Category Archives: SPECIAL TOPICS

Archdiocesan Shrine of Santo Niño (Tondo, Manila)

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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)

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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)

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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.

Cathedral Parish of St. Roch (Caloocan City, Metro Manila)

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Cathedral Parish of St. Roch

Commonly known as Caloocan Cathedral, it is the cathedral or seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Kalookan.  The cathedral, dedicated St. Roch (San Roque in the Philippines), started as a small visita (chapel-of-ease) initiated by Manuel Vaquero (assistant priest of Tondo, Manila) in 1765 in Libis Aromahan (Sitio de Espinas), one of the districts of Caloocan. In 1819, a new and bigger church was constructed by Vicente de San Francisco Xavier on its present site in Paltok, an elevated district in the town of Caloocan, and was finished in 1847 under Cipriano Garcia.

Historical plaque installed by the National Historical Commission in 2022

During the Philippine Revolution against the Spaniards, San Roque Church served as the meeting place of the Katipuneros coming from the west coast of Manila going to Balintawak. On February 10, 1899, during the Philippine–American War, the church was partly destroyed by US forces when Gen. Antonio Luna sought refuge at the church.

The main entrance

After its capture, the Americans used the whole area around the church as a field hospital. In 1900, American Gen. Arthur MacArthur, Jr. invaded Caloocan and San Roque Church was made caballeriza by the regiment of Col. Frederick Funston.

Entrance portico and driveway

In 1914, after the war, the church was reconstructed by the Confradia de Sagrado Corazon de Jesus under the administration of parish priest Fr.Victor Raymundo.

In 1934, Eusebio Carreon put black and white tiles along the aisles and, in 1947, Pedro Abad renovated the façade.  In 1962, Pedro Vicedo built additional wings on both sides of the church. In 1979, Fr. Boanerges “Ben” A. Lechuga renovated the church and, on November 30, 1981, it was blessed by Manila Cardinal Jaime Sin.

The new cathedral wing

In the Jubilee Year 2000, San Roque Church was declared one of the Jubilee Churches in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila.  After the new Diocese of Kalookan was created by Pope John Paul II on June 28, 2003, the church was elevated to a cathedral. On December 11, 2015, a relic from the bone of St. Roch, a gift from Pope Francis for the 200th anniversary of the parish, was brought out for public veneration in a vigil and deposited to the altar table during the dedication rite of the cathedral. On August 13, 2017, another bone relic of St. Roch was given to the cathedral from the Chapel of the Holy Relics in Cebu.

1899 photo of the church facade

AUTHOR’S NOTES:

The 1947 and 1979 renovations may have made a number of changes to church’s 1899 Baroque-style façade.   The first level still features statued niches and Tuscan and flat pilasters.  However, the entrance portico and flanking undulating walls and wings are new additions. The portico features Composite columns and is topped by a triangular pediment with a raking cornice topped by a balustrade.  The main entrance, formerly semicircular arched, now has a segmental arch.  

The second level, with its original massive flat pilasters, now features semicircular arched windows instead of rectangular ones.  The pediment still has its massive, central, two-level bell tower with semicircular blind and open windows.  The second level, with a balustrade, houses the bell. However, the tower is now topped by an empty niche and a cross.

The cathedral interior

Cathedral Parish of St. Roch: cor. of 10th Ave. and A. Mabini St., Poblacion, 1400 Caloocan City,  Tel: 8288-5252 and 8287-3693.  Feast of St. Roch: August 16.

How to Get There: Callocan City is located 27.7 kms. (a 50-mins. drive from Manila, 19.2 kms. (a 45-min. drive) from Malabon City and 10.5 kms. (a 35-min. drive) from Valenzuela City.

Sanctuario de Santo Cristo (San Juan City, Metro Manila)

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Sanctuario de Santo Cristo

This church, also known as the Church of San Juan del Monte, is an excellent example of Colonial church architecture.  The first church and convent, built from 1602 to 1604, was burned during the Chinese uprising in 1639.  The second adobe church and convent, built in 1641, was burned on July 1763 during the British Occupation of Manila.

The Earthquake Baroque façade

A massive stone church, built in 1774, was used by the Katipuneros in 1898 as a place of refuge.  It has since been renovated many times until the 1990s. The present church, designed by Architect Lorenzo del Castillo, retained the old Earthquake Baroque façade but a twin of the existing tower was built at the right side.

