Another term for Christmas is Yuletide. It was derived from the Middle English term yol which refers to a pagan midwinter festival. It was later absorbed into and equated with the Christian festival of Christmas. It is the feast of the nativity of Jesus Christ. The season starts from the first night of the misa de gallo until after New Year.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Yuletide Season in Ilocos
Labels:
Festivals,
Ilocandia Treasures,
Ilocos Norte
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Canonical Coronation of La Virgen Milagrosa de Badoc
I was informed by the people from the Diocese of Laoag that 29th Canonical Coronation Anniversary of the La Virgen Milagrosa de Badoc will be celebrated on December 8. It is the feast of the Immaculate Conception at the same time. This is an annual celebration. Together with my friends Mai and Fanny, we rushed to Badoc to witness this celebration.

It was told that the image of La Virgen Milagrosa de Badoc is miraculous as well as the Santo Cristo Milagroso of the town of Sinait. According to old tales, boxes that contained the images of the Virgin Mary and the Crucified Christ drifted in the shores of Logo in Brgy. Dadalaquiten in the boundary of Sinait and Badoc. Each town had decided which statue to take. The people of Sinait chose the Marian image while Badoc wanted the crucifixion. Upon the order of their parish priests, men carried the respective images. Despite the number of men who helped to carry, the statues cannot be moved until they decided to exchange. And so the first miracle happened when Badoc was able to carry La Virgen Milagrosa de Badoc while Sinait easily lifted the Santo Cristo Milagroso.
Labels:
Ilocandia Treasures,
Ilocos Norte
Monday, December 21, 2009
Bacarra Domeless Tower
Bacarra is a 3rd class municipality in the province of Ilocos Norte. It has 43 barangays with a population of around 32,000. It was founded in 1778 during the Spanish rule. In that span of 231 years, it was administered by more than 100 town executives either as gobernadorcillos, capitanes municipal, presidentes or mayors.

We had photo ops at dusk time when we visited this impressive structure recently. The full moon appeared while a numerous bats flew out of the structure successively. This is an amazing sight that can be witnessed at 6 pm onwards.
Labels:
Ilocandia Treasures,
Ilocos Norte
Celebration of Bac-bacarra Festival
Together with my colleagues from The Ilocandia Photographic Society (TIPS), we went to cover the Bac-bacarra festival at the town of Bacarra on November 30. This is our first time to witness it being held in its hometown. We had a sneak preview of the said festival during the Ragrag-o celebration.
Fishing is the main industry in the town attributed to the presence of coastline and the Bacarra river where they get good catch of quality and high valued fish products. They owe the blessings they receive to their patron Saint Andrew the Fisherman. This celebration serves as a thanksgiving to the abundant fish catches. The highlight of the said event is the street dancing depicting the history of the town and fishing itself. In general it was not that exciting as compared to other festival celebrations because there were only nine groups of young boys and girls who participated.
Labels:
Festivals,
Ilocandia Treasures,
Ilocos Norte
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
A Peek at Isic-isic
Upon the invitation of Mr. Dante Mabanag, my friend Fanny and I went to the mountain village of Isic-isic in the town of Vintar to get a peek of it and document the medical mission organized by the local Parish Council. Fr. Jojo Saturnino hosted us breakfast at the convent before we traveled.
Vintar is a 3rd class municipality of Ilocos Norte and composed of 34 barangays. It has a population of around 30,000. It used to be part of the town of Bacarra. Now its celebrating its centennial anniversary as the town of Vintar.
We boarded a dump truck joining people from San Nicolas Academy. Students and faculty members participated in the mission. Physicians and dentists from Laoag and Vintar joined together to help in the medical needs of the locals. The Redemptorist missionaries were also there. Isic-isic was their recent mission area. It was a one hour ride, where we crossed about eleven rivers. Picturesque sceneries can be seen here because of the presence of mountains and rivers.
It was my first time to Isic-isic but I have reached Tamdagan in the 90’s where we crossed rivers just the same. I enjoyed sightseeing on top of the truck. I saw some birds hovering around. The beautiful mountains were always on sight. The breeze was cool in the morning. There was also one waterfall you can peek at along the way. We have seen one hanging bridge. We passed by several places such as Barangobong, Dagupan, Esperenza and others. The only worry is that, it was so dusty along the way.
When we reached the site, there were many people waiting for us. Some people were busy cooking food and preparing for the mass. Fr. Dennis celebrated the mass. Then the mission was started. One by one queued up for their treatment. They were given medicines. Tooth extractions were done by the dentist volunteers. While busy on the mission, San Nicolas Academy hosted some games for the little children and gave away prizes.
It was tiring because of the long ride and bumpy road but it was fulfilling experience to see the beautiful sights and meet the warm people. Hope to come back here as they told me they have waterfalls to explore.
We boarded a dump truck joining people from San Nicolas Academy. Students and faculty members participated in the mission. Physicians and dentists from Laoag and Vintar joined together to help in the medical needs of the locals. The Redemptorist missionaries were also there. Isic-isic was their recent mission area. It was a one hour ride, where we crossed about eleven rivers. Picturesque sceneries can be seen here because of the presence of mountains and rivers.

