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Indonesian food trip
2007-06-11 11:11:00 Every time I visit a Southeast Asian country, the variety of food choices never fails to amaze me. Indonesia was no exception. And thanks to my SSEAYP friends, I had an unforgettable food adventure that undoubtedly left my palate yearning for more.On top of that list is the sate ayam or grilled chicken skewers in Jalan Sabang, Jakarta. What makes this dish a winner, given that there are sate or satay is found around the Malay region, is the saos kacang or peanut sauce which tastes like heaven! I also had sate babi or grilled pork skewers in Kelapa Gading, but the accompanying sauce was the regular barbeque sauce we have here in the Philippines.Of course, there are the nasi or rice dishes. I enjoyed the really sweet nasi gudeg in Yogyakarta. This dish is actually several dishes put together. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I got to visit the kitchen to see it being made. The first component dish, duck eggs are first hard-boiled, then shelled, then re-boiled again with different in... More About: Food , Indonesian , Trip , Done
Halo-halo Bandung!
2007-06-09 17:52:00 I finally arrived in Bandung after an eight hour train ride from Yogyakarta. If Yogya is the cradle of Javanese culture, Bandung is said to be the cradle of Sundanese culture. The weather was a bit cooler since Indonesia's fourth largest city is 2,520 feet above sea level. And because it's closer to the equator, average temperatures don't vary much from a low of 22.9 C in July to a high of 24.2 C in May. The city is known for its large collection of Dutch colonial and tropical Art Deco structures. And thus, I decided to take a walk around Bandung even just for a few hours to check them out.So from the Bandung Train Station, itself an Art Deco structure, I walked towards Jalan Asia Afrika where many of the buildings could be found. Since it was still early, I waited at the steps of the Gedung Merdeka for the Museum of the Asian-African Conference to open.The museum chronicles the events of the 1955 conference which has been Bandung's claim to fame. Twenty-nine young (and old) nat... More About: Halo
Halo-halo Bandung!
2007-06-09 17:52:00 I finally arrived in Bandung after an eight hour train ride from Yogyakarta. If Yogya is the cradle of Javanese culture, Bandung is said to be the cradle of Sundanese culture. The weather was a bit cooler since Indonesia's fourth largest city is 2,520 feet above sea level. And because it's closer to the equator, average temperatures don't vary much from a low of 22.9 C in July to a high of 24.2 C in May. The city is known for its large collection of Dutch colonial and tropical Art Deco structures. And thus, I decided to take a walk around Bandung even just for a few hours to check them out.So from the Bandung Train Station, itself an Art Deco structure, I walked towards Jalan Asia Afrika where many of the buildings could be found. Since it was still early, I waited at the steps of the Gedung Merdeka for the Museum of the Asian-African Conference to open.The museum chronicles the events of the 1955 conference which has been Bandung's claim to fame. Twenty-nine young (and old) nat... More About: Halo
Yogyakarta, cradle of Javanese culture
2007-06-07 14:17:00 I arrived in Yogyakarta early in the morning of June 5. The train station was a heritage building, as it is with most of the major train stations in Java. My batchmates in Jakarta had made arrangements for Dimas, a PY in 2004, to meet me at the station. Since I was starving after that long trip, he took me to this Nasi Gudeg place for breakfast.As with most Central Javanese dishes, Nasi Gudeg was a bit sweet. It?s actually a complex dish composed of several component dishes. I appreciated it more after I visited their kitchen, learning about the overnight cooking process. The first component dish, duck eggs are first hard-boiled, then shelled, then re-boiled again with different ingredients and spices until it reaches a dark brown color. Another component is the chicken dish. They were also grating coconuts and chopping some young jackfruit at the back for another dish. There was also a tofu and cow skin dish. The last component was white rice. They prepared large servings beginning... More About: Culture , Vane , Karta , Kart , Cradle
Yogyakarta, cradle of Javanese culture
2007-06-07 14:17:00 I arrived in Yogyakarta early in the morning of June 5. The train station was a heritage building, as it is with most of the major train stations in Java. My batchmates in Jakarta had made arrangements for Dimas, a PY in 2004, to meet me at the station. Since I was starving after that long trip, he took me to this Nasi Gudeg place for breakfast.As with most Central Javanese dishes, Nasi Gudeg was a bit sweet. It?s actually a complex dish composed of several component dishes. I appreciated it more after I visited their kitchen, learning about the overnight cooking process. The first component dish, duck eggs are first hard-boiled, then shelled, then re-boiled again with different ingredients and spices until it reaches a dark brown color. Another component is the chicken dish. They were also grating coconuts and chopping some young jackfruit at the back for another dish. There was also a tofu and cow skin dish. The last component was white rice. They prepared large servings beginning... More About: Culture , Karta , Kart , Cradle
