Semana Santa Filipinas

My most viewed site at the web, eventhough I work one of my windows opens flickr as I view frequently. The group got post on daily papers and havin the front page last All Saint's Day, prior to this the group was featured by a top blogger. Greater heights are at stake for the members and santo enthusiast, they don't just share photo but learn a lot from the expert. Interviews were posted at the sites from the premiers and talented at the subject. Also the numerous threads are informative. The group projects were one of the most anticipated like the Sponsor-A-Santo project which aims to donate a Santo to an enthusiast who can't affort to have one. Tours were also shared to the members as the first one was held at Villa Escudero. Most recently is the upcoming blessing of the Official Pilgrim Image of the group this coming December 1st. The "Paciencia" is the official image of the group which aims to visit all of the SSF members from here and abroad. Unending projects are on the way, this 24th members are welcome for a Pampanga Museum and Church tour. Hope to see you guys!

Malaus Ko Pu!
Visit the site here's the link;
http://www.flickr.com/groups/semana_santa_filipinas/

3rd MSCC Marian Exhibit '07

October is the month of the Most Holy Rosary, Marian exhibits is one of the activities to be observed. At the end of the month BEC San Isidro graced the 3rd MSCC Marian Exhibit '07 at Villa del Sol Subd. Dolores City of San Fernando Pampanga. Bro Ace Galang, invites for the opening ceremony of the Marian event. The group arrived in time for the ceremonial cutting of ribbon, then held the Sunday Mass. The exhibit features some of the most famous titles of the Blessed Mother. The Miraculous Image of Our Lady of Amorseco at Her throne one of he most prominent Images, also the pilgrim Image of Our Lady of Mercy from Bahay Pare Candaba (second Patroness of Pampanga) and other Images heirloom and new, from small to 7feet high, simple and garbed; resounds a success!

Note; photos from the collections of flickr friend buddhexy, the is permitted to repost this photos. Also for a complete photo of the event visit buddhexy's accounts click on the link below;

http://www.flickr.com/photos/buddhexy/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/13524757@N07/

Na-bengi

Last night one of my dreams came true. The processional Image of San Isidro Labrador our Patron Saint visited our home. I remember when i was just a child, I followed the processional Image wherever He may go and someday I say "I'll become a Hermano". In our barrio, the processional Imagestays at the hermano/hermana's residence for a year that was what in my mind. I dreamed of becoming a hermano someday to have the priviledge of with the Image the whole year round. I approached the current hermana and thru a friend asked for the favor that only a dream can cast. The hermana said yes and her given date was last night (September 28, 2007) until early Saturday. Together with the members of BEC we fetched and held the Image straight home. Good thing at that instance my boss car was there and so I asked the favor to help us transport the Image. All the members of the family were very happy as the Image arrives, this is the first and rare close encounter with the Image. This morning I asked a nearby friend to come and let me use his phone camera for photo oppurtunity with the Image. The whole day will be blessed as we are with our Patron. The image will be back tomorrow morning at the hermana's house as we both decided. I am hoping this is not the last but the begining.

For complete photos of the same image above visit my multiply account just follow this link:

http://quenabuan.multiply.com/

Radio Veritas Chapel

The Patroness of Pampanga, Virgen delos Remedios visits Radio Veritas Chapel this coming friday September 21, 2007. Here's the programme given by a good friend from flickr. Resource said that the Image owned by Fr. Jess Manabat was the one who visited Veritas for a week.

Programme:

September 21 Friday - Arrival from Pampanga

12:15pm - Welcome Mass ( Capampangan Bishops )

From Sept22 to Sept 26 - Rosary Vigils and 12:15pm Masses

September 27 Thursday - Departure

12:15pm - Farewell Mass ( headed by Apung Ceto and Manila Priests )

2:00pm - Enthronement and departure to Manila convoy back home to Pampanga...

God Bless! See you there!

