1st of the many, I Hope!

So we are off to a hood start in the Travel department, as I was Blessed enough to have been able to Travel this past January...  For over two weeks!!!

It matters not that it was just in the Philippines - Again!!! - as this time around I got to:

-Visit 2 new Destinations: Baler and La Union..  

-Wander about and see some old historical and marvelous churches....  

-And got to visit the island of Puerto Galera once more!!!

 

Yep, Yep... you read that right....  we hit a total of  3 BEACHES!!!   Just in time too as it was the perfect getaway from the cold and dreary winter of Taipei.....   First stop was Baler....  a looong drive from Manila but soooooo worth it....  they call themselves the Surfing Capital of the Philippines and judging by the folks surfing - locals and tourists alike - it surely looks like it!

The second beach town was La Union... used to be surfing Haven before it all moved to Baler...  I requested this place as I really wanted to stay at Thunderbird Resorts....  The Greek decor inspired resort that I first got to see in the movie, "The Other Woman", a few years back... and have been admiring posts by other on Facebook and Instagram....  It was A OK....  not as IMPRESSIVE as it looks in photos....  pricey for what it had to offer... but it helped that there were not many people staying at the time we were there... got to enjoy the pool very much...  especially since no one can really swim on their private beach...

a few days break back in Manila and we headed back to Puerto Galera in Mindoro....  it has been many years since we were there last, about 2008, and it was great to be back... has changed... has grown... and just have so much more to offer - young and adults alike...  the waters were so calm... not too cold....   even Juju did not scared and swam every chance she got....   The nightlife is soooo much fun - even if you do not drink....   lively entertainment right along the beach... one after another....  our last nite, we even went from venue to venue to venue... not wanting to miss out on anything...

I truly had a WONDERFUL TIME this trip....  it was a promising start to a brand new year of travels - and I hope that it will be just like that - full of firsts, fun times, unforgettable memories....  Here's Hoping and Praying!!!  

 

You can see more photos of the trip by CLICKING HERE!

 

 

 

 

Our Lady of Perpetual Help - Taiwan

 

Most Sundays am in Taiwan, you can find me at St Christopher's Church attending Mass...  But now and again, I choose to attend one elsewhere, just for a different experience..  And of course, admire the churches...  One of my Fave Hobbies...  :)

 

This Sunday, I did just that....  I decided to attend mass at this church that has always intrigued me... mainly because the building itself is more like a temple than a church....  if one happen to pass by it, one would never guess - and wonder why there are red crosses on the sides of the building....  at one point I even thought it was some kind of shelter....  if it was not for the Catholic Church sign that I read at one of the times we passed by it, I never would have known...

Well, I was in for a total surprise....  the interior design is still very much Chinese...  but of course, the layout, the pews, and the Saints all around would lead you to know it IS a Catholic Church indeed....  Then the mass started and I was in for an added surprise - it was in KOREAN!!!    So another first for me! have had the pleasure of attending masses in English, Spanish, Tagalog, & Chinese - this was indeed my first Korean Service...  Luckily, for the most part - if you have been going to church for most of your life, you pretty much know the routine and you can somewhat follow...  and that's what I did!!!

 

In the end, I enjoyed the service.... 

I enjoyed the music - always a fave part in Sunday Mass... 

and would definitely visit this lovely Church again.... 

Palm Sunday

Another Big Event Day at St Christopher's Church today....  that being Palm Sunday....  last Sunday before Christ's Crucifixion and the Sunday before Easter....    It is the Sunday that marks the beginning of the Holy Week, the week of events leading up to Jesus' death..... 

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Palm Sunday commemorates the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. The gospels record the arrival of Jesus riding into the city on a donkey, while the crowds spread their cloaks and palm branches on the street and shouted "Hosanna to the Son of David" and "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord" to honor him as their long-awaited Messiah and King. 

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Today in modern times, a somewhat reenactment of this takes place as each of us attendees, come with our very own Palm Branches that gets blessed over with Holy Water by the presiding priest...  in honour of the revered day.

 

I love attending and witnessing such events....  there is always a much more feeling of togetherness/oneness with the other churchgoers.... and what we do celebrate adds another sentimental touch to the services...

