It was a cool, peaceful day for us.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
At Lourdes, France
My friend here was taking some water from the faucet to drink and to stock-up as we visited the Lourdes Grotto in France.
It was a cool, peaceful day for us.
It was a cool, peaceful day for us.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Walking and Shopping Around
We went around Italy to shop . . .
There was this open truck where beautiful flowers were sold. Cool!
The scene was pleasing to the eyes, the colors and the freshness of the flowers are lovely.
However, I did not buy flowers, we went further to the area where there were big tents with lots of great buys.
I was able to bring home some sweaters, bags, shirts and sun glasses at a good price.
There was this open truck where beautiful flowers were sold. Cool!
The scene was pleasing to the eyes, the colors and the freshness of the flowers are lovely.
However, I did not buy flowers, we went further to the area where there were big tents with lots of great buys.
I was able to bring home some sweaters, bags, shirts and sun glasses at a good price.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Appreciating Beauty
Looking out the window from the room of my hotel, I take in a deep breathe of fresh air. What a way to relax and take in the greatness of nature, of creation . . .
Beautiful flowers greet you when you step out of the door.
The colors of autumn . . . my favorite . . .
So thankful for my Europe days. Worth remembering when stressed out, heheh.
Can't wait to take another trip to Europe in autumn, hopefully another great hotel.
Beautiful flowers greet you when you step out of the door.
The colors of autumn . . . my favorite . . .
So thankful for my Europe days. Worth remembering when stressed out, heheh.
Can't wait to take another trip to Europe in autumn, hopefully another great hotel.
Wonderful Stay
We had great accommodation at our hotel in Italy. That was when we visited a town of Italy in the province of Perugia in the Umbria region, on the western flank of Monte Subasio.
That is Assisi. It was the birthplace of St. Francis and St. Clare.
We stayed at Hotel Cristallo, located in Santa Maria degli Angeli, a four-star hotel with splendid views of the chosen hill of Assisi.
The Ristorante degli Angeli prepares a menu based on the most known Umbrian dishes with a modern twist.
We even walked around the area both fresh early mornings and late cold evenings. That was a good time for some exercise, chit-chat and just appreciating the scenery.
That is Assisi. It was the birthplace of St. Francis and St. Clare.
We stayed at Hotel Cristallo, located in Santa Maria degli Angeli, a four-star hotel with splendid views of the chosen hill of Assisi.
The Ristorante degli Angeli prepares a menu based on the most known Umbrian dishes with a modern twist.
We even walked around the area both fresh early mornings and late cold evenings. That was a good time for some exercise, chit-chat and just appreciating the scenery.
Monday, October 31, 2011
A Closer Look at the San Damiano Cross
The San Damiano Cross is the large Romanesque rood cross that St. Francis of Assisi was praying before when he received the commission from the Lord to rebuild the Church. The original cross hangs in the Basilica of Saint Clare (Basilica di Santa Chiara) in Assisi, Italy. Franciscans cherish this cross as the symbol of their mission from God. The cross is of a type sometimes called an icon cross because besides the main figure it contains images of other saints and people related to the incident of Christ's crucifixion. The purpose of an icon cross was to teach the meaning of the event depicted and thereby strengthen the faith of the people.
Jesus Christ is represented both as wounded and strong. He stands upright and resolute. His halo already includes the pictures of the glorified cross. The bright white of the Lord's body contrasts with the dark red and black around it and, therefore, accentuates the prominence of Jesus. He projects the life of divine nature in a body pierced by nails in the hands and feet, by the crown of thorns on his head, and by the soldier's lance in his side. This representation contrasts with the regal Christ portrayed on the cross in earlier centuries and the suffering, dying, crucified Christ depicted generally throughout the Church since the beginning of the 14th century. Christ is represented in full stature while all others are smaller. Above the head of Christ is the inscription in Latin: Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.
The next largest figures are the five witnesses of the crucifixion and witnesses of Jesus as Lord. On the left side are the Virgin Mary and St. John the Evangelist, to whom Jesus entrusted his mother. On the right side are Mary Magdalene, Mary, Mother of James, and the centurion who in Matthew's Gospel account asks Christ to heal his son, who is also depicted on the cross on the shoulder of the centurion (Matthew 8:5-13). Both Mary and Mary Magdalene have their hands placed on their cheeks to reflect extreme grief and anguish. The first four witnesses are saints who gave their lives for the Lord and are therefore represented with halos of sanctity. The names of the five major witnesses are written beneath their pictures.
