A day at the city of the Thirteen Martyrs of Cavite

A property case gave us a chance to visit another historical town in Cavite, the city of the thirteen martyrs, Trece Martires.

Upon arrival at the city proper, specifically at the Governors Drive, you would see the monument of the thirteen martyrs, to whose honor the city got its name.

An instagram post showing the monument of the 13 martyrs

The thirteen Caviteno martyrs were executed during the Spanish regime for allegedly committing the crime of rebellion by cooperating with the Katipunans.

In honor of the thirteen martyrs, a town in Cavite was named after them, which is Trece Martires, and which then served as the capital of the province of Cavite. As of the present, it is the Imus City which serves as the capital of Cavite, though the seat of the provincial Capitol is still located at Trece Martirez, as well as other government offices and agencies.

All thirteen barangays of Trece Martires are named after the thirteen martyrs.

Near the monument is the parish church of St. Jude Thaddeus, the patron saint of lost causes and desperate situations. We went inside and said our silent prayers.

stained glass

The Provincial Capitol of Cavite is also located at Trece Martires City, the heart of Cavite, literally and geographically speaking. 🙂

The seat of the provincial government of Cavite

There is also a monument of the first Philippine President Emilio Aguinaldo in front of the Capitolio, and a mini-park with benches where one can relax and get refreshed, especially on humid afternoons like the time that we went there.

Emilio Aguinaldo monument

We also can’t help but take a picture of the palatial legislative building while we were strolling along the capitol compound.

Legislative Building

After our transactions at the capitol compound, we stopped by to have coffee and snacks at Republic of Cavite, a restaurant/coffee shop which is a mini-replica of the Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite. I will be writing a separate blog entry about our coffee experience at Republic of Cavite. 🙂

Church visit at Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage in Antipolo City

Tayo na sa Antipolo Church

Hearings at Antipolo City gave us opportunity to visit the Antipolo Church or the shrine of “Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage”. Visiting the Antipolo Church gave me nostalgic memories of childhood, when we used to go there with my parents and grandparents. I had an old picture of my grandfather carrying me at the parking lot of Antipolo Church, him wearing a hat during that sunshiny Antipolo day. After going to church, we would be buying kasoy (cashew), which I then pronounced as “ka-shoy”. 😀

It has been customary for most Filipinos to go up in Antipolo City and to pray at the Virgin Mary of Antipolo whenever they are about to embark on a long journey. At the back of the church, religious items and prayer books are available, especially for those who want to pray or novena for safe travel.

 The Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage is considered as one of the most traveled for and sought after Marian icons in the Philippines. During Holy Week, thousands of devotees flock to Antipolo Church to pray and reflect.

 After praying at the church and buying religious items, don’t forget to drop by at the nearby pasalubong center to buy cashew nuts and suman. 🙂

St. Joseph Parish Church in Gasan, Marinduque and the Garden of Meditation

Another heritage church perched on a hill.

We were able to come back to the beautiful island province of Marinduque this June due to another court hearing. This trip is much memorable since I brought with me not just my hubby but my mom and aunt as well. I was thinking it’s the perfect opportunity for them to visit the island since no typhoons are threatening the skies that week that we were scheduled to go there.

Another thing that made this trip more memorable is that we were able to tour around the municipality of Gasan. One of our clients are based in Gasan, Marinduque and when they learned that we are staying in Boac, they told us to visit Gasan since it’s the municipality after Boac. So on our second day in Marinduque, we went to Gasan in the mid-afternoon.

We met up with our client at the St. Joseph Parish Church at Poblacion, Gasan, Marinduque. Like the Boac Cathedral, the St. Joseph Parish Church is perched on a hill. Hubby and I took the stairs (a steep climb), while my mom and aunt rode a vehicle uphill. All the hard work and effort is worth it once you’re at the top. The grandiose church, which was originally built in 1609, boasts not just a magnificent view of the town of Gasan but also of a “Meditation Garden”.

