andre' salvador
PHOTOGRAPHY

Travel: My Philippines Galleries

CALAYO VILLAGE, BATANGAS, PHILIPPINES : Calayo Village is a small fishing community in Batangas, north of Nasugbu. It is a quiet place by Calayo Bay. These pictures will speak for itself.

CALAYO VILLAGE, BATANGAS, PHILIPPINES

Calayo Village is a small fishing community in Batangas, north of Nasu ...

Updated: Jul 17, 2007 3:36pm PST

CALARRUEGA, BATANGAS, PHILIPPINES : Calarruega is a retreat place for Catholics. It is situated up a hill sorrounded by green valleys. A very nice place to pray and meditate. It became popular for weddings because of the beautiful location. When you go to Nasugbu, Batangas or to Tagaytay do not miss visiting this beautiful place. This was taken in july 2004.

CALARRUEGA, BATANGAS, PHILIPPINES

Calarruega is a retreat place for Catholics. It is situated up a hill ...

Updated: Aug 02, 2006 7:24pm PST

CHOCOLATE HILLS & MAN-MADE FOREST, BOHOL, PHILIPPINES : Chocolate Hills is a very popular destination in Bohol. On the way ther from Tagbilaran you will be passing a Man-Made Forest of Philippine mahogany. Cutting of trees is not allowed here. You will also pass the area where the tarsiers live. The Tarsier is considered as the smallest monkey in the world.

CHOCOLATE HILLS & MAN-MADE FOREST, BOHOL, PHILIPPINES

Chocolate Hills is a very popular destination in Bohol. On the way the ...

Updated: Jul 20, 2006 4:11pm PST

HISTORIC CORREGIDOR ISLAND, PHILIPPINES : Corregidor is the largest of the islands guarding the entrance to Manila Bay. Tadpole shapped, it lies of the south western tip of Batan Peninsula, 26 miles off Manila. It rises about 450 feet sea level with a land area of three and a half square miles. This place became historic during World War II for thousands of American and Pilipino veterans, the mere mention of Corregidor brings back memories of the valiant 1942 stand against the Japanese which, although hopeless, was in many ways our finest hour. On this island fortress which guards the entrance to Manila Bay, American troops held out for 27 days against impossible odds. See the Malinta Tunnel which sheltered Generals MacArthur and Wainwright, the mile-long barracks and the battlements, and stand before the eternal flame of the Pacific War Memorial. From the lighthouse, you can enjoy a sweeping view of Manila Bay, Bataan and the China Sea. Some information were taken from cruises.cheapcaribbean.com/cruise

HISTORIC CORREGIDOR ISLAND, PHILIPPINES

Corregidor is the largest of the islands guarding the entrance to Mani ...

Updated: Aug 07, 2006 10:39am PST

LA IYA BEACH & COCONUT GROVE RESORT, BATANGAS, PHILIPPINES : La Iya Beach and Coconut Grove Resort is located at the south-eastern part of Batangas Province near Lucena, Quezon Province. The place is ideal for camping or renting a tree house by the beach.

LA IYA BEACH & COCONUT GROVE RESORT, BATANGAS, PHILIPPINES

La Iya Beach and Coconut Grove Resort is located at the south-eastern ...

Updated: Aug 07, 2006 9:38pm PST

LOBOC RIVER, BOHOL, PHILIPPINES : Cruising the Loboc River and having lunch while local musicians play for you folk music, is a very relaxing way to spend most of the afternoon. These are some images from Bohol's Loboc River. For more nice spots in Bohol you may go to Panglao Island, Tagbilaran, and Chocolate Hills.

LOBOC RIVER, BOHOL, PHILIPPINES

Cruising the Loboc River and having lunch while local musicians play f ...

