IBC 2012: Final 15 Travel Write-up Challengers

CONGRATULATIONS!

1. Enzo Luna
2. Michael Joseph Romero
3. Jinkee Umali
4. Zheyme Manahan
5. Sumi Go
6. JayL Aquino
7. Kathy Ngo
8. Ferdinand Bondoy
9. Cha Sy
10. JC Ordonez
11. Estan Cabigas
12. Karla Mae Brazil
13. Ethel Joy Caguitla
14. Cristel May Diaz
15. Lloyd Salac
16. Dan Patacsil
17. Bernie Sy

KEY ACTION STEPS:

• FREE SLOTS. I still have three more free slots. Please share to your blogging friends how can they join us in this activity. You may send them this short link: http://bit.ly/zNKkOk. 
• CONFIRM. To confirm your attendance, send me a PM via Facebook with your mobile number and pre-qualifying entry with complete mandatory elements (they change regularly). Catch me at www.facebook.com/markjosephdelgado
• REMINDERS.Read carefully the event details and important reminders below.

EVENT DETAILS:

• 1:00pm - 1:15pm - Meet-up at Starbucks Intramuros. As a challenge, I won't be answering any inquiries on how to get to Starbucks Intramuros. Also, punctuality for the meet-up shall be rewarded with a free beverage coupon by Starbucks, where will we be staying for an hour. And lastly, choosing of tour guides is on a first come first serve basis. If you are eyeing a slot for a particular tour guide, do your best to be on time. 
• 1:00pm - 1:40pm - Caffeine fix at Starbucks Intramuros. Starbucks Intramuros is one of the most unique Starbucks stalls in the whole Philippines. You will know why. I'm sure you will want to hang out inside it and get some caffeine into your system while taking some pictures before the tour. There are just some rules on picture-taking that we need to observe while inside the coffee shop. These things shall be relayed to all of you during the event.
• 1:40pm - 2:00pm - Tranvia transfer to the venue. No blogger should miss this exciting experience. But I'm afraid those who won't be able to make on or before 1:40pm shall have to walk or ride a pedicab to the venue. Ask the Starbucks folks where did we go. (Keyword: Club Intramuros)
• 2:00pm - 3:00pm - Snacks while meeting. Some special reminders before the tour while munching some snacks in a very exclusive place within Intramuros. (Keyword: Mulligan)
• 3:00pm - 6:00pm - Walking tour. All I can say is that I am very much excited about this part.
• 6:00pm - 7:00pm - Parting of ways. Before we part ways, there shall be some short reminders and quick survey form to be accomplished. Afterwards, see you on the next Intramuros Bloggers Challenge!

IMPORTANT REMINDERS:

1. INTRAMUROS. Research about Intramuros as early as now to get a teaser of what you will have before the walking tour. 
2. TOUR GUIDES. Research about the tour guides. This will help you a lot in getting ideas on how to maximize your tour on Sunday. We got Celdran Tours, Mabuhay Guides and Castillan Tours.
3. UPDATE. Update the mandatory element from your pre-qualifying entry regularly to avoid being disqualified. The mandatory element can be found at the bottom of this post.
4. BE COMFORTABLE. You will be in a walking tour. Wear the most comfortable clothes that you have. And as much as possible avoid bringing heavy stuffs.
5. EXCLUSIVE. As much as we want you to be accompanied by your friends and loved ones, this event is exclusive for the blogging participants only.
6. PUNCTUALITY. Be on time. Punctuality shall be rewarded.
7. AVOID BACKING OUT. Avoid backing out a couple of hours before the event. Give me at least 12 hours to search for someone to take your place.
8. PHOTOS & VIDEOS. Take really good pictures and videos. You might win for yourself a free Basic Photography Workshop courtesy of our sponsor, Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation.

<---- Pre-qualifying mandatory element below. Don't forget the links. ---->

This is a pre-qualifying entry to the Intramuros Bloggers Challenge 2012 organized by IntramurosManila.Asia. 

IBC 2012 is fully supported by the Intramuros Administration, Barbara's Restaurant, Celdran Tours, Mabuhay Guides, Pilgrimage Pilipinas, Castillan Tours, Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation, Inc., DigiEntrepreneur, DigitalFilipino, Third Team Media, Payless Pancit Shanghai, Ruthilicious, Ruthilicious Fanpage and GadgetGambit.com.

