The most popular one day multi-arts festival features more than 80 shows and 2000 participating artists led by the Resident Companies of the CCP. Artists perform previews of the upcoming music, theater and dance season. The festival also features visual arts exhibits, film screenings, storytelling sessions, an arts and crafts market. All you can see, pay what you can.
I love going to new places, however since I'm always busy with a lot of things however I actually got a chance to ride the pasig river ferry service. Yep you heard it right, this ferry goes trough the pasig river. My original location was Intramuros where one station, Plaza Mexico is located. I was very fustrated with the traffic in road at that time and tried to go on a cruise on that ferry service. I was aware that this service is already operational however I never tried to go on board. Well it was really a new feeling knowing that you road is the pasig river. And that one fact is I cant swim, so it was one of my hesistations. But because of the need to go to school I had to take a chance to take the ferry service. I was quite impressed about the station and the ferry itself. a fare of 20 pesos is fair for a student from intramuros to the PUP station.
the golden mosque near the river
a boat! a boat!
pandacan oil depot
also part of the oil depot
under the bridge
inside the ferry
the other ferries...
under the Quezon bridge
a different view of escolta
guess where...
And the journey itself is also an adventure. Seriously, how many of us go to work or school through the river. I have passed to stations like Escolta, Lawton, and the highlight was to pass by the Malacanang palace which again we don't see directly since it faces Malacanang park. You know, security purposes. Also with this reason I was not permitted to take a click on the "white house". Don't also miss the oil depot, one of the benefactors of the river but also contributes to its contamination. However, another sight to see are the birds that fly over the polluted river. They seem to adapt the environment of man and was able to survive with it. Thus there might be some hope in reviving the river. And practically there had been improvements thanks to the linear parks on the side but still a lot of work to be done to attain the former glory of the river.
The ageless tradition lives on of the oldest and probably the longest procession in the country happens again in Manila. And today is my 8th year joining the procession. Thank God that the date falls on a Sunday in which I don't have a shift on that day. Most of us would know what happens on this feast, that there will be a lot of people, not just hundreds, not just thousands but millions! This would make manila the most dense place on that day! Amazingly enough that there are people that actually came from near and far provinces.
The feast of the Nazareno shows faith and prayers can make a difference. I admit that I have never tried to join in the procession walking on my bare feet but I think i will try that on the next years of the feast. This year, I was not able to start the mass at Luneta, but decided to attend mass. It was the most physically challenging mass as I pass through the sea of devotees to get inside the basilica. I took me almost two masses to get in and out of the church. I took the chance to take pictures and the video of the NPJN hymn.
Of course, the feast is also the the many faces that makes the celebration colorful. This includes the religious cults and fanatics. Aside from the millions of bare footed devotees there are also the countless number of Nazareno replicas from small ones to the ones that have its own entourage. The celebration wont be complete without businesses that take advantage of the moment to make a sale from shirts, towels, food, drinks and many other things that could or could not be related to the Nazareno. This expands from Luneta to the ends of Recto which every year becomes a war zone of garbage after.
But amidst the chaotic and dense environment, you would notice the power of the human spirit especially in prayer. Its already a big effort to go through the hassle of heavy human traffic plus the threat of snatchers and rowdy devotees. You could also see people of senior ages still devoted to the Señor because of the gratitude they are thankful.
I myself still find myself to this realization and that is why I am still here. I know that even I cannot get to the actual statue paraded, he would still see what is inside of us that proves our faith in him. For a financially poor country like ours, we find ourselves to be spiritually rich and this also forms our values and morals. Though its already the age of globalization, these things remind us of where we started.
Though there are really sad parts about the feast that many would take advantage of this for their personal goals. It is given, but what they cannot never corrupt is the power of the human spirit to make an impact, a very big impact actually, and this sometimes makes it fun even with all the pain. There is also the fact that when you attend this one with your family and friends is definitely a bonding moment.
Thank God that this year there is no fatalities but there was an increase of the injuries. But its a god sign to see that the trend is improving. I hope there will be the day that all can enjoy the feast without getting hurt. Overall, I was satisfied with the new way of seeing the procession, I may have not witnessed the Original Nazareno action this time, it showed me a different side that showed me how it made an impact on the heart of its devotees.