Updated: Jul 17, 2006 3:26pm PST

CITY OF MAKATI, PHILIPPINES : Urban lifestyle and affluence are nowhere more pronounced in the Philippines than in Makati, the country’s classiest city. Bustling and modern, it is the country’s model for city planning, rising in less than a decade from vast stretches of empty land to become the nation’s premier city. This affluent city southwest of Manila is the country’s financial center, earning it the nickname, “Wall Street of the Philippines.” The major banks, corporations, department stores as well as embassies of the different nations are based here. Situated along Ayala Avenue is the Makati Stock Exchange, which houses the trading of stock. Fully developed, well-reputed city villages provide the perfect address for office buildings, shops, and restaurants. Right in the heart of bustling Makati, spread along Ayala Avenue, is Ayala Center, the country’s business and financial center. Encompassing the Glorietta and Greenbelt shopping malls, among others, Ayala Center is also a commercial complex completely at par with the world’s most modern business cosmos. Within it is the Ayala Museum, among the city’s primary repositories of history, culture, and heritage, along with the Filipinas Heritage Library and Museo ng Makati. Description from wowphilippines.com

CITY OF MAKATI, PHILIPPINES

Urban lifestyle and affluence are nowhere more pronounced in the Phili ...

Updated: Jul 07, 2009 12:43pm PST

MALABON, RIZAL, PHILIPPINES : The City of Malabon is in Rizal Province. It is my home town, this is where I grew up. Malabon is part of Manila's Metropolitan Area and is only approximately 11 kilometers north of Manila. Manila Bay lies west of Malabon. The City is a commercial fishing and fish farming center. A completely separate gallery has been made for SUNRISE AT THE FISHPONDS This is also in Malabon.

MALABON, RIZAL, PHILIPPINES

The City of Malabon is in Rizal Province. It is my home town, this is ...

Updated: Jun 25, 2008 6:36pm PST

MANILA, PHILIPPINES : These are random photogrophs taken in the City of Manila. These photographs were taken on my yearly visits to the Philippines. It will keep on growing.

MANILA, PHILIPPINES

These are random photogrophs taken in the City of Manila. These photog ...

Updated: Jul 28, 2006 10:08am PST

CHAOTIC DIVISORIA, MANILA, PHILIPPINES : Divisoria is considered as the real market district of Manila. You can find everything here. Divisoria is big and chaotic, but it is unparalleled for goods and prices. Name it and chances are you will find it here. More than anything else, Divisoria is known for textiles. Prices are generally wholesale, and you can haggle to the last peso. However, if you are not from Manila, do not venture here on your own. Aside from the possibility of getting lost, getting mugged, your pocket picked, or finding the place too bewildering, you would not be able to strike as good a deal with stall owners. A local guide is a must. Property Information by Wcities

CHAOTIC DIVISORIA, MANILA, PHILIPPINES

Divisoria is considered as the real market district of Manila. You can ...

Updated: Mar 15, 2007 10:55am PST

PALAWAN, PHILIPPINES : The Province of Palawan is nature in it's unspoiled best, a wildlife sanctuary, marine reserves, island resorts, subterrenean rivers and reefs.

PALAWAN, PHILIPPINES

The Province of Palawan is nature in it's unspoiled best, a wildlife s ...

Updated: Aug 17, 2006 10:45am PST

PANGLAO ISLAND, BOHOL, PHILIPPINES : Panglao Island is in the southwestern most end of Bohol Province. The Bohol Beach Club on this island is one of the most beautiful and quiet resort in the Philippines.

PANGLAO ISLAND, BOHOL, PHILIPPINES

Panglao Island is in the southwestern most end of Bohol Province. The ...

Updated: Jul 20, 2006 1:04pm PST

TAGAYTAY CITY, CAVITE, PHILIPPINES : Tagaytay City is located in the Province of Cavite, island of Luzon, approximately 56 kilometers south of Manila. It lies within 120° 56' latitude and 14° 6' longtitude. It overlooks Manila Bay on the north, Taal lake and Taal volcano on the south, Laguna Bay on the east and the China Sea on the west. The City is linked by the Aguinaldo Highway to the Metropolitan Manila and to the province of Batangas. It is connected by roads to the adjoining Cavite munincipalities of Amadeo, Mendez, Indang, Silanf and Alfonso on the northwest, to the Laguna munincipalities of Calamba and Sta. Rosa in the northeast, and to the Batangas town of Talisay in the north.

TAGAYTAY CITY, CAVITE, PHILIPPINES

Tagaytay City is located in the Province of Cavite, island of Luzon, a ...

Updated: Sep 19, 2006 3:27pm PST

TAGBILARAN, BOHOL, PHILIPPINES : Tagbilaran City is the capital of Bohol Province. This is the only place where you can have a night life in Bohol. All other resorts and historical attractions are at the neighboring cities.