<---- Pre-qualifying mandatory element above. Don't forget the links. ---->

This post was updated last February 6, 2012.

IBC 2012: Final 15 Food Write-up Challengers

CONGRATULATIONS!

1. Enzo Luna
2. Michael Joseph Romero
3. Jinkee Umali
4. Zheyme Manahan
5. Florencio Jusay, Jr.
6. Sumi Go
7. JayL Aquino
8. Kathy Ngo
9. Ma. Aleah Taboclaon
10. Cha Sy
11. Krystle Marie Pingol
12. David D'Angelo
13. Janese Halabaso
14. Mark Chino Pantua
15. Han Abello
16. Ria Hazel Lumanog
17. Lloyd Salac

EVENT DETAILS:

• Venue: Barbara's Restaurant inside Plaza San Luis Complex in front of San Agustin Church
• Time: February 3, 2011 @ 5:40pm

IMPORTANT REMINDERS:

1. RESEARCH. Research a little about Barbara's Restaurant. This will help you a lot in the upcoming challenges.
2. UPDATE. Update the mandatory element from your blog entries regularly to avoid being disqualified. See the mandatory element at the bottom of this post.
3. BE COMFORTABLE. Bring less stuffs with you as much as possible and wear the most comfortable outfit too.
4. INVITE. Invite your other blogging friends to join the Travel Write-up Challenge on February 5! We still have few more slots. Deadline is extended until February 2, 2011 @ 11pm!
5. EXCLUSIVE. As much as we want you to be accompanied by your friends and loved ones, this event is exclusive for the blogging participants only.
6. PUNCTUALITY. Please do come on time. You have to witness the cultural show right from the start!
7. AVOID BACKING OUT. Avoid backing out a couple of hours before the event. Give me at least 12 hours to search for someone who will replace you.
8. PHOTOS & VIDEOS.Take really good pictures and videos. You might win for yourself a FREE Basic Photography Workshop courtesy of our sponsor, Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation.

<----Pre-qualifying mandatory element below. Don't forget the links. ---->

This is a pre-qualifying entry to the Intramuros Bloggers Challenge 2012 organized by IntramurosManila.Asia. 

IBC 2012 is fully supported by the Intramuros Administration, Barbara's Restaurant, Celdran Tours, Mabuhay Guides, Pilgrimage Pilipinas, Castillan Tours, Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation, Inc., DigiEntrepreneur, DigitalFilipino, Third Team Media, Payless Pancit Shanghai, Ruthilicious, Ruthilicious Fanpage and GadgetGambit.com.

<---- Pre-qualifying mandatory element above. Don't forget the links. ---->

This post was updated last February 3, 2012.

Intramuros Bloggers Challenge 2012: Let the Challenges Begin!

EVENT DETAILS:

A blogging challenger may choose one or both challenges below.

• Food Write-up Challenge
• February 3, 2012 
• 6pm - 8pm
• Registration is FREE but donations are very much welcome =)
• Travel Write-up Challenge 
• February 5, 2012 
• 1pm - 6pm
• Registration is FREE but donations are very much welcome =)

CONFIRMED RESTAURANT PARTNER

• Barbara's Restaurant

CONFIRMED TOUR GUIDE PARTNERS

• Celdran Tours
• Mabuhay Guides
• Pilipinas Pilgrimage
• Castillan Tours

OTHER CONFIRMED SPONSORS

• Intramuros Administration
• Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation, Inc.
• Payless Pancit Shanghai
• Ruthilicious
• GadgetGambit.com

GUIDANCE & MENTORSHIP

• DigiEntrepreneur
• DigitalFilipino
• Third Team Media

NEW MECHANICS FOR JOINING (UPDATED AS OF FEB. 1, 2012):

