Category Archives: SPECIAL TOPICS

Hoa Sen Water Puppet Theatre (Ha Long City, Vietnam)

Posted on by — Leave a reply
Vietnamese water puppetry

After the end of our Ambrose Day Cruise, we again boarded our coach for the short 6.9-km. drive to Hoa Sen Water Puppet Theatre (Thanh Long Water Puppet Theatre) where we were to watch a water puppet show, a unique art form, central to Vietnamese culture, offering insight into local traditions, rural life, folklore, and historical tales, accompanied by live music. 

Check out “Ambrose Day Cruise”

Hoa Sen Water Puppet Theatre

A dedicated venue for traditional Vietnamese water puppetry (Múa rối nước) which originated in the 11th century from the rice-farming villages of the Red River Delta here, we watched ancient Vietnamese water puppetry featuring puppets, made of fig wood carved and painted skillfully in various fascinating shapes as well as symbolic facial expressions, moving on a water stage. 

Shows feature scenes of rice planting, fishing, dragon dances, and folk stories, bringing Vietnamese village life to the stage. Family-friendly, children especially enjoy the colorful puppets and engaging stories.

The stage

Traditionally performed during festivals, celebrations, and special occasions such as the Lunar New Year, over time, it evolved from a humble village entertainment into a distinctive form of traditional Vietnamese performing art. 

The singers to the left of the stage

Aside from Hoa Sen, there are two other water puppet theaters in Halong that are famous for water puppetry: Hoang Gia International Park (Bai Chay Tourist Area) and Yen Duc Village (Dong Trieu District). Since performing water puppets requires a large body of water, Halong Bay is an ideal place to showcase the colors of this rich and special cultural show, making it a popular, easily accessible cultural activity for visitors to the region.

The folk orchestra to the right of the stage

A showcase of the traditional daily lives of Vietnam’s farmers, from their way of making a living on the rice field to how they entertain themselves after hard working hours, the Hoa Sen Water Puppet Theatre covers an area of nearly 1,000 sq. m., with a seating capacity of up to 500 people at one time. It organizes a special performance, combining 16 different local fairy tales with interesting stories about Vietnam’s culture.

The farming theme

The themes of the 30 to 35-minute show focus on the daily life of farmers, folklore, historical tales and the general aspects of the Vietnamese’s spiritual life.  Puppets are manipulated by puppeteers standing in waist-deep water behind a screen, creating a magical effect. To the left and right of the stage are two small folk orchestra of 5 and 7 people, respectively. Currently, there are 3 water puppet shows in a day, with each show lasting from 30 – 35 minutes.

The puppeteers

Hoa Sen Water Puppet Theatre: No. 46 – The 2nd Peninsular, Hoang Quoc Viet, Halong City. Admission: 150,000vnd/pax

Moana Cafe (Sapa, Vietnam)

Posted on by — Leave a reply
Moana Cafe

After our visit to the Fansipan Peak and prior to our departure for Viet Tri (where we were to stay overnight at the Tru by Hilton Viet Tri City Centre), we dropped by the popular, internet-famous 10,000 sq. m. Moana Café, a coffee shop (offering Vietnamese drip coffee, fruit smoothies and simple snacks) and themed photo zone in Sapa perched on a gentle hillside, for a cup of coffee, at the open-air terrace or shaded pavilions, and some sightseeing. 

Open-air terraces

Known for its scenic and panoramic views, on clear days, it has numerous “Instagrammable” themed photo spots, with the misty weather sometimes creating a dreamy, magical effect while taking unique pictures against a stunning natural backdrop. 

The author, with Grace and Jandy, at the Bali-inspired Heaven Gate
The author and Grace at Mini Phu Quoc Proposal Bridge

This curated outdoor experience is a combination of nature, art-inspired installations, and creative photo opportunities.  The atmosphere inside can be described as a mix of art, nature, and a laid-back dining experience and its popularity can mean it gets crowded.  Every corner screams “come take a photo here.”