TAGBILARAN, BOHOL, PHILIPPINES

Tagbilaran City is the capital of Bohol Province. This is the only pla ...

Updated: Jul 20, 2006 1:18pm PST

WHITE SANDS BEACH, BORACAY, PHILIPPINES : White Sands Beach in Boracay Island is part of Aklan province. It is very popular not only to the Pilipinos but to all tourist. It is known widely for it is very fine and white silica sands and for having a little of everything in the island, from world class spas, golf courses, restaurants, deep sea diving, a catholic chapel in the forest, sailing, a small commercial area, fine hotels with their own spas and of course the beach.

WHITE SANDS BEACH, BORACAY, PHILIPPINES

White Sands Beach in Boracay Island is part of Aklan province. It is v ...

Updated: Jul 25, 2006 11:52am PST

WOWOWEE TV SHOW, QUEZON CITY, PHILIPPINES : This is a very popular variety TV show in the Philippines, not only to the local people but also to returning Pilipinos residing in other countries.

WOWOWEE TV SHOW, QUEZON CITY, PHILIPPINES

This is a very popular variety TV show in the Philippines, not only to ...

Updated: Jul 18, 2006 3:24pm PST

NORTH BAY SQUATTERS, MANILA, PHILIPPINES : As defined by Philip Garcia, a newspaper correspondent in the Philippines, "Squatting" is the act of occupying an abandoned or unoccupied property without any title, right, or payment of rent. This simple act most of the time becomes extensive slums or shanty towns on the edges of major cities, consisting almost entirely of self-constructed housing built on terrain, seized and occupied illegally. The photos shown here were taken at the foot of Del Pan Bridge, through Radial Road 10 that goes past Piers 2 to 16, the North Bay Pier Stations, all the way to Navotas River. Further descriptions are under the captions of each photo.

NORTH BAY SQUATTERS, MANILA, PHILIPPINES

As defined by Philip Garcia, a newspaper correspondent in the Philippi ...

Updated: Apr 11, 2007 8:26am PST

"KUSINA SALUD", SAN PABLO, LAGUNA, PHILIPPINES : While we were in the Philippines, my wife and I took a Culinary Tour of Southern Tagalog Region this October 2007. Our itinerary was "Kusina Salud" (Salud's Kitchen) in San Pablo, Laguna, where we had breakfast and a food demonstration. We had brekfast dishes that the province of Laguna is famous for. Then we proceeded to "Carlito's Workshop" or the sculpture studio of noted welded brass sculptor Carlito Ortega where we had snack of special organic rice pastries, tea and coffee. Carlito Ortega gave a small lecture brass sculpture and showed us how each sculptural tools work including the handling of the welding machine. From his place we travelled to Lukban, Quezon for shopping, lunch and a short tour of the place. We had lunch at "Kamayan sa Palaisdaan" (Eat with your hands at the fishponds). After lunch we visited the Healing Hands of Jesus church with its Station of the Cross that is 230 steps up a mountainside. This is still in Luckban, Quezon. From Lukban, we visited a Heritage Home owned by the late Dr. Isidro Rodriguez in Sariaya, Quezon. It was designed by Juan Nakpil, a well known Pilipino architect. After scrutinizing the "Malaking Bahay" (Large home) and appreciating the French provincial pieces of furniture, we left for the last stop of the tour at Ugu Bigyan's Pottery in Tiaong, Quezon, where another food demonstration was held. These photographs are of "Kusina Salud". More photos of relatives and friends may be seen Here

"KUSINA SALUD", SAN PABLO, LAGUNA, PHILIPPINES

While we were in the Philippines, my wife and I took a Culinary Tour o ...

