Skywatch#11 Bag-Ing Island, Caramoan

These pictures were taken in Bag-Ing Island, Caramoan Peninsula. More about the island and pictures here.

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My World#51 (Philippine Churches#4) Bantay Church, Ilocos Sur

St. Agustine Church or its more known name, Bantay Church, was constructed during the 1500s. It is located in Bantay, Ilocos Sur which is the town next Vigan City, the capital city of Ilocos Sur Province.

Bantay Church is distinct from other churches in the region as it has two bell towers. One bell tower is at the right topmost of the church and the older one, is located several meters away from the church building sitting on top a hill.

The church is also said to be well-known as a favorite location for local movie productions. When we first got to this church years ago, the belltower hill was largely undeveloped with its eroding sandy soil.

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Skywatch#10 Skywatching in Caramoan

We were on our way home riding an outrigger boat from island hopping in Caramoan, Camarines Sur. It was a day full of adventures and amazingly beautiful places. The water was relatively calm and the islands look all mysterious and silent. This boy is the boatman's helper and I thought I should take a picture of him while he was just sitting by the edge of the boat and silently watching at the horizon.

And I'm sure that the boy had seen what we have seen, rays of sun coming out of threatening dark clouds looming over the islands and the sea. For me, it was a reassuring and beautiful sight as we were starting to get worried that the rains might come.

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My World#50 Philippine Churches Part 3: More Photos of Betis, Guagua, Pampanga

I promised to post more photos of Betis Church, the Sistine Chapel of the Philippines in my previous post. So here they are.

The church is considered one of the National Treasures of the Philippines. Not surprisingly, because it is really beautiful. The frescoes of the church is really something but we were not able to take alot of pictures as we wanted to as there was an ongoing mass when we got there. Nevertheless, the unassuming facade of the church belied its beautifully impressive interiors.

I promised to myself that I shall return to this church someday and take all the pictures to my hearts' content.

Facts: (Credit:http://www.visitclark.com/LERT/betis_church.asp)

Art enthusiasts compare it to the Sistine Chapel, for its magnificent interior, although the Betis Church is more impressive in terms of symmetry, gracefulness and theme. Fr. Fernando Pinto started its construction in 1660 and was finally completed in 1770 by Fr. Jose de Cruz. The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) declared this church a National Treasure, one of only 10 churches in the country bestowed that honor. Main attraction in the interior include: ceiling mural by famous painter Simon Flores; paintings on dome and walls depicting significant biblical events and figures by local artists led by brothers Martin and Severino Gozum Pangilinan; 19th and 20th Century sculpture by local artists supervised by the famous Maximo Vicente, and multi-awarded (internationally) artists Juan Flores and Willy Layug; esquisite retablo heavily coated/gilded with solid gold; ornate baptistery; intricate paintings on dome. Main attactions in the patio (exterior) include: Exquisite sculpture inthe Monument of Santiago de Galicia (Spain's most important patron saint); Monument of St. Joseph the Carpenter and the giant Monument of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

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Skywatch#9 Sunset At Divine Mercy Hills

It was late in the afternoon when we got to Divine Mercy Hills. The sun was already starting to set down so we explored the place in a hurry and took our pictures. The management allowed us to go up to the statue so we decided to stay longer. The view from up there was really beautiful and it was such a pity that cameras were not allowed to be taken along while going up the statue. Anyway, here are some more pics I took at the place...

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My World#49 Divine Mercy Hills, El Salvador, Misamis Oriental

This is the tallest statue of Jesus Christ in the Philippines. Standing tall on the Divine Mercy hills of Barangay Ulaliman, El Salvador, Misamis Oriental, this 50-foot statue of Jesus Christ commands a breathtaking view of Macajalar Bay.

It has two sets of rays. The rays on the right are white representing the water that cleanses the sin of mankind and the rays on the left are red representing the blood of Jesus that gives life to man. Sitting right at the heart of the statue of Jesus Christ is an altar that houses that Blessed Sacrament.

More pictures of Divine Mercy Hills here and here.



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PAL's The 777 Arrival Special

PAL (Philippine Airlines) is celebrating the arrival of their new Boieng 777-300ER in a big way. They are having a promo called The 777 Arrival Special for all flights from/to Manila.

Selling Period: November 19-25, 2009
Travel Period: December 1-25, 2009/February 1-March 15, 2010

Promo price:
For as low as P777 (Base Fare: P693)
Between Manila and Bacolod, Cebu, Dumaguete, Iloilo, Kalibo, Laoag, Legaspi, Puerto Princesa, Tacloban, Tagbilaran and Roxas

For as low as P777 (Base Fare: P693)
Between Cebu and Davao

For as low as P1,777 (Base Fare: P1586)
Between Manila and Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Cotabato, Davao, Dipolog, General Santos, Ozamiz and Zamboanga.

Hurry, limited seats only!

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