The iconic White Deer

The art-inspired sculptural installations and fantasy-inspired backdrops include the following:

  • The iconic White Deer
  • Giant blue Angel Wings
  • A pair of black and white Mandarin Duck statues – facing each other, their gracefully curved necks form a striking heart shape.
  • The Mini Phu Quoc Proposal Bridge – split into two sections, it is joined only by the touch of love, friendship and connection
  • A Bali-inspired gate (Bali Heaven Gate) – captures the essence of Bali’s charm in the heart of Vietnam
  • The 6 m. high, maasive and stylized Moana Girl – statue of a young Moana (Vaiana) with firmly closed eyelids, long flowing black hair and outstretch palms longing for the boundless blue sky. Its specifically constructed flooring is paved with transparent tiles, creating an illusion of a clear, mirror-like surface.
  • Infinity Lake – a virtual living spot, it has a white piano in the middle of the lake with clear waters that makes the lake’s surface lookslike a giant mirror reflecting the blue sky and white clouds.
  • A giant golden hand statue – provides ample space for visitors to stand on its palm.
  • The Moana Death Swing (Xich du tu than)– a psychological challenge for those with fear of heights.
  • Moana Sapa Flower Glass Box – nestled within the captivating Sapa-Moana film studio, this mesmerizing and ethereal attraction has an abundance of exquisite pink flowers adorning every corner.  Designed with lovers of the Muse Style in mind, it provides a perfect setting to showcase flowing dresses, cascading locks and gaze filled with dreams.
  • Rose Glass Cage – located to the left of the Moana Girl statue, it is a glass enclosure decorated with rose vines and a small chair.
  • The Giant Love Symbol – a huge 3 m. tall “Love” sign, in soft pastel pink, right on the road to the film studio and set on a platform decorated with charming stilt houses, terraced fields and mountains.
View of Sapa town from Moana Cafe

For clearer photos, consider visiting in the early morning or later in the afternoon. While the mist can be magical, clear weather will give you better views of of the Muong Hoa Valley and Fansipan Mountain.  They offer professional photography and rental of traditional Hmong and other Northern Highlands clothing.

The white piano on Infinity Lake

The place wasn’t cloaked in dense fog during our visit but the line to get a picture with any of this art installations was long and many were taking their time as they took over the space. A clever mix of playful architecture and scenic drama, it wasn’t luxury dining but about the view and the atmosphere.  It was not a deeply cultural experience, in the traditional sense, but rather a play of both fantasy and the majestic reality of the Northern Highlands.

Moana Girl

Moana Café: số 68 Violet, Phường Cầu Mây, Sa Pa, Lào Cai 330000, Vietnam.Tel:+84 853 693 666. Admission: 90,000 Vietnamese dong (includes a drink voucher which you can exchange for a complimentary tea, coffee or soft drink). Open daily, 6:30 AM to 7 PM.

How to Get There: the café is located about 2 kms. from the town center, and can be reached by taxi or motorbike. 

Sun Plaza Sapa (Vietnam)

Posted on by — 2 Comments ↓
Sun Plaza Sapa

Come morning of our second day in Sapa, after breakfast at Bora Hotel, we walked along Cau May Walking Street, towards Sapa Square and the stunning, instantly recognizable four-storey Sun Plaza Sapa, a shopping and entertainment complex and the essential hub and crucial starting point for our visit to Mount Fansipan, the “Rooftop of Indochina” as it houses, at the first floor, the ticket office for the iconic Muong Hoa funicular.  Offering a unique way to travel through the clouds while taking in breathtaking views of the stunning mountain scenery, the train has a classic design and luxury vibe.

Check out “Cau May Walking Street” and “Sapa Square“

The Muong Hoa Funicular

The building, in itself, is a must-see spot in the heart of the beautiful town of Sapa. Sun Plaza Sapa is a place with great views, a shopping center and dining options, including a bar, at the first, second and third floors, and a parking area at the ground floor.

The clock tower

Designed in a grand, classic, luxurious and beautiful French-style architecture (by architect Bill Bensley of the international architectural firm Chapman Taylor) that brings a touch of Europe to the Sapa mountains, it was built by Sun Group and completed in late 2018.

L-R (front row): Des, Grace, Lourdes, Lorraine. L-R (Back row): Jandy and the author

The building, with its striking yellow and green façade, also features large glass windows, which create a bright and inviting atmosphere, especially at night. The clock tower at the entrance, one of the main attractions and a symbol at Sun Plaza Sapa, attracts many visitors for photos.  Inspired by the famous Big Ben clock tower in the United Kingdom, it has three large clocks with a round, lantern-like design.

