Category Archives: COUNTRIES

Cau May Walking Street (Sapa, Vietnam)

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Cau May Walking Street

After our tour of Sapa Square and the Church of the Holy Rosary, we all proceeded to walk along the historic Cau May Walking Street, to reach Bora Hotel where we were to stay overnight.  Also known as Western Street, it is nestled in the grandeur of the Northwest mountains. 

Check out “Sapa Square“ and “Church of the Holy Rosary”

This popular and vibrant, though relatively small pedestrian-only street, in foggy Sapa town, is known for its lively atmosphere and local street food, with numerous modern restaurants, bars, cafes and 3 to 5-star hotels, and is a cultural hub where locals and tourists can interact, stroll, explore the bustling night market, sample local street food, and relax at a bar. 

Food stall and restaurant

It was built in 1905, during the French colonial era as a retreat for French officials and Vietnamese locals alike, and serves as a convenient point to access other tourist spots in Sapa. At night, the street comes alive with colorful displays and many shops and stalls selling local street food and traditional handmade crafts.  

Sapa’s nightlife is often described as a blend of liveliness and an atmosphere that remains more tranquil than in large cities. Visitors can enjoy a variety of delicious and high-quality local Northern Highland specialties, ranging from humble to upscale culinary experiences.

They include dishes like sour salmon hotpot, Sapa green vegetable stir-fry, grilled deer with lemongrass, local pork, honey-glazed grilled duck, hotpot with gang hot sauce, butter lemon sauce fish, Sapa mushroom and lotus seed braised chicken, thang co (a famous horse meat soup), thit trau gac bep (dried buffalo meat), xoi ngu sac (five-color sticky rice), grilled skewers (lamb and bird) and bamboo-cooked rice as well as more modern dining options.

Cau May Walking Street in daytime

The street has a unique ambiance that harmoniously combines the allure of vintage and classic Western charm of the past century, with a touch of modernity, the captivating culture of local ethnic minorities, such as the H’mong and Tay. The street occasionally hosts cultural events and festivals that showcase the region’s heritage. 

Bora Hotel

Cau May Walking Street: 19 Cau May Street, Sapa Town, Lao Cai Province.

Church of the Holy Rosary (Sapa, Vietnam)

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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)

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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.

Hoan Kiem Lake (Hanoi, Vietnam)

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Hoan Kiem Lake

From Hanoi Train Street, a short 2-km. (10-min.) drive brought us to the 11.551-hectare (1,243,350 sq. ft.) Hoàn Kiếm Lake (Vietnamese: Hồ Hoàn Kiếm), a fresh water lake in the heart of Hanoi that is a popular cultural and historical landmark for both locals and tourists.  In the past, the lake was variously named as “Lục Thủy Lake” (Vietnamese: Hồ Lục Thủy, meaning “Green Water Lake,” aptly named for the water’s color), “Thủy Quân Lake” (Vietnamese: Hồ Thủy Quân, meaning “Mariner’s Lake”), Chữ Hán (meaning “Lake of the Returned Sword” or “Lake of the Restored Sword”), Sword Lake (Hồ Gươm) or Tả Vọng Lake (Hồ Tả Vọng, its first name). 

Check out “Hanoi Train Street”

L-R: Grace, Jandy and the author

The area, one of the major scenic spots in the city and a focal point for its public life, is a powerful symbol of Vietnamese independence and resilience. Connected to the city’s Old Quarter, it is surrounded by several major streets (including Dinh Tien Hoang, Le Thai To, and Hang Khay), walking paths, flower gardens and age-old trees, making it an ideal place for a morning jog, a leisurely stroll, Tai Chi sessions, or simply unwinding while enjoying the scenic view, reflecting the harmonious balance between urban life and nature.  In 1891, the French built a road around Hoan Kiem Lake and, on New Year’s Eve 1893, it was officially inaugurated.

L-R: Lorraine, Jandy and Lourdes

During weekends, the area around the lake becomes a pedestrian-only zone, coming alive with street performances, cultural showcases, and local delicacies, offering a vibrant energy and experience for travelers.  It has a maximum length of 700 m. (2,300 ft.), a maximum width of 250 m. (820 ft.), an average depth of 1.2 m. (3.9 ft.) and a maximum depth of 2 m. (6.6 ft.).

The lake’s name comes from a legend which is deeply intertwined with Vietnam’s history and folklore.

During the 15th-century, Emperor Lê Lợi, while boating on the lake, was given Heaven’s Will, a magical sword, by the Dragon King (Long Vương) , a local god,  to defeat the Ming Dynasty of China. After his victory, the Golden Turtle God (Kim Qui) surfaced to reclaim the sword and return it to its divine realm, and the king renamed the lake to commemorate the event. 