Also visit my friends account, heres the link:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/76622043@N00/

55 years

Have anyone notice those banners at the front of chapels and churches printed in red 55 years and a crown? During the first time we saw such signage we conclude an Image of the Virgin to be crowned for the 55th year. We were wrong! when one of the EMDC's shown to us the streamer and ask us favor on where to post it on the church, the reason behind is revealed. "Cristo Rey" or The Arcdiocesan Solemnity of Christ the King here in Pampanga is on its 55th year this coming November 25, 2007. I remember the first time I attended, this was consolidated at the parking lot of the former Philippine Christmas Village. From San Jose Chapel where the Blessed Sacrament was venerted we proceed to Paskuhan Village. I was expecting then an Image revered, later do I knew that the Blessed Sacrament exposed to the public was the one revered. Until there was the inclusion of Sto. Cristo del Perdon for 3 years now. The Image of Sto. Cristo del Perdon is the only prominent Image of Christ in the province. The Image fronts the Image of Virgen delos Remedios patroness o the province. It is said that there are more mass of poeple attending the Coronation rites of the patroness than that of the Archdiocesan Commemortion of the Solemnity of Christ the King. The inclusion of the Crucifie Christ might ignite a population greater than the previous once. Why Crucified Christ?, Our King crucified for us to be saved!

Maria Auxiliadora

Commission on Cultural Heritage of Santa Ana Pampanga strikes 2!

After the success transfer of the original stations of the cross to the hands of CCHSAP, here's another church artifact at our hands. The old Image of Mary Help of Christians (Maria Auxiliadora) last seen at the baptistry. The transfer of the stations led us to the inventory of the remaining artifacts we could reclaim. The Image came across the brainstorming, one of us still reminded of how the Image features. Being formerly a COMI their devotions to Marian Images still completes of his memory of the past which includes the Image. We rendered to the parish priest our advocacy to reclaim what the church originally posses'. The brother of Arch. Paciano B. Aniceto claims; the Image was lend as favored by then the parish priest of Camba Arayat Pampanga (Fr. Homer Policarpio) in 2001. For 6 years they took care of the Image, last saturday (September 15, 2007) we, together with John Paul Canlas and Richard Soriano went there for a visit. The Image was in good condition nd returned for the report. We went back the next day morning now with Regette Ryan Ramos and Joy Mendoza for the talk. With no regrets the Image is freely turned over. Restorations are now at hand, if only the CCHSAP has the budget for these items were more than the ordinary.

Trivia;
There was an encraved writen at the Image based dated Nov 83, this might be the date it was encrna.

First Coronation of Nuestra Senora dela Correa of Mexico Pampanga

While I was browsing the net, upon my flickr search I halt upon the photos of the account named TUMANG. He has an album of the same title as the header, I asked him if I could post this event and he gave his yes. This is the first time I saw the tablue dela Correa on a much appreciative outlook from the photos of the owner. I first saw the tablue on the retablo mayor of Lubao Pampanga, curved on a brelief. My friend told me this was Sta. Monica's dream. Upon Sta. Monica's prayer to the Virgin of converting Her son San Agustin, on Her dream she saw the Virgin throwing to her a black belt called "correa". A simple yet notable ceremony was held, mass concelebrated by Fr.Jinco Damaso. Mrs. February Tumang held the crown to the Image for the ceremonial coronation rites, then after was the grand procession.

Here's an added information given by the owner;
During the early 60's-70's; There was an old Image of dela Correa then, owned by Mercado-Lising-Borromeo family. This was said to be stolen.

Also visit the owner's flicckr accountfor mopre of the event photos and the like, here's the link;

http://www.flickr.com/photos/17363906@N00/

"Calla Jeras"

I was strucked yesterday (September 13, 2007), when I saw the people of Sto. Domingo Mexico put up the powder blue and white flaglets. Once the streets were flooded with blue and white colored flaglets, this is a sign that the Pilgrim Images pays visit to the area. I past by the streets of Sto. Domingo as my everyday routine going to and forth my job. The Pilgrim Images are not to be titled as replicas, according to the Committee formed for the Koronada The Pilrim Images are meant to be titled as "Calla Jeras".

September 15, 2007 that early morning as I passed by Sto. Domingo, people flocked at the place called "pagulong" the boundary of Sto. Domingo. At pagulong together with their Patron Saint Image the people awaits for the Calla Jeras to arrive. San Pablo the bo after Sto Domingo also post their patron saint Image at the door of their chapel to pay tribute of the Images passing. I grab the oppurtunity to glance upon as I go back. The Calla Jeras which visited us earlier, Virgen delos Remedios garbed with all white dress. Early this morning (September 17, 2007) on my way to office I still saw the Image at the Church of Sto. Domingo on Their third day.