• Intramuros Bloggers Challenge 2012 is open to all bloggers who are members of the following Facebook Groups on or before January 29, 2012. <- Please note that this is not the deadline. 
• For bloggers wanting to join starting February 1, 2012, below are the mechanics.
• Food Write-up Challengers
• Deadline of submission of entries is until February 1, 2012 @ 11pm. 
• Pick the best food entry that you have from your blog. (Previous entries are good enough. The sponsors would just like to see your writing style. No more word limits.)
• Insert the Mandatory Element below your blog entry. You will find it at the bottom of this post.
• Paste your blog post URL, full name, email address and "Food" at the comment box below.
• You're done! Please keep posted for the announcement of the Top 15 Food Write-up Challengers!
• Travel Write-up Challengers  
• Deadline of submission of entries is until February 2, 2012 @ 11pm.
• Pick the best travel entry that you have from your blog. (Previous entries are good enough. The sponsors would just like to see your writing style. No more word limits.)
• Insert the Mandatory Element below your blog entry. You will find it at the bottom of this post.
• Paste your blog post URL, full name, email address and "Travel" at the comment box below.
• You're done! Please keep posted for the announcement of the Top 15 Travel Write-up Challengers!

OLD MECHANICS FOR JOINING:

• Intramuros Bloggers Challenge 2012 is open to all bloggers who are members of the following Facebook Groups on or before January 29, 2012. <- Please note that this is not the deadline.    

• Pinoy Bloggers
• Bloggers Support Each Other
• Proudly Pinoy Bloggers
• Bloggers Support Group

• To join, just simply answer the question “Why is it more fun in the Philippines?” using 100 words or less. Photos and videos may also be inserted. Entries should be posted in their participating blogs containing the Mandatory Elements. You will find it below this post.
• After completing the entries with the Mandatory Element, their entries, full names, email addresses and chosen challenges should be posted at the comment box below this blog post. Afterwards, they may share their entries to their social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus, NetworkedBlogs and others.  
• 15 lucky bloggers for each of the 2 category sets shall be chosen to participate in the Intramuros Bloggers Challenge 2012 using the following set of criteria:

• Substance - 40%
• Creativity - 30%
• Compliance to Word Limit, Mandatory Elements & Grammar – 30%
• Bonus points may also be given to entries with Likes, Comments, Retweets, Shares and Tagged Friends. =)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

• How do I know if I were chosen as a Blogging Challenger?

Aspiring Blogging Challengers should keep themselves posted with the announcement of the Top 15 Blogging Challengers to be posted on IntramurosManila.Asia. It is highly recommended that they follow the blog through these social networks:

• http://www.facebook.com/intramurosmanila
• http://www.facebook.com/groups/149354788501994/
• https://twitter.com/#!/sleekinthecity
• https://plus.google.com/114121094409189275989
• http://www.networkedblogs.com/blog/intramuros-manila
• http://feeds.feedburner.com/Intramurosmanilaasia

• Can I be creative in my entry by adding images and videos?

Yes. There are no limits to creativity, only with the number of words to be used.

• What kind of challenges shall the Top 15 be facing in IBC 2012?

IBC 2012 is divided into 2 challenges: Best Restaurant Write-Up and Best Travel Write-Up. A Bonus Challenge may also be presented during the event.

• What are the incentives of being chosen as one of the Top 15 Blogging Challengers?

The bloggers for the Restaurant Write-up Challenge shall be dining inside an elegant restaurant inspired by the old Spanish-Filipino houses with daily Filipino cultural presentations.

The bloggers for the Travel Write-up Challenge shall be touring Intramuros with the top-caliber tour guides in the country.   

Aside from the exciting prizes they can win from the challenges, this campaign is also a good chance for them to contribute to strengthening the country’s tourism through blogging and social media promotions.

• What are the mandatory elements required for the entry?

IMPORTANT: There will be new additions to the mandatory elements from time to time. Please bookmark this blog post. And don't worry this is not included in the word count. =) 

<---- Pre-qualifying mandatory element below. Don't forget the links. ---->

This is a pre-qualifying entry to the Intramuros Bloggers Challenge 2012 organized by IntramurosManila.Asia. 


IBC 2012 is fully supported by the Intramuros Administration, Barbara's Restaurant, Celdran Tours, Mabuhay Guides, Pilgrimage Pilipinas, Castillan Tours, Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation, Inc., DigiEntrepreneur, DigitalFilipino, Third Team Media, Payless Pancit Shanghai, Ruthilicious, Ruthilicious Fanpage and GadgetGambit.com.

<---- Pre-qualifying mandatory element above. Don't forget the links. ---->

This post was updated last February 6, 2012.

Adobo Reflections and the Magic of Adobo Connection

After a very good massage yesterday, I decided to cap that night with an equally good dinner.