The pictures below show the magnificent interiors of the church, the intricate details. 🙂

Inside the church

Fan-like

Also within the compound of the St. Joseph Parish Church is the meditation garden and the lookout point where you can see the coastline of Gasan and the poblacion.

Jesus in the Garden

at the lookout point

It is very refreshing at the garden compound of the church, plus the open air, and the view of Tres Reyes islands from afar.

San Jose.

Garden compound

You would see the poblacion from the lookout point. The Municipal Town Hall of Gasan can be clearly seen. 🙂

The municipal town hall as seen from the church compound

At the church compound, you would also see century-old church bells.

old church bells

When in Marinduque, a visit to the town of Gasan is truly a must. 🙂 The visit to the St. Joseph Parish Church is an exhilarating experience. And we were blessed with such good weather when we visited, that we enjoyed our stay inside the church and its compound. It’s such a visual treat.

The St. Joseph Parish Church is located at the poblacion of Gasan, Marinduque. You would easily see it since the reddish church is located at the top of a hill, overlooking the town of Gasan.

Exploring the town of Virac by foot

It was the 22nd day of May 2014 when I first saw the mountainous island province of Catanduanes.

This is the panoramic view that greeted me while aboard the Regina Calixta vessel.

Port of San Andres in San Andres, Catanduanes

I was fetched by my clients from Port of San Andres and off we went to the town of Virac. We passed by zigzag roads, mountain ranges and green fields. At long last, we arrived at Virac, Catanduanes. I was billeted at a simple but lovely pension house located near the province’s Capitol Building. This is the Marem Pension House.

Marem Pension House

After resting, I decided to go out of the pension house and to explore the town of Virac. As I have mentioned awhile ago, provincial Capitol building is just walking distance from the pension house.

The Catanduanes Capitolio

On my first night, I asked the front desk at the lobby of Marem’s where to eat, preferably an airconditioned restaurant, since it was very hot that day. They suggested that I try the Fin Bar & Grill, which is located at the Center Mall, which is also located near the pension house.

The Fin Bar & Grill, at the Center Mall

sizzling chicken

Being a chicken lover, I tried the 2-piece sizzling fried chicken with java rice. For 99 pesos, I had a hearty meal of two pieces fried chicken with sumptuous gravy, and the java rice is so Bicolandia… with bell pepper and chili. I love it!! 🙂 There’s also iced tea that goes with the chicken meal. That’s all for 99 pesos. So rare nowadays to get your 99 pesos’ worth. 🙂

The next day, my clients and I went to have lunch at Sea Breeze, an outdoor restaurant near the Virac Port.

It’s so refreshing to have lunch when you have this view:

Seaside view from our table

This is how the tables look like at Sea Breeze. 🙂

Al fresco dining at Sea Breeze is one of the activities that I definitely miss! 😦 There’s nothing like dining with a great view of the sea, and the sea breeze softly touching your skin. 🙂

I was also able to drop by, pray, and give thanks at the Virac Cathedral.

Virac Cathedral

For the renovation of Virac Cathedral

That late afternoon, after resting at the pension house, I explored Virac again by foot. After all, it’s my last night in Virac. 😦

While walking, I came upon this building, which used to be the provincial Capitol building of Catanduanes.

This used to be the Catanduanes Capitolio.

After searching last-minute for additional souvenirs, I went to search for Blossoms Restaurant, which was recommended by one of the staff at Marem’s pension house. Of course, I got lost while searching for it, having a lousy sense of direction. But the locals are kind enough to point me towards the place. 🙂 I was enchanted the moment I saw the restaurant from across the street.

Blossoms

You would feel more enchanted inside, with the homey ambiance, the pretty lights, elegant wall decors, and country-style furniture.