51st Commemoration of the Canonical Coronation of Virgen delos Remedios

One of the most awaited event of the Kapampangans, the devotees and the like. September 8, 2007 is the date Catholic Calendar marks as the Birthdate of Mama Mary, probably the reason why the Archdiocese of San Fernando choose this date to be the day to Commemorate the Canonical Coronation of Her Patroness. This was my first time to witness the coronation at Angeles City, prior to this I had accounts that the city's tradition was simplicity. Indeed, the Image was dressed into a simple pink and blue dress beaded but fitting. The umbrella like structure atop the "templete" was removed to set the attention of viewers to the Image. As we (SAPYM) approached the event area the rain began to pour, traffic was there s expected. We were looking for a perking space when the rain got heavy, though I am inside the jeepney at front seat I got wet at half. Other spectators were really that wet. The rain last upto 30 mins, the roads were flooded. As we approached the stage the area was muddy and wet, but still Kapampangans paid honors to the Virgin. As mentioned there was a technicality on electricity, Archbishop Paciano B. Aniceto concelebrates the mass without audio enhancements. The electricity supply came late during the re-enactment of the Canonical Coronation. Cancer Survivors were he ones who crowned the Image and gave lei to Santo Cristo del Perdon Image. The symbolical Holy Rosary Balloon was released announcing the end of the grand celebration.

Video courtesy of munsterinc?
Also visit his flickr account for moree photos
Here's the link;

http://www.flickr.com/photos/munsterinc/

"Happy Birthday, Mama Mary!"

This is a repost of a video uploaded originally by Mr. Ivan Anthony Henares. You'll find the link at my previous posts. Qiute blurd but this was the only vidoe uploade in the net that covers the 50th Commemoration of the Canonical coronation of Virgen delos Remedios.

Center for Kapampangan Studies

I had posts reffering to the Juan D. Nepumoceno Center for Kapampangan Studies, the Center is located inside Holy Angel University, Angeles City Pampanga. The Center had gone far in enriching those remaining cultural properties of the land. Here is a repost of a vidoe I found from Youtube.

Napun II

September 06, 2007 - Antibisperas (means two days before) of the Coronation rites, we (Jonathan Musngi and Regette Ryan Ramos) headed once again to Angeles City. Gette's first time to take a glimpse of the Juan D. Nepomuceno Center for Kapampangan Studies and part of our tour is to visit once again the Canonically Crowned Image of Virgen delos Remedios. Now at the Holy Rosary Parish Church, the umbrella like structure of the Image "templete" was removed. Previously, Angeles City being the host during this event they have this distinct "tradition" of removing the top part of the templete. The Image seemed small, one thing we noticed was the wrong positioning of the spotlight focus at the Image hands which overshadowed the Image face. Elementary students were the one reciting the rosary and right after the triduum second day. There seems to be no one in charged for the flowers, not that fresh. Part of our tour, we proceed to the Coronation site. Quite finished, the stage was set they were busy putting up the letterings. There was a big gold crown atop the stage, the only significant feature of which. Nepo ground was sorrounded by blu, white and red flags at bamboo poles. We were busy taking pictures when the heavy rain pours. As soon as we head back, we decided to go to John's house to have a chat with. As he arrives the chat turns educational, he reeports about their symposium about the Image of Virgen delos Remedios. The Canonically Crowned Image is to be attributed as "Koronada", while the other two pilgrim Images were to be attributed as "Calla Jeras". Calla Jeras from the word Calla meaning on the road. The Committee formed for the Koronada plans for the Shrine at Baliti Arayat Pampanga. The land tittle was said to be donated. Caos between the gap of the rich and the poor, a non-stop chanting of the Holy Rosary and the longgest pilgrim was the basis of the 4 year old Image to be Canonically crowned. The Canonical Crown was said to be bestowed to those who were old Images as stated by the Committee and was explained further. Attributes to this post to Mr Charles Espiritu and Mr Tom Joven.

Canonical Coronation

A slide I created, few photos from my collection. A glimpse of the previous re-enactment of Virgen delos Remedios Canonical Coronation. Some of the photos from the papers scanned and previously posted.

47th from sunstar pampanga and 48th from Regina the official student publication of the University of the Assumption.

Napun

Napun a local dialect meaning yesterday (September 3, 2007), we (with me Jonathan Musngi) went to Juan D. Nepomuceno Center for Kapampangan Studies, for the purpose of returning the church miniature they lend. We met Mr. Arwin Lingat, a good friend, talked for a while. As we went on, we arrived at the subject Virgen delos Remedios. The Canonically Crowned Image is presently at their midst. I presumed that the Images were at the Holy Rosary Parish, I was wwrong, this time I learn that before the yearly commemortion of the crown, the Images tour the distant chapels along the city proper. We were priviledge to witness the last day of the Images at Saint Joseph Chapel. Artists were busy flower arranging the "templete" and finished the andas of Santo Cristo del Perdon. The Images were on to their last processional going to the Holy Rosary Parish Church at 3pm. These were the photos I took with the used of my friend's phone. This was the first time I stared at the Image that long, and saw for the first time the foot of Her on clouds.