The circular central hall

Upon stepping into the large circular hall of Sun Plaza Sapa, its floor decorated with motifs such as centrally located bronze drums, we felt like we were entering a European royal palace or a castle without leaving Vietnam.  Showcasing unique French-style of architecture with an interesting Vietnamese touch, its delicate interiors features a dome, large columns, stunning lights, grand corridors with intricately decorated walls, elegant glass doors, European-style lamps, arches, and metal railings.

The funicular ticket office

The symmetrical design adds to the elegance, and the delicately painted artwork on the ceiling in the main lobby, with flowers and leaves, along with bright, sparkling light beams, is particularly eye-catching. This place is a perfect spot offering countless beautiful spots to snap amazing, Instagram-worthy photos.

The dome with its delicately painted artwork on the ceiling

Shopping is a must at here as this shopping center is full of fashion (shoes, clothing, bags, cosmetics, etc.), local souvenirs, and regional specialties, ranging from budget-friendly to luxury items. As a food paradise, it offers delicious European dishes, prepared by professional chefs, to make your dining experience unforgettable. There are also cozy cafés and eateries, including a Starbucks.

Passing by the Starbucks on the left

De la Coupole Sapa – MGaller, a luxury 5-star hotel inside Sun Plaza known for its elegance and charm, offers a unique, unforgettable experience, with 249 stunning and creatively designed rooms inspired by local Northwest culture and French and Indochinese design. A perfect spot for a special and relaxing getaway, the hotel also has restaurants, bars, a spa, and event spaces.  

Passing the Highlands Coffee shop on the right

Absinthe, a cafe on the 10th floor, next to Sun Plaza, with French design and art creating a cozy vibe, is a great spot to relax and the perfect place to sit down for a coffee either inside, to enjoy the blended artistic interior space and French fashion style, or outside to take in the beauty of Sapa, enjoying nature and the amazing views of Sapa’s majestic mountains and forests hidden in the flying clouds.

Stairway with intricately designed metal railings

Sun Plaza Sapa: 1 Ng. Cau May, Sa Pa Town, Sa Pa, Lao Cai.  Tel: +84 948 309 999. Open daily, 7:30 AM to 10 PM. Website: www.sunworld.vn.

Church of the Holy Rosary (Sapa, Vietnam)

Posted on by — Leave a reply
Church of the Holy Rosary

As a visitor come to Sapa, we must have at least once photo opportunity with the Church of the Holy Rosary. This symbol is an indispensable check-in point for visitors when coming to the city in the mist.  Located at Sapa Square in the center of town, Sapa stone church at the foot of the Ham Rong Mountain Range, was started in 1926 and completed in 1935.

Check out “Sapa Square“

L-R: the author, Lourdes, Grace, Jandy and Lorraine

During World War II, the church was closed and, after the war, was used for storing rice and agricultural produce. In 1995, local governors started to restore and repair this church more than 5 times (the last in 2007) and the parish began to come back here to practice their religion. The church yard has become a familiar gathering point for the Mong and Dao people.

The left side of the church

This impressive church, also called the Sapa Stone Church, is the main religious activity point of parishioners in Sapa.  Designed by a French architect, it is one of three significant buildings in Sapa that remain intact from the period of French rule (the other two are what are now Hoang Lien Hotel and the main Sapa Tourism Information Centre) and is also one of the few remaining works to this day that still retains the original Roman Gothic architectural style which is boldly reflected in the pyramidal roof, bell tower, arches, and windows.

The right side of the church

It was built with monolithic, roughly hewn sandstone blocks linked by a mortar of sand, lime and molasses and is the only remained structure in Sapa which still preserves the soul and beauty of Catholic architecture. At night, vibrant LED lights cover the church.

Historical plaque

With a total area of ​​6,400 square meters, it is divided into 7 compartments (the church area, the angel house, a row of parish cottages, the parish house, the holy garden, etc.) each of 500 square meters. The angel house consists of three floors and one basement while the five-section parish house is equal to the church site. The holy garden has 5 (four of which grow on rocks) big trees which are more than one hundred years old.

