Happy 3rd Anniversary

Year number three my jps-travelogue. Can you believe it?! Wow! how fast days has flown by.

As I sit down to write my blog entry, I find myself taking a moment to pause and evaluate my blog, as well as consider the future.This blog began on September 5th, 2011.Shortly thereafter, I failed updating my blog on daily basis,for some reason – perhaps because I was just sick and tired and dont have time available.

Today’s post will be short, sweet, and thankful to some people who support me, this Friday, September 05, will be my blog’s 3rd year anniversary.  

Since the beginning, I have posted travel related entries , occasional non-travel related entries and some family related posts.

A lot can happen in one year. Sure, you can plan for somethings but, others unfold in a remarkable way.Three years ago, I decided to embark on this journey. It’s been one with ups and downs with life lessons I never realized I will learn. 

I have to celebrate each and every small goal that I accomplish. So, I celebrate today. This blog is three years old.I celebrate following my goals. I celebrate all of you for being part of journey. I celebrate the dream I have in my heart and in my mind. 

Bottom line.Thank you to my inspiration Rochelle, Theo , Waki, my family, cousins and to my friends who is always there for me, especially to Jackie and dexter.You all have made this blog what it is today. Without your support, this blog would no longer exist.

jps-travelogue visita la iglesia series 09 : Minor Basilica of St. Lorenzo Ruiz - Binondo, Manila

A visit to Binondo Church is one of those things that should be on your bucket list when you go to Chinatown.

Binondo Church was greatly damaged during the Second World War and various natural disasters, although fortunately the western facade and the octagonal bell tower survived.Today, the church stands as a witness of the resilience of the Filipino people, despite the wars and natural disasters that the church and its people sustained, they struggled to rebuild the church each time it crumbles to the ground.

Planning to have a food trip in Binondo? Well, you better consider this part of your itinerary! 

Quick Facts on Binondo Church

Church Information

Names : Binondo Church

Founded : 1572

Architectural type : Baroque

Location : Binondo, Manila, Philippines

Main attraction : the Bell Tower is a remained of the original 16th century structure, it has retained the classic architecture that makes the place a wondrous sight for the most unforgettable occasion.

jps-travelogue visita la iglesia series 08 : Santo Niño de Tondo Church - Tondo, Manila

Amidst the highly populated streets of Tondo is the Sto. Niño de Tondo Parochial Church, one of the oldest and the most visited churches in the Philippines. It was founded by the Augustinians who were the first order to arrive in the Philippines. 

A visit to Santo Niño de Tondo Church is one of those things that should be on your bucket list when you go to Divisoria. 

Quick Facts on Santo Niño de Tondo Church

Church Information

Names : Santo Niño de Tondo Church

Founded : 1572

Architectural type : Neoclassical Churc

Location : 600 Lorenzo Chacon St., Tondo , Manila

Main attraction : The discordant domes of the bell towers as well as the twin towers at the facade are reminiscent of the Neo-Classical style. This is the home of the image of the miraculous Infant Jesus.

jps-travelogue visita la iglesia series 07 : San Agustin Church - Intramuros, Manila

Everybody who likes visita iglesia in Manila makes it a point to visit the San Agustin Church. I think the San Agustin Church and the museum are one of the top most visited sites in Intramuros. A stroll through this amazing structure and a walk to the altar is well worth the time and will give you an amazing feeling.

The altar of the San Agustin Church is pretty impressive, what massive statues of Christ, and other gospel characters from the left to the right is priceless. It was just breathtakingly amazing in every way, and I don't understand how anyone can't be moved by the sheer size and opulence of it. Just to think of the history behind every single detail of the dome, doors, ceiling and the building. It really was awe inspiring.It is a glimpse into our past, a picture of what it must have been like hundred years ago. Even walking down the long hallways sent me a shiver down my spine knowing how many people from different centuries have passed the same way.

There is something exciting and almost holy about San Agustin Church, and it is very invigorating.  I feel the presence of my family and god who is surrounding me, which is super relaxing and very comforting.Can't say it enough, this is a very special place for me, and even though I don't feel worthy of it all - I'm so excited and blessed to be there. My visit concluded by an unexpected sense of optimism and hopefulness that clearly had been missing in me. 

If you are wondering why I don't have any pictures of its interior to be presented. The reason is that church is closed when i revisit San Agustin Church. But, I got one through the net. credits to its owners.

Quick Facts on San Agustin Church

Church Information

Names : San Agustin Church

Founded : 1720

Architectural type : Baroque

Location : Gen. Luna St, Manila, Maynila, Kalakhang Maynila (02) 527 4060

Main attraction : San Agustin Church is a Roman Catholic church under the auspices of The Order of St. Augustine, located inside the historic walled city of Intramuros in Manila and one of the oldest stone church in the Philippines. IT is one of four Philippine churches constructed during the Spanish colonial period to be designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, under the collective title Baroque Churches of the Philippines. It was named a National Historical Landmark by the Philippine government in 1976. 

jps-travelogue visita la iglesia series 06 : Manila Cathedral - Intramuros, Manila

There is only one thing I did not like about Manila Cathedral – crowds of tourists everywhere (outside and inside the church). But no wonder Manila Cathedral is such an amazing place not just for worship and you don’t need to be a catholic to appreciate this amazing site. I always visit this church whenever i go to Manila which turned out to be a good choice since i could walk almost everywhere in Intramuros.