The Hindu temples of Prambanan
2007-06-06 16:14:00 Prambanan, another UNESCO World Heritage site in Central Java, is the largest Hindu temple compound in Indonesia. To get to Prambanan from Borobudur, I had to take a bus to the main bus terminal of Yogya, the Umbulharjo Bus Terminal, and transfer to a Solo-bound bus, getting off at the gates of the temple. I spent Rp3,000 for the trip to Prambanan from Yogya. You could easily finish the park in half a day which is composed of the main temple, Candi Rara Jonggrang (which is what most refer to when they say Prambanan), and three others namely Candi Lumbung, Candi Bubrah and Candi Sewu.There are 224 temples in the Prambanan complex, which is named after the village where it is located. Three are main temples namely Brahma Temp le in the north, Vishnu Temple in the south, and the biggest among the three which lies between Brahma and Vishnu temples, is the 47-meter high Shiva Temple.Characterized by tall and pointed architecture typical of Hindu temples, the main temple incurred significa... More About: Temples , Pram , Ramba
The Hindu temples of Prambanan
2007-06-06 16:14:00 Prambanan, another UNESCO World Heritage site in Central Java, is the largest Hindu temple compound in Indonesia. To get to Prambanan from Borobudur, I had to take a bus to the main bus terminal of Yogya, the Umbulharjo Bus Terminal, and transfer to a Solo-bound bus, getting off at the gates of the temple. I spent Rp3,000 for the trip to Prambanan from Yogya. You could easily finish the park in half a day which is composed of the main temple, Candi Rara Jonggrang (which is what most refer to when they say Prambanan), and three others namely Candi Lumbung, Candi Bubrah and Candi Sewu.There are 224 temples in the Prambanan complex, which is named after the village where it is located. Three are main temples namely Brahma Temp le in the north, Vishnu Temple in the south, and the biggest among the three which lies between Brahma and Vishnu temples, is the 47-meter high Shiva Temple.Characterized by tall and pointed architecture typical of Hindu temples, the main temple incurred significa... More About: Temples , Pram , Ramba
Sunrise on top of Borobudur
2007-06-06 14:41:00 When I arrived in Jakarta, the city had several greeting arches which read "Hari Raya Waisak." It was obviously a big festival. Little did I know that it was a holiday the day before I arrived. Although majority of its citizens are Muslim, Indonesia also declares holidays on important Christian, Hindu, Chinese and Buddhist days.June 1st this year was Waisak in Indonesia, a festival which commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and demise of Buddha. The celebrations center around the largest man-made structure in the Southern Hemisphere, the Buddhist temple of Borobudur in Central Java.After a nine-hour train ride from Jakarta, I arrived in Yogyakarta (pronounced Jogjakarta) at about 6 a.m. I'll write more about Yoyga when I get back and continue exploring this Javanese city. But I'll go fast forward and talk about my surreal experience in Borobudur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Friends in Manila had tipped me that there was a hotel within the grounds of the park itself and that by... More About: Sunrise
Sunrise on top of Borobudur
2007-06-06 14:41:00 When I arrived in Jakarta, the city had several greeting arches which read "Hari Raya Waisak." It was obviously a big festival. Little did I know that it was a holiday the day before I arrived. Although majority of its citizens are Muslim, Indonesia also declares holidays on important Christian, Hindu, Chinese and Buddhist days.June 1st this year was Waisak in Indonesia, a festival which commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and demise of Buddha. The celebrations center around the largest man-made structure in the Southern Hemisphere, the Buddhist temple of Borobudur in Central Java.After a nine-hour train ride from Jakarta, I arrived in Yogyakarta (pronounced Jogjakarta) at about 6 a.m. I'll write more about Yoyga when I get back and continue exploring this Javanese city. But I'll go fast forward and talk about my surreal experience in Borobudur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Friends in Manila had tipped me that there was a hotel within the grounds of the park itself and that by... More About: Rise , Sunrise
Walking around old Jakarta in Kota