Here are some of the other interesting pics on that day...
their group is staring at the sun at 11am praying
I admire the people in the medical team, so far the busiest team every year
Its Maroon everywhere!
literally a 'sea of people'
the church is jampacked every mass
rescuers prepared on McArthur bridge if ever someone would fall...
you could also check out what happened last year on my blogpost here.
When you insert Jack Black into a great classic story, the effect is a LOL-a-thon! We have been familiar with the story written by Jonathan Smith centuries ago. And the classic picture of having a man tied up on the beach by hundreds and hundreds of little people called Lilliputians. Though the story is a fairy tale classic, having this one retold with the modern touch is good and absolutely funny.
The setting of Lilliput actually follows the classic traditions and customs, basically Gulliver is the only thing modern. This makes the clash and a lot of laughs with so many things one could relate to. You would definitely like the Royal Family of Lilliput especially the princesses. You could actually learn a classic word from the nobles, something you can add to your vocabulary.
I could say it is a family movie since you could realize values with the turn of events. Though if you would compare it to the classic story, it goes to almost a 270 degree turn. I could definitely say that you will laugh at the edge of your seats every time Gulliver (Jack Black) gives out his line. Black does the thing he do best here, hitting you with nostalgia mixed with comedy!
And theres more! Before the movie, a special short from the unlikely character from Ice Age, scrat the squirel and his never ending quest to save his beloved acorn! Of course, this becomes a hilarious misadventure into the earth as in literally. You would realize how the continents were formed and also the evolution of many species, and the unending quest if he would achieve his goal with the coveted acorn! Go Scrat!
Deliberation time kids!
Movie summary in 3 lines: All Hail Lilliput! Technical Effects: 4 out of 5 stars
(Shrunken people has been done many times, but what amuses me is the robot) Plot 3 out of 5 stars: (Classic tale but there are still moments that needs to be filled up) Popcornmeter (the rating if this movie would make you hungrier while watching) 5 out of 5 stars (Just looking at Jack Black's face makes us so hungry) Acting and Actors 3 out of 5 stars (Good but I feel I saw those acting somewhere...) DVD worthiness: 4 out of 5 stars (it includes a life-size Liliputan!) Sequel worthiness: 3 out of 5 stars
(Though I really enjoyed the movie, it would be in another title perhaps) Overall Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
(So Far , so Good, Great to watch with friends and family to laugh really loud inside the theater)
I just drank a bottle of Minute Maid Pulpy. They say it’s got ‘no preservatives added’. Aw, c’mon…It’s bottled juice. Is that even possible? So I thought maybe... there is an exception, there could be a way of having natural juice without adding nasty preservatives... hmmm... I want to take another sip just to sure...
I didn’t believe it the first time I heard it’s got no preservatives added. So I read the ingredients (even the fine print) and everything checked out! It really has NO PRESERVATIVES ADDED! That means it doesn’t have ingredients that may turn out to be allergens, or worse...carcinogens! Whew! Now that’s healthy goodness that tastes so good, I... was surprized with what I have found and feels at ease knowing that what I drink inside is as real as the real fruit itself! I suddenly remembered that through the years I have been drinking preservatives! Now knowing of a healthy option, so its OK to have it everyday!
So okay, it’s got no preservatives added. That’s really good, right? Not just because it doesn’t have those icky, harmful ingredients, but it also means... that in evrey drop and every pulp from Minute Maid Puly is oozing with natural goodness!
So far anyone who still has a hard time believing that Minute Maid has got no preservatives added - meaning it's THAT natural, it's almost like it's plucked straight from the tree, it's just as Mother Nature wanted your orange juice to be, it's got nothing but the good stuff yes, none of those potentially toxic stuff that can harm your brain, kidneys, heart; cause tumors aargh- the list of preservatives' bad effects just go on!!! Anyway, just to prove a point on just how good Minute Maid Pulpy is 'cause it's got NO PRESERVATIVES ADDED, I'm gonna share these with my friends and family and even with you! I would even have this one featured in my food blog and upcoming videos! Probably compose a song about this one, though I dont know how to play an instrument. Whatever it is, I really like to share this to all to know that there is the best alternative and the most natural thing from the fruit itself!
