Visita Iglesia in Pangasinan - a Doctor's Spiritual Journey

by Dr. Yollie P. Estrella

 So this year we decided to stay at home for the Holy Week instead of braving the long queues at the tollgates or from sufffering horrendous airport stories. It was actually my brother and sister-in-law's idea to visit churches (and pray) at our neighboring province in the north, Pangasinan, being that it has a lot of century-old churches, according to a blog my brother most likely read. I was more than glad to be tagged along. :-)

And so at 7 in the morning, we made our way from our place to the first stop, the Parish of St. Patrick, Tayug.

Parish of St. Patrick, Tayug, Pangaisnan

The church was originally built in 1817 when the Dominicans took over, with Father Mathias Pelaez as the first parish priest naming it for its patron, St. Patrick of Ireland.  In 1870, after 53 years, the church of Tayug, by forced labor, was completed together with its convent. The whole church must have been renovated throughout the years, even its bellfry was already in its modern state, yet the facade of the church and high windows are reminiscent of the style during that time, as what my brother and I had noticed in the other churches we have visited.

Next stop is the Parish of St. Louis Bertrand in Asingan, Pangasinan. As my brother had pointed out, he had a lot of expectations for this church, preservation and architectural wise, being that this is the hometown of former President Fidel V. Ramos, not to mention, it is one of the oldest, founded in 1669. I was trying to find more write ups about this church and its history, but sadly there seems to be a scarcity of information

My brother and the corn

I asked the boy who was selling these "May amag ba to? (Are there molds in it?) He laughed and explained it was a new variety called "Sweet Purple".  True to its name, it was indeed sweet and had bits of purple in it. We're thankful we had removed the husks there on the road or else we might just have thrown it away.

Moving on, OUr Lady of the Holy Rosary in Manaoag was next on our itinerary. Seems everyone who is Baguio-bound decided to go there first and it was chaos at the roads at the shrine's perimeter. Traffic, both car and foot-wise were terrible. So perhaps we will go there some other time.

Next was the Parish of St Hyacinth in San Jacinto. As early as 1598,  the San Jacinto church existed, but in 1719 the 1653 new church was burned paving for the construction of a new one in 1731 whose façade and tower were destroyed by the 1848 and 1892 earthquakes.

Seems this was part of the original building, but is now converted to the parish office. All the pillars and bricks seem to be in its original state, maybe except for the windows and grilles...

Parish Office of St Hyacinth Church, San Jacinto

The church of St. Hyacinth now stands as a modern structure. I love the ceiling by the way.

      
St Hyacinth Parish, San Jacinto

The church of St. Thomas Aquinas is located at Mangaldan, Pangasinan and founded by the Dominicans (obviously :-)) in 1715. There was a write-up at the church's entrance about its history, but i just realized now it was blurred. Nevertheless, this seems to be the only chuch we have visited that has that. The rest of the church was modern. It looks like a park, lots of huge acacia trees and spacious parking space.

St Thomas Aquinas Parish, Mangaldan

Don't you just love their front doors? I meant door, I didn't take a shot of the other one, lots of people coming in already, it's almost lunch time.

The inside of the church were adorned with these lovely oil on canvass depicitions of the Stations of the Cross.

Outside the church, stands their parish office, which might have been part of the original building, as you can seen by this door.

Post-lunch and we were at Dagupan, our northern most stop before we visit the other towns and churches closer to home. There are older and more well-preserved churches in Pangasinan and on my brother's list, but those were too far and we're pressed for time.  St John the Evangelist is in the heart of Dagupan and is actually a cathedral. 

St. John the Evangelist Cathedral, Dagupan

Its high ceilings, large paneled stained glass windows and huge industrial fans were a far cry from the rustic charm of the previous churches we have visited, but it certainly has its own appeal. A very pleasing appeal, if I may add.

There are two things when I visit a church for the first time - i check out the altar and chandeliers and of course I pray. This has got to be one of the most beautiful altars I have seen. It is simple yet as you look closer at the details, (pertaining to the illustrations surrounding the cross), it really draws your attention.

OUtside, statues of saints were mounted on the whole church's fence.

Finally, finally, we have arrived to what we came for: an old (as in really old church) in all its fading glory. Calasiao is known for its puto and kutsinta, but moreover, for its famous building - the church of St. Peter and Paul. Built in several stages from the 17th to 19th centuries by the Dominicans, the best-preserved Pangasinan church bell tower and some parts have been reconstructed because of massive earthquakes. The 17th Century Calasiao Dominican Provincial chapter church under St. Paul's patronage became Sts. Peter and Paul Parish under Fr. Juan Maldonado de San Pedro Martin as parish priest after 1621.

The massive earthquake July 16, 1990 destroyed its belfry yet today it stands, well-restored.

The interior of the church is also a marvel. From the thick walls, high celings and wood paneled second floor, it is no wonder that it has been declared  declared a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

      
my brother and my nieces

        

                                                                              Church of Saint Peter and Paul, Calasiao                

Next stop is in San Carlos. St. Dominic de Guzman church, made out of bricks or ladrillo, used to be the largest Catholic church in the Philippines during the late 1700s. The church was finished in 1773, under the administration of Father Cristobal Ausina. However, it was destroyed with three earthquakes in 1789, 1796, and 1799.