Updated: Nov 14, 2007 4:11pm PST

CARLITO'S WORKSHOP, SAN PABLO, LAGUNA, PHILIPPINES : While in the Philippines, my wife and I took a Culinary Tour of Southern Tagalog Region this October 2007. Our itinerary was "Kusina Salud" (Salud's Kitchen) in San Pablo, Laguna, where we had breakfast and a food demonstration. We had breakfast dishes that the province of Laguna is famous for. Then we proceeded to "Carlito's Workshop" or the sculpture studio of noted welded brass sculptor Carlito Ortega where we had snack of special organic rice pastries, tea and coffee. Carlito Ortega gave a small lecture brass sculpture and showed us how each sculptural tools work including the handling of the welding machine. From his place we travelled to Lukban, Quezon for shopping, lunch and a short tour of the place. We had lunch at "Kamayan sa Palaisdaan" (Eat with your hands at the fishponds). After lunch we visited the Healing Hands of Jesus church with its Station of the Cross that is 230 steps up a mountainside. This is still in Luckban, Quezon. From Lukban, we visited a Heritage Home owned by the late Dr. Isidro Rodriguez in Sariaya, Quezon. It was designed by Juan Nakpil, a well known Pilipino architect. After scrutinizing the "Malaking Bahay" (Large home) and appreciating the French provincial pieces of furniture, we left for the last stop of the tour at Ugu Bigyan's Pottery in Tiaong, Quezon, where another food demonstration was held. These photographs are Carlito Ortega's Sculpture Workshop. For photographs of relatives and friends at Carlito's Workshop you may click Relatives and Friends

CARLITO'S WORKSHOP, SAN PABLO, LAGUNA, PHILIPPINES

While in the Philippines, my wife and I took a Culinary Tour of Southe ...

Updated: Nov 18, 2007 1:44pm PST

GALA-RODRIGUEZ ANCESTRAL HOME, SARIAYA, QUEZON, PHILIPPINES : Part of the itinerary of the Culinary Tour is a tour of this ancestral home. This ancestral house was built by Dr. Isidro Rodriguez in 1930's as a gift to his ailing wife Gregoria Gala at the height of the depression era, and completed in 1935. It was the wish of his wife to have a "Dream Home" for their seven children. Dr. Rodriguez commissioned Architect Juan Nakpil to design and build a house with a team of fine carpenters and craftsmen and to furnish it with items from Manila's leading furniture atelier, Don Gonzalo Puyat. The house was furnished with French Provincial furniture. The house was completed and formally inaugurated on the birthday of Dona Gregoria on May 4, 1935. However Dona Gregoria succumb to her lingering illness, two days before the celebration. But the family cherished their new home , a "labor and a gift of love". Carmen the eldest of the seven siblings took charge of the house and her siblings. The house, since then had been known as "Dona Carmen's House'. In 1942, during the occupation of the Japanese forces of Sariaya, the second floor became the residence of the Officers of Japan Imperial Army. The family was allowed to occupy the the ground floor and the basement. In the 1950's Carmen married Judge Vicente Arguelles. She bore him an only child, Glady, who continued to preserve and conserve the house. It is her pioneering idea to open her house to the visitors of Sariaya, sharing the personal and historical memories of the place. These are the photos from the Gala-Rodriguez Home. For the black and white photos, you may visit the Architectural Gallery

GALA-RODRIGUEZ ANCESTRAL HOME, SARIAYA, QUEZON, PHILIPPINES

Part of the itinerary of the Culinary Tour is a tour of this ancestral ...

Updated: Nov 21, 2007 2:13pm PST

LUKBAN AND TAYABAS, QUEZON, PHILIPPINES : While in the Philippines, my wife and I took a Culinary Tour of Southern Tagalog Region this October 2007. Our itinerary was "Kusina Salud" (Salud's Kitchen) in San Pablo, Laguna, where we had breakfast and a food demonstration. We had breakfast dishes that the province of Laguna is famous for. Then we proceeded to "Carlito's Workshop" or the sculpture studio of noted welded brass sculptor Carlito Ortega where we had snack of special organic rice pastries, tea and coffee. Carlito Ortega gave a small lecture brass sculpture and showed us how each sculptural tools work including the handling of the welding machine. From his place we travelled to Lukban, Quezon for shopping, lunch and a short tour of the place. We had lunch at "Kamayan sa Palaisdaan" (Eat with your hands at the fishponds)in Tayabas, Quezon. After lunch we visited the Healing Hands of Jesus Church with its Station of the Cross that is 290 steps up a mountainside. This is in Luckban, Quezon. From Lukban, we visited a Heritage Home owned by the late Dr. Isidro Rodriguez in Sariaya, Quezon. It was designed by Juan Nakpil, a well known Pilipino architect. After scrutinizing the "Malaking Bahay" (Large home) and appreciating the French provincial pieces of furniture, we left for the last stop of the tour at Ugu Bigyan's Pottery in Tiaong, Quezon, where another food demonstration was held. These photographs were taken in Lukban, Quezon, mostly in "Kamayan Sa Palaisdaan" (Eating with Your Hands) and at the "Kamay Ni Hesus" (Hands of Jesus) church.