The three smaller figures are represented as witnessing the crucifixion. On the lower left is Longinus the traditional name of the Roman soldier who pierced the side of Jesus with a lance. He is represented here as holding the lance and looking up at Jesus. The blood running down the right arm of Jesus begins at the elbow and drips straight down and will land on the upturned face of Longinus. In the lower right is Stephaton, the traditional name for the soldier who offered Jesus the sponge soaked in vinegar wine. From the his posture, one can see that he holds the staff and sponge in the same way that Longinus holds the lance.
Peering over the left shoulder of the centurion is a small face. A close look reveals the tops of the heads of three others beside him. This represents the centurion's son who was healed by Jesus and the rest of his family to show that "he and his whole household believed" (John 4:45-54).
Six angels are represented as marvelling over the event of the crucifixion. They are positioned at both ends of the crossbar. Their hand gestures indicate they are discussing this wondrous event of the death and calling us to marvel with them.
At the foot of the cross there is a damaged picture of six figures, two of whom are represented with halos. In accordance with the traditions of the day, these six are the patrons of Umbria: St. John, St. Michael, St. Rufino, St. John the Baptist, St. Peter and St. Paul.
On the top of the cross, one sees Jesus now fully clothed in his regal garments and carrying the cross as a triumphant scepter. He is climbing out of the tomb and into the heavenly courts. Ten angels are crowded around, five of whom have their hands extended in a welcoming gesture to Jesus, who himself has his hand raised in the form of a greeting.
At the very top of the cross is the Hand of God with two fingers extended. This is to be understood as the blessing of God the Father on the sacrifice of his Son.
On the right side of the picture next to the left calf of Jesus, there is a small figure of a fowl. Some art historians have interpreted it to be a rooster, representing the sign of Jesus' denial by Peter, mentioned in all four Gospel accounts. Other commentators see it as a peacock, a frequent symbol of immortality in Early Christian art.
Source: Wikipedia
Jesus Christ is represented both as wounded and strong. He stands upright and resolute. His halo already includes the pictures of the glorified cross. The bright white of the Lord's body contrasts with the dark red and black around it and, therefore, accentuates the prominence of Jesus. He projects the life of divine nature in a body pierced by nails in the hands and feet, by the crown of thorns on his head, and by the soldier's lance in his side. This representation contrasts with the regal Christ portrayed on the cross in earlier centuries and the suffering, dying, crucified Christ depicted generally throughout the Church since the beginning of the 14th century. Christ is represented in full stature while all others are smaller. Above the head of Christ is the inscription in Latin: Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.The next largest figures are the five witnesses of the crucifixion and witnesses of Jesus as Lord. On the left side are the Virgin Mary and St. John the Evangelist, to whom Jesus entrusted his mother. On the right side are Mary Magdalene, Mary, Mother of James, and the centurion who in Matthew's Gospel account asks Christ to heal his son, who is also depicted on the cross on the shoulder of the centurion (Matthew 8:5-13). Both Mary and Mary Magdalene have their hands placed on their cheeks to reflect extreme grief and anguish. The first four witnesses are saints who gave their lives for the Lord and are therefore represented with halos of sanctity. The names of the five major witnesses are written beneath their pictures.
The three smaller figures are represented as witnessing the crucifixion. On the lower left is Longinus the traditional name of the Roman soldier who pierced the side of Jesus with a lance. He is represented here as holding the lance and looking up at Jesus. The blood running down the right arm of Jesus begins at the elbow and drips straight down and will land on the upturned face of Longinus. In the lower right is Stephaton, the traditional name for the soldier who offered Jesus the sponge soaked in vinegar wine. From the his posture, one can see that he holds the staff and sponge in the same way that Longinus holds the lance.
Peering over the left shoulder of the centurion is a small face. A close look reveals the tops of the heads of three others beside him. This represents the centurion's son who was healed by Jesus and the rest of his family to show that "he and his whole household believed" (John 4:45-54).