Alas! There’s a newly opened restaurant in 500 Shaw Zentrum Building in Shaw Boulevard, just a few blocks away from the office. No need to search for a place any further.

Adobo Connection is located at G/F 500 Shaw Zentrum Bldg., Shaw Blvd., Pleasant Hills, Mandaluyong City.

When I entered, I was greeted with smiles by the two ladies at the counter. As usual, when it’s my first time at a restaurant, I always ask the one-million dollar question, “Miss, ano ‘yung bestseller?” (English: Miss, what’s the bestseller?) Impressively, the shorter lady answered me quickly, “Sir, you may try our Modern Adobo or Kuya’s Adobo. Both are bestsellers.”

SEASONS OF LOVE by KeyStrings: A Recital-Concert

What: SEASONS OF LOVE by KeyStrings: A Recital Concert

Who shall be performing:

• KeyStrings Ensemble
• Keytrings Students
• Quest (Hip-Hop/R&B artist who released an album last 2010 called Revolution produced by Sam Milby. Visit his YouTube Channel here.)
• Avant Garde Singers
• Lola Lydia (The main beneficiary of the event. She's a street fiddler playing in Manila and was featured by Howie Severino in iWitness. You may view the documentary here.)
• PinoyViolinist

When: January 14, 2012, 6:00pm

Where: PhilAm Life Theater, United Nations Avenue, Manila

Ticket prices:

PHP 1,000 - VIP (inclusive of cocktail and backstage pass)
PHP 750 - Mid-row Seats
PHP 300 - General Admission

How to reserve tickets:

• Carl Ureta - 0915-967-0356
• Liza Coroneza - 0922-858-8701
• JM Besana - 0922-893-5935
• KeyStrings Office - (02) 346-5935

I am so sure you guys will enjoy this benefit-concert-recital by KeyStrings! I've got the chance to work with the group during the wedding of a friend in Caleruega and I must say that I really enjoyed the performance because I am accompanied by a very talented and professional group of musicians. We did "Marry Your Daughter", "Forever", "Knocks Me Off My Feet" among others. So if you have a passion for music (especially the violin) and would like to enjoy a concert while helping someone (Lola Lydia), please do book your seats now. 

Also, please do check out their event invitation on Facebook. Click here. 

How Steve Jobs taught me how to live in 2012: A New Year's Blog

I don’t know much about Steve. I only know him through the most amazing phone I have ever used in my entire life. The phone was very useful- takes good enough photos, videos, easy to access notes (which I use a lot especially when I think of ideas to blog about) and recognizes Chinese characters (something that is very useful to me in my line of work). I also know that Steve was good at creating impactful presentations- something that I have always tried to achieve whenever I pitch my ideas or do trainings.

Steve Jobs was famous for his "One more thing...", which is actually the most important part of his presentations.
[Photo Credits:  http://www.todaysiphone.com ] 

A few days before 2012, I happened to chance upon his video talking in front of graduating Stanford students recorded last 2005. I wasn’t a viral-video-watcher type of person but something with the video made me click on the play button and listen to Steve. (I wasn’t even a real fan that time (not just yet…) but the video was very inviting, as if it was something that I needed to watch during that time.)

What the heck is Odeng?

One day, I happened to pass by the food court of SM City Sta. Mesa, the mall of my childhood. And then, something caught my eyes (and nose) that forced me to a halt from a hasty walk towards the elevator.

Mmmm… It smelled yummy and looked yummy. And it looked new and intriguing too.

Introducing Odeng. Tadaa!

Odeng, the smaller, is 12 pesos per stick. Odeng, the bigger, is 27.

Being the ultra-curious kind of being I am, naturally, I found myself buying a stick after asking the sales lady the question, “Ate, ano ‘to?” (English: Miss, what’s this?)

5 More Juicy Reasons to Revisit Baguio

Baguio is called the "Summer Capital of the Philippines". But regardless of the season it is still is one of my favorite cities to revisit again and again. In my recent trip to the city, I found five reasons for anyone to visit (or revisit) it. Enjoy!