Palm Sunday 2012

Had a Beautiful Experience at today's Palm Sunday Mass Service at St. Christopher's Church....  a new Priest held the service...  he was much more livelier than the usual new priest...  and it was extra special to be able to experience the Blessing of the Palms once more... something I have not witnessed in a looong time....

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From WIKI:

Palm Sunday is a Christian moveable feast that falls on the Sunday before Easter. The feast commemorates Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, an event mentioned in all four canonical Gospels. (Mark 11:1–11, Matthew 21:1–11, Luke 19:28–44, and John 12:12–19).

In many Christian churches, Palm Sunday is marked by the distribution of palm leaves (often tied into crosses) to the assembled worshipers. The difficulty of procuring palms for that day's ceremonies in unfavorable climates for palms led to the substitution of boughs of box, yew, willow or other native trees. The Sunday was often designated by the names of these trees, as Yew Sunday or by the general term Branch Sunday.

Catholic Sanctuary of Our Lady of WuFong Ci

Day 3 of Cousin Jhay's visit (March 2nd) was an out of town outing as it fell on both Lyn & Shaun's day off and with nothing to do - we all hung out together and they wanted to take us to - SURPRISE: Yilan!!!   Shaun's favorite destination.....  All fine by me as it gave us a chance to get out of the sity without having to take the train and the bus.....

First stop was Jiaosi...  a little hike up the Catholic Sanctuary of Our Lady of WuFongCi....   I remember going to this one a few years back but ti was nighttime - so this is a different kind of experience as it was still light - better to appreciate and really enjoy the surrounding views.....   mountain trails on one side and the other side, a look down into the vast city......

This Sanctuary Retreat place is quite a popular destinations bot just for Catholics but for many other tourists....  Legend has it that it was built on the actual place where Mama Mary appeared to 5 lost hikers and helped them guide them our of the mountain trail, which was not fully developed back then....   Mama Mary's Grotto was built on the exact location where she supposedly appeared... and a beautiful church and retreat homes adjacent to it.....   as an added bonus,  the hike is blessed with beautiful water falls...   we spent quite a time here - giving respects, admiring the design of the place, and taking in the views.....  Relaxing and Peaceful place, indeed....

Afterwards, we took a dip in one of the city's many Hot Springs.....  a nice relaxing break....   after an hour's dip, we drove on a few more minutes into Yilan and went to the famous LuDong Night Market for some Taiwan delicacies for dinner....  and of course, sweet treats!

It was already 11PM by the time we got back home....  just enough time for a shower, a cup of tea and processing photos from this beautiful place.....

Mama Mary

During the last trip to Manila, I got to stop in at the Church in Greenhills Shopping Center once more....  and it was an added BONUS that is was not too crowded....  I got to really look around and get up close to the Madonna and Child sculpture by the altar....   even from afar, it gives such as serene feeling....  soft colors, just the right touch of Golds to make it not GAUDY looking for my taste....  and the Virgin Mary's face is soooo soft and serene... so calming....  I could just stare at it for hours.... 

By far, IMHO, this is the Prettiest face sculpt of the Virgin Mary I have ever seen in all my travels....  and I have even been to The Vatican.

Ciao Ciao Italia

The other nite, I was watching the DVD of "ANGELS & DEMONS" for the 2nd time.... it has been over a year since I saw it last - so it was all somewhat new to me again... of course, since the film was mostly set in Rome, Italy - I could not help but be enthralled by the beauty of Italy once more.... brough back so many Great Memories from last year's trip... this month marks exactly one year since the trip... already a year had passed but everything still seems so fresh to me.... all the beautiful historical sights, the language, the food (Gelato Ice Cream each day and Pizza Margarita in Napoli especially), the people... just about everything...

So am reminiscing... looking back at all the photos taken... makes me wish to be back once more.... but for now, I will just be content with looking back and sharing some of my photos starting with this collage of photos from The Vatican visit... so happens it was on the 8th that we were there.... a SUnday so we lucked into attanding a mass service... and with today being Mama Mary's Birthday - everything seems to be just fitting....

MICHAELANGELO's PIETA - Sooooo Powerful!

In AWE of everything!

Easter 2011!!!