Inside Blossoms

I ordered pasta and cake at Blossoms Restaurant. I liked the mango cream pie better than the baked macaroni that I ordered. But the ambiance of the place more than makes up for the dining experience. 🙂

It was a fun, liberating experience for me to explore Virac by foot. I was excited at the prospect of exploring, guided with tips from the warm manoys and manays (that’s how they call each other)… Getting lost was not a scary experience as I knew that I am in a safe place with friendly, hospitable people. I love the simplistic way of life in Virac, and I cherish having visited the local malls and restaurants. I am hoping that I will get to visit this island again in the future, with my hubby. 🙂

The allure of the scenic town of Bato, Catanduanes

After attending a hearing in Virac, Catanduanes last May, my clients took me to a side trip to Bato, Catanduanes, where the century-old Bato Church is located. I knew that I would be seeing an old, charming, heritage church. But I didn’t expect that along the way I would be enthralled with marvelous sights.

As we traverse through the coastal town of Virac, I could not help but take photographs of the shoreline.

As we approach the municipality of Bato, I saw a placid river amid the mountains. According to my clients, it is the Bato River. They told me that the Bato Church will be just across the river. And with that I saw the long bridge that we have to pass in order to get through the municipality of Bato. It was breathtaking to see the bridge, the river, and the mountains.

The Bato Bridge

While I am at loss for words to describe what I felt when I saw the bridge, the more that I am at loss for words to define the feeling when we were actually crossing the bridge.

Crossing the longest bridge in Catanduanes

Time seems so quick for me to actually grasp what I felt when were crossing the bridge. I could not decide whether to look to the left or to the right. Everything’s so beautiful. The skies are clear, the mountains are abundant with trees, the river is calm and serene. And after crossing the bridge we turned right. And then the vehicle stopped. They said we have arrived at the place where the Bato Church is situated. But again, I am caught off-guard. I got amazed with the view when I got out of the vehicle.

The Bato River. No filter.

I just have to take a picture in order to preserve this view in my memory. 🙂

After basking in that beautiful sight, I turned and saw an archaic but charming edifice in front of me: the Bato Church or the St. John the Baptist Church.

St. John the Baptist Church of Bato

This is the facade of the Bato Church.

The church was closed when we went there. Even if I was not able to go inside, I felt contended having seen the Bato Church from the outside. There is that feeling that the church has witnessed so much, and that despite its age, it is still magnificently intact. The Bato Church is worth crossing the distance. Besides, you would not get bored along the way due to the interesting sights that will marvel you. 🙂

The Cathedral of Immaculate Concepcion: Overlooking the Lower Town of Boac

The Boac Cathedral (The Cathedral of the Immaculate Concepcion) is located at the top of the hill, overlooking the town of Boac. You can just imagine how glorious it looks from afar, with the centuries-old facade illuminated by the blue sky.

The majestic Boac Cathedral

The Boac Cathedral was built sometime in the 17th century. It then served as a refuge for the Marinduquenos whenever Moro pirates would attempt to conquer the town of Boac. They would pray fervently for the safety of their town.

One day, the Moros came into the shores of Boac, aboard their vinta. Suddenly, there were heavy rains and floods; the attempt to conquer Marinduque did not prosper, as when the Moros are approaching, a mirage of a Senyora appeared on the wall of the cathedral, her hand outstretched, as if telling the Moros to stay away. And so, the Blessed Virgin became known as the Mother of Immediate Succor, “Ina ng Biglang Awa“, due to the immediate action and mercy from the Heavens to save the town from the invaders.

May, the month of “Alay para kay Ave Maria”

Inside the cathedral.

Feast day for Boac is during the 8th of December, the birth date of Immaculate Concepcion. Outside the Cathedral and within the cathedral compound is the shrine for Mother of Immediate Succor.

Inside the shrine of Ina ng Biglang Awa

There are also religious items and souvenirs sold inside the shrine if you want remembrance and novena/prayer book of the Mother of Immediate Succor.

We visited after our hearing and before the leaving the beautiful town of Boac.

Spiritual journey at Kamay ni Hesus Shrine in Lucban, Quezon

This Sunday, I could not help but reflect on a trip to Lucban, Quezon way back in January 2010. My family and I went to Kamay ni Hesus Healing Shrine. We were then grieving at that time, and after the trip, and the early morning mass that we attended, we felt miraculously healed, somehow.