2007-06-04 12:19:00 Kota Tua Jakarta (Jakarta Old Town) or Old Batavia is a 130-hectare special region in the province of Jakarta (contained in the cities on North Jakarta and West Jakarta) that was declared a heritage zone by Jakarta's governor in 1972. It stands today as a legacy of Indonesia's Dutch colonial past. Although a bit neglected, what's important is that the buildings were not demolished and there are concerted efforts from both government and private groups to restore the area and rejuvenate Old Jakarta. Kota was therefore on top of my places to visit in Jakarta.I arrived in Jakarta close to 9 p.m. My AirAsia flight was an hour delayed. But it wasn't too much a bother considering I paid so little for it. From the airport, I took a Damri bus to Blok M for Rp15,000. Taxis would most definitely cost you a fortune so ask around which Damri bus stops closest to your destination.The plan was for me to meet up with my SSEAYP batchmate Wira at his office and I was instructed to take a cab fro... More About: Walking , Karta , Arta , Kart
Walking around old Jakarta in Kota
2007-06-04 12:19:00 Kota Tua Jakarta (Jakarta Old Town) or Old Batavia is a 130-hectare special region in the province of Jakarta (contained in the cities on North Jakarta and West Jakarta) that was declared a heritage zone by Jakarta's governor in 1972. It stands today as a legacy of Indonesia's Dutch colonial past. Although a bit neglected, what's important is that the buildings were not demolished and there are concerted efforts from both government and private groups to restore the area and rejuvenate Old Jakarta. Kota was therefore on top of my places to visit in Jakarta.I arrived in Jakarta close to 9 p.m. My AirAsia flight was an hour delayed. But it wasn't too much a bother considering I paid so little for it. From the airport, I took a Damri bus to Blok M for Rp15,000. Taxis would most definitely cost you a fortune so ask around which Damri bus stops closest to your destination.The plan was for me to meet up with my SSEAYP batchmate Wira at his office and I was instructed to take a cab fro... More About: Walking , Walk , Round , Karta
Transit in Kuala Lumpur
2007-06-02 16:13:00 I was able to get those "free" AirAsia tickets a few months back so I'm on the backpack trail again. As always, I have to transit in Kuala Lump ur . So from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport Low Cost Carrier Terminal (KLIA-LCCT), I took the SkyBus to KL Sentral for RM9. The airport is about an hour away from town and it's good they have these shuttle buses since taking a taxi will make a dent in your budget big time!From KL Sentral, I took an LRT to the Pasar Seni Station in Chinatown and after finding a place to stay for the night, I walked around. I had some Indian food (roti canai and Horlicks ais) for early dinner and then went back to the hotel to take a nap while waiting for my SSEAYP friends. I met up with Mariam from Singapore at about 11:30 p.m. Then we met up with the Malaysian PYs (Paktam, Az and Dayang) for some late night drinks.The next day, I passed by KLCC to take photos of Petronas Towers. Then I was off to the airport again for my flight to Jakarta, Indonesia.... More About: Tran , Transit
Transit in Kuala Lumpur
2007-06-02 16:13:00 I was able to get those "free" AirAsia tickets a few months back so I'm on the backpack trail again. As always, I have to transit in Kuala Lump ur . So from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport Low Cost Carrier Terminal (KLIA-LCCT), I took the SkyBus to KL Sentral for RM9. The airport is about an hour away from town and it's good they have these shuttle buses since taking a taxi will make a dent in your budget big time!From KL Sentral, I took an LRT to the Pasar Seni Station in Chinatown and after finding a place to stay for the night, I walked around. I had some Indian food (roti canai and Horlicks ais) for early dinner and then went back to the hotel to take a nap while waiting for my SSEAYP friends. I met up with Mariam from Singapore at about 11:30 p.m. Then we met up with the Malaysian PYs (Paktam, Az and Dayang) for some late night drinks.The next day, I passed by KLCC to take photos of Petronas Towers. Then I was off to the airport again for my flight to Jakarta, Indonesia.... More About: Tran , Transit
Heritage is alive in Macau!
2007-05-31 22:16:00 I won't write about the Hong Kong and Shenzhen leg of my trip since you've already read about the forgettable stuff below. But Maca u was definitely a breath of fresh air. We arrived at the border close to 7 p.m. of May 27 and were brought straight to the Hotel Taipa Best Western where we stayed for our last night. Then we were on our own.For dinner, we just got some take out food next door and ate in our hotel room. My family slept early that night but I went out for some drinks with my brods around old Taipa. I really like the way other Asian countries treat their colonial heritage. Taipa was an old fishing town and they were able to preserve the historic core. Walking the narrow streets gave one a feel of its rich history and age. We chilled out at this place called Taverna which looked like an old shop house that was reused as a bar.The next day, after breakfast at the hotel, we took a cab to Plaza Senado and strolled around the charming colonial buildings, many of which were r... More About: Heritage , Alive
Heritage is alive in Macau!