When we reached the site, there were many people waiting for us. Some people were busy cooking food and preparing for the mass. Fr. Dennis celebrated the mass. Then the mission was started. One by one queued up for their treatment. They were given medicines. Tooth extractions were done by the dentist volunteers. While busy on the mission, San Nicolas Academy hosted some games for the little children and gave away prizes.

Labels:
Ilocandia Treasures,
Ilocos Norte
Monday, December 14, 2009
The San Agustin International Music Festival
Before arriving to Manila from Bicol, Bishop Utleg invited us to watch the 11th San Agustin International Music Festival. I went early to Intramuros for a walk and then had some photo ops. I attended the mass at San Agustin Church. While I was at the monastery, I accidentally bumped on to my friend Adalberto Rama who is staff member of the San Agustin Museum. He gave me a ticket to the concert.
Fr. Pedro Galende, Director of the San Agustin Museum opened the concert by introducing the performers for the night. He presented Ana Aguado Rojo, Spanish organist who was born in the City of Palencia, Spain. She is an expert performer in the field of baroque repertory. She played the 18th Century Pipe Organ which is located at the mezzanine floor of the church. She rendered a wonderful performance of the great classic pieces. Then she was later joined in her performance by Ariel S. Sta. Ana, a Filipino clarinetist who is a two-time winner of the National Music Competitions for Young Artist (NAMCYA). They were projected on the big screen in front of the altar.
The second part of the program was another awesome performance rendered by the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra under the batoon of Italian conductor Maestro Ruggero Barbieri. They were later joined by great choral groups, The UP Madrigal Singers, Coro, de Sta Cecilia, College of the Immaculate Conception Chorale, Coro Amino, and the Maryknoll Sanctuary Choir. Filipino soprano Maria Rachelle Gerodias, Italian alto Simona Forni, Italian tenor Gian Luca Pasolini, and Filipino baritone Andrew Fernando were featured in this highly remarkable concert. This was indeed a fantabulous concert where the best performers of the world performed together in one great venue.
Labels:
Manila,
Music,
Philippine Treasures,
World Treasures
Saturday, December 12, 2009
San Agustin Church: A World Heritage
Finally, San Agustin Church in Intramuros completed my visit to the four baroque churches in the Philippines known to be world heritage sites when we had a stopover in Manila. I have documented Paoay Church in Ilocos Norte, Santa Maria Church in Ilocos Sur, and Miag-ao Church in Iloilo.

This church is a popular venue for weddings. Most prominent personalities and celebrities held their weddings here. Concerts are likewise are being held here such as the San Agustin International Music Festival every year.
Labels:
Manila,
Philippine Treasures,
UNESCO World Heritage
Friday, December 11, 2009
A Walk to the Old Manila
I was surprised to discover and see a lot of attractions in the Old Manila. I took a jeepney ride from Tayuman going to Intramuros and we passed by Plaza Mexico which is really my first time to see it. It is where the trip of the galleon trade that took place from Acapulco to Manila. I alighted at the front gate and started a leisure walk around the area. It was like walking in the old time seeing those ancient buildings.

When the Spaniards came, this area was declared as the new capital of Spanish colony in the Philippines by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, who became the governor general, on June 24, 1571. Intramuros was completed in 1606 and became the center of political, military and religious power of the Spanish. There were a lot of buildings put up on this site such as churches, schools and political offices.
I saw Fort Santiago, golf courses, the Palacio del Gobernador which is now the office of the Commision on Elections, the Manila Cathedral, Casa Manila, the San Agustin Church and many others. There were guards manning the area clad in the old uniform of guardya sibil. There were calesas available to take one around the area.
Labels:
Manila,
Philippine Treasures
National Shrine of Mother Perpetual Help
Upon the invitation of Bro. Joel, Fr. Dennis and Mai of the Redemptorist Missionaries who were there at Baclaran at the time when we arrived from Bicol, we took our breakfast at the refectory. We were graciously hosted by the house rector, Fr. Frank. He spoke with us about our successful trek to Mount Bulusan. We happily related to him and to the redemptorist people our great experience of conquering the said volcano.