1. Ukay-Ukay. Baguio City is the Ukay-Ukay Capital of the Philippines. It is said that the first Ukay-Ukay stores appeared in Baguio City. Coming from the word “hukay” meaning to dig, Ukay-Ukay shoppers dig deep upon layers and layers of shirts, jackets, hoodies, cardigans and etc. in order to search for the best item that they can find. Today, Ukay-Ukay stores are not only for shoppers who are looking for some thrifty finds and pre-loved items. Even fashionistos and fashionistas alike visit Ukay-Ukay stores to look for stylish and hard-to-find stuffs for less.

Barbara's Restaurant: An Extraordinary Filipino Dining Experience within the Walled City

It’s fast becoming a tradition. This year, just like last year, the night before my birthday, I chose to dine again in a Filipino restaurant. And this time, I had it in a great restaurant inside the Walled City.

Have you heard about Barbara’s?

Barbara's is located at the Plaza San Luis Complex in Intramuros. They are open from Mondays thru Saturdays. Dinner starts at 6:30pm.

Barbara’s restaurant is located inside the elegant Plaza San Luis Complex, in front of San Agustin Chruch. This plaza is my favorite spot inside Intramuros. Inside you will find the beautiful Casa Manila, White Knight Hotel Intramuros and La Monja Loca Store- all of which are pretty much about the old Philippines. During my first time inside it, I thought I was somewhere in Spain! It was beautiful! It was the Philippines during the era of the Spanish conquistadores.

Plaza San Luis Complex is one of the most interesting spots within the Walled City. It houses Casa Manila, White Knight Hotel Intramuros, La Monja Loca Store and Barbara's Restaurant.

And then we entered Barbara’s.

I remembered during high school, my Filipino teacher would call my late-coming classmates “Gobernador Generales”. In English, the Governor Generals. The Spanish rulers of Las Islas de las Filipinas! It was said that the Governor General will always come in late for any gatherings. Everyone will have to wait for them before anything starts. They were kings!

This is what I exactly felt when I entered Barbara’s. I came in late for the cultural presentation. (Office time is till' 7pm so I really have no choice.) And when we came, they started dancing. I was the Governor General that night!

Imagine entering a restaurant serving authentic Filipino dishes and filled with loud Filipino music while dancers entertain the guests with traditional Filipino dances. Watch their awesome performance of Tinikling here!

When we were assisted by a waitress in Filipiniana to our seats (looked like the owner of the house during the old times), the more that I felt like a Governor General. But I did not remain in my seat. I stood up and stayed near the center where all the dancing and singing are happening. It was an amazing experience! It’s been a year that I’m blogging about food and travel (I have an old blog here). But this is the first time that I heard of a Filipino restaurant inside the Walled City where cultural presentations are being held every night (except Sundays)! I found the best Filipino restaurant of all time!

The performers of Kultura Filipina at Barbara's Restaurant. Show starts at 7:15pm everyday- except Sundays.

I thought I was already a "full" Filipino. Through blogging and through my travels, I have eaten a lot Filipino dishes already. I've witnessed a couple Filipino cultural presentations too. I have even sang at least one Kundiman song while wearing Barong Tagalog. But my moment at Barabara’s showed me the things that I don't know yet about my own culture. It has taken me to a new and remarkable experience- dining as a Filipino in a big Spanish-Filipino house within the historic Walled City while watching Filipino cultural performances.

Barbara's serve authentic Filipino dishes. Dinner buffet is at Php495+.

Salads and desserts at Barbara's.

A paragraph in their brochure said it right, “Step into a place reminiscent of old world elegance. Located along the historic General Luna street in Intramuros, the restaurant evokes the charm and beauty of a bygone era. Go up the intricately carved staircase and be greeted by silver-gilded mirrors. With high ceilings and crystal chandeliers, the setting is a world apart from your modern day shopping mall restaurant.”

The old Filipino interior of Barbara's Restaurant.

Experience more of Kultura Filipina at Barbara's Restaurant through our YouTube videos! Please visit our channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/intramurosmanila.

The 7 Churches of Intramuros: Then and Now

Maybe a revival of piety (using the term in its Latin sense) will in the future inspire the return to Intramuros of all its former churches, chapels, convents and beaterios. Only then will Intramuros be really "restored". -Nick Joaquin

The Old Manila that was Intramuros was not only the economic and military center of the Spanish Empire in the far east. It was also the bastion of its strong Christian Faith. There used to stand, within the walls of Intramuros, seven houses of God, all built with architectural magnificence. 