Plaque installed by the Historical Research and Markers Committee in 1937

Both towers, linked by two arches and surmounted by a shrine containing a cross, has one bell weighing 267 kgs. (589 lbs.) and the other 207 kgs. (456 lbs.).  Cast at the Quintana Factory in Saldaña, Palencia, Spain, one is named, following tradition, after the Santo Cristo and the other after Our Lady of the Rosary..

The convent with the two century-old acacia trees in front

Work on the façade began on October 10, 1977 with stones from the old convent used in the new parts of the façade. The niches of the façade were installed (on November 1990) with concrete statues of eight Dominican saints—Louis Bertrand, Antoninus of Florence, Albertus Magnus, Catherine of Siena, Saint Dominic, Thomas Aquinas, Rose of Lima (a patron saint of the Philippines) and Vincent Ferrer.

It has an attractively renovated interior.  The ceiling, designed by Architect Adolfo Benavides, was started on May 8, 1973 and finished by December 12 that same year.

Four concrete statues of Dominican saints in niches at the narthex

The 16 beautiful stained glass windows, designed by Cenon Rivera (former Dean of Fine Arts at the University of Santo Tomas) and made by Kraut Art and Co., depict the fourteen Stations of the Cross, Our Lady of the Rosary and the Dominican saints Thomas Aquinas, Albert the Great and Vincent Ferrer. Six smaller windows, later mounted in the apse, depict Saints Matthew and Luke; an allegory of the Sermon on the Mount; Saint Paul Preaching to the Gentiles; and Saints Mark and John.

The beautiful church interior featuring a ceiling designed by Arch. Adolfo Benavides, and stained-glass windows designed by Cenon Rivera

The sanctuary and exedra, featuring a mosaic of the Resurrection executed by Ireneo Robles, a young artist from the University of Santo Tomas, was started on February 6, 1974 and finished on April 6 that same year.

The exedra featuring a mosaic of the Resurrection executed by Ireneo Robles

The church, under the jurisdiction of the Archdiocese of Manila, is the seat of the Confraternity of Santisimo Cristo de San Juan del Monte, approved by Pope Innocent X on March 4, 1648.  On April 24, 2016, two century-old acacia trees beside the church were declared as heritage trees by DENR NCR.

 

Sanctuario de Santo Cristo: 183 F. Blumentritt cor. of A. Bonifacio St., 1500 San Juan City.  Tel: (02) 8724-5466 to 69. Feast of the Santo Cristo: May 3.  Feast of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary: October 6.  Coordinates:14°35′54″N 121°01′50″E.

How to Get There: San Juan City is located 7.1 kms. (a 20-min.drive) from Manila and 7.8 kms. (a 25-min.drive) from Pasig City.

Diocesan Shrine of St. Martha and Parish of St. Roch (Pateros, Metro Manila)

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Diocesan Shrine of St. Martha and Parish of St. Roch

Starting as a temporary chapel made of light materials; the town’s present stone church was started in 1815 by Fathers Andres Vehil (or Veil) and Manuel Pelaes following the plans drawn by Father Santos Gomez Marañon. In 1821, Father Raymundo Martinez built the bell tower.

Historical plaque installed by National Historical Commission in 2015

It was damaged during the June 3, 1863 earthquake where the roof sank, the walls cracked and the bell tower crumbled from the dome down to the second level.  The church was repaired in 1892 by Father Nicolas Gonzalez and its restoration was completed by Father Tomas Espejo in 1893.

Historical plaque installed by National Museum of the Philippines in 2017

On March 14, 1899, during the Battle of Pateros, the church was destroyed for the second time.   During World War II, the church served as a prison and, in December 1944, Japanese soldiers killed many civilians inside the church.

The church interior

On August 21, 2003, the church was placed under the jurisdiction of the newly-established Diocese of Pasig and, on February 7, 2009, the church was declared as a Diocesan Shrine.  In 2014, the original Spanish-style altar was replaced. On September 28, 2017, the church was declared as an Important Cultural Property by the National Museum of the Philippines.