Easter Sunday in Taipei... nothing too exciting... am working... and I did get to go to CHURCH for a beautiful Easter service.... wishing I was back in Manila - especially since I cannot even connect to my MOM, via phone, to wish her a Happy Easter....I do have something to be THANKFUL for though - last nite, after a month of NO EXERCISE, I was able to go swimming - well, most of the time was spent in the Water Massage area, massaging the aching bones, especially the injured knee part... and today, I got to go to the Gym in the morning.... no running or even walking on the treadmill... still cannot do that... but I was Happy enough to be able to lift some weights.... :) Hope this is the good start for rehab - and that soon I will get to run again by the river... especially now that the weather is getting better and better......

"Viva Senor Santo Niño "

Catholics all over the world celebrates today, Sunday: January 16, the feast day of the child Jesus known to many as the Sto. Niño. This day is revered in most Catholic countries and no more so, thank in the Philippines.

It is that time of the year when devotees show how much they revere the Sto. Nino not only by going to different churches but also by going out to the streets where they dance and shout "Viva Senor Santo Niño." The devotion to the Sto. Niño is so popular that Filipino artists continue to create images of it, garbed in different costumes.

Perhaps the BEST destination, in the Philippines, for this SPECIAL EVENT is Cebu City - where, one of the nation's oldest and grand churches, the Santo Niño Basilica is located. Here, the Santo Niño de Cebú ("Holy Child of Cebu") is permanently housed. It is a Roman Catholic figure of the Child Jesus highly similar to the Infant Jesus of Prague. Like the image's counterpart in Prague, the figure is clothed in expensive textile robes mostly donations from fervent devotees in the Philippines and abroad. The statue is the oldest Catholic relic in the Philippines.

Since am in Taiwan, I am not able to trek to Cebu to enjoy the festivities and celebrate this special day - but I did manage to go to church this Sunday and, in my own way, pay respect and pray to the Sto. Niño.

NOTE: 2 Photos Above are from my first ever visit to this GREAT HISTORICAL CHURCH... dated 1999!!!

do I really look LOST???

Went to hear Mass today - at the church I always go to when am here in Taipei... I go at this particular time as, the service is in Tagalog (Philippines' language).... I get to practice my comprehension of Tagalog through the Priest's Eulogy... it helps that he is a funny one, always making me smile.... and the music - also in Tagalog - just sounds so beautiful.. uplifting and heart warming....

Anyway, right after the service, i saw that everyone was taking turns with photo taking by our Fave Priest and St. Christopher Church's Annual XMAS tree... so, always having the digicam handy, I joined in on the fun... got my photo taken too... at which time, this funny exchange between the Priest and I took place:

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Father: Are You Filipino?
Rudi: Yes, Father... of course, I come to your service all the time and it is in Tagalog.... why did you ask?
Father: I see you all the time and I always just assume you are LOST...
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LOL! That tells me never to sit in the very front anymore... I always thought I was being a good Catholic boy by sitting upfront, making sure I do not miss on anything... I did not know I look soooo Lost in following everything.... hahahahahaha

Happy Sunday All!!!

Palm Sunday Today

Up early this cold & gloomy Sunday morning.... not much on the AGENDA... David has a local tour to lead... friends way too busy with their own things... heading to my local church in a little bit, for the Palm Sunday mass... am sure it'll be CROWDED as most all Annual Palm Sunday services are... still, am looking forward to it as the service is beautiful and the songs lovely... one of the things I always look forward to when going to mass is the music... for some reason, I tend to get all emotional when I hear church choir sing...

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Palm Sunday March 28, 2010
As Jesus made his entry into Jerusalem, the crowds lined his path with palm fronds. In churches, observances include the blessing and distribution of Palm leaves to their congregants. Also the beginning of Holy Week, the countdown to Christ's crucifixion and his resurrection on Easter Sunday.
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A Great and Blessed Sunday to you all...

Bastidors

During one of my rummages through Antique shops in Manila, I came across these wooden male Angels... I was told they are called Bastidors and that they were originally made (for altars in churches and homes alike)and popular in the 19th Century Spanish Colonial Times....