Six angels are represented as marvelling over the event of the crucifixion. They are positioned at both ends of the crossbar. Their hand gestures indicate they are discussing this wondrous event of the death and calling us to marvel with them.
At the foot of the cross there is a damaged picture of six figures, two of whom are represented with halos. In accordance with the traditions of the day, these six are the patrons of Umbria: St. John, St. Michael, St. Rufino, St. John the Baptist, St. Peter and St. Paul.
On the top of the cross, one sees Jesus now fully clothed in his regal garments and carrying the cross as a triumphant scepter. He is climbing out of the tomb and into the heavenly courts. Ten angels are crowded around, five of whom have their hands extended in a welcoming gesture to Jesus, who himself has his hand raised in the form of a greeting.
At the very top of the cross is the Hand of God with two fingers extended. This is to be understood as the blessing of God the Father on the sacrifice of his Son.
On the right side of the picture next to the left calf of Jesus, there is a small figure of a fowl. Some art historians have interpreted it to be a rooster, representing the sign of Jesus' denial by Peter, mentioned in all four Gospel accounts. Other commentators see it as a peacock, a frequent symbol of immortality in Early Christian art.
Source: Wikipedia
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Europe In My Eyes
Let's see, hmmm. What were the things that, for me, where striking in Europe?
Old narrow, tiled streets . . .
Amazing small-sized, compact cars . . .
Beautiful, traditional tiled houses . . .
And of course, autumn trees . . .
Old narrow, tiled streets . . .
Amazing small-sized, compact cars . . .
Beautiful, traditional tiled houses . . .
And of course, autumn trees . . .
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Spain, This Time It's Burgos
Burgos is city of northern Spain, historic capital of Castile. It is situated at the edge of the central plateau. It is the capital of the province of Burgos, in the autonomous community of Castile and León.
The city forms the principal cross way of north Spain, remarked by the Camino de Santiago, which goes throughout all the city, parallel to the Arlanzón river.
It has a wide number of historic landmarks, set apart specially by the Cathedral of Burgos, Las Huelgas Reales Monastery and the Cartuja of Miraflores.
The Museum of Human Evolution was opened in 2010, unique in its kind across the world and projected to become one of the top 10 visited museums in Spain.
Source: Wikipedia
The Cathedral of Our Lady of Burgos and the other churces were awesome!
The city forms the principal cross way of north Spain, remarked by the Camino de Santiago, which goes throughout all the city, parallel to the Arlanzón river.It has a wide number of historic landmarks, set apart specially by the Cathedral of Burgos, Las Huelgas Reales Monastery and the Cartuja of Miraflores.
The Museum of Human Evolution was opened in 2010, unique in its kind across the world and projected to become one of the top 10 visited museums in Spain.
Source: Wikipedia
The Cathedral of Our Lady of Burgos and the other churces were awesome!
Friday, September 9, 2011
Quick Fix
Got hungry strolling down the tiled streets of Europe, in a park in Portugal. Quick solution? A snack at a sweet small restaurant.
It was our first meal out on our own. Of course, we checked on the chow prices, lest we can't afford to pay the bill and end up washing the dishes, heheh.
Well, a quick "merienda" or snack, that is, meant carbo-loading, fries and rice. We ended up eating such with chicken. Same old meal back at home. We really are a "rice-fries-chicken" people.
Turned out okay compared to the sausage meal I ordered since the sausage I tried tasted starchy. Extenders?
Our dinner experiences were better, superb even. But for the quick snack, it's still A OK.
It was our first meal out on our own. Of course, we checked on the chow prices, lest we can't afford to pay the bill and end up washing the dishes, heheh.
Well, a quick "merienda" or snack, that is, meant carbo-loading, fries and rice. We ended up eating such with chicken. Same old meal back at home. We really are a "rice-fries-chicken" people.
Turned out okay compared to the sausage meal I ordered since the sausage I tried tasted starchy. Extenders?Our dinner experiences were better, superb even. But for the quick snack, it's still A OK.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
WYD, World Youth Day
When I heard that the World Youth Day was to be held in Madrid, Spain, my memories of my visit to Spain came flooding my mind.