St. Dominic de Guzman, San Carlos

The facade might seem modern but the ceiling, chandeliers and the altar were true to its baroque inspired design.

    
 

              Best chandelier!

Seems these were the original walls:

Our last two stops were already modern churches.. in Malasiqui and lastly in Villasis.

    

St. Ildephonse of Seville, Malasiqui                         St. Ildephonse of Seville, Malasiqui

      St. Anthony the Abbot, Villasis

Very nice ceiling : St. Anthony the Abbot Church , VIllasis

So inspite of the sweltering heat  and humidity, the trip was worth it. As my brother had pointed out, the National Historical Commission, or whatever government agency is responsible, ought to put more effort in preserving these architectural treasures, and more importantly, to put more information regarding its history and background.

Its appreciation is not entirely suited for Catholics or Christians alone but for any Filipino who has a history geek within them.

Many thanks to my brother and sister in law for tagging me along! I apologize if my sister in law is missing from the pictures - my two year old nephew was asleep during half of the trip...

Until next year ;-)

NB:All photos are original (though most are flawed here and there) shots of the author.

Many thanks to Wikipedia and the official site of the province of Pangasinan for the supplemental information.  :-)

Happy People – The Reason for a Journey to the Philippines

The Philippines is a very small country, discovered in 1521 by Ferdinand Magellan, the reason why its culture is mostly of Spanish influence. Known officially as the “Republic of the Philippines”, it is situated in the Southeast Asian region on the west of the Pacific Ocean. It comprises of 7,107 islands. Philippine tourism’s tag line – “more fun in the Philippines” is based on the many beautiful places in the different islands. But most especially, the people make the country fun to visit. These people despite being poor in material things are happy people.  

 Filipino people are the third happiest citizens in Asia, coming next to Singaporeans as the happiest and Malaysians as second. This was the assessment made by Eden Strategy Institute’s “Happiness Index”. Also in relation to the United Nation’s International Day of Happiness, CNN Philippines, based on Gallup poll Filipinos ranked as 6^th happiest people in the world in 2014. Its ranking dropped by one step as it was 5^th placer in the 2013 survey made by the same group.

Let us identify some of the reasons for this. Why could most Filipinos be happiest despite poverty? Recalling that the Philippines had been influenced by Spanish colonization, the country is a predominantly Catholic nation and the people believe that everything is a blessing from the Divine Almighty. God never abandons the country and its people. They were able to survive all the natural calamities, earthquakes, typhoons and the like. The recent visit of Pope Francis had given new hope to the people. That makes the Filipino people; they are very hopeful and would not easily surrender.

The other main reason why Filipinos rank as among the happiest people in the world is traced on the close family ties. There is always someone to cling to; you will never be alone. To quote Eden Strategy Institute’s Happiness Index, “in the Philippines, happiness comes from a sense of large, extended families”. At young age, the value of family ties is deeply inculcated in every Filipino; they have ready smiles despite hard life and they find joy in extending an arm to help.

              

As a visitor in the Philippines, you will not only enjoy the beautiful sights – the beaches and the beautiful gifts of nature. Why do people go to Boracay and Palawan? The pristine beaches and the ever good people are main reasons. You would not think that the Philippines is a poor country when you go to the Malls in the Metropolis. You will find designer shops; the shops that you find in first world countries like Hermes, Louis Vitton, Chanel, Prada, Kate Spade, and others have established outlets in the Philippines. Food and wine are great. And as you enter the shops, diners and other places, happy Filipinos with their smiles imprinted on their lips will welcome you wherever you go.

And most of all, your foreign currency can stretch a long way, with a US dollar converting to 44 pesos. What more can you ask, dear tourist? It is indeed more fun in the Philippines. 

May Festivals Bring More Fun In The Philippines

In several surveys, the question “Why is it fun to be in the Philippines?” had always been asked. The answers are as varied as the number of persons taken as samples. Although this is a small country, almost incognito in the globe, still many people come. Anyone foreign in this country will find the people exceptionally hospitable. The country is very rich in natural resources, tourist spots that are comparable to those in other countries. Philippines is a poor country, in fact it belongs to the third world classification but then there are many beautiful things around. A tourist’s dollars can stretch a long way (rate is US$ = P 42+). Thus, it becomes less expensive to spend a holiday here.

The Philippines is the home or religious and God-fearing people. In fact, this is the country in Asia that boasts of the biggest number of Christians (Was it because of Spanish colonization?). As such, this is a country that celebrates the most festive feasts. The month of May is just around the corner and in no-time, the May festivities will begin – once again, every Filipino prides - it is more fun in the Philippines!

May, in any Christian country is the month honoring the Blessed Virgin and Filipinos have deep attachment to Mother Mary. Coming to the Philippines in May, you will witness the “Flores de Mayo” as well as the Santa Cruzan.