Turtle Tower (Tháp Rùa)

The iconic Turtle Tower (Tháp Rùa), a small tower standing on a small island near the center of the lake, is linked to the legend. For many years, large soft-shell turtles (either the species Rafetus swinhoei or a separate species named Rafetus leloi in honor of the emperor), have been sighted in the lake but the last known individual was found dead on January 19, 2016. There are three remaining turtles of the species Rafetus swinhoei.

Jade Islet, near the northern shore of the lake, is home to the Temple of the Jade Mountain (Ngoc Son Temple).  Built in the early 19th century, the temple, originally dedicated to “Three Sages” Wenchang Dijun, Guan Yu and Lü Dongbin, also honors Trần Hưng Đạo, a 13th-century military leader  and national hero who distinguished himself in defeating the Mongol invasions of Vietnam thrice; the classic scholar Văn Xương; Taoist master La To and Nguyễn Văn Siêu, a famous writer and official who undertook repairs of the temple in 1864.

Its architecture is a blend of traditional Vietnamese styles, with intricate wooden carvings, red-lacquered pillars, and delicate dragon motifs, while inside, visitors can observe ancient artifacts, calligraphy, and a preserved specimen of the sacred turtle believed to be linked to the legend of the lake.  Buildings of the temple, all with symbolic meaning, include the Tháp Bút (“The Pen Tower,” it is inscribed with the words “Ta Thanh Thien,” which means “Writing on the Blue Sky”, symbolizing the importance of literature and education in Vietnamese culture), the Đài Nghiên (ink-slab), the Đắc Nguyệt (“moon contemplation pavilion”) and the Đình Trấn Ba (pavilion against waves). 

Jade Island is accessed, from the shore, by the wooden Thê Húc Bridge (Cầu Thê Húc).  Painted vermillion red, the bridge’s name is poetically translated as “Perch of the Morning Sunlight.” One of the most photographed spots in Hanoi, it stands out against the emerald-green waters of Hoan Kiem Lake.

Thê Húc Bridge

On the western bank of Hoan Kiem Lake, along Le Thai To Street, is the “Ly Thai To Monument” with its statue honoring King Ly Thai To (974–1028), the first emperor of the Ly dynasty, who reigned from 1009 to 1028 AD.  He is best known for moving the capital to Hanoi (then called Thang Long), in 1010 AD, and for leading the resistance against the Ming army in the 15th century.

Ly Thai To Monument

Hoan Kiem Lake: Hàng Khay Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam. Coordinates: 21°01′44″N 105°51′09″E.

How to Get There: The lake is conveniently located near the Old Quarter and is easily accessible. 

Hanoi Train Street (Vietnam)

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Hanoi Train Street

Upon our arrival in Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport, we met up with our Vietnamese guide from Hava Travel and boarded our coach for our city tour.  Our first destination was Hanoi Train Street, a 25.2-km. (45-min.) drive away.  This captivating blend of old-world charm and vibrant modern life winds its way through several bustling streets, including Phung Hung, Dien Bien Phu, and Le Duan. Here, we were to experience something unique many visitors enjoy – the thrill and excitement of sipping coffee while watching trains pass just inches away.

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

This narrow train bypass in Hanoi was built in 1902, during the French colonial era, when the French established the railway system to connect Hanoi with other parts of Vietnam.  As of 2025, it is still an active rail line.  It sees, several times daily, a train pass close to buildings on either side of the single train track line.  It runs north from south, to Hanoi railway station whose width takes up nearly the entirety of the famous Hanoi Train Street which refers to the narrow railway tracks running through residential neighborhoods, along Tran Phu and Phung Hung streets, in the Old Quarter.

When trains approach, local residents living alongside the tracks clear their belongings from the narrow space. During other times, they often use the space for daily activities like drinking tea and playing board games. The street developed into a tourist destination and, along the narrow alley, tourists would often stop and take pictures to post on social media. In recent years, safety concerns have increased as tourism has grown.

One of the cozy cafes lining the tracks

The street attracted widespread recognition and, eventually, became a tourist attraction. In October 2019, citing safety concerns, Vietnamese government directed businesses along the train track to close and implemented barriers and police presence to restrict tourist access to the street. This prompted thousands of complaints on social media and negatively affected local tourist businesses. In early 2023, the train street has reopened for tourists. 

Since it became popular with world tourists, Hanoi Train Street has seen a growth in local businesses and, as the number of visitors increased, many residents around the area turned their colorful homes into small, cozy cafes (Cafe Đường Tàu, Cafe Ga Đông Hương, etc.) and small businesses selling drinks, food and a range of traditional handmade local handicrafts (railway paintings, conical hats, embroidered wallets, ceramic teapots, etc.). Along the streets near the railway, numerous souvenir shops also line both sides of the road.