Feels good to know about the real pulpy deal, right? C’mon show me a smile on the comment box, and you might win yourself a Really Pulpy Deal! (That’s a chance to win a Minute Maid gift pack simply by commenting. Sweet! C'mon you just might be picked as the lucky 'commentor'!)
Love,
FPJ jr
P.S. to prove this claims, I did made the experiment with minute maid pulpy orange in one of my secret laboratory...
under laboratory test, minute maid pulpy passes the pulpiness!
examining the contents and nutritional facts also passes with flying colors, an no preservatives!
The last day of simbang gabi was actually the most challenging since I have to search for the last stop for the Misa de Gallo series this 2010. The challenge for me was to find that church in the wee hours of the night as I planned that the final mass should follow the dawn schedule. However, since I do have a shift at 6 am, I need to find a schedule that fits either the 4 or 4:30 schedule to be able to reach the office on time. My first option of course would be the Mandaluyong area but I have explored the nearest parishes and churches in that area. Also St. Francis church in Ortigas masses start at 5:30 am, which is not a good idea. I then decided to go to Makati and check out the churches near Ayala like the Greenbelt chapel but they would start at 5 am. Then also checked the schedules at Don Bosco Makati, it was 4:30 but Makati is along way to go still.
Then I decided to hop to another jeep now going back to Manila and decided to go with Manila Cathedral. Though alone, the journey was worth it as I saw the big church with a lot of people and saw a scene that is what I picture the simbang gabi. I used to think that since it is the Cathedral of the Archdiocese and the premiere office of the Cardinal, the church goers would be more of the high society, but I saw that the church does open its doors to the less privileged citizens of the Intramuros and South Pier area.
I miss going back to Intramuros since I was studying in PLM and also attending activities from the Archdiocese of Manila. I look forward of being more active in the church and be of service in the next year. And after going to several churches just to cap off the tradition of having the dawn masses of Misa de Gallo, it was definitely worth it. It was the first time to complete it with 9 different churches, with going trough many things before, during and even after the mass. For the small reflections I have realized during the one hour mass that strengthened my faith.
I have to admit it was really tiring and the same time frustrating since I dont have a handy laptop with me and also finding the venue would be accidental or due to critical observation. I couldn't have done and completed this without his providence. And the reason why I blog about this one is just one way of how I thank him for all of these. For the bountiful year and new friends I have met. For giving me a time to encounter him even at the darkest hour. Truly the message of Christmas is about hope and love. I does sound cheesy but taking a look on all of it. The Misa de Gallo became my own personal journey, a recollection or even a retreat to ponder about these experiences and share it to others.
2010 is the most difficult yet blessed year for me, I almost lost everything yet here I am and again rising to another life with optimism and hope. The Long journey does not stop here, his arrival is just the start. Now we walk again looking ahead yet still looks behind to remember the learnings, looking left and right to see friends and family that is journeying with you and looking up to see the God that is leading you to the direction to the Kingdom that we definitely want to go to.
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
The feast of the Nazareno shows faith and prayers can make a difference. I admit that I have never tried to join in the procession walking on my bare feet but I think i will try that on the next years of the feast. This year, I was not able to start the mass at Luneta, but decided to attend mass. It was the most physically challenging mass as I pass through the sea of devotees to get inside the basilica. I took me almost two masses to get in and out of the church. I took the chance to take pictures and the video of the NPJN hymn.
I didn’t believe it the first time I heard it’s got no preservatives added. So I read the ingredients (even the fine print) and everything checked out! It really has NO PRESERVATIVES ADDED! That means it doesn’t have ingredients that may turn out to be allergens, or worse...carcinogens! Whew! Now that’s healthy goodness that tastes so good, I... was surprized with what I have found and feels at ease knowing that what I drink inside is as real as the real fruit itself! I suddenly remembered that through the years I have been drinking preservatives! Now knowing of a healthy option, so its OK to have it everyday!