So far, this is the only INFO I have gathered on them: Originally the faces are made of IVORY or Porcelain... and as you can see, there is a torso, articulated hands and arms... and a skirt type lower body -- as most were dressed in robes...The ones I got above are definitely reproductions -- as it is all made of wood... they appeal to me not only because they are MALE ANGELS but also because they fit right in with my very own MENSAJERO bois...
DOES ANYONE ELSE HAVE ANY INFO ON THESE THAT YOU CAN SHARE WITH ME???

these are a few of my FAVE things....

been raining cats & dogs here the last few days, adding frustrations to an otherwise, already confusing days of late... so I kept humming: "raindrops and roses and whiskers on kittens.." -- well, you know the rest of the song My Fave things from The Sound of Music, am sure... anyway, it got me to thinking about my FAVE THINGS of late... so am sharing a few... just a few, believe me....

Left to Right
TOP ROW: Bastidors; tokidoki MIMOBOT USBs; Geisha Gossip Girls
MIDDLE ROW: In The Mood For Love & other Wong Kar Wai Films; LOVE EQUALITY; LaCoste
BOTTOM ROW: Piolo Pascual; Halo Halo; MYBU Vinyl Toys

Yilan Outing

Saturday, the 18th of Oct. we decided to take a trip to City Of Yilan - just to look around...check out the different scenic spots, and of course some of the town's delicacies.... normally it would have taken an hour and a half or two hour drive from Taipei... With the newly constructed and opened tunnel through the mountains - it is not under an hour.... we had a late start so of course, the first stop was to hunt down some local delicacies... a bit of a late lunch / early dinner.... and that WE DID!!!
After satisfying our tummies, we drove on to satisfy our eyes... we decided to drive a bit more to the town of Jiaosi and hike up the mountains to view the famous Waterfalls - Wufongci (5 Peak-Flag)Falls It is the oldest and most famous scenic attraction in Jiaosi... and got it's name from the 5 peaks that line the background of the waterfall which look like a flag from afar.... Within the Peak is the St. Mary's Church and Villa Located at the top of Wufongci Scenic Area, St. Mary's Villa is considered by Catholic pilgrims as a sacred place. Legend has it that, Mother Mary once appeared to 5 climbers in the St. Mary's Pavilion here helping them to safely descend the mountain. In order to remember and pay gratitude to Mother Mary, an outside Grotto with a statue of her was erected on the side of the pavilion.
After the hike and with the sun having set already, we drove down to the town center, which is running amok with Hot Springs, after Hot Springs... this MUST be the Hot Springs capital of Taiwan...The Jiaosi Hot Springs won their fame early on during the Qing Dynasty when they were known as the "Tangwei Hot Springs", and were selected by Wu, Jhu-Fan, the Qing Dynasty Kavalan Magistrate, as one of the "8 most scenic spots in Yilan". On this crowded weekend, we were LUCKY enough to have been able to at least, soak our tired feet to some really soothing Hot Springs... Across the street from where we soaked our feet, Fried Tofu and Bing Tahui was calling us... the laoban (owner) was soooo kind, and must have taken a liking to us, we were treated to a lot of freebies... I seem to think that he wanted us to sit there as long as we can in order to attract more people to sit and dine.. and it worked as more and more people came... the laoban also took his time to chat up with us... told us some town history and told us of the many places to check out, and best hot springs to go to... notes for when we return, and he is so sure we will....

Heading on to the nite market for some more delicacies before heading back to Taipei, we came across a bakery super crowded with people -- we of course, had to pop in and check out all the commotions... and we were treated to some really nice Cold Tea and slices of different muffins and sweets... all courtesy of the shop... SUPER NICE and GENEROUS shop.... all in all, the township of Jiaosi, we have concluded, is a very KIND and GENEROUS town....

Another Visit to Mom's

Back from my monthly visit to check up on my Mom... as always, it is a PLEASURABLE one for me as not only do I get to see how my Mom is doing, I also get to hear more stories of my childhood, as well as those of my siblings....

This time around, David tagged a long and was kind enough to not only bring OOLONG TEA but to also give pointers (to everyone's delight!)in making it properly... to get the most of the tea....

Before going to my Mom's for lunch though - we got to stop by ANTIPOLO and visit the famously known Antipolo Church.... it is said to be the church where traveler's must go to before embarking on their journeys... to pray for a safe journey.... I was even lucky enough to have been able to buy the Church's actual Patron Saint, The Virgin of Antipolo, to add to my collection.... that is always a treat....