LUKBAN AND TAYABAS, QUEZON, PHILIPPINES

While in the Philippines, my wife and I took a Culinary Tour of Southe ...

Updated: Nov 25, 2007 11:09am PST

AVILON ZOO, RODRIGUEZ, RIZAL, PHILIPPINES : Avilon Zoo is a 7.5 nature reserve. It is located in the City of Rodriguez, (formerly Montalban) Province of Rizal, about an hour's drive from Quezon City. The presentation of the animals and the generous enclosures for each animals sets it apart from other zoos in Manila. Some of the animals that may be found in the zoo are lions, tigers, leopards, different pigeon collections including the largest pigeon in the world that is 29inches tall, hornbills, kangaroos, a lot of nocturnal forest creatures, orangutans, mouse deers, monitor lizards, swans, flamingos, civet cats, Palawan porcupines, Luzon cloud rats, tapirs, pythons, bobcats, tortoises, tarantulas, and other species. The place is full of native and exotic trees, bamboos, palms,epiphytes, vines and shrubs. The wide walks are fully shaded by trees. Avilon also breeds animals and probably sells them as it is privately owned. It is worth a visit specially if you have children and you take a guided tour. These photos are only a few of the things you will see in this well planned zooligical park.

AVILON ZOO, RODRIGUEZ, RIZAL, PHILIPPINES

Avilon Zoo is a 7.5 nature reserve. It is located in the City of Rodri ...

Updated: Nov 27, 2007 5:41pm PST

MANAOAG CHURCH, PANGASINAN, PHILIPPINES : Our Lady of Manaoag is located in Manaoag, Pangasinan. It was given it's canonical coronation in 1926 though the church was built in 1610. Our Lady of Manaoag is a religious shrine with with countless miraculous tales and healing powers. It is considered the pilgrimage shrine of northern Philippines. The Pilipino Catholics consider Our Lady of Manaoag as the revered patroness of the sick, the helpless and the needy. I came here with friends who regularly visit the place. I wanted to offer prayers to my friends who are sick, to give thanks for the blessings my wife and I received through the years and to photograph an old church. I was able to do the things I wanted to do but was dissapointed in not being able to take good pictures as the place was too crowded outside and inside the church. The facade of the church, to me was remodelled and not restored to its original design. The rest of the structure was left untouched. The following pictures were taken in February 2008.

MANAOAG CHURCH, PANGASINAN, PHILIPPINES

Our Lady of Manaoag is located in Manaoag, Pangasinan. It was given it ...

Updated: Mar 04, 2008 9:20am PST

PUBLIC MARKET, URDANETA, PANGASINAN, PHILIPPINES : After visiting the pilgrimage of Our Lady of Manaoag, we proceeded to the public market of Urdaneta, Pangasinan. The prices of produce in this place is very inexpensive compared to Manila, Quezon City or Makati. I had fun taking pictures here. Pictures were taken in February 2008.

PUBLIC MARKET, URDANETA, PANGASINAN, PHILIPPINES

After visiting the pilgrimage of Our Lady of Manaoag, we proceeded to ...