The main altar

The church features 32 colorful stained-glass windows, depicting the Mysteries of the Holy Rosary, the Saints and the journey to the Cross, and an elegant, cross-shaped, 20-meter high and more than 80-year old bell tower, facing towards the west (Christ‘s birthplace), with and a 1.5-meter high bell weighing 500kgs..

View towards the choir loft

The white-painted interior, with a striking use of white, yellow and brown tones from the varnished wood, features a ceiling made of a combination of iron, straw and lime.

Daytime view of the church

Church of Our Lady of the Rosary: P. Hàm Rồng, TT. Sa Pa, Sa Pa, Lào Cai 333100, Vietnam. Open daily, 6 AM to 8:30 PM. Admission is free.

How to Get There: from Tran Quy Cap station in Hanoi, tourists can take the train for the 8-hour trip to get to Lao Cai province. Choose the train with departures at 8-10 PM to get to Lao Cai Province at around 5-6 AM the next morning. From Lao Cai Train Station, take a bus or a taxi to Sapa. Tourists can also get to Sapa Stone Church via motorbike, private car or sleeper buses, which usually leave at 7 AM or 9 PM, for the 6-hour journey to the center of Sapa without any transshipment. The church is located approximately 1 kilometer from the town center.

Sapa Square (Sapa, Vietnam)

Posted on by — 3 Comments ↓

Our visit to the north of Vietnam was never complete without a visit to the cool highland town of Sapa.  From Hanoi, the capital city, it was a six-hour drive, via coach, to this highland destination and it was already evening when we arrived. We still had time to tour Sapa Square (Quang Truong Square), also called Love Square.  As it was evening, the weather outside was chilly.

Sapa Square with Hotel Sapa Square in the background

Too bad we arrived on a Thursday as we missed the Sapa Love Market, a cultural event and traditional gathering, held every Saturday night, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM, where young men and women from the geographically dispersed H’Mong and Dao meet, socialize, and find potential partners or lovers through music and dance to show their love and affection. 

The sunken square’s perimeter, reminiscent of the Sunken Garden of the University of the Philippines Diliman, features distinct, concrete tiered seating area akin to that of a classic amphitheater (and similar to the rice terraces surrounding the town) which is perfect for watching events.  Even in the evening, it was well illuminated, creating a charming spot for locals and tourists alike.

The square reflects Sapa’s French colonial past.  In front of the square is the impressive Church of the Holy Rosary, also called the Sapa Stone Church, designed by a French architect and one of three significant buildings in Sapa that remain intact from the period of French rule (the other two are what are now Hoang Lien Hotel and the main Sapa Tourism Information Centre). 

It is also one of the few remaining works to this day that still retains the original Roman Gothic architectural style which is boldly reflected in the pyramidal roof, bell tower, arches, and windows.

Check out “Church of the Holy Rosary” and “Sun Plaza Sapa”

Church of the Holy Rosary

Also around the square are the distinctive Sun Plaza Building (a stunning backdrop often used for photos), Sapa Convention Center and Hotel Sapa Square, all modern buildings built in the charming French Colonial style.  The square also serves as a general gathering place for locals and tourists, with activities like sports, concerts and performances. The Lantern Festival is also held there.

Sun Plaza Building

Sapa Square: D. Thach Son,Sapa, Lao Cai 31786 Vietnam.

A: Museum – Immersive Art Universe (Paranaque City, Metro Manila)

Posted on by — 2 Comments ↓

The interactive and engaging, 5,000-square meter A: Museum – Immersive Art Universe, the Philippines’ largest digital art museum, is a popular destination for families, friends, and dates.  It is a collaboration between the Philippine Amusement and Entertainment Corporation (PAEC), Ayala Malls, and South Korea’s APLAN Company. Established in 2021, PAEC, which curates and operates the museum, is regarded as the largest creator and operator of interactive and educational indoor attractions in the Philippines.

A: Museum – Immersive Art Universe

Beautiful and massive and designed to ignite curiosity and wonder, it features an immersive digital experience where Classical art comes to life through interactive installations and cutting-edge technology.  The exhibits here are designed to be visually stunning and are popular for capturing highly Instagrammable photos and sharing experiences. 