There are 310 steps on the shrine leading to the top, which depicts the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

While climbing, various life-size depiction of the passion of the Christ can be seen along the way, all 14 Station of the Cross.

Grotto

This is the depiction of the crucifixion of Christ. It was raining slightly when we went there, but the view and the colorful plants made the climb worthwhile.

This is me with my mom. 🙂

The Crucifix

The area leading to the shrine is dominated with trees, adding an almost serene atmosphere.

From the bottom, you would see the 50-foot statue at the top of the shrine, showing the resurrection of Christ.

This is me with my brother. 🙂

This is the view after 310 steps.

On the way down, you would see various depictions from the Holy Bible, such as this one, the depiction of the Last Supper.

The Last Supper

This is the depiciton of Adam and Eve at the Garden of Eden.

Adam and Eve

Tourists flock at the Kamay ni Hesus Healing Shrine most especially during Holy Week. One can easily reflect while in the vicinity of the shrine, and the 310 steps would serve as a sacrifice before finally reaching the top, where a 50-foot resurrected Jesus Christ is waiting.

When descending from the shrine, you would see the Kamay ni Hesus Healing Church.

Kamay ni Hesus Healing Church

Regular and healing masses are held at the church. We attended the mass that fateful morning and there is nothing more heart-wrenching than attending a healing mass when you are grieving. I felt so touched as religious songs are played and sung by the choir. I could not remember the priest who conducted the mass but I was so overwhelmed with his sermon, with the solemnity of the place. Tears naturally fell, but I also felt at peace.

The healing shrine is located at Brgy. Tinamnan, Lucban, Quezon.

A trip to Lucban, Quezon would not be complete without tasting the famous pancit Lucban. There is a nearby canteen at the shrine and we went there to get a taste of pancit Lucban and the equally delicious brown puto. 🙂

This is me with my brother and my uncle. 🙂

Travel time to Lucban, Quezon is almost 3-4 hours coming from Manila. Come visit the shrine for a more meaningful journey.

Town-hopping in Bulacan

We have been town-hopping in the province of Bulacan during the first half of this year, due to clients who are mostly based in Bulacan.

While we had a lot of hearings at Malolos City, we went several times to different municipalities in this province not to attend hearings, but mainly to confer with our clients, or to negotiate on behalf of our clients.

One of our clients is based in Bulakan, Bulacan. After one hearing in Malolos City, my hubby and I proceeded to the municipality of Bulakan for a meeting with our client, who is affiliated with the local government of Bulakan.

This is the municipal hall of Bulakan, Bulacan.

Bulakan is considered as one of the oldest towns in the Philippines, and the parish church in front of the municipal town hall is considered as one of the oldest Roman Catholic churches in the province.

This is the Bulakan Church, or “Parokya ng Nuestra Senora dela Asuncion”, located directly across the Municipal Hall of Bulakan.

Another client of ours hails from Bocaue, Bulacan, which is considered as the “Fireworks Capital of the Philippines”. We went several times to Bocaue to negotiate on behalf of our client, who is based outside the country.

This is the fairly new municipal town hall of Bocaue, Bulacan.

Both the municipalities of Bocaue and Bulakan are near Manila, making travel to these municipalities quite easy.  While we were in Bulakan, we noticed that the roads of Bulakan are dominated by German Espiritu buses, all bound to Manila. These buses also pass by the towns of Balagtas and Bocaue.

Alitagtag, my Dad’s Hometown

Last weekend, my family went to Alitagtag, Batangas to celebrate the birthday of my late father. 😦

We were surprised at the developments in the area because we were there just last January of this year. There is now this landmark spelling out the town of Alitagtag. This is found near the public market, public cemetery, and Justice Hall of Alitagtag.

Across this is the huge Alitagtag Church called “Invencion dela Sta. Cruz Parish Church”, which is still under renovation.

Invencion dela Sta. Cruz Parish Church

 

A visit at the Barasoain Church

One morning, before our afternoon hearing at Malolos, Bulacan, we dropped by first at the historic Barasoain Church. This one is the paronamic view of the church, which has a museum beside it. When we went there, we thought that the church is closed. However, upon inquiry, we learned that there is a side entrance to the church, which can be found by entering the premises of the museum.

