I DO

I used to look up at the night sky and just stare at the stars. I never thought the heavens would look down upon me and give me my own star...

Typhoon Ondoy

International Name: KETSANA
The Date: September 26, 2009

I'm still overwhelmed by the extent of the damage that Ondoy has caused. People have died... many were left homeless as they were ravaged by the flood. As of this moment, many are still waiting to be rescued.

this floodwater is waist-deep.
our antique narra sofa can be partially seen floating here.

that's another cabinet floating around.

I'm just thankful that we have a 2nd floor in our house. We still had a dry spot to rest in and space where we moved the ref, and some other appliances that may be damaged by water.
It had been the worst (and hopefully the last) flooding i've ever seen in my life.

My prayers for the less fortunate victims of Ondoy who were left homeless, for those still waiting to be rescued, and for those who died in this calamity.

Please pray for them, too.

Miag-ao Church

40.04 kilometers southwest of Iloilo City is where one of only four churches in the country to make it to the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List. The church of Santo Tomas de Villanueva or better known as Miag-ao church (named after the same town) can be reached by jeepney from the city proper in about 45 minutes. Built over 200 years ago, the church’s fortress-like design suggests its dual purpose as a place of worship and as a fort used in defending the town against moro raiders during those times.

From exploreiloilo.com:

The artistic facade of the Miagao Church is decorated with a relief sculpture of St. Christopher carrying the Christ child amidst coconut, papaya and guava shrubs. Like any other foreign influences, the architecture of many colonial churches has undergone the process of indigenization. This process is carried out by incorporating the prevailing Hispano-American and Medieval Spanish architecture with local as well as Muslim and Chinese touches. Thus, the synthesized topology which is anachronistic with the unmindful sues of decorative elements. It had no distinction in terms of periods or orders. A truly ‘Philippine Church’, it exudes a native touch.

A large stone image of St. Thomas of Villanueva, parish patron saint, dominates the center. Carved life-size statues of the Pope and St. Henry with their coat-of-arms above them flank the main entrance. Supporting the facade are the twin belfries, one towering two-storeys and the other three-storeys high. The church's simple interior is nevertheless highlighted by a striking gold-plated retablo.

- - -
I have been to Iloilo thrice but it was only in January this year (the third time) that i was able to get up close with this magnificent sight. It was a regular day when a friend and i went there to visit. The church was closed but with a bit of luck and my friend, being a local, found a way to sneak us in. Nah, we didn't actually sneak in. It only took a little chat with one of the people there and that's it--instant access inside the very quiet and solemn place.

the massive door

church-fortress

contemplating (?)

Folks say that one should make a wish when you visit a church for the first time.

I miss the place already. I wish i could go back there.

A day at the La Mesa Ecopark

A day of fun with family and nature.

with cousins, aunts and nephews

keep walking...

active play is more fun!

and they conquered their fear here.

Other scenes...

It's actually my second visit here and if i have more time, i'd come here often. It's one of the few places in the city where you could see lots of greens and enjoy the fresh air. My usually funny uncle found the park a nice place to escape from one's worries and stressful situations. Indeed it was.

So put on your most comfy shirt/tanktops, shorts or jogging pants, and shoes (or slippers...anything comfy for long walks), put on some mosquito repellent (although i hardly saw any mosquito), and you're ready for the park. Bring extra shirts and hand towels ...and don't forget your SPF.

More information about the park here.

I'M BACK!

been quite a while since my last post.... so here are some updates:

-> post grad class will be ending on the last Tuesday of this month (hurraaaay!)

-> with all the training that happened during the last quarter of last year...and the post-grad class, i wasn't able to spend time in the kitchen. but that's gonna change a few weeks from now.

-> my mother dear is coming home for a vacation! (yehey!)

well, that's all for now.

and thanks again for dropping by.
:)