It also features immersive digital art installations including a ball pit and motion light and motion installations and digital versions and reproductions of classic art works of famous artists such as Vincent Van Gogh, Claude Monet, Wassily Kandinsky and Pablo Picasso, offering visitors a 2-hour, immersive experience where they have an active role in the experience, with interactive elements and a focus on creating memorable and photo-worthy moments. 

The author at Stellar Chamber

Here, we explored, in a series of mesmerizing spaces that blur the lines between time, space, and imagination, and carefully curated to celebrate the fusion of art and technology, timeless masterpieces that transcend generations and cultures, engaging with art in a way that is both unique and profound.  There are 12 immersive, multi-thematic digital art rooms. The moment we entered the dynamic and futuristic Teleport Gallery, a new world appeared as we are led through time and space, giving us a quick look at artistic movements, from ancient to contemporary, modern art, where past and present blend into a powerful experience of change.

Teleport Gallery

At the fascinating Portal of Lights, we marveled at an interplay of light and music. Here, a laser shows syncs perfectly with the music, creating vibrant shapes. The ball pool, like a portal leading to another dimension, is filled with a red glow, casting a mystical aura—where reality melts away and the extraordinary appears.

Portal of Lights

At the magical Art Reflow, we directly engaged with digital installations.  Here, paintings came alive with the touch of our single fingertip, with the masterpiece shifting fluidly, as if the paint is moving, constantly reshaping the artwork in a dynamic dance of creativity.

Infinite Blossoms, with light, color, and form coming together to create a dreamlike scene, was a magical experience where nature and art blend in perfect harmony. As the calming melody filled the air, elegance meets wonder as we were drawn into a world similar to Claude Monet’s Water Lilies (a series of about 250 Impressionist oil paintings of his water garden in Giverny, France, created during the last 31 years of his life), creating blooming masterpieces.

Color Sonata, an enchanting space where music and art come together in perfect harmony, we can play a piano to change or influence the colors and visuals of the digital artwork in real-time. When our fingers struck the piano keys, Russian painter Wassily Kandinsky’s paintings shifted before our eyes, with each chord and note breathing life into his work, crafting a magical, responsive experience where music and color merge seamlessly.

Infinite Blossoms

At the Cosmos Voyage section, we explored the infinite possibilities of art.  Here, we envisioned ourselves stepping inside and passing through a black hole, where not even light can’t escape, leaving behind the limits of time and space, and opening the door to a whole new dimension of art, discovering the infinite artistic possibilities.

Cosmic Voyage

At the timeless beauty of Eternal Touches, a lasting expression of art, light and shadow merged as we explored timeless works that have survived through ages. From classic brushstrokes to the bold energy of modern artists, their influence reaches across time and cultures, emerging to create a powerful, quiet moment.

At Drive Your Dream, an imaginative realm where dreams transform into reality, is a highlight of the museum’s immersive digital art. Experience.  Here, we unleashed our creativity on a blank digital canvas as we designed the car of our dreams. As soon as we pressed the scan button, our imaginative creation came to life on a large screen, becoming the heart of the captivating Village, thus creating lasting memories.

Drive Your Dream

At the Floor Canvas, projection mapping is blended with motion sensing technology as our footsteps rippled across digital water, transforming the walkway into a responsive canvas. At Cubist Portrait, another digital art installation, our portraits were fragmented and reassembled in a Cubist style digital image with the ability to interact with the different elements within it.

Floor Canvas

At Stream of Heaven, an advanced form of interactive storytelling, we “walked” on clouds in a digital heaven.  At the Stellar Chamber, we experienced the “weightless realm” though cutting-edge technology that creates multi-sensory experiences. Here, we entered a world of weightlessness where gravity disappears and the boundaries of time and space where blurred.

A: Museum was a mind-blowing, modern and interactive way to experience timeless classics, leaving us with unforgettable memories as we delved into an extraordinary world of artistic innovation.  This immersive media art exhibit revolutionizes art by merging the past, present, and future with cutting-edge technology, showcasing various art forms reimagined through modern technology and the boundless creativity of artists. Truly, a one-of-a-kind artistic experience that combined visual works, music, and interactive moments. More than just a venue—it’s an artistic odyssey through emotions and beauty.