                                                                                               

Flores de Mayo

Flores de Mayo (Flowers of May) is sometimes called Flores de Maria (Flowers of Mary) and is a flower festival. This is a month long floral offering to our Blessed Mother. Town folks gather in the church every afternoon to pray the rosary. After praying, children, usually dressed in white or Sunday dresses, carry flowers and offer them to the Blessed Virgin, placing them before the icon. In the rural areas this tribute is a thanksgiving for rains that will contribute to bountiful harvest.

Santa Cruzan

Santa Cruzan has been known as the Queen of Philippine Festivals. This is to commemorate the finding of the cross on which the Lord Jesus was crucified. The search was undertaken by Queen Helena, the mother of Constantine the Great. This is a procession of beautiful belles in colorful gowns with their equally handsome escorts. There are many participants in the procession, each belle called “sagala” represents a Christian or biblical character. They walk along the streets under arches decorated with flowers. The last is the belle who represents Queen Helena and she carries a cross in her hand, symbolizing what she found. With her under the canopy of flowers are small boy depicting Constantine in his boyhood and bishop who was with the Queen during the search for the Holy Cross.

The procession is done for nine days and on the ninth day, to culminate the festivities, the image of the Blessed Mother will be in the procession. The icon is placed in a carriage ornamented by flowers. Music of “Dios Te Salve” or “Hail Mary” is sung by the people joining the procession. These people carry lighted candles, another offering for the successful finding of the Cross. In the metropolis, this Santa Cruzan is also held where the participants are usually movie and television actresses and actors.  

It is really fun in the Philippines especially in the month of May where you can witness unique way of paying tribute to the Blessed Mother and the Holy Cross. But this is not all – May is also the time when beaches are full of holiday merry-makers. Famous vacation get-aways in the Philippines are the ever-famous Boracay, Palawan, Puerto Galera and Pagudpod.

Boracay - A Paradise In The Philippines

Boracay is the perfect hide-away - not only for Filipinos but for all kinds of vacationeers in this www (whole wide world). As I have introduced this place in my earlier post (also I have dedicated a page in this blog for this ) Boracay is an hour and an half travel by plane from Manila to Kalibo, Aklan. And - it will take you another one hour and a half land travel by bus or van to the Caticlan jetty where you will embark for a few minutes of jetty ride to the island.

Boracay is divided into 3 stations. Station 1 is more quiet with finer sand and less people. Station 2 also has a nice fine sand and this is where the action is. More people stay here and the place is really active and joyous. You will find here people of different races - strolling along the long stretch of white beach. Station 3 has coarser sand but still good enough.

Hotels are everywhere. A backpacker may opt for the inns which are safe and clean. You can choose this accommodation if you will only have the place for resting, sleeping and bathing. But better, you can check into the different hotels ( 3 to 5 stars ).

What to do in Borocay? Get a glimpse of your possible activities by clicking my page about this island.

Foreigners will find a stay in Boracay very cheap. With an exchange rate (current) of US$1 to P 42 (Philippine peso) your money has a long way to go.

Snorkle in Boracay just like this guy :

Boracay - Philippines

Boracay has been a very famous tourist destination in the Philippines, not only for Filipinos like me, but for many people of other nationalities – Americans, Australians, Europeans and Asians. This is located in the Visayan Region ( one of the 3 main group of Philippine Islands, the other 2 being Luzon and Mindanao), in a buzzing island in Aklan. Landing in Aklan Airport from Manila is a 1 ½ hour flight. To reach the island, you have to sustain your excitement for another 1 ½ hour land travel (by bus, coaster or van) till you arrive at the Caticlan jetty port. You will again have few minutes of jetty ride and finally – you are there – in the Philippine most notable paradise beach.

There are a lot of things to do in Boracay. For me, I just enjoyed watching the people lined along the long stretch of fine white sands of the beach. The water is clear – luring everyone to have a dip into the refreshing water of the sea. Other things to do there are snorkeling, boating, water sports activities or just plain sun bathing. You can enjoy one hell of a night at the beach eating, drinking, singing, dancing and strolling along the lighted safe beach front. Henna tattoo, massage and hair-braiding are services offered by the natives of the locality.

Hotels abound and you can choose from the least expensive inns to the high-end 5-star hotels. But there are lots of 3-star accommodations that will suffice for a safe and quite sojourn. There are lots of shops that sell lots of goodies to take back home as souvenirs (sooooooooo cheap). Food is delectable even in the market where you can shop your sea foods and have them cooked as you wait.

So ---- what are you waiting for? Book your flight via Phillipine Airlines, Cebu Pacific or Asian Spirit. You can also book your hotel via the internet.

Boracay At Night

 

 

 

 

Welcome Readers

You will be hearing from me about different beautiful places in the world. But I will , of course, start with the most famous tourist destination in the Philippines - Boracay. Boracay is in the island of Aklan, an hour and a half flight from Manila. From Kalibo Domestic Airport, you have to travel to Boracay for another 2 hours , by land. But the long trip is worth the beauty of the white sand and the blue waters. There are a lot of things to enjoy in the place. All around the island are people of different nationalities. I will be writing more about this place in my next post.