The shot below was taken inside the Barasoain Church.

Across the street, you will find a Barasoain Bakeshop, which sells sumptuous ensaymadas and authentic Bulacan pork chicharon. 🙂 I also love their peanut empanada. 🙂 Don’t forget to drop by and buy pasalubong. 🙂

Sightseeing, Sunburst, and Starbucks at Lapu Lapu City

Aside from the adventures, my office mates and I also went sight-seeing and food tripping in Cebu. None of us hails from Cebu and we did not have any tourist guides with us, but we were guided during the trip by blog entries about Cebu must-have’s and must-do’s. 🙂

We got to learn about Sunburst through blog posts and reviews. That’s why we did not hesitate to search for this resto and to finally taste that much-talked about crispy chicken skin. 🙂

That’s a picture of me and my fellow lawyers in front of Sunburst.

Photo courtesy of panyera Paulinne

Once inside, we ordered our respective chicken meals and the crispy chicken skin or what they call the “Chick ‘N Chips”. 🙂

Their chicken meal has a coleslaw on the side, and potato chips on the side.

You cannot go wrong just by ordering the chicken meal and the chicken skin. A two-piece chicken meal is enough to satisfy you and there is something about their coleslaw that makes it the perfect side dish. And when it comes to the chicken skin, well let’s just say it’s not for group sharing, LoL!! It was already gone by the time I am about to take pictures. It’s cooked to perfection, crispy golden skin that you can dip into vinegar to lessen the guilt. 🙂

I’ve read that there is already a branch in Bohol. You bet my hubby and I will search for it, scour for it, just to taste the chicken meals once again. 🙂

Of course, a visit at Cebu is not complete without stopping by at the Basilica del Sto. Nino de Cebu and Magellan’s Cross.

Pasalubongs bought from Taboan Market.

Taken inside the Magellan’s Cross Shrine.

We also went to Fort San Pedro, which is Cebu’s “Intramuros”. It’s tiring but fun to walk and climb on the ancient walls.

photo courtesy of Atty. Bob

My panyera and I also hung out at Starbucks Lapu Lapu City branch while waiting for our colleague to arrive (we came on different days). It’s fun to hung out at this particular branch which is very much alive and full of Koreans. 🙂

See my bracelet? I love Cebu, I love Cebu. 🙂 And I miss it soooOooooo bad!

*To read more about our zipline and Skywalk adventure, please read my previous post. 🙂

Laguna’s classic municipalities: Sta. Cruz and Pagsanjan

It’s my first time to appear at the Regional Trial Court of Sta. Cruz, Laguna. I was so nervous at the possibility of being late for the hearing, so my hubby and I went to Sta. Cruz the night before the hearing. We checked in at an inn near the provincial Capitolio, to ensure that I will not be late. As you can see, I was the first one in court. LoL!!

early bird

 

The Hall of Justice is located near the provincial Capitolio. What a sight!

 

The hearing lasted until noon because we were number 21 on the calendar. However, I did not notice much how the time went by. It was a lighthearted atmosphere inside the courtroom. The lawyers (who are mostly practitioners from Sta. Cruz, Laguna), are very cordial. We practically occupied the counsel’s table. And the judge is very jolly. It’s rare to see courtroom personalities like them nowadays. 🙂

After the hearing, we went to Pagsanjan, Laguna, the town next to Sta. Cruz. We went to the Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish.

 

We also went to Brgy. Maulawin due to the insistence of our clients. The bridge connecting Brgy. Maulawin to the town proper is under construction so we went there by alternative means. On the way to Brgy. Maulawin, we rode a “balsa” to get to the other side. This is the view while riding the “balsa“.

 

On the way back, we walked on a HANGING BRIDGE. A hanging bridge that keep’s on swaying. :s

I can barely contain my nervousness when I took a picture of my hubby.

 

That was certainly an adventure. But it’s all worth it. 🙂