Five of my co-members in our Community joined one of the WYD groups. Surely, they would be coming home with lots and lots of great experiences to share.
And, to be with the Holy Father, ah, what a blessing.
“Entrust yourselves to prayer, in order to obtain the abundance of a fruitful Christian life”. This is what the Pope advises the WYD delegates. He will be leaving for Madrid today.
Above is a photo of my companions and myself, in a beautiful park, on a very very cold night in Spain (a cold night warmed by fellowship).
To the World Youth delegates, God bless you all with His love and mercy!
Five of my co-members in our Community joined one of the WYD groups. Surely, they would be coming home with lots and lots of great experiences to share.
And, to be with the Holy Father, ah, what a blessing.
“Entrust yourselves to prayer, in order to obtain the abundance of a fruitful Christian life”. This is what the Pope advises the WYD delegates. He will be leaving for Madrid today.
Above is a photo of my companions and myself, in a beautiful park, on a very very cold night in Spain (a cold night warmed by fellowship).
To the World Youth delegates, God bless you all with His love and mercy!
Monday, August 1, 2011
Fatima, Portugal
Fátima is a town in Portugal famous for the religious visions that reportedly took place there in 1917. The town itself has a population of 7,756 and is located in the municipality of Ourém, in the Centro Region and sub region of Médio Tejo. It is in the district of Santarém and is included in the urban agglomeration of Leiria, in central Portugal, 187 km, south of Porto and 123 km, north of Lisbon.
Fátima is famous for the shrine called the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, built to commemorate the events of 1917 when three peasant children claimed to have seen the "Virgin of the Rosary", Our Lady of Fátima. When the children asked for her name, she said "I am The Lady of The Rosary". The children experienced the reported Marian apparitions in a pasture called the Cova da Iria.
The Marian shrine in Fátima attracts a large number of Catholics, and every year pilgrims fill the country road that leads to the shrine with crowds that approach one million on May 13 and October 13, the significant dates of Fátima apparitions.
On the far side of the esplanade rises the gigantic basilica, in neo-classical style, with a central tower 65 meters high, the construction of which was begun on 13 May 1928. It is flanked by colonnades linking it with the extensive conventual and hospital buildings. In the basilica are the tombs of the three seers, Jacinta and Francisco Marto, who died in 1919 and 1920 respectively in the Spanish flu pandemic, and were beatified in 2000, and Lúcia dos Santos who died in 2005. The Igreja da Santíssima Trindade, one of the largest churches in the world, was built on the other side of the esplanade during the 2000s.
Source: Wikipedia
Fátima is famous for the shrine called the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, built to commemorate the events of 1917 when three peasant children claimed to have seen the "Virgin of the Rosary", Our Lady of Fátima. When the children asked for her name, she said "I am The Lady of The Rosary". The children experienced the reported Marian apparitions in a pasture called the Cova da Iria.
The Marian shrine in Fátima attracts a large number of Catholics, and every year pilgrims fill the country road that leads to the shrine with crowds that approach one million on May 13 and October 13, the significant dates of Fátima apparitions.On the far side of the esplanade rises the gigantic basilica, in neo-classical style, with a central tower 65 meters high, the construction of which was begun on 13 May 1928. It is flanked by colonnades linking it with the extensive conventual and hospital buildings. In the basilica are the tombs of the three seers, Jacinta and Francisco Marto, who died in 1919 and 1920 respectively in the Spanish flu pandemic, and were beatified in 2000, and Lúcia dos Santos who died in 2005. The Igreja da Santíssima Trindade, one of the largest churches in the world, was built on the other side of the esplanade during the 2000s.
Source: Wikipedia
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Salamanca University in Spain
Salamanca, Spain - this was the place where I bought my kid a souvenir sweat shirt, a bright orange one with "Universidad de Salamanca" printed on it. Then, I thought he may get to study there as an exchange student. We do not know what God's plans are. (My other son got is an exchange student in Korea).
"Wow" architectural structures were in sight.