Golden Canonical Coronation

The Commemoration of the 5oth Canonical Coronation was held at Villa del Sol Subd. City of SnaFernando Pampanga. San Fernando witness the very first Canonical Coronation of Virgen delos Remedios, here is where the Image was first crowned. The spot where the letter was read at the Capitol grounds has a marker now, unveiled the day before Sept. 8. Thousands had come to witness the re-enactment of the coronation for the 5oth year. Images from the 22 towns of Pampanga were also invited to come. Ceremony starts at the Metropolitan Cathedral, here spectatiors, devotees and the like awaits for the processional. The Image was dressed in gold with embroidery and had a new "templete", which was colored in powdered blue and gold guilded. Both Images were flourished with all white flowers. At 3pm the processional begun, those devotees of "Apung Iru" shoulder bourne the Image. All of the chapels and churches' bells were rung "madupical". At the main venue the ceremony starts by blowing the horn, this was very significant during the old times. Archbishop Pacino B. Aniceto led the concelebrated mass. Archbishop also crowned the Image, his auxilliary was the one who laid the lay to Sto. Cristo del Perdon and released the white doves. I haven't seen the rosary balloon being released right after the ceremony. During the old days the releasing of balloon is a ceremony awaitted by the people, because this is the basis of where the next eventwill be host, according to the direction the balloon moves. The tradition vanished due to lack of space to accomodate the increasing number of practitioners attending the event. This time the celebration went till 6pm, fireworks filled the panorama as the people goes back. There was still a ceremony after, to procession the Images back to their home at the Chancery. The ceremony was what they call "Salve Regina" honors to the Virgin Mary.

Dalo Balen

The Golden celebration of the Canonical Coronation of Virgen de los Remedios was the grandest among the previous one. For as early as June the council had long prepared for the main event. The Archdiocese commissioned Mr Tom Joven to restore the old Image, he did with much appreciation. One of the prelude to the coronation was the "Dalo Balen", visitation of the Canonically crowned Image to the 22 towns of Pampanga. Right-after the presentention of the restored Images of Virgen delos Remedios and Sto. Cristo del Perdon to the public at Pulung Masle Guagua Pampanga, the Images began the visit at Masantol. Town of Masantol was the very first town visited by the crusade when it began 50 years ago as brainchild by then Archbishop Cesar Ma. Guerrero. This event happens only after every 5o years, the reason why those who She visited were overwhelmed by Her presence. The Images leaves and arrives at every town as early as 4am, eventhough its too early many anxiously waited for Her arrival. The Images then stays for two days then leaves early the next day. Unending rosary is heard at the town church, motorcde is also expected for the other villages for them to be able to see the Images. The heighlight of their stay is the "memalens" offering songs to the Images (Harana sa Birhen).

Here are some of my personal collection photo which I took during the "Dalo Balen" at Santa Ana.

Virgen delos Remedios

The 51st Commemoration of the Canonical Coronation of the Patroness of Pampanga this September 8, 2007 will be held at Angeles City. For over 5o years now, Kapampangans celebrates the birth of Virgin Mary thru Her Image titular "Virgen delos Remedios". The Canonically Crowned Image is presently at the Holy Rosary Parish Church, Angeles City in preparartion for Her 9 day novena and coronation rites. According to resources, the Image together with the Image of Santo Cristo del Perdon stays there for a month. Originally the Image stays at the Chancery, She has a post at the main altar of a chapel named after Her. The heighlight of the annual event is a concelebrated mass by the Archbishop (Arch Paciano B. Aniceto), re-enactment of the canonical coronation ceremony, laying of a lei to the Image of Santo Cristo del Perdon and the releasing of the balloon rosary. Before, the releasing of a balloon rosary was symbolic for whom the cross lands will be the next year's host. Presently, Angeles City and the City of San Fernando were the one interchanging yearly as host since the avalance of Mount Pinatubo damage some parts of Pampanga. The two cities have the capacity to hold thousands of devotees.