Labels:
Manila,
Philippine Treasures
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Daraga Church: A Historical Treasure
As we got a glimpse of the Mayon Volcano, we were able to enjoy also the beautiful sight of the Daraga Church. Just the facade alone is so wonderful. Nuestra Señora de la Porteria is the patron saint of the Daraga Church. It was the title given to Blessed Virgin Mary who helped accomplish missions so that humanity can enter the kingdom of God. This church is also known as Our Lady of the Gate Church that houses the image.
Just last year, this church was recognized as national historical treasure as declared by the National Historical Institute. A historical marker was placed at the church during a simple ceremony.
Labels:
Albay,
Philippine Treasures
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
A Glimpse of Mayon Volcano
On our way back to Manila, we dropped by at Daraga, Albay to get a glimpse of the lovely Mayon Volcano. There is a viewing deck located at the side of the old Daraga church. We were awed by its beauty. It nearly has a perfect cone shape. This was my second time to see it but the first time was at the Cagsawa Ruins on its anterior side.
The most attractive and the modest lady from this place was Daragang Magayon, daughter of Tiong Makusog. Paratuga was the avid suitor of the lady but she refused his love. She fell in love to someone from the other region by the name of Panganoron who saved her life from the river when she was drowning while taking a bath. They both deeply inlove with each other but Paratuga learned of this and he abducted her father to force her marry him.
In the midst of the wedding, Panganoron and his group came to stop it until they battle and shed blood, Magayon was not even spared. All three of them died. Magayon was burried by his father beside the sea with all his wealth including the gifts of pearl and gold by Paratuga.
Mayon Volcano is the main landmark of Albay province. It is the symbol most associated with the province. This is one of the active stratovolcano in the Philippines. It is located 15km northwest of the capital Legazpi City. As of this writing, alert level 2 is in force due to its activities on June and July 2009. It has erupted 49 times in the past 400 years that makes itself as the most active among the active volcanoes in the Philippines. Mayon is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire. Its nearly perfect cone shape was formed by pyroclastic and lava flows.
Labels:
Albay,
Philippine Treasures
Monday, December 7, 2009
Balay Buhay sa Uma
After coming down from Mount Bulusan, we stopped at Balay Buhay sa Uma resort located in Barangay San Roque. We were amazed to see this farm because you will walk under a thoroughfare with beehives hanging over. They are actually stingless bees that are grown here. The main house has a fish pond on its side. At the back of the house is the view of the Mount Bulusan. Several plants and flowers can be seen here.


