invasions led by Miguel Lopez who defeated the Muslim chief- Raja Sulayman. The results of this historical event lasted 333 years, leaving lasting impacts on the culture, life and future of the people in Manila and the entire Philippine archipelago. The natives adopted the language, dress, way of life and majority of the Spanish culture with major influences on religion. This is seen in the many Spanish structures, architectures, towers, buildings and monuments that dot Manila’s landscape. The Spanish rule came to an end in 1898 as a result of the revolution fostered by Dr. Jose Rizal and the extremism of Andres Bonifacio.

The Japanese also brought havoc to Manila during World War II, but her independence was gained in 1946, quickly flourished, and became the 2nd richest nation in Asia. However, during Marcos’ regime, when he imposed Martial Law in 1972, Manila saw another dark moment in it’s history. It was not until 1986, when Manila and the entire Philippines made a bloodless revolution, that finally ended the rule of dictatorship.

Footprints series is honored to pay homage to the country’s capital- Manila – placing Luneta Park, Rizal Shrine within Fort Santiago and Intramuros in the limelight. This is a tribute to Dr. Jose P. Rizal‘s 150th Anniversary who was imprisoned in Fort Santiago before he was executed in Bagumbayan, which is now Rizal (Luneta) Park.

(Sources: asiarooms.com;manila.gov.ph;history.navy.mil;wikipedia.org)

Featured Travel: Manila: Intramuros, Fort Santiago and Luneta Park

INTRAMUROS

Our trip always starts in Intramuros or “ The Walled City”, located along the southern bank of the Pasig River, built by the Spaniards in the 16th century and is the oldest district of the city of Manila. Maybe because Manila is only 50 kilometers south of my home province Bulacan, or maybe because I spent 10 years of my young adult life there or maybe because I just love going to historical places. Whatever my reasons may be, my past four visits to the Philippines during my nearly fourteen years residency in Canada, the “OLD MANILA ” that is Intramuros was always part of my itinerary. The charm, great historical significance, feeling of nostalgia and patriotism, are just a few of the reasons. These are among the spells cast on me, which drew me back to these historic icons time and again.

The beauty of Intramuros (meaning “within the walls”) lies on retained old Spanish-era influenced walls, gates, residences, palaces, government buildings, schools with cobblestone streets and baroque inspired churches which were minimally touched by modernization. The majority of development of present-day Manila occurred outside the gates of Intramuros. For example, old moats that surrounded the walls have been transformed into golf courses. Walking along Intramuros will definitely bring you back to bygone years.

Among the many points of interests concealed within the walls of Intramuros are two great historically and religiously significant churches – The Manila Cathedral and St. Augustine Church – and of course, the infamous garrison of Fort Santiago.

The Manila Metropolitan Cathedral-Basilica, also known as the Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception and famously termed as Manila Cathedral. It is the most coveted wedding venue for elite brides-to-be, and also serves as a resting place for influential church figures and funeral services to prominent politicians. The Manila Cathedral was first built in 1581 and was made mostly of bamboo and nipa palm leaves. Misfortunes brought by typhoons and several earthquakes destroyed the church, the 6th and last reconstruction was in 1954-58. Here are some parts of the church in which you will be in awe and agree with me on how meticulously, painstakingly and elegantly the architecture was built.

Dome – From the outside can be seen a cross on the dome which serves as a reference point of astronomical longitudes of the Archipelago. In the inside are eight pairs of stained glass windows which give the church interior a dramatic lighting effect.

Statues – Famous saints grace the main facade of the Cathedral and are made of “molave” wood.

Portal and Carvings – The Church’s main portal is made of bronze, underneath the glass doors are 2 panel doors with bronze carvings representing important historical episodes and giving homage to Mary, the Mother of God.

Main Altar and Naves – The tabernacle of the main altar has a gilded bronze image Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, who is in the act of receiving the Body and Blood of her Son Jesus from the hands of the Beloved Apostle St. John. The right nave has six chapels, the left nave has two with baptistry. The central nave has holy water stoups being held by sculpted angels on both sides at the entrance.