Salamanca is considered one of the most spectacular Renaissance cities in Europe. Through the centuries the sandstone buildings have gained an exquisite golden glow that has given Salamanca the nickname La Ciudad Dorada, the golden city. This golden glow is unique in Spain and is due to the "Villamayor Stone", a type of sandstone coming from a quarry situated in Villamayor, a village close to Salamanca.
One of the most important moments in Salamanca's history was the year 1218, when Alfonso IX of León created the University of Salamanca (see photo above). Soon it became one of the most significant and prestigious academic centers in Europe.
The Plaza Mayor is the central square in the city and is known as the living room of the Salmantinos (Salamancans). It was constructed by Andrés García de Quiñones at the beginning of the 18th century. The plaza has a capacity of 20,000 people and is surrounded by shaded arcades. The plaza was originally a venue for bullfights but is currently used primarily for concerts. The plaza is regarded as one of the finest squares in Europe. Next to Main Square we can see the Central Market of Salamanca with typical fresh products of Spain.
Nowadays, Salamanca is the university of choice for plenty of Spanish undergraduate and postgraduate students, (being the first in Spain regarding number of students coming from other regions.It is, as well, known for the Spanish courses for non-native speakers, with attract more than two thousand foreign students each year.
Source: Wikipedia
"Wow" architectural structures were in sight.
Salamanca is considered one of the most spectacular Renaissance cities in Europe. Through the centuries the sandstone buildings have gained an exquisite golden glow that has given Salamanca the nickname La Ciudad Dorada, the golden city. This golden glow is unique in Spain and is due to the "Villamayor Stone", a type of sandstone coming from a quarry situated in Villamayor, a village close to Salamanca.
One of the most important moments in Salamanca's history was the year 1218, when Alfonso IX of León created the University of Salamanca (see photo above). Soon it became one of the most significant and prestigious academic centers in Europe.
The Plaza Mayor is the central square in the city and is known as the living room of the Salmantinos (Salamancans). It was constructed by Andrés García de Quiñones at the beginning of the 18th century. The plaza has a capacity of 20,000 people and is surrounded by shaded arcades. The plaza was originally a venue for bullfights but is currently used primarily for concerts. The plaza is regarded as one of the finest squares in Europe. Next to Main Square we can see the Central Market of Salamanca with typical fresh products of Spain.
Nowadays, Salamanca is the university of choice for plenty of Spanish undergraduate and postgraduate students, (being the first in Spain regarding number of students coming from other regions.It is, as well, known for the Spanish courses for non-native speakers, with attract more than two thousand foreign students each year.Source: Wikipedia
Friday, July 15, 2011
Fountain
Ola! Bom dia. Como vai você ?
The very first fountain I encountered in Europe. This is at the commercial square in Portugal. The sun was up warming the whole area. The water of the fountain is a relief to the eyes. Fantastic!
Fountain of youth? Fountain of Happiness? Well, it's just a simple fountain that I see with youthful eyes thus giving me awesome happiness. Yoohoo!!!
The very first fountain I encountered in Europe. This is at the commercial square in Portugal. The sun was up warming the whole area. The water of the fountain is a relief to the eyes. Fantastic!Fountain of youth? Fountain of Happiness? Well, it's just a simple fountain that I see with youthful eyes thus giving me awesome happiness. Yoohoo!!!
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Find Friendship in Europe
What a trip and what a group!
Got the rare opportunity to be with the greats, no less than Adrian Panganiban, a former showbiz personality, who sings beautifully and Bo Sanchez himself , the Preacher in Blue Jeans. What a spectacular trip!
This one is Lorna, the gal with a resounding, tingling laugh. What a friend!
Beside me is the eighty-year old Nanay Cleofe with daughter Gladys, Lanee's sister. Remember down-to-earth Lanee? Gladys, on the other hand, is a well-traveled individual as a result of her work. This time her trip is for their mother, but it turned out to be meaningful and relaxing for her as well.
This is Benj, my partner in training and emcee stints in our former employer. He's my "kumpare". His daughter Chiara is my god daughter.
He and his loving wife Fely, renewed their wedding vows at St. Ignatius de Loyola Basilica in Spain. This is their special request as they celebrate their silver wedding anniversary this year. Congratulations guys. Super! Behind them are Father Alex, our inspiring priest and Michael, the cool helpful dude. Hey, that's me doing the video coverage.