A: Museum – Immersive Art Universe: 3rd Floor, Building B, Ayala Mall Manila Bay, Diosdado Macapagal Ave. cor. Aseana Ave., Paranaque City.  Mobile number: (0954) 987-4572.  E-mail: amuseumeternaltouch@gmail.com.  Open daily, 12 noon to 9 PM (last entry: 7 PM). Admission: Php899/pax.

Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Our Lady of Candles (Silang, Cavite)

Posted on by — Leave a reply

Church of Our Lady of Candles

This church, under the Diocese of Imus, is the oldest existing stone church in the province of Cavite, having been completed in 1639.  The church and school was first built in 1585 by Franciscan missionaries through forced labor but was destroyed by fire on August 30, 1603. That same year, the church was then rebuilt in wood by Jesuit friars, damaged by an earthquake and rebuilt in stone by Fr. Juan Salazar from 1637 to 1639 and was dedicated to the Nuestra Senora de Candelaria (Our Lady of Candles) in 1640.

During the July 1880 earthquake, the fourth storey of the belfry was destroyed and, during the Philippine Revolution, the church was used by the Guardia Civil (Civil Guards) until they were expelled by Gen. Vito Belarmino on from September 5-6, 1896. In 1937, the original wooden floor was replaced by red clay tiles. Due to a fire in 1950, the ceiling was replaced one meter away from the original location. In 1989, the bell tower restored to its original height. On February 3, 2017, the church and retablo of the Our Lady of Candelaria Parish was declared a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines and, on May 4, 2021, the church was elevated into a Diocesan Shrine.

National Historical Institute plaque (2008)

The church has a cruciform plan with lateral walls supported by buttresses. The two-storey convent, adjacent to the church, is located on the northeast.

AUTHOR’S COMMENTS:

The church’s simple,  two-level Baroque façade, without any elaborate and magnificent ornamentation, is divided, horizontally, by moldings.  It has a semicircular arched main entrance with large wooden doors at the first level, a semicircular arched niche, flanked by rectangular windows, with a statue of the patroness, and a triangular pediment with a centrally located rose window and topped by a cross. The massive pilasters at the ends are topped by urn-like finials. The four-storey belfry, connected to the main church, has a quadrilateral first floor while the rest of the floors are octagonal.

The church’s four-storey bell tower on the right

Inside are three ornate Baroque-style altars, with distinct, Rococo-influenced retablos with multi-level platforms – one main altar (retablo mayor) and two side altars (colaterales) in each side of the transepts which are mirror images of each other.  All are noted for the presence of local styles such as plants, fruits, flowers, volutes or circular designs and millipedes; and decorative motifs of foliage, angel heads, acanthus crenelations, cartouches and empty rectangles.

National Museum of the Philippines plaque

The altars, built from 1643 to 1663, were restored, through application of varnish, during the 1970s by Talleres de Maximo Vicente. In 1989, revarnishing, for preservation, was done. In 2002, the original pastel color of the retablo was restored by carefully removing layers of lacquer, modern varnish, paraffin and soot. In 2004, to complement the modern-day adobe wall-cladding, the golden pillars were restored to beige, with a hint of avocado green, and its rouge flowers to pink.   The ceiling height was also restored to its original location. During the 21st century restoration, a statue of St. Paul holding a sword, located at the right-most portion of the retablo, was stolen, never recovered and a replica was used to replace the original statue.

The churc’s interior

The two three-level side altars have fluted Ionic columns and Corinthian columns;  statues of angels, holding shields, on top of the altars;  and three niches, at the first and second levels, and a single niche at the third level. They contain reliefs except for the central niche of the second storey. One side altar is dedicated to women saints, saints in the New Testaments and martyrs, while the other is dedicated to the Jesuit saints.

The main altar and retablo

The three-level altar mayor, the largest and highest altar among the three altars, has six reliefs; seven alternating niches for saints; reliefs and same divisions like the side altars; and garlanded Corinthians and salomonicas, separating the retablo sections, instead of fluted Corinthian columns.