Stained Glass Windows – A total of 134 have been artistically designed by a Filipino artist, with profound meanings surrounding the entire cathedral which aim towards inspiring a deeper understanding of Faith.

The Sculpture – An exact replica of one of Michelangelo’s legendary sculptures – La Pieta – is housed within the church which reflects the Filipino Catholics‘ strong affinity to Jesus and Mary’s sacrificial love to mankind.

The San Agustin Church- This is the oldest stone church and mother of all colonial churches in the Philippines. It was originally built from wood in 1599 but was later destroyed by fire. The present church was completed in 1607, is the 3rd re-construction, and has withstood many earthquakes. During the Japanese occupation the church became a concentration camp and killing field. The San Agustin church was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993. This so called “wedding capital of the Philippines” has one of the most artistically decorated interiors among colonial churches in the archipelago.

The Trompe l’oeil barrel vault and dome – Mural after mural from walls to ceilings, painted wonderfully with floral motifs, geometric patterns, classic architectural themes, coffers, and religious images.

The Interior – within the church are 14 side chapels, arranged like a Latin cross with several 14th century chandeliers. Walking through it feels like stepping back in time

The Pulpit – The heavily guilded pulpit, with teal and gold accent is decorated with native flora and pineapple.

Side Chapel- Next to the main altar is a side chapel dedicated to Spanish Miguel Lopez de Legaspi, the founder of Manila, whose remains are buried together with other prominent yet unidentified figures.

The Choir Loft- Here you can find 17th century seats made from molave.

Fort Santiago. Now restored as a beautiful park with several tropical trees and a green lawn, it is currently a museum called “The Shrine of Freedom”. This major tourist destination was the main military structure in the 16th century. Among the sights that greeted us on our way to the Fort’s Main Entrance were theatrical performances, horse drawn tours, people taking leisurely strolls and remnants from the Japanese war.

The Entrance Gate – My family and friends enjoyed several photo sessions with their favourite “jump shots” at the front of the facade before climbing up the 8-feet thick, 22 feet tall walls shielding the fort‘s interior which gave us a better view of both the inside and outside of the fort. The fortress remains intact and a is a reminder of the premier defense of the Spanish Government in the Philippines.

Rizal Shrine – One of the main attractions is the Rizal Shrine, part of the complex houses within the fort. With our perfect timing, we were fortunate to be in the audience during a superb theatrical performance and re-enactment of Rizal’s life and death, as part of Rizal’s 150th Anniversary. After the show, we toured the entire museum which contains relics of Jose Rizal’s bones, personal effects, his life as a student, his famous novel- “Noli Me Tangere” (Touch Me Not) and the sequel novel “El Filibusterismo” (The Reign of Greed). The museum is dedicated to Dr. Jose Rizal, the nation’s national hero, with a replica of his prison cell where he spent the final hours of his life. His famous poem “Mi Ultimo Adios (My Last Farewell) was composed in this house during the evening before his execution in Bagumbayan (Rizal Park) on the morning of December 30th, 1896.

The Dungeons- This tourist icon has a prison, dreaded under the Spanish regime. It may have housed several Spanish military officials and dignitaries, but it also served as a formidable prison with infamous dungeons where torture was served as penalty and punishment. During world War II, Japanese Imperial Armies exercised unthinkable atrocities using the dungeons to torture, execute and drown hundreds of Filipino soldiers and rebels. There is a white cross which serves as a commemorative mark for the 600 people who lost their lives in this prison fighting for Filipino freedom.

After a few more photo shots, the setting sun and our hungry stomachs informed us that our day trip to Intramuros was over. However, outside these walls, we felt privileged and re-equipped with rich historical knowledge. Intramuros will always be a reminder of our dreadful past and gives us a glimpse of our shining future as we enjoy our liberated present.

(sources: Wikipedia, theintramuros.com,manilacathedral.org;sanagustin.org)

- Marietta