A reminder of the dangers on the track…..

Upon arrival, we approached the train tracks crossing Dien Bien Phu Street and the crowds were beginning to gather.  As we walked along Train Street, we caught the rich aroma of coffee and the enticing scents of traditional beef pho and fragrant grilled meat from roadside stalls.

We all sat down at outdoor seating areas closer to the wall at one of the local cafes, its façade adorned with colorful hanging lanterns and flags.  Along the alley are vibrant murals, in bright, vivid colors, that beautifully depict scenes from the past, such as Hanoi trams (which ran from 1901 to 1991), bustling streets, street vendors, festivals, and old houses that capture the everyday life of Hanoians.

The train arrives….

While waiting for the train to arrive, we ordered aromatic and creamy egg coffee (Cà Phê Trứng), a rich, creamy and decadent Vietnamese drink featuring a sweet, airy foam of whisked egg yolk, sugar, and condensed milk and served atop strong, dark coffee, often brewed with a traditional phin filter. Prices typically range from 25,000 to 60,000 VND (USD 1 – USD 3).

While sipping our strong Vietnamese coffee from our front-row seat, street vendors, residents, and children were playing near the tracks. Soon, we heard the blaring of the train horn and the locals quickly pulled in tables and chairs just in time as, seconds later, a train barreled past us.

Egg Coffee

It was an exhilarating experience, as the rumbling train sped by, just inches away from us.  Watching the train race through Hanoi Train Street was a thrilling spectacle.  Truly, Hanoi Train Street was a place where the soul of Hanoi thrives, framed by the hum of trains and the warmth of local life.

Hanoi Train Street: P. Trần Phú, Hàng Bông, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam. Usually, there are over 7 trains passing by, from 7AM to 11PM. There is no entrance fee to visit Hanoi Train Street. Popular viewing times are around 3 to 3:30 PM and 7 to 7:30 PM. Local cafes, on both sides, indicate the train timetable. You could also request train passing by time from cafe in advance.  The stretch through Phung Hung Street is, undoubtedly, the most vibrant, drawing visitors with its lively atmosphere and the thrilling spectacle. You can also watch along the alley of 224 Lê Duẩn street, specifically, along Điện Biên Phủ and Phùng Hưng streets, Alley 5 on Tran Phu Street and the main Hanoi Railway Station.

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

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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.

MindSpark Museum (Paranaque City, Metro Manila)

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MindSpark Museum

The 9,000 square meter, immersive Mindspark Museum, opened last August 12, 2025 (with Education Secretary Sonny Angara as main guest), is a fun facility much like “Disneyland,” but for science geeks.  The country’s newest and largest interactive science exploratory museum, this “playground for the mind” was developed, curated and operated by the Philippine Amusement and Entertainment Corporation (PAEC).

Physics

Established in 2021, PAEC is regarded as the largest creator and operator of interactive and educational indoor attractions in the Philippines.

Kaleidoscope

The museum, aiming to serve as an “extension” of classrooms and provide a “simulated environment” for learners of all levels, features 100 interactive, STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics)-themed exhibits and 33 interactive science exploration-packed rooms and hands-on learning zones, for students out for some off-campus discoveries and adults with fond memories of frog dissections and other classroom experiments. 

Plants
Crustaceans and Cephalopods

Perfect for all ages to launch into scientific discovery, every corner of the museum was designed to spark curiosity, creativity and discovery. 

Human Anatomy
Rocks

Here, we immersed ourselves, up close, in the life cycle of insects, and step and peeked inside a working hospital laboratory, with real-world science, to witness real lab experiments.

Animals

We also walked inside a giant model of a human heart, lungs and intestine (bringing biology lessons to life); got up close with the secrets of large-scale animal anatomy and animated insect life cycle displays, learned how electricity and AI (artificial intelligence)-powered robotics work (including a replica of Optimus, a creation of the Elon Musk company Tesla) through fun hands-on exhibits; and experienced amazing optical illusions that challenged our senses. 

Optical Illusion
Laboratory

Other areas cover physics, chemistry, interactive bubble science experiments (where you can make and burst bubbles inside bubbles), the mysteries of outer space, fire safety, engineering design and gemology (where you can marvel, touch and examine real, shimmering gems, minerals and ancient stones).

Butterflies and Moths
Gemology

They offer tour programs for schools and other organizations.  Truly a unique blend of education and entertainment.

Artificial Intelligence
3D Printing

MindSpark Museum: 5th Floor, Building A, Ayala Mall Manila Bay, Diosdado Macapagal Ave. cor. Aseana Ave., Paranaque City.  Mobile number: (0915) 009-1031.  E-mail: mindsparkph@amusements,global.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)

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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)

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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.