The main altar and retablo

The church’s plain, Baroque-style facade has a protruding portico, centrally located coupled columns, single columns at the sides (ending in finials), a triangular pediment, a center window with balustrade at the second level and segmental and semicircular arched openings.  On its right is a four-storey bell tower.  The masonry convent, now a school, was where General Emilio Aguinaldo spent the night (January 1-2, 1897) as a guest of Father Tomas Espejo.

The four-storey bell tower

Diocesan Shrine of St. Martha and Parish of St. Roch: B. Morcilla Street, Barangay San Roque, 1620 Pateros.  Tel: 8642-8219.  Feast of St. Martha of Bethany: Second Sunday of February. Feast of St. Roch: August 16.

How to Get There: Pateros is located 19.5 kilometers (a 45-minute drive) from Manila and 3.8 kilometers (a 15-minute drive) from Pasig City.

Casa de Segunda (Lipa City, Batangas)

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Casa de Segunda

After lunch at Liam’s Lomi House, we still had time to kill before checking in at The Zen Villas Resort so we decided to visit Casa de Segunda which was just a 1.7 km. (10-min.) drive away.

Also known as Luz–Katigbak House, the well-preserved Casa de Segunda is a heritage house built in the 1880s and owned by Don Manuel Mitra de San Miguel-Luz and Doña Segunda Solis Katigbak, Dr. José Rizal’s first love.

The quatrefoil-shaped, brick fountain

In 1956, the house was repaired by Paz Luz-Dimayuga who  serves as one of the caretakers of the house museum and, in 1996, after the house and its surrounding compound was renovated, was declared as a national Heritage House by the National Historic Institute.

Our guide discussing the history of the house at the zaguan

The present heiresses, the great-granddaughters of Doña Segunda Katigbak-Luz, maintain and manage the house, as well as Ms. Lilith Malabanan (great great grandchild of Segunda), who lives near Casa de Segunda.  At present, the house was converted into a museum.

Portrait of the young Segunda Katigbak

We entered the house through a nondescript entrance gate (designed by Lucila “Luchi” Reyes-Resurreccion during the 1996 renovation) and into an inner courtyard, with weathered red tiles, whose focal point is a quatrefoil-shaped, brick fountain, fishpond, and an orchard.

Portraits of Segunda’s parents and photos of the families of Luz-Katigbak heirs

Upon entry, we were met by a caretaker who lives at the adjoining replica of a 19th-century house, which was occupied by one of the Luz–Katigbak heirs.

The zaguan

She acted as our guide around the house which we entered via the zaguan (entrance), the storage area for agricultural harvests and the family’s carroza (processional carriage) for the revered santo and, now, the receiving area for the visitors of the museum.

The comedor (dining area)

Its floor is paved with black-and-white machuca tiles which were partially damaged during the bombing of Lipa during the World War II.  It featured information materials, cultural artifacts and a copy of a portrait of Segunda as well as the portrait of her parents and photographs of the families of the Luz–Katigbak heirs.

The entresuelo (servant’s quarters) which also served as an office

According to her, the Luz–Katigbak House was one of the houses built by Don Norberto Calao Katigbak, a gobernadorcillo, from 1862 to 1863, who was known to own big parcels of land in Batangas.

Ascending the hagdan (grand staircase) to the piso principal (main floor)

The Katigbaks were one of the richest families in the province. Part of their wealth was attributed to the coffee industry, being one of the major business ventures in the past. Norberto was married to Doña Justa Mitra de San Miguel-Solis and their daughter was Doña Segunda Solis Katigbak (1863-1943).

The sala mayor (living area)

Our National Hero José Rizal was captivated by the 14-year old, charming and graceful Segunda whom he met through his sister, Olimpia who was one of her classmates at Colegio de la Immaculada Concepcion de la Concordia in Santa Ana, Manila.

Antique piano and violin

Don Mariano Solis-Katigbak, Segunda’s older brother, also was a close friend and classmate of Rizal at Ateneo Municipal. However, as Segunda was already betrothed to her uncle Don Manuel Mitra de San Miguel-Luz (1858-1942) from a wealthy family in Lipa, Batangas), Rizal never proposed.

Full length Venetian mirror

Eventually, Don Manuel and the 16-year old Doña Segunda got married, on January 12, 1879, and had 14 children, 9 of whom survived to mature age.