The left side altar

The six reliefs, depicting the story of Jesus in the life of Mary based on the Mysteries of the Holy Rosary are Ang Pagbisita (Visitation of the Angel Gabriel to Mary), Ang Panunulúyan (Re-enactment of the journey of St. Joseph and Mary in search for lodging in Bethlehem), Ang mga Mago (The Three Kings), Ang Presentasyon sa Templo (The Presentation of Jesus at the Temple), Ang Koronasyon (The Coronation of Mary) and, on the topmost level, a relief of the Sto, Niño de Ternate. At the central niche of the first level is the image of the Nuestra Señora de Candelaria (Our Lady of Candles), the patroness of Silang. Found in the mountains, the statue would always get lost.  When she was transferred, she was then called La Anuncieta. 

Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Our Lady of Candles: J.P. Rizal St., Poblacion, Silang, 4188 Cavite.  Tel: (046) 414-0352.  Feast of Our Lady of Candles: February 2.

How to Get There: Silang is located 63.3 kms. (a 1.5-hour drive) from Manila and 19.7 kms. (a 30-min. drive) from Trece Martires City.

Archdiocesan Shrine of Santo Niño (Tondo, Manila)

Posted on by — Leave a reply

Archdiocesan Shrine of Sto. Nino de Tondo

This church, also known as Santo Niño de Tondo Parish or Tondo Church, is under the jurisdiction of the Archdiocese of Manila.  The church is home to the second oldest Sto. Niño (which originally came from Acapulco, Mexico) in the Philippines, next to the Sto. Niño De Cebu (1521).

The Neo-Classical façade

It was first built around 1625, damaged during the November 30, 1645 Luzon earthquake, and destroyed in 1661 for fear that Koseng (Koxinga), a Chinese pirate from Hermosa Island (Formosa, now Taiwan) might use it as its headquarters.

Historical plaque installed by Philippines Historical Committee in 1939

It was rebuilt that same year and completed in 1695.  In 1734, its facade and two bell towers were rebuilt during the term of Father Diego Bergaño.  The church was damaged during the 1740 earthquake, rebuilt, for the third time, by Fr. Manuel Diez Gonzalez in 1741, heavily damaged during the June 3, 1863 earthquake, rebuilt for the third time by Father Manuel Diez Gonzalez and completed around 1874 by Father Casimiro Herrero (parish priest of Tondo from 1874 to 1880) who followed the plans of architect Luciano Oliver in 1873.

Historical plaque of Decree of Erection as a Archdiocesan Shrine

In 1893, an organ imported from the renowned Amezua Organeros of Barcelona, Spain and was installed. It had one main keyboard with 56 keys and a pédalier with 19 keys and four combinations. During the Japanese occupation of the Philippines, the church was used as a cuartel. In 1997, aside from major repairs, carillon bells were installed by Msgr. Emmanuel Sunga.

The shrines interior

Measuring 65 meters (213 feet) long, 22 meters (72 feet) wide and 17 meters (56 feet) high, this church has a majestic, adobe stone-faced and scantily ornamented Neo-Classical facade with a recessed main entrance, rectangular  Ionic  pilasters, semicircular arched open and blind windows, pedimented square blind windows and a triangular pediment with a centrally located clock at the tympanum and topped by a belfry tempietto.

The main altar and retablo

Massive buttresses support the discordant domes of the flanking bell towers and its bases have openings to the side aisles.    There are also blind arched openings that contrast with the rectangular voids and a triangular pediment. Its interiors is composed of a main central nave  flanked by two aisles that are linked by solid columns.

Archdiocesan Shrine of Santo Niño: 600 Lorenzo Chacon Street, Tondo, Manila. Tel: (632) 245-5412.  Fax: (632) 245-5417. Feast of the Holy Child: Third Sunday of January.

Diocesan Shrine and Parish of St. Joseph of Navotas (Navotas City, Metro Manila)

Posted on by — Leave a reply

Diocesan Shrine and Parish of St. Joseph of Navotas

This city’s church had its beginning as a temporary chapel started in November 1859 and finished the next year. In 1860, bell tower was added and the convent rebuilt by Fr. Matias Novoa (and continued by Fr. Julian Diez).

A stronger stone structure was started in January 1868 by Fr. Manuel Perez and finished by Fr. Guillermo Cuevas on October 23, 1877. The strong July 1880 earthquake destroyed the convent. In 1889, the present church was started by Fr. Mariano Rivas and continued and finished by Fr. Tomas Agudo from 1892 to August 1895.