2007-05-31 22:16:00 I'll write about my Maca u trip as soon as I get back from my next trip. I'm off to the airport in a while. Updates will most probably be scarce while I'm gone. See you all when I get back! More About: Heritage , Alive
Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Macau: making the right choices for your trip
2007-05-29 17:49:00 I just came from a family trip to Hong Kong , Shenzhen and Macau . We took my niece to Hong Kong Disneyland for her birthday and tried to find the cheapest package not realizing it's hidden costs and problems. There were thus many forgettable experiences. Here are the top 10 things to remember to help you pick the right package tour to these Chinese cities:1. You get what you pay forIf it's too cheap, be wary since these tour organizers will definitely make money from you some other way. You'll find out how as you read on. We wanted to save but the hassle and hidden costs were not worth the savings. Trust me!2. Go for the tried and tested travel agencies Although I've seen tried and tested travel agencies advertising in newspapers, many others could be in the category of fly-by-night. Don't be fooled by the rates they publish since there are more hidden charges. Our tour was a little over US$150 in the newspapers but ended up close to US$350 when all the costs were added in. It'... More About: Trip , Choi , Maki
Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Macau: making the right choices for your trip
2007-05-29 17:49:00 I just came from a family trip to Hong Kong , Shenzhen and Macau . We took my niece to Hong Kong Disneyland for her birthday and tried to find the cheapest package not realizing it's hidden costs and problems. There were thus many forgettable experiences. Here are the top 10 things to remember to help you pick the right package tour to these Chinese cities:1. You get what you pay forIf it's too cheap, be wary since these tour organizers will definitely make money from you some other way. You'll find out how as you read on. We wanted to save but the hassle and hidden costs were not worth the savings. Trust me!2. Go for the tried and tested travel agencies Although I've seen tried and tested travel agencies advertising in newspapers, many others could be in the category of fly-by-night. Don't be fooled by the rates they publish since there are more hidden charges. Our tour was a little over US$150 in the newspapers but ended up close to US$350 when all the costs were added in. It'... More About: Trip , Choices , Makin
Today is National Flag Day!
2007-05-28 14:44:00 When was the last time you displayed the Philippine flag outside your home? According to Section 7 of RA 8491 - An Act Prescribing the Code of the National Flag , Anthem, Motto, Coat-of-Arms and other Heraldic Items and Devices of the Philippines:"SECTION 7. The flag shall also be displayed in private buildings and residences or raised in the open on flag-staffs in front of said buildings every April 9 (Araw ng Kagitingan); May 1 (Labor Day); May 28 (National Flag Day) to June 12 (Independence Day); last Sunday of August (National Heroes Day); November 30 (Bonifacio Day); and December 30 (Rizal Day); and on such other days as may be declared by the President and/or local chief executives."May 28, 1898 was the day the Philippine flag was first unfurled after the Battle of Alapan, where the Philippine Revolutionary Army lead by Aguinaldo defeated the Spanish Army. This day is recognized today as National Flag Day.As one Filipino nation, let us display the Philippine flag outside our ho... More About: Today
More Bicol destinations
2007-05-24 22:35:00 On our way back, we passed by Daraga Church and the Cagsawa Ruins, both in Daraga, Albay; and the towns of Daet and Vinzons, Camarines Norte. I'll write more about it as soon as I get back from my next trip. I have to pack my stuff! In the meantime, check out these photos in Multiply.Technorati Tags: daraga, albay, daet, vinzons, camarines norte, philippines, mayon volcano, beach, travel, surfing, travel blog, historical sites More About: Destinations
Fr. Ed Panlilio is Pampanga governor-elect!