Photo courtesy of;

http://www.flickr.com/photos/munsterinc/

Also visit his account for more of these photos.
I also posted discussion about Virgen delos Remedios from one of the flickr grups; Images of Faith here's the link:

http://www.flickr.com/groups/santos_images_of_faith/discuss/72157601742759907/

Re-dedication of Santa Monica Parish Church

August 27, 2007 - a day before the feast of San Agustin, early at 8am the town of Mexico out loud with the Church bells. The Re-dedication of Santa Monica Parish Church and the Blessing of the Eucharisting Chapel took place yesterday morning as passersby heard the bells of the old bellfry. Recently the church undergoes several renovations particularly the exterior, and finally concluded with a ceremony.

San Bartolome

Patayum was the former name of the village. Patayum means a place for tinting clothes. San Bartolome, its present name, is one of the 12 Apostles of Jesus written in the bible. Few have I knew about the life of the saint, He has an iconography of holding a sword which they say the instrument which flayed His skin alive. He also holds a bible at the other hand significant of Him being one of the Apostles. The village is one of those villages close to the town proper. The Chapel of San Bartolome has remaining features from the original structures, same as the other Chapels the chapel undergoes several alterations. The very recent was the addition of a stainglass in front portraying the saint. San Bartolome has 3 processional Images, following a heirarchy of heights. The smallest a "tallada" is used for the "lubenas" (9 day novena). The medium size was the one being used on all occasions specially during fiestas. The large one, which has a post at the main altar is used for a particular occasion only, during the lenten procession. August 24, is the feast day of the patron, "Happy Fiesta San Bartolome!".

The above photo is taken at this year's fiesta 2007, photo courtesy of Ma'am Bethuel

Recomended Site

Here is a site recommended by Center for Kapampangan Studies' Mr. Alex R. Castro. The site is also an informative for those churches in Pampanga with photos provided, another mastepeice done by Mr. Ivan Anthony Henares head of the Commission on Cultural Heritage of the city of San Fernando.

Here's the link;

http://www.geocities.com/pisamban/

http://kamaru.blogspot.com/

http://www.viewsfromthepampang.blogspot.com/

http://www.ivanhenares.com/

Istasyun

Istasyun is the local dialect for Stations of the Cross. Yesterday (Aug. 20, 2007) I have seen for the first time the original Stations of the Cross which used to hang on the walls of the Old Church. Accongding to the keeper, Tatang Jess (BPC president of Bo. San Nicolas), the stations were transfered to their Chapel during the reign of Fr. Lansang (then the Parish Priest). Good thing was they were still complete but due to the old state most fo the paintings were peeled. The Stations were painted on aluminum (with such a great paintings) and framed with old wood, relatively large in size wih cross on the middle top. I wonder why did they changed these masterpieces? The BPC President is willing to return these artifacts to the Parsh Church Museum. At sad state the Museum was temporary closed due to lack of space for a permanent exhibit hall.

September 14, 2007 the date when John Paul Canlas and Jonathan Musngi successfully transferred back to the hands of the Commission the original stations of the cross of Santa Ana Parish Church. Great paintings yet frustrating that these magnificent work of arts begun to peel. The move is another part of the Commission advocacy to restore what can be restored while existing.

Pisamban XX

San Andres Apostol Church (Candaba Pampanga)

Pinac was the old name of the town. Today pinac is just a part of it, what is now known as the sanctuary of Migratory birds. The old church is one of those skinned and somewhat appears to be untouched. I remember when we went there for my cousin’s wedding I stared at the belfry it appears to be altered maybe due to destruction and preventive measures. I have read an account stating a strange feature of the church, those tiles at the front door were said to have a Chinese inscriptions. Box type retablo probably the original painted in white with goldleafing.

The above featured photo was with the consent of the owner.
Also visit their flickr account for more of these images at;

http://www.flickr.com/photos/allan_borja/

Pisamban XIX

Santa Catalina de Alexandria Church (Porac Pampanga)

The avalanched of lahar almost erased this town to the map of Pampanga. Aetas made refuge of this area after their homes were devastated by the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo. “Binulo Festival” is their signature festivity recently introduced to the public. Binulo is the way of cooking of the Aetas native. The church was simple with only the circular rose window. One of its distinct feature is that the seal of The Agustinian Missionary can still be found at the head of the main door. Other churches loose this detail due to the inclusion of canopies in front of the main door. Typical Christ centered main altar.

The above featured photo was with the consent of the owner.
Also visit his flickr account at;

http://www.flickr.com/photos/allan_borja/

Pisamban XVIII

San Pedro Apostol Church (Apalit Pampanga)

Known for their Fluvial Festival and the life size Image of Saint Peter made of Ivory. The church stands next to a large body of water, the Pampanga River. Those who take the North Luzon Expressway can have a better glimpse of the structure. Church façade features a twin towered belfry, atop a galvanized structure same as the material used for the dome. The interior features a monochromatic painting on walls done by students of world’s famous painter Alberoni. The retablo mayor remains though painted several times, to date the paint is colored to appear as wood type. People are allowed to go up the retablos back for them to be able to touch the Image of San Pedro.

