Monasterio de Tarlac/Signs

These are some of the signs at the Monasterio de Tarlac, a Catholic monastery and hermitage along the mountain ranges of San Jose, Tarlac province and within the eco-tourism park.  There is a 30-foot statue of the Risen Christ perched on the mountain.  There is also a small chapel that houses the relic of the True Cross of Jesus Christ.  The relic, the only one in Asia, arrived here in 2007.  Unfortunately, I wasn't able to see it---and taking a photo of the relic is not allowed.

I was with a group of shutterbugs who visited the monastery last Saturday.  It was a 3-hour drive from Manila.

Linking to Signs, Signs

G/ABC Wednesday

@ Fontana Leisure Park

G is for Grotto

In a predominantly Catholic country like the Philippines, a grotto is a pretty common outdoor garden feature in residences, resorts, parks and even caves.  Many Filipinos are Marian devotees and most of the grottoes here have the statue of the Blessed Virgin.

@ Mambucal Hot Spring

A grotto (Italian grotta, French "grotte") is a type of natural or artificial cave that is associated with modern, historic or prehistoric use by humans (Source).  It is often a small cave near the water and often flooded or liable to flood at high tide. 

Many grottoes around the Philippines are believed to be miraculous.  Devotees and the curious travel to visit grottoes especially during Lent.

behind the Salawag Parish Church

True strength lies in submission which permits one to dedicate his life, through devotion, to something beyond himself. ~ Henry Miller

Linking to ABC Wednesday

Eid'l Fit'r/Signs

August 20th was declared a regular non-working holiday in the Philippines in celebration of the Muslim holiday Eid'l Fit'r (Feast of Ramadhan). The Muslim population in the Philippines is between 5% to 9%, mostly concentrated in the Islamic provinces of Mindanao, southern Philippines.  Saw this tarp mounted near the Quirino Grandstand in Manila last Saturday. 

Linking to Signs, Signs

Guilt trip/Signs

Spotted this sign at an office I visited recently.  

Lay a guilt trip and there's no need for a  CCTV camera.  

I wonder if this would work in our government offices.

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Signs: In memory of the unborn

Translation:  ...Even though a mother  can forget a child she has borne, I will not forget you, I will not forsake you, your name is engraved on the palm of my hand.

I found this memorial statue beside a Catholic church in Culion Island.  The correct verse, by the way, is Isaiah 49:15-16.:p

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Mellow Yellow Monday #27: Pilgrim Center

@ mirandablue

This is the Pilgrim Center right in front of the Basilica Minore del Santo Nino, a 16th century church in Cebu.  This is where masses are held to accommodate devotees of the Santo Nino. I'm not sure if the yellow panels are doors or wall design.

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Midweek Blues: The Last Supper

@ mirandablue

As part of the Holy Week tradition, carriages were paraded around town in the late afternoon of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday (April 21st and 22nd) to commemorate and enact the Passion of Jesus.  This carriage was carrying carved images of Jesus and his apostles depicting The Last Supper.  This was part of the procession of the Roman Catholics on Good Friday at my mother's hometown of Valladolid in Negros Occidental.

Linked to Midweek Blues