2007-05-18 13:19:00 Among Ed won the elections! Go Pampanga ! I just came from the proclamation of governor-elect Fr. Ed Panlilio. Indeed, every vote counted. He won by 1,147 votes! I'm sure that should have been bigger (if you know what I mean). But the important thing is he won. May Pampanga lead the way for the Philippines!The atmosphere at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center was electric. The crowd was phenomenal! It was not the type that lined up for something after (not hakot in other words). It was people power! More photos in Multiply.Panlilio, Eddie T. - 219,706Pineda, Lili a G. - 218,559Lapid, Mark T. - 210,875Related articlesPriest topples Pineda, Lapid in Pampanga pollsMiracle in PampangaCatholic priest elected Pampanga governorInterview with Pampanga Gov.-elect Ed PanlilioPanlilio keeps guard up vs rivals, jueteng lordsHeritage watchCongratulations to Mayor Fred Lim for winning the mayoral elections in the City of Manila! The city's heritage now has a protector. Also check out a video of... More About: Governor , Pang
Carabao Festival in Pulilan, Bulacan
2007-05-14 09:44:00 I missed the Pulilan Cara bao Festival today. The parade started at 2 p.m. but I was still voting here in San Fernando, Pampanga. I guess though, with the elections set today, the celebration in Pulilan would not be as grand as last year. So I was content with looking at photos taken by Sidney Snoeck from last year's festival, held annually every May 14 in honor of San Isidro Labrador whose feast day is tomorrow. (Photos courtesy of Sidney Snoeck)Don't miss the happenings in Quezon tomorrow which include the Pahiyas Festival in Lucban, Mayohan in Tayabas, and Agawan in Sariaya. I also heard the celebration in Gumaca is another must visit. From May 17 to 19, the streets of Obando, Bulacan will be alive with devotees doing the traditional fertility dance. More About: Araba , Lila , Arab
Around historic Cavite
2007-05-07 03:40:00 Yesterday, I went around the historic province of Cavite. Our first stop was the Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit.The ancestral home of Aguinaldo, the first president of the Philippines, it was the site of the proclamation of Philippine independence on June 12, 1898. On that day, the declaration of independence from Spain was read from a balcony of the house and the Philippine flag formally unfurled by Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista (and not Aguinaldo as is erroneously depicted in the old five peso bill). The Philippine National Anthem was also played for the first time by the Banda Malabon (of San Francisco de Malabon, now Gen. Trias, Cavite).Sadly, the museum was closed. I find this government practice of closing historical sites on Sundays stupid since it robs Philippine citizens the chance to visit these places when they?re off from work. I?ve been in the museum several times before so it wasn?t really a loss. But it would have been nice to see it again. If you want to find out wha... More About: Historic , Stor , Hist , Tori , Round
When was the last time you visited Rizal Park?
2007-05-05 13:41:00 I was at the HCS office today in Museo Pambata (former Elks Club Building) for an HCS Youth Chapter meeting. Several schools were represented including UP, UST, Ateneo, DLSU and Adamson. It just shows that the heritage advocacy is being powered by young people. The group has a lot of plans for the year. Check out the HCS website regularly for updates.After the meeting, I walked to nearby Rizal Park . There are several important heritage buildings around the perimeter of the park including the Elks Club Building (Museo Pambata), the Luneta Hotel, Army & Navy Club and Manila Hotel which are all National Historical Landmarks, and the former Department of Finance and the current Department of Tourism buildings. Rizal Park itself is a National Historical Site being the execution site of several Philippine heroes and martyrs. While the Rizal Monument is one of three National Historical Monuments.My stroll around the park was pleasant. The afternoon breeze was relaxing. The park is well-mai... More About: Time , When , Visi , Visit
The FEU campus is fantastic!
2007-05-04 15:11:00 I was at Far Eastern University (FEU) today for a campus tour with Ivan ManDy and all I could say is that the Art Deco buildings designed by Pablo Antonio, National Artist for Architecture, and the collection of art around campus are fantastic! I never thought that amidst the chaos of Recto and Quezon Boulevard is an oasis, a well-planned campus very conducive to learning. The designs of the new buildings are brilliant and blend perfectly with the old. The campus planners of DLSU should get lessons from the efficient use of space and the elegant designs and arrangement of buildings in FEU. It's no surprise the campus was recognized by UNESCO for heritage conservation.As Ivan ManDy writes: "The Far Eastern University, located in Manila's chaotic and overcrowded University Belt, is the proverbial rose in a sea of thorns. Years of neglect... led to the [campus] falling into hard times, hardly a fit place to inspire the minds of our country's future [leaders]. But then the FEU admini... More About: Campus , Camp
Have you tried karting?