I've been always dreaming that one day, all the other 5 churches of Intramuros would rise again from the rubble. If you will visit the Walled City right now, you'll notice that only 2 of the original 7 churches managed to endure the test of time. Ask me what happened to the other 5 and I will answer you with a deep regretful sigh. What happened after the war was that our government focused on building new establishments over the rubble of the past glorious city, a mistake that put Manila's former beauty into a chaotic bustling city. Forever I will be unhappy that our post-war government chose development rather than restoration.

To repeat, Intramuros was the conjunto, of all its traditional temples; without its other colleagues, even the Cathedral and San Agustin are merely crown jewels without a crown. -Nick Joaquin

What remained from the Seven Churches of Intramuros are the San Agustin Church (the only building left standing after the Liberation of Manila in 1945; listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the Manila Cathedral (rebuilt from 1953-1958). The other five no longer exist within the walls of Intramuros, the San Ignacio Church was left in ruins until now and the other 4 have new establishments built on their site.



1. Manila Cathedral

The ecclesiastical seat of the Archdiocese of Manila. Catastrophic events such as fire, earthquake and war have caused this structure to be reconstructed eight times on the same site (the last was completed in 1958 after its total destruction by the Liberation of Manila in 1945). The cross on its central dome was the zero kilometer reference point for all locations in the Philippines during the Spanish era (the reference point is now located at the Independence flagpole in Rizal Park). On its crypt lies the remains of former Archbishops of Manila including Cardinal Santos and Cardinal Sin.

Pre-war photo of the Manila Cathedral.
[Photo Credits: http://www.skyscrapercity.com]

The Manila Cathedral at present.

2. San Agustin Church

Built by the Augustinians from 1587 and completed in 1604, it is considered to be the oldest stone church in the Philippines. Nothing remained standing inside the walled city except the Church of San Agustin after the Liberation of Manila in 1945. The church was spared from the bombings because it's bell tower was marked with a Red Cross (in times of war, attacking any building/establishment/vehicle that carries an emblem of Red Cross is a great war crime). In 1994, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Pre-war photo of San Agustin Church.
[Photo Credits: http://www.skyscrapercity.com]

San Agustin Church at present.

3. San Ignacio Church

The church (neo-classical in style with two towers) was built by the Jesuits in 1889. The famous Filipino sculptor Isabelo Tampingco and his students worked on the lavish woodwork on its interior. However, it was greatly destroyed during the war and was left in ruins to date. At one time it became the E.J. Neil warehouse. Currently, there is an archaeological excavation at the site of its ruins, it is said that San Ignacio Church will be the future site of Museo de Intramuros that will house the religious collection of Intramuros Administration.

Pre-war photo of San Ignacio Church.
[Photo Credits: http://www.skyscrapercity.com]

At the back of the ruins of San Ignacio Church.

Archaeological excavation site inside the walls of the ruins of San Ignacio Church.

4. Lourdes Church

House of the Franciscan Capuchin friars built in 1891. It houses the allegedly miraculous statue of the Our Lady of Lourdes, carved by Manuel Flores in 1892. The war also destroyed the church in 1945, forcing the Capuchins to move to its current location in Retiro, Quezon City. This site is now occupied by El Amanecer compound where the Ilustrado Restaurant and Silahis antique shop is located.

Pre-war photo of Lourdes Church.
[Photo Credits: http://www.skyscrapercity.com]

The old site of the Lourdes Church. Now site of Silahis Souvenir Shop.

5. Recoletos Church

The church that was famous for its four-story bell tower and its magnificent interior. Was built several times from 1619 (the last was built in 1782). It was in this church that Father Diego Cera, the man behind the construction of the Las Pinas Bamboo Organ, started making organs made of bamboos. The Recollect friars moved to San Sebastian Church in Quiapo after the war severely destroyed their church in Intramuros. Manilla Bulletin now occupies the site. 

Pre-war photo of Recoletos Church.
[Photo Credits: http://www.skyscrapercity.com]

Old site of Recoletos Church. Now site of the Manila Bulletin Building.

6. San Francisco Church

The church of the Franciscan Order (second to arrive in the country) first built in 1578. It was burned down in 1583 so a new stone church was built in 1602. The earthquake of 1645 destroyed again the church. The third church was built in 1738. It then had a retablo-like facade decorated with collumns, statues and niches. It remained in ruins after its destruction during the war. Mapua Institute of Technology rose from its rubble.