A pair of butakas (birthing chairs)

Known in the province as a family of scholars, political leaders, professionals and artists, one of its descendants of the Luz–Katigbaks is Arturo R. Luz, a National Artist for Visual Arts.

Painting of San Sebastian Cathedral

This house was originally built on a square plan, with an azotea (terrace) extending it into an L-shaped plan.  The adobe wall, at the ground floor, was plastered with lime mortar.

Manual sewing machine

The house was also one of the set locations for Pulang Lupa, a 2024 Philippine drama series starring Barbie Forteza, Sanya Lopez, David Licauco and Alden Richards.

Oratorio (prayer area)

From the zaguan, we moved on to the comedor (dining area), below the azotea, which has a pleasant view of the inner courtyard.  We also entered the entresuelo, meant to be the servants’ quarters but sometimes used as an office.

The master bedroom with narra 4-poster bed and two butakas

We then went up the hagdan (grand staircase) leading up to the sala mayor (living room), at the piso principal (main floor), whose flooring were made out of mid-sized narra planks, of deep warm color. It is furnished with 19th century furniture (including a large, chic Venetian mirror), valuable heirloom pieces, paintings and antique portraits.

Vanity table with full length mirror

The three sides of the room were surrounded by wood and capiz sliding windows, which protect the room from rain water without blocking the sunlight, and persiana panels which serves as the second layer of the windows, providing ample protection from sunlight.

The children’s bedroom

Below the pasamano  (window sills) are ventanillas with balusters, which draw up the prevailing breeze inside the house. The transom (upper part of the window) was protected by wood and capiz panels, in a diagonal pattern, which maintain soft lighting in the house.

The azotea (terrace)

On both sides of the staircase are the cuartos (bedrooms) while behind it is an impressive oratorio (prayer area) featuring a magnificent, locally-made Batangas uno mesa altar with statues of saints displayed on top. Two antique frames encase Segunda’s novena and prayer pamphlets.

A retablo ((altarpiece)

The master bedroom is furnished with a carved, 4-poster narra bed, accentuated with crocheted bed fineries, lace curtains, an aparador (wardrobe) and a vanity table with a full-length mirror.  We finally visited the azotea, whose open portions are protected by restored balusters and, from there, went down a staircase, to the inner courtyard.

L-R: Reden Espinosa,  Beth Espinosa,  Grace, Jandy and the author

Casa de Segunda: 96 Rizal Street, 4217 Lipa City, Batangas.  Tel: (043) 784 1952. Mobile number: (0977) 425-7598. Admission: Php100 (Php75 for seniors and PWD). Open daily, 8 AM to 5 PM.

Nascent Textile Fiber Innovation Hub (Benito Soliven, Isabela)

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Lampshades made with banana paper

On our third day in Isabela, we took a break from the Bamabanti Festival activities, travelling 30.2 kms (a 1-hour drive), to visit the municipality of Benito Soliven, a leader in the use of banana fiber for sustainable textile innovation. Here, the Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) made waves in sustainable textile innovation with a groundbreaking initiative called FRONTIER or Fostering the Revitalization of Nascent Textile Fiber Innovation Hub (NTFIH).

Benito Soliven Municipal Hall

This General Appropriations Act (GAA)-funded project established, while working with the local government, a Natural Textile Fiber Innovation Hub (NTFIH) in the municipality, with banana fiber at the forefront of its efforts. Around 1,209 hectares in the town are planted with lakatan (Musa acuminata), damilig and saging ng unggoy (saba ti sunggu in Ilocano).

Banana stems being peeled

For the entire Region II, the municipality has been chosen as the pioneer recipient for banana fiber, marking a historic milestone for the local community and the region’s agricultural and textile industries.  The NTFIH aims to utilize the abundant natural resources of the municipality, particularly banana fiber, to drive sustainable economic growth, empower communities, and revolutionize the textile industry.

Banana fiber extraction

The peeled banana stems

Arriving at the municipal hall, we were first served a merienda of kakanin and coffee.  Afterwards, we walked a short distance to NTFIH hub where we were welcomed by Ms. Rodelyn Grace V. Lungan, municipal administrator of the town.  Here, we were shown how banana stalks, which are considered as agricultural waste (after the fruits are harvested), are made into banana paper, twine and yarn.