The above photos featured were with consent to the owner.
Also visit their flickr accounts at;

http://www.flickr.com/photos/munsterinc/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/allan_borja/

Pisamban XVII

Nuestra Senora del Pillar Church (San Simon Pampanga)

Del Pillar was the original patron saint of the town owing to the founder's name, later the town was named at its present, San Simon another prominent person who presided a post during those times. There's not much to the church, the original structure was destroyed during the war. The church which preceded the ruin has a mosque type feature unto its belfry. Some of its original features still in existence. When we approached those who resides there, they themselves do not even know the history of their church. The interior is simple with the risen Christ Image at the central altar.

Pisamban XVI

Santa Rita de Casia Church

Popularized by a teledrama at the national TV. The church seems identical to the Santa Ana Church with its exterior features. The church is also one of those who preserved the original palitada. Once the church colored yellow before its present state of bare lime coat. Still the previous paint appears at some spots. Manong was busy goldleafing the side retablos when we went for a visit, he's also the one who goldleafed the retablo mayor. On our way back we can't resist this town well known delicasies. The town is known for delicasies such as Sansrival, Turrones de Casoy and Duman. Duman is the town's well known festival for over five years now.

Special thanks to Mr. Alex R. Castro for the old photo and the Center for Kapampangan Studies
Visit his flickr account at:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexrcastro/

Featured photo was with the cosent of the owner
Also visit his flickr account at:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/allan_borja/

Pisamban XV

Imaculada Concepcion Church (Guagua Pampanga)

Wawa or mouth of the river was the former name of the town. Here was were barter trade was existing during the colonial era as evidence to the old Chinese coin found at the area. The town had an extinct tradition during the town fiesta then. They have this vintage photo which shows a replica of the Eiffel Tower bulit at the town's main road island. The bulding of different structures during the town fiesta at the main road island practice during those days was a tradition now extinct. The church stands untouch, even the retablo mayor remains on its original state preserved. The original "palitada of the church remains unlike others whicch were skinned so as to appear old, the mere fact was that this skinned churches are prone to damage due to natural exposure. Adobe as featured earlier cannot stand the acidity of rainwater, the reason why these churches were coated with natural coating. The palitada before was not that of chemical made primarily with limestone. If cement is used to cover the natural stone adobe the cement will ignite severe damage to the adobe stone due to its chemical content. Other issues conforming the preservation of these old churches was that of the wild plans starting to grow at the connections of these adobe stones. Betis is now a baranggay of Guagua formerly Betis was a town, one of the original towns of Pampanga.

The above featured photos has the consent of the owners
Also visit their flickr account for more of these photos
follow thw following links:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/allan_borja/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/oggie/

Pisamban XIV

Santa Monica Church (Mexico Pampanga)

Masicu was the former name of the town due to the proliferation of "sicu" trees. My mother's hometown at the village they call "parian". The church was said to be located at the Philippine fault line, due to this factor the former structures continues to collapse. The only remining sturcture of the original church is the belfry. At present the church undergoes exterior renovations, the one that stayed before was that of a modern one. From triangular and pionted facade to broad and curvelinear one. From a simple concrete scratch coat finish to bricks and mouldings. The church facade features a full size stain glass of Santa Monica. The interiors remain although modern. Probably there was a retablo mayor before which holds the Images at the side altars. The main altar resembles that of Santa Ana, Image of crucified Christ at the center and the patron saint with the side angels holding lights. Home of the province's oldest chapel at San Jose Matulid. I have been at the chapel once when I am at the process of collecting data for my thesis. The chapel really was that old though some of the features were altered but the imposing facade remains century old.

Featured photo has the consent of Mr. Allan Borja
Also visit his flickr account for more of these images
follow the following link:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/allan_borja/

Pisamban XIII

San Bartolome Apostol Church (Magalang Pampanga)

Bounded at the other side of Mount Arayat. The old church has only its facade remaining. The front yard and its interior were modernized instead of restored. The church facade is one of those retablo type. One of its legendary story was that of a certain bell made out of gold.

Photo courtesy of Mr. Allan Borja
Also visit his flickr account for more of these Images
Follow the following link:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/allan_borja/