Pre-war photo of San Francisco Church.
[Photo Credits: http://www.skyscrapercity.com]

Old site of San Francisco Church. now site of Mapua Institute of Technology.

7. Santo Domingo Church
 
The Dominicans built five churches on the same site, the last (built in 1868) was designed by Felix Roxas Sr. in Neo-Gothic style. The church was famous for its ivory image of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary (Nuestra Senora del Santisimo Rosario) also known as the Virgin of La Naval. It is believed that the Virgin Mary brought victory to Spanish fleet over the invading Dutch, hence the feast of La Naval is celebrated annually every 7th of October. When the Japanese burned down the church in 1941, the Dominicans moved to its current site in Quezon City. The site is now occupied by the Bank of the Philippines Islands.

Pre-war photo of Sto. Domingo Church.
[Photo Credits: http://www.skyscrapercity.com]

Old site of Sto. Domingo Church. Now site of BPI building.

About the Contributor

Ivan Briñas Cultura, 19, a biology student with an adventurer's instinct and a little introverted personality. He is a history lover and a wannabe photographer. He's a pure Filipino from Manila who dreams to have M.D. after his name. Though his ultimate goal in life is to have his name in Philippines' history. Solo traveling, photography, locating historic markers and watching musicals are his favorite pastime.

Visit his blog here.

The Wedding at San Agustin Church

San Agustin Church is dubbed as the Wedding Capital of the Philippines.

After touring Intramuros and having lunch at Ristorante delle Mitre, we passed by in front of San Agustin Church, the oldest stone church in the Philippines. But something caught my attention that moment that made me pause and go nearer the old church. A number of onlookers, foreigners and locals, are huddled right outside its huge wooden doors. Something's going on.

The next second, a shiny white car with white flowers in front came into the picture. It stopped just right outside the doors of San Agustin Church. I knew it!

Someone's getting married today.

Here comes the bride...

The back door of the shiny white car suddenly opened. And then a beautiful chinita girl dressed in a magnificent-looking gown stood up. She looked trembling! She was aware that all eyes were upon her that moment. But she still looked amazing!

The groom, indeed, made the right choice.

One...

And then, as if she had rehearsed for this a long long time ago. She took her post right outside the big wooden doors of the old church. Eyes and cameras were all focused on her.

Two...

Upon the signal of the over-all coordinator, two men stood beside her and pushed the wooden doors open. And then...

Off she went...

It was a lovely event that capped our Intramuros tour!

-
To know more about the Wedding Rites at San Agustin Church, please click here.

Simbang Gabi: The Intramuros Experience

The Christmas spirit in the Walled City is very much alive.

One day, I just had a sudden inspiration to attend the Simbang Gabi in Intramuros.

I don't remember myself being religious about attending the Dawn Masses before as I am a self-confessed nocturnal being and I loathe waking up early. But, I thought it might be a good experience for me to attend it at least once. This time, at no less than the Manila Cathedral.

So after a get-together with some college friends in Tomas Morato in Q.C., I headed straight to the Walled City. From the windows of my cab, I witnessed how the scenery changed- from seeing the bright lights of the restaurants, bars and cars in the city to the dimly-lit and old-looking Spanish-Filipino houses, streets and other establishments in Intramuros.

As my cab went further inside the Walled City, I couldn't help but notice the increasing amount of brightness emanating from ahead. As we draw nearer San Agustin Church, I saw them- the people who are going to attend the mass, the sacristans who are glowing in the whiteness of their garments and some vendors selling bibingka and puto bumbong. Something warm welled up from my insides.

It's Christmas time.

And when we reached the cathedral, here is what I saw.

The Manila Cathedral looked magnificent that day.

Manila Cathedral was a house of gold in the middle of the evening sky. It was glowing! I saw a lot of people going straight inside the church. It was 4 o'clock in the morning. The mass shall start any moment soon. As for me, I took my time to admire the beautiful facade of the cathedral and took some shots.

The beautiful interiors of the Manila Cathedral.

As I entered the cathedral, an equally beautiful and magnificent interior welcomed me. It was huge and grand! I couldn't help myself taking a few shots before I pick my seat in one of the first few pews in front. It was already filled with people when I came in. The mass is, indeed, going to start any moment soon.