Banana fibers grounded to look like saw dust

First, the piths of collected banana stems (which contain more than 4% fiber which can be used to manufacture banana paper) are peeled and then fed into a splitting machine and then pressed into fibers. The fibers are then grounded until they appear similar to saw dust.

Banana fibers being dried

Dried banana fibers

Then, the fiber is washed to remove natural resins (which would decrease the strength and durability as well as take away from the integrity of the paper) to create agricultural fiber. The process of pulping produces pulp to be used to create post-consumer fiber (processed fiber) which is then combined with the stronger agricultural fiber.

Banana paper making

 

Lastly, the mixed fibers are molded together by a deckle (a tool used for handmade processes of molding fibers) to make banana paper.

Banana paper

The inner bark of the banana plant can also be used to make rope.  The extracted fibers, whose high tensile strength makes them ideal for heavy-duty tasks, are processed and spun into threads by a rope making machine.

Banana fiber being twined

The center also has a display area for finished products such as lampshades made with twine and banana paper.

Lampshades made with twine

Deer ornament made with banana twine

Municipal Hall: District 2, Benito Soliven, Isabela. Mobile number: (0935) 108-9999.  E-mail: lgubensol@yahoo.com. Website: www.benitosoliven-isabela.gov.ph.

Persada Johor International Convention Centre (Johor Bahru, Malaysia)

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The 23,003 sq. m., US$13 million Persada Johor International Convention Centre (Malay: Pusat Konvensyen Antarabangsa Persada Johor), site of the ASEAN Tourism Forum (January 15-20), is located within the 2.6679-ha. (6.592-acre) Persada Johor Convention Centre Complex.  Developed and owned by Johor Corporation Bhd (the investment arm of the Johor State Government), this prestigious convention center venue is where both international and local events are held.

Persada Johor International Convention Center

Situated in the very heart of Johor Bahru, the capital of Johor, the site on which it stands was the former Johor Military Force (JMF) camp, and it was also the site of early remnants of Johor Bahru city. Poetically, the Malay word persada means “a raised stage or building” or “a place which has steps for a royal member to sit and conduct official matters.”

Convention center lobby

The huge and well-planned Persada Johor International Convention Centre can accommodate 3,500 delegates theater-style of 2,160 people banquet-style.  With 16 function rooms and 758 carpark spaces, it was adopted to reflect historical elements of Johor as well as modern features with dominant qualities such as strength, integrity and functionality.  Its architecture, acknowledging Johor’s rich cultural heritage, features an exterior embellished with “Khat” Islamic writings.  Its unique roof is shaped after the Johor Sultanate state ruler’s official hat, a symbol of creativity, practicality and nobility.

The preferred Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (M.I.C.E) destination in Southern Malaysia, this state-of-the-art, huge and well-planned facility, inaugurated last October 2006, is also the first convention center in Malaysia to be a member of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC).

The convention complex, comprising two main levels and two intermediate floors, consists of convention halls, 10 meeting rooms of different sizes, a 2,016 sq. m. exhibition hall, a 90-seat auditorium and restaurant. The upper level houses the Convention Halls while at the lower level are the Exhibition Halls.

The author at the exhibition hall

The 3,078 sq. m. main Convention Hall, with its highly modular floor layout, can easily be converted into three smaller fully soundproofed convention halls – the 1,058 sq. m. Hall 301 (maximum capacity: 1,000 pax); the 902 sq. m. Hall 302 (maximum capacity: 900 pax); and the 903 sq.m. Hall 303 (maximum capacity: 900 pax). All the convention hall capacities stated are in theatre-style but fully convertible to reception, classroom and banquet arrangements.

The convention hall

The Exhibition Hall, which can be used for exhibitions, conventions, banquets, concerts, trade shows and sporting events, comprises two separate halls that can be combined to offer a total floor space of 3,070 sq. m. (33,051 sq. ft.).  The 1,931 sq. m. Exhibition Hall 101 can accommodate 100 booths of 3 m. x 3 m. stands with a ceiling height of 9 m., while the 1,140 sq. m. Exhibition Hall 102 can accommodate 50 booths with a limited ceiling height of 4.5 m.