Historical plaque installed by the National Historical Commission in 2021

The February 14, 1934 earthquake destroyed the sanctuary and ceiling of the church. During World War II, the church was used by the Japanese as their headquarters and as a prison.  From 1964 to March 1968, the church was renovated with two wings for side altars built.  The facade was plastered with white cement which concealed the richness of the original stone which was probably secured from Malabon quarries.

The church interior

On June 28, 2003, the church was placed under the jurisdiction of the Diocese of Caloocan and, on May 1, 2021, the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker, the church was declared as a Diocesan Shrine.

Main altar and retablo

The church has a simple, massive Neo-Classic facade with three main openings, two pairs of attached pilasters supporting a Greek pediment with a rose window and semicircular arched arcade.  Latticework (calado) above the main entrance allows light and ventilation inside the church.  On the upper part of the church facade is the inscription of the year “1892.”

Side altar

Inside are a main nave and two aisles.  On the upper panel of the main wooden floor are four bas-reliefs depicting Augustinian symbols.  On pedestals are the statues of St. Monica and St. Augustine.  The old retablo was removed during the 1964 to 1968 renovation and the main altar has been restored.

Choir loft

Diocesan Shrine and Parish of St. Joseph of Navotas: Mariano Naval St., Brgy. San Jose, 1485 Navotas City. Tel: (02) 8282-9126.  Feast of St. Joseph of Navotas: First Sunday of May.

How to Get There: Navotas City is located 14.3 kms. (a 35-min. drive) from Manila and 6.3 kms. (a 25-min. drive) from Malabon City.

Church of St. Bartholomew the Apostle (Malabon City, Metro Manila)

Posted on by — Leave a reply

Church of St. Bartholomew the Apostle)

This church, one of the most beautiful examples of Spanish ecclesiastical architecture in the country, was first built in 1621 by Fr. Diego de Robles and Fr. Francisco Valencia added the transept in 1835.  In 1854, Fr. Raymundo Cueto added the two lateral aisles and the barrel vault (media naranja) dome under the direction of Architects Viña and Urquiza.  The construction of the Parthenon-like facade and the two bell towers was supervised by Father Martin Ruiz and directed by Architect Luciano Oliver.

Historical plaque installed by the National Historical Commission in 2015

The church was heavily damaged during World War II and its facade was restored in 1951 by Filipino secular Fr. Trinidad.  In 1958, the dome, transept, main altar and bell tower were repaired by Father Reyes.  The church measures 70.14 m. (230.1 ft.) long, 20.05 m. (82.2 ft.) wide and has a central nave, two lateral aisles, a transept and a barrel vault dome topped by a campanile.

The entrance porch with imposing colonnade

Its Graeco-Roman temple facade has an entrance porch supported by an imposing colonnade with eight Ionic columns which, in turn, supports a protruding triangular pediment.    Above the main entrance (a Jubilee door decorated with wood carvings) is the inscribed Augustinian  symbol and the year “1861.”

The church interior

Two three-storey bell towers, with seven bells, flank the recessed front facade. One bell is dedicated to St. Rita of Cascia, another to St. Bartholomew the Apostle while another bell has the name of Fr. Guillermo Diaz, OSA (minister of Tambobong from 1881 to 1885) inscribed on it.

The numerous paintings, framed with gold leaf, lining the church ceiling 

The church ceiling is lined with numerous paintings framed with gold leaf. The sanctuary has a simple yet elegant retablo with an image of St. Bartholomew the Apostle above which is the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the tabernacle below, and the images of St. Augustine and St. Nicholas de Tolentine on both sides.

The main altar and retablo

Church of St. Bartholomew the Apostle: Rizal Ave. Extension, Brgy. San Agustin, Malabon City. Tel/Fax: (632) 281-1266.  Feast of St. Bartholomew the Apostle: August 24. Coordinates: 14°39′32″N 120°57′05″E.

How to Get There: Malabon City is located 10.1 kms. (a 25-min. drive) north of Manila, 6.3 kms. (a 20-min. drive) from Navotas City and 5.5 kms. (a 15-min. drive) from Valenzuela City.