A FAST DISAPPEARING TRADITION

How many Philippine weddings have you attended where they still do this? A time-honored tradition of our brothers from Southern Tagalog and Central Visayas, we are glad to see it still being practiced in Manila - where most good traditions die anyway.

CASA MANILA

BASILICA MINORE DE SAN SEBASTIAN (UPDATED)

Finally got to take photos of this amazing structure at dusk. So sad to see all those electric wires blocking the view. Will update this entry soon when I am able to take photos of the interior. This was taken during the Feast Day of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.





Note: The rest of the entry found below was first posted on April 22, 2006

One of my most fervent wishes was to hear Mass in San Sebastian in Legarda, Manila. Finally had the chance to go last month, many thanks to CBCP's Stephen Borja. Yes, I did knock on the facade to make sure it really is made of steel!

The main altar with the image of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, flanked on both sides by Saints John of the Cross and Teresa of Avila, both Doctors of the Church.

It appears that this church was managed by the Carmelites before until they moved to their National Shrine on Gilmore. Information on this is most welcome.

Useful link for future refence.

THE LIGHT AT THE END OF THE HALL BECKONS

A hallway at the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Headquarters, Intramuros

TAKING A BREAK

Detail: Man resting on sidewalk, Roxas Boulevard, Manila (Photo shot from an FX)

COVER DESIGN

Detail: Manhole cover, Liwasang Bonifacio, Manila

PUERTA DE ISABEL II

Question: Was this statue of Isabel II erected for any special reason? When and by whom?

Trivia: The Philippines' and Southeast Asia's oldest bank, the Bank of the Philippine Islands, established in 1851, was also named after her (Banco Español-Filipino de Isabel II) when she was just 21. When the Queen was overthrown in 1869, the bank dropped her name.


Isabella II, Queen of Spain (1830-1904)

Detail: a bird rests on the royal head

Detail: Medallions

Detail: the robes of the Queen

The royal seal of Manila, the Distinguished and Ever Loyal City (Insigne y Siempre Leal Ciudad), whose title was granted it by Felipe II on June 10, 1574