What excite me most with my recent visit to Manila Cathedral was to get inside the church (after years of closure).It is fascinating to view it from the outside, but it is when you stand inside its walls that you realize the grandiosity of the place.

It’s not difficult to transform a simple trip to Manila Cathedral into a memorable travel experience. I think most of the visitors of this church (including foreigners) aren’t there to see the statues or the ceiling of the dome, they are there for a chance to spend a few moments admiring the remarkable beauty of the newly renovated Manila Cathedral.

Visiting the CAthedral is a remarkable experience, but can be ruined for many by some simple things,but, with a little forethought, you can make your experience a memorable one for all the right reasons. My visit concluded by an unexpected sense of optimism and hopefulness that clearly had been missing in me. Thank you so much Manila Cathedral.

Quick Facts on The Manila Metropolitan Cathedral-Basilica

Church Information

Names : The Manila Metropolitan Cathedral-Basilica

Founded : 1571

Architectural type : Neo-Romanesque

Location : Cabildo corner Beaterio, Intramuros, Manila, Metro Manila 1002

Main attraction : The façade of the cathedral bears a Latin inscription,  Tibi cordi tuo immaculato concredimus nos ac consecramus (English: We consecrate to your immaculate heart and entrust to you (Mary) for safekeeping).“Reduced to the ground seven times” is how historians describe the Manila Cathedral Basilica and when it was reopen again everyone gets the chance to experience the beauty of this church.

The Good and the Bad : My Wawa Dam Experience and Pamitinan Cave

The good and the bad. That simple description sums up my experience while visiting Wawa Dam in Montalban Rizal.

March 17, 2014

Summer’s almost here, so i thought i take a break and look for a nearby place to visit and relax. Let me tell you, it was a pleasant experience.I felt, it was the appropriate time to recharge my soul by enjoying all these unique experiences.My special thanks to Dexter for joining me in this trip.

This entry is for people who are serious about traveling cheap. In a couple weeks i will have several entries of my travel -cheap series. I'll cover some of the places that is merely within the Metro, but will take saving money to a cheaper level.

The Good

*While not as inexpensive as any other destination Wawa Dam is a great place to visit for people like me who doesn't have enough budget for an expensive vacation.
*You can buy vegetables and fruits on a cheaper price.
*Great place to relax and enjoy mother nature, at the same time you have the option to swim.
*Perfect choice for family and friends.Dexter and I  had a great time with at least four hours spending in the dam with bottles of beer.Being a shutterbug i was able roam around the place and take some good pictures.


The Bad

*Smoking: People smoke cigarettes everywhere, all the time and with no hesitation whatsoever. I hate it, but have little hope that this will change in the future.
*Going to wawa dam you will pass a slum area where people hang out, sell veggies and fruits, even sleeping and living in their barong-barong. The shacks built on top of each other and the stink of urine is dreadful in the place. Definitely don't walk in this area at night, so better get out of the park before dark.
*It's a totally bad idea to go to Wawa Dam on Sundays! The place is full of people that it negates the whole concept of relaxing weekend. You cannot appreciate the place and the scenery.
*The necessity of insect repellant, and after getting bit on the neck while enjoying the view, I'm here to stress the importance of it.

Funny that I came to Wawa without any expectations, but i went home with relevant life’s lessons beyond my love for travel and nature’s appreciation.

How to get there: There are two ways to get to Wawa Dam.

*Ride an FX from Cubao going to Montalban, their terminal is near the stairs of MRT Cubao station.Fare is 50 pesos, then at Montalban ride a jeepney going to Wawa Dam, Fare is 8.00.Then walk for 10 minutes to reach the Wawa Dam Park.

*Ride a jeepney from commonwealth terminal all the way to montalban (50 pesos), then take another jeepney/tricycle ride to Wawa Dam(20 pesos).

Fast facts that may help you on the tour:

*Weekend is a big no-no, i suggest you make your trip on a weekday if possible, and this is for obvious reason of having less tourists so you can have the place all to yourself.

*You may also try exploring the Pamitinan Cave, but be sure to have a guide and proper gear to get into the cave.

*Be sure to haggle for the price of nipa hut if your staying only for 3-4 hours ( we pay 50 pesos).

Note: Credits to the owner of some photos.

jps-travelogue visita la iglesia series 05 : San Vicente de Paul Church - San Marcelino, Manila

I have always like going to churches. I love the structures and the inner peace it gives me. And, I feel some nostalgia whenever i visit this particular church in San marcelino. Ask me why and i tell you why.

Quick Facts on San Vicente de Paul Church

Church Information

Names : San Vicente de Paul Church

Founded : 1883

Architectural type : Baroque

Location : 959 San Marcelino Streetermita, Metro Manila (02) 525 7853

Main attraction : The Church was originally built as a chapel in 1883 and was use as parish church of Paco from 1898 to 1909. The concrete parish church was built in 1912 to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the arrival of the Vicentians and Sisters of Charity in the Philippines.