Simbang Gabi or the Dawn Mass is a 9-day devotional mass that starts from December 16 to 24. In Spanish, it is called Misa de Gallo or the Rooster's Mass due to its nature of being celebrated before the dawn.

It started during the era of the Spanish colonizers as a practical compromise for the farmers who still wish to attend the novena masses in the evenings after a whole day of labor in the fields. Since they normally start their day in the fields before the sun rises, the priests decided to hold the dawn masses for them.

After the service, the people and the clergy would share the former's offerings to the church before they head to the fields. They offer sacks of rice, fruits and vegetables that the farmers harvest themselves. This is where all our all-time favorite Christmas snacks such as bibingka and puto bumbong originated from.

Just like this one.

After the mass, people lined up to taste their all-time favorite Bibingka.

My favorite taho drink was also present that day. I can feel the distinct "Filipino Christmas spirit" just with the way these kids huddled at the taho vendor. I wish the taho vendors would never get tired selling their well-loved merchandise in the mornings- forever. It is my morning cup and morning music, all at the same time.

I would be demise if the next generation of Filipinos will not be able to experience this beautiful part of every Filipino's childhood.

My all-time favorite drink, Taho, was present that day too.

Merry Christmas, folks!

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simbang_Gabi

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Lights and Sounds Museum: A Walking Tour To Philippine History

Lapu-Lapu is regarded as the first Filipino hero.

When I first heard of the Lights and Sounds Museum, I thought I was just going to watch an ordinary show about the making of Intramuros. But when I entered a big room, standing, and with lights all turned off, I felt I was up for something more exciting that day. The Lights and Sounds Museum wasn't just a museum, it was an experience center!

A diorama of one of the battles fought between the Filipinos and the Spaniards.

The museum was divided into different rooms. Each one of them is depicting some of the highlights of the Philippine history. It has dioramas- moving replicas of people and objects placed in scenes that tell the remarkable stories of the Philippines' past.

Statues of the different Filipino heroes were placed inside the Lights and Sounds Museum.

Each scene is to be "experienced" one by one. It is dramatically narrated by a voice over with some background music. The lights are also in place to direct the attention of the audience to the main characters. A tour facilitator is also present to lead the audience from one room to another.

We were brought to Europe inside the Lights and Sounds Museum and experienced the life of Jose Rizal and his fellow Filipinos when they were there.

The life of Jose Rizal was one of the highlights in the Lights and Sound Museum. It was an instant trip to Europe when we were brought by the tour facilitator to Jose Rizal's life in Spain and Germany.

The publishing of La Solidaridad.

We were able to "experience" the national hero's life through the images being depicted in the dioramas.  The dioramas were not anymore at their best conditions today but I still enjoyed the entire show, nonetheless.

The different characters from Noli Me Tangere.

There was even a room showcasing the characters of Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. It was nice to go back once again to the novels written by Jose Rizal. This time, with life-size dioramas and dramatic narrations.

The friars warned the Filipinos about reading Rizal's novels.

The Lights and Sounds Museum was a project of the former Tourism Secretary, Richard Gordon. The aim of the museum is to retell the history of the Philippines to local and foreign visitors in an interactive and fun setting.

The building of Intramuros.

Another highlight of the show is the story of how Intramuros, the Walled City, was built. This topic wasn't discussed that much during my classes in history in high school and college.

The Filipinos weren't allowed to enter inside Intramuros- except the slaves.

Because of the Lights and Sounds Museum, I have learned that ordinary Filipinos- except the special guests and the slaves- weren't allowed to enter the walls of Intramuros back then. It was exclusive to the Spaniards- the government officials, the friars and their guests. It was also said that the Spaniards made it a very happy place. Spaniards held feasts inside it every now and then,  leaving the Filipinos outside hungry and oppressed.

A diorama of Jose Rizal when he was imprisoned in Fort Santiago.

Lights and Sounds Museum is located at Sta. Lucia cor. Victoria Sts. The tour requires a minimum fee of PhP 1,000 per tour. The first show starts at 10:00 AM and the last show at 6:00 PM. For reservations or inquiries, you may contact (02) 524 2827.

Blogger's Note: These pictures were taken at the museum with permission the Intramuros Administration.