Sunset as seen from aboard M/V Doulos
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
SAY WHAAAAT?!
On my way home via Avenida Rizal, I almost stumbled when I saw this on Madison's, one of many stores lining this busy promenade. One can almost gag while reading this announcement featuring the store's low, low, low (as if 1 'low' isn't enough) prices.
"Earth to Madison's, any plans of having that banner grammar checked?!"
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
ST. CECILIA'S HALL
The hall's lobby. Take note of painted ceiling and details. This was the thing that almost made me want to keel over the moment I entered this Hall. I was here last January to execute a design for the stage of the homecoming show for St. Scholastica's 100th year.
Now I know how the Metropolitan Theater must have looked like in its heydey. I wish they finish work on that very soon. If the nuns can do it, the government can too. (Yeah, right!)
Entrance to the theater. Flanked by two staircases that lead to wings. The bas relief above depict brother-sister tandem Saints Benedict and Scholastica. Note G cleft as door handles. The Latin word for peace, PAX, is found atop the crowned wooden door.
Detail. A cherub on every post. Note hand-painted details.
Detail. Floor design.
Detail. Sunburst as handle of main door.
Detail. All-glass door of lavatory for males.
Detail. St. Cecilia, patron saint of music.
Stage floor is made of kamagong, a precious Philippine hardwood.
This theater comfortably seats 900 people.
Detail. Dressing room.
Detail. Cherubs on chandelier.
The lobby's main crystal chandelier.
St. Cecilia's Hall facade at night.
STREET ART, QUIRINO GRANDSTAND
After a day-long planning session at the nearby Bayview Hotel, I found myself walking along the periphery of the Quirino Grandstand when I saw these murals, dried paint flaking in the wind.
A panel depicting Filipino coconut farmers.
This is my favorite part of the wall. Very amusing to see Jose Rizal at the wheel of the jeepney. Below, Andres Bonifacio hangs on at the end asking someone to please pass his fare to the driver. One guy holding a rondalla guitar asked him to come in ("Tuloy po kayo"). Anybody out there who knows when were these commissioned and by whom, and who painted them? Thanks!
PAINTED AND GETTING READY
The church at Sta. Cruz is newly painted in time for its reconsecration as a National Shrine for the Blessed Sacrament. Kinda useless given all those wires crossing its beautiful facade. *Sigh*
Sunday, February 25, 2007
EDSA JUAN: QUO VADIS?
I attended and celebrated Mass at the Mary Queen of Peace Shrine (aka EDSA Shrine) lately and took photos again. I did the same thing last year, but I am featuring the interiors in this entry (except for the paintings which will come next year!). This place is very special to many Filipinos for obvious reasons, although I am not quite sure if many still feel the same fervor that they showed years ago when they were marching on EDSA. The image of an Asian Mary, by the late sculptor Virginia Ty-Navarro, evokes a certain feeling of oneness with Our Lady.
As for me, I still recall our entire school (Don Bosco Pampanga, then in Bacolor) being asked to contribute to build this Shrine. It still feels different attending the service here.
This, after all, is hallowed ground.
The floating glass Risen Christ by National Artist for Sculpture Ramon Orlina. The altar is by National Artist Napoleon Abueva. Next time, I'd feature art works individually and give credit to their creators.
The one major design flaw of the Shrine: obstructed view of the altar. Naku, baka magalit sa akin si Architect Francisco Mañosa.
Dove of Peace by Manny Casal. Let peace rule over this land, Oh Lord.
Friday, February 16, 2007
CARRIEDO STATION
Plaza Goiti at night (sorry, my hand moved). There are street food galore down there and blind musicians too!
The ubiqitous sinugbang dried pusit vendor along Avenida Rizal