Yup, this is the gang. In front, there's young, kind-hearted, soft-spoken but kalog Yas and the beautiful, Paraluman-look alike mom Fran, who went straight home to Pampanga after the trip.
Hi too to the Davao Ladies, Grace and Mama Lina. They are well-traveled thus I got to be super entertained with lots of their personal stories and experiences with wisdom.
Bro. Jake and his wife Pat, proceeded to London. There's my prayer partner also, Tita Adel, with her friends Tita Vicky plus Tita Rio and her pretty daughter Maricel, who was on her fourth visit to Lourdes. Miss you all!
Got the rare opportunity to be with the greats, no less than Adrian Panganiban, a former showbiz personality, who sings beautifully and Bo Sanchez himself , the Preacher in Blue Jeans. What a spectacular trip!
This one is Lorna, the gal with a resounding, tingling laugh. What a friend!
Beside me is the eighty-year old Nanay Cleofe with daughter Gladys, Lanee's sister. Remember down-to-earth Lanee? Gladys, on the other hand, is a well-traveled individual as a result of her work. This time her trip is for their mother, but it turned out to be meaningful and relaxing for her as well.
This is Benj, my partner in training and emcee stints in our former employer. He's my "kumpare". His daughter Chiara is my god daughter.
He and his loving wife Fely, renewed their wedding vows at St. Ignatius de Loyola Basilica in Spain. This is their special request as they celebrate their silver wedding anniversary this year. Congratulations guys. Super! Behind them are Father Alex, our inspiring priest and Michael, the cool helpful dude. Hey, that's me doing the video coverage.
Yup, this is the gang. In front, there's young, kind-hearted, soft-spoken but kalog Yas and the beautiful, Paraluman-look alike mom Fran, who went straight home to Pampanga after the trip.Hi too to the Davao Ladies, Grace and Mama Lina. They are well-traveled thus I got to be super entertained with lots of their personal stories and experiences with wisdom.
Bro. Jake and his wife Pat, proceeded to London. There's my prayer partner also, Tita Adel, with her friends Tita Vicky plus Tita Rio and her pretty daughter Maricel, who was on her fourth visit to Lourdes. Miss you all!
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
The Catacombs of Rome
We are truly fortunate. Today, we can freely gather as a community to show our faith, but that was not the case of long, long time ago.Pope John Paul II addressed the Pontifical Commission for Sacred Archeology as follows:
"By visiting these monuments, one comes into contact with the evocative traces of the early Christianity and one can, so to speak, tangibly sense the faith that motivated those ancient Christian communities.
Walking through the underground passages of the catacombs, one frequently glimpses many signs of the iconography of faith: the fish, a symbol of Christ; the anchor, an image of hope; the dove, which represents the believing soul and, next to the names on the tombs, often one sees thegreeting: In Christo.
The catacombs also preserve the tombs of the first martyrs, witnesses of a clear and most steadfast faith, which led them as "athletes of God" to triumph over the supreme trial."
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
You know what I appreciate most about traveling? It's the learnings and the discoveries I get going to new places with different lifestyles (plus the food, of course).
Traveling Europe, I observed that terms used are not the ones I use. A bus is called a coach, an elevator (which is usually tiny there) is called a lift and when looking for a restroom, don't ask for a C.R. (comfort room), look for signs that say "WC". Yup, W.C. for water closet.
As you see below, to flush you push the rectangle on the wall, though sometimes you pull up from the water closet or you pull down from the water closet. They do have automatic flush like the ones we have locally. Kinda fun, deciphering how to flush every time you visit another WC.
Now, we have these too here in the country.
Traveling Europe, I observed that terms used are not the ones I use. A bus is called a coach, an elevator (which is usually tiny there) is called a lift and when looking for a restroom, don't ask for a C.R. (comfort room), look for signs that say "WC". Yup, W.C. for water closet.
As you see below, to flush you push the rectangle on the wall, though sometimes you pull up from the water closet or you pull down from the water closet. They do have automatic flush like the ones we have locally. Kinda fun, deciphering how to flush every time you visit another WC.
Now, we have these too here in the country.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