Labels:
Philippine Treasures,
Sorsogon
Alimatek 101
Alimatek, alimanawang, limatek or linta is a small leech usually has a measurement of 1-3 cms. long. This is a haemophagic parasitic mountain leech under the class Hirudinea. It is a carnivorous or bloodsucking freshwater annelid worm that has typically a flattened lanceolate segmented body with a sucker at each end. It usually comes in black or brown colors.
In fact, two people from our group were serious victims of this alimatek. They penetrated into their eyes. Physician Tina and guide Alvin suffered from the discomfort in their eyes caused by this creature. They both felt itchy. They just let it stayed in their eyes for a while but they could not stand it overnight because it will suck blood so I watched the removal of the alimatek from the eye of Alvin. They used hair forcep or tweezer. Initial attempt failed because its body was slimy and one end sucked strongly in the eyeball. They have thought of irritating it by putting soap. Then it was successfully removed at the second attempt.
In the case of Tina I helped in the removal by rubbing soap in the leech with the use of a cotton bud. Joel pinched it with the tweezer while Kuya Ike assisted us. So we were successful and she was relieved.
Alimatek should not be scared of if it landed in your body because they just bite and suck a little of blood. Most of the time, you won’t even notice or feel them. But a spray of alcohol would dislodge or disengage them. Never ever pull them off by force because their suckers might be left attached to the skin better yet just leave it until it falls.
Labels:
Philippine Treasures,
Sorsogon
Beautiful Lake Bulusan
Lake Bulusan is the heart of the Bulusan Volcano National Park in Sorsogon. It is located upon the slopes of the volcano with an elevation of 2,084 feet with a circumference of 2,006 meters. This volcano is formed by a tectonic damming and also said to be crater of a volcano. It also shares an interesting local folk legend with a tragic love story of Bulusan and Agingay.
Labels:
Philippine Treasures,
Sorsogon
Sunday, December 6, 2009
A Great Climb to Mount Bulusan
Mount Bulusan is the fourth most active volcano in the Philippines after Mayon, Taal and Pinatubo. It is located in the province of Sorsogon in the Bicol region. It is classified as a stratovolcano composed of many layers of hardened lava, tephra and volcanic ash. This kind of volcano produces viscous lava that it easily cools off and hardens before spreading far.
This tall, conical volcano has an elevation of 1565 meters above sea level and a base diameter of 15km. It has four craters that include the Blackbird Lake.
We were accompanied by guides and porters led by Noel from the local government unit. We started hiking for more than five hours. It was a tiring hike since it was slippery. Along the way, it was raining. We walked to some rice fields passing through the rainforest. We have seen ancient and moss-covered trees and the giant ferns. Rare wild flowers and orchids were also seen by our group. Some alimatek got on to my skin but alertly removed them by splashing alcohol. There was heavy fog up further. We have to take breaks in between to take water, trek food and lunch. We arrived at a place close to the Lake Agingay. It was rocky with dead trees standing and some driftwoods in the midst.
In the morning, we took our breakfast then we started our assault to the peak early at 8am. We passed through the forest then stiff mountains with dried as well as green cogon grasses. It was a wet trail. It was so windy and foggy then it rained several times. After almost four hours, we slowly have seen the summit. We became excited. There were rocks and stones. We began to smell sulfur. At last, we made it to the summit. We have seen the crater lake down beneath. It was such a fulfilling experience to have conquered the Bulusan Volcano.
After photo ops, we rested as we took our lunch. Then we climbed down and it took us about three hours. It is also challenging to make the descent. But we enjoyed the sliding along the trails. It rained cats and dogs when we reached Lake Agingay. We splashed our selves with water to cleanse our muddy pants and shoes.

Then the following morning we broke camp. We started to hike again. We spent four and half hours going back. Before reaching San Roque, there were farmers picking young coconuts with their long stick. We bought a few of the coconuts and sipped the juice. It was a refreshing treat after a long and tiring hike.
Another surprise was a superb lunch served at Balay Buhay sa Uma resort. I took a shower with the hose in its garden. Manong Ike and Manong Dante later joined me. We rushed and packed our things at San Mateo Resort as we headed north.
Labels:
Philippine Treasures,
Sorsogon
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
From Ilocandia to Bicolandia
Immediately after the celebration of Christ the King, our mountaineering group headed by Bishop Sergio Utleg traveled from Ilocos Norte to Sorsogon to do a climb at Mount Bulusan. We rode a rented van and departed at 9pm with Dante Mabanag, Amelia Corpuz, Ike Castillo, Joel Faizan with Paz mechanic cum driver.
We had a restful night at the resort. Then in the morning, we started our day with a hearty breakfast and packed our things as we headed to visit the lovely Lake Bulusan. We proceeded to our jump off point at Barangay San Roque. It was there where we started a great adventure.
Labels:
Philippine Treasures,
Sorsogon
Christ the King Celebration
A solemn celebration of the feast of Christ the King was held on November 22 in the province of Ilocos Norte. The venue of the event this year was at Brgy. Madiladig in Laoag City. It was attended by all the parishes in the province.
A long preparation was made by the host Divine Mercy Parish of Laoag City, Ilocos Norte headed by Fr. Tranqui in partnership with the Redemptorist Ilocos Mission Team headed by Bro. Joel and Fr. Dennis to realize a successful event. There were mini-Cristoreys that were held prior to the main event. In fact I was invited and had attended one of them. There was nine-day novena, masses, processions, benedictions, and many other religious activities.

The mass was celebrated by Bishop Sergio Utleg. The very hightlight of the celebration was the general precession from Madiladig to Caoacan and back. The monstrance was paraded around held by the bishop alternated by other priests. They used the simple monstrance because it is light in weight. But I have seen the solar monstrance paraded during the mini-Cristorey which really looks heavy. Monstrance is the vessel used in the Roman Catholic Churches to display the consecrated Eucharistic Host. It comes from the Latin word monstrare meaning “to show” or synonymous to demonstrate, to show clearly. Monstrance is also known as ostensorium.
Labels:
Festivals,
Ilocandia Treasures,
Ilocos Norte
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