2007-04-28 17:57:00 Tonight, I went kart racing at Kart Trax in Boom na Boom. My high school batch is celebrating its tenth year anniversary this year and this was the first in a series of events we've planned. This was the second time my batch organized a go kart enduro. Two years ago, we did it at the Manila SpeedZone in Fort Bonifacio. A go kart enduro can be an individual or team event. Each driver or team must make as many laps as they can in a given period of time. Tonight, we did a one and a half hour endurance race. And now my muscles ache! But it was all fun and I just wanted to share the photos with you in my Multiply and our batch page. More About: Karting , Have , Tried , Trie
More summer fun in Aurora
2007-04-18 21:24:00 The waves were strong yesterday morning when we woke up. It was perfect for surfing! For breakfast, I ordered the Big Surf Special at the restaurant which was a choice of sausage, ham or hotdogs with hash browns, toasted bread and scrambled eggs. It came with coffee and juice as well. But I was expecting a bigger serving of meat though. Anyway, we left the hotel at 9 a.m. to go around Baler.Our first stop was the Church of Baler, a national historical landmark, because it had been the site of the last stand of Spanish forces in the country. As the Siege of the Church of Baler marker mentions, a Spanish garrison of four officers and fifty men was besieged in the church by Filipino forces from June 27, 1898 to June 2, 1899. The had refused demands for surrender for nearly a year and only did so when an emissary of General Rios dropped a newspaper from Manila inside the court of the church to let them know that for many months the Spanish flag was no longer waving in Luzon except that... More About: Summer , Aurora , More
Unspoiled nature in Aurora
2007-04-17 17:04:00 No amount of rough road discouraged us from visiting Baler. We left Manila at about 2 a.m. today for the long trip to Aurora , one of the Luzon provinces which form part of our Pacific coastline. Access to that side of Luzon is quite difficult due to a lot of natural obstacles such as the Sierra Madre mountains.The only time other time I got to see the Pacific side of Luzon was during a jeepney trip from Tiwi, Albay to Sagnay, Camarines Sur in the Caramoan Peninsula of Bicol. I didn't get to swim though; just savored the view.At 5 a.m., we arrived in Cabanatuan where we had a quick breakfast. From there we made a right towards Bongabon. We passed by Palayan City, the capital of Nueva Ecija. I wonder how this can be considered a city since it was mostly rural! But it was among six cities whose creations were specifically planned. And like Trece Martires City in Cavite, it was carved out of existing municipalities in 1965 to serve as the new capital of the province.We entered Bongabon... More About: Nature , Natur
The P1 fare of Cebu Pacific... take two!
2007-04-16 06:53:00 They're offering it again. Round-trip Visayas tickets are less than PHP2000 while Mindanao destinations are about PHP2500. Check out Cebu Pacific for more details. And yes, I booked again, this time to Cotabato and General Santos City with friends. More About: Cebu Pacific , Fare
Dambana ng Kagitingan in Bataan
2007-04-09 16:09:00 Every year, April 9 has always been among the much-awaited public holidays in the Philippines. This year, it fell on Easter Monday giving everyone a five-day vacation which I'm sure kept resorts nationwide filled to the brim. But, aside from it being a holiday, do most Filipinos know what Araw ng Kagitingan is all about?On April 9, 1942, approximately 75,000 Filipino and United States soldiers, commanded by Major General Edward "Ned" P. King, Jr., formally surrendered to the Japanese army under Lt. General Masaharu Homma. Over the next few days, these prisoners of war were transferred to Camp O'Donnell in what would become the Bata an Death March.To commemorate the gallantry of these troops, April 9 of every year was declared Araw ng Kagitingan. The Dambana ng Kagitingan (Shrine of Valor) was also built on top of Mount Samat in 1966 in memory of the soldiers who saw action during the Second World War.The most distinct feature of the shrine is the Memorial Cross, a 92-meter marble, ...
Good Friday in San Fernando, Pampanga
More articles from this author:2007-04-06 16:39:00 Pampanga is a culture of contrasts, where the genteel elegance of the olden days collides with folk traditions. And the City of San Fernando on Good Frida y is an embodiment of that clash, where both cultures come alive in their own ritualistic and colorful displays of faith.I had to be in San Pedro Cutud before 11 a.m. so that I could watch the Via Crucis, a Kapampangan passion play written in the 1950s which began the crucifixion frenzy that has put San Fernando on the global map. While driving, I was surprised to see so many people lining MacArthur Highway. Then I remembered that there was also a group which made its way around our area and we would also wait for them to pass by when I was a small kid. I wonder how the guy survived all the pushing and the hitting.In Pampanga, penitents are called magdarame. There are specific names for various types such as mamalaspas or those who flagellate themselves, mamusan krus for the cross-bearers, magsalibatbat for those who crawl on dirt ... More About: Pang 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 |
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