Level 4 (Gallery Level) has one meeting room and an auditorium (401) with a non-flexible seating capacity of 84 persons. Level 3 (Convention Hall Level) has three meeting rooms (the 60-pax Room 304 and 305 and the 120-pac Room 306). All Meeting Room capacities stated are in theatre-style arrangement but fully convertible to reception, classroom and banquet arrangements.

Media briefing at an auditorium

The all-day dining Selesih Restaurant serves a range of upmarket, deliciously authentic Malay, Johorean and international cuisine, either from the a la carte menu or its tantalizing buffets.  Open daily from 7 AM to 10.30 PM.  Outside are a selection of mobile restaurants that serves fresh, hot and chilled food, as well as snack items and hot drinks. A bridge links the convention center with the nearby, 5-star Petri Pacific Hotel.

Persada Johor International Convention Centre: Jalan Abdullah Ibrahim, P.O. Box 293, 80730 Johor Bahru, Johor.  Tel: 07 219 8888 (general line).  Fax: 60 7-219-8889. E-mail: admin@persadajohor.com (general email).  Website: www.persadajohor.com.   Coordinates: 1.461833°N 103.761583°E.

How to Get There: The convention center is accessible by Muafakat Bus route P-101.

Church of St. Charles Borromeo (Mahatao, Batanes)

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Church of St. Charles Borromeo

From Maydangeb White Beach, we traveled the remaining 2.4 kms. (a 5-min. drive), to Mahatao town proper, making a stopover at the town’s Spanish-era Church of St. Charles Borromeo.

Check out “Maydangeb White Beach”

The church complex

The first church, made with light material and completed by Dominican friars in 1789, was destroyed by a strong typhoon in 1872 and the present structure was rebuilt, with stone and lime, in 1873 by Father Crescencio Polo, OP (who also remodeled the stone and mortar convent attached to the church).

Plaque installed by National Historical Institute in 2008

On September 19, 1898, during the Philippine Revolution, the flag of the Katipunan was raised in the campanille and the church was ransacked (the original gold Episcopal crosier of the image of San Carlos as well as the gold jewelry pieces of the Lady of the Rosary and the Santo Niño were stolen).

Plaque installed by National Commission for Culture and the Arts in June 2005

In the 20th century, the cogon roof was replaced with galvanized iron and, sometime in 1990, the choir was removed.  On July 31, 2001, the church was declared as a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines.

The church’s interior

It has an espadaña-style façade similar to Basco Cathedral and the Church of St. Vincent Ferrer in Sabtang, with two round arches at roof levels for the bells (one of which is dated 1874).  The outer walls have uneven wall thicknesses due to the addition of massive step buttresses that serve as stairways for servicing its then cogon-covered roof.

Check out “Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception” and “Church of St. Vincent Ferrer”

The main altar

The church’s Baroque style interiors showcases floral designs with sunburst ornaments painted in polychrome and gilt, lending a golden glow among the statuary. On the center of the main retablo is the statue of St. Charles Borromeo (the patron saint) surrounded by statues of St. Joseph, St. Dominic de Guzman and St. Rose of Lima.

Right side altar housing statue of Our Lady of the Rosary

Two side altars house the statue of the Our Lady of the Rosary, on the right, and of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on the left.

Left side altar housing statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

The second floor of the church convent, on the right side of the façade, is not the typical volada (cantilevered gallery) for convents in the Philippines but an open extended deck. At the back of the convent are remains of an old circular well.

The church’s convent

Within the church’s courtyard is a stone structure that once housed the beatario.  Elsewhere in the courtyard and the elementary school are Spanish-era stone lampposts said to have been used as guiding lights to guide fishermen and early mariners safely to the anchorage just beyond the town’s seaport.

One of two Spanish-era stone lampposts

Church of St. Charles Borromeo: National Road, Brgy. Uvoy (Poblacion), Mahatao, 3901 Batanes. Mobile number: (0921) 766-2282. Feast of St. Charles Borromeo:  November 4.

How to Get There: Mahatao is located 13.4 kms. (a 30-min. drive) south of Basco.

Provincial Heritage and Tourism Office (PHTO): Mobile number: (0929) 230-5934. Website: www.breathtakingbatanes.com.