Updated: Mar 04, 2008 1:12pm PST

JARO, ILOILO, PHILIPPINES : Jaro is one of the seven districts of Iloilo City, in the Philippine province of Iloilo. Its original name was Salog or Saro. It has been one of the more economically-advanced areas of Iloilo City even during the Spanish colonial period and probably the richest town of the entire colony (1521-1898). Historical artifacts indicate that the town had once conducted trade with China and Siam (Thailand) due to its port along the navigable river that ran through the town. It was also the center of religious and economic power in the Visayas during the Spanish rule of the Philippines. Jaro officially became a city in 1886 until it was later absorbed by the city of Iloilo along with the neighboring towns of Molo, Mandurriao, La Paz and Arevalo in the early 20th century when all economic activities were shifted to the port of Iloilo. Located between Dungon Creek and the Jaro River, the district of Jaro fulfills the ideal design for establishing communities during that era: a site between two rivers, with a church and plaza in the center, and homes of affluent families in the vicinity. The church is the famous Parish of Our Lady of Candles, also known as the Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral, the headquarters of the Archdiocese of Jaro and the site of a miraculous statue of the Virgin Mary, which was canonically crowned by the late Pope John Paul II during his visit in 1982. The image is the only religious icon in the country to have been personally crowned by a Pope. Jaro's celebration of the Feast of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria (Our Lady of the Candles) every February 2 is well-known in the Philippines. The fiesta features pageantry with a fiesta queen from one of the prominent families of the place, and a cockfight at the Iloilo Coliseum, where cockfighting aficionados from all over the Philippines converge. The district is notable for its large amount of nineteenth century architecture. Jaro is also the hometown of Graciano Lopez Jaena, who along with José Rizal established the ilustrados, a group of Filipino students studying in Spain. Straddling the main plaza is the antique Jaro Catheral and the Palasyo, the Archbishop's residence. Majority of the mestizo families from Iloilo came from this town. Being once a center and main port during Spanish period most of Hispanic traders married the natives and setteled in the island. Information from Wikipedia.

JARO, ILOILO, PHILIPPINES

Jaro is one of the seven districts of Iloilo City, in the Philippine p ...

Updated: Mar 17, 2009 12:55pm PST

RAYMEN BEACH, GUIMARAS, PHILIPPINES : Guimaras is an island province of the Philippines located in the Western Visayas region. Among the smallest and youngest provinces, its capital is Jordan. It used to be part of Iloilo, now it is an independent province of the Philippines. Guimaras is located Southwest of Panay Island and Northwest of Negros Island in Western Visayas with a total land area of 60,465 hectares or 604.65 square kilometers. Guimaras has a tropical climate with dry season during the months of November to April and rainy or wet season on May to October. Tourism, handicraft, food processing, agriculture, and fishing are the major industries of Guimaras. It has scenic and magnificent white sand beaches and island coves. It has the best diving site with its splendid coral reefs and marine life, which are impressing to the sight. The island is also famous for handicrafts like woven “buri” bags, mats, hats, and baskets. It is also famous for its lime industry, mining industry, fruit processing industry, and coconut industry. Guimaras is home of the famous and the best export-quality mangoes in the Philippines. Mango plantations bearing their golden fruits are scattered in the island. Aside from mangoes, kalamansi and cashew nuts are also abundant.

RAYMEN BEACH, GUIMARAS, PHILIPPINES

Guimaras is an island province of the Philippines located in the Weste ...

Updated: Mar 20, 2009 1:15pm PST

OTON, ILOILO, PHILIPPINES : Oton is a municipality in the province of Iloilo, Philippines. It lies between Jaro and Tigbauan cities. Tigbauan, on the west of Oton, was the site where American forces code-named Victor I, landed on March 18, 1945 together with the Philippine Commonwealth troops to begin the liberation of Panay. The troops set out from Lingayen Gulf, Luzon on March 14th. The 185th Infantry, 40th Division, splashed ashore at Tigbauan, several miles west of Iloilo. There they were greeted by Army Col. Macario L. Peralta's Filipino guerrillas by continued from the Philippine Commonwealth troops drawn up in parade formation, and General Eichelberger recalled in his memoirs how the guerrillas stood "stiff in starched khaki and resplendent with ornaments." The strong guerrilla force of 23,000 had secured most of the island' except the area immediately around Jaro where 2,750 Japanese were ensconced. The 40th Division quickly swept through the Japanese outposts and then drove the Japanese from the city in two days. Information taken from Wikipedia.

OTON, ILOILO, PHILIPPINES

Oton is a municipality in the province of Iloilo, Philippines. It lies ...

Updated: Mar 16, 2009 7:34pm PST

MOLO, ILOILO, PHILIPPINES : Molo is one of the seven districts of Iloilo City, in the Philippine province of Iloilo. It was built by Spaniards and was formerly called the Parian (Chinatown) due to its large number of Chinese residents and their business establishments in the area at the time. Its name was later changed to Moro during the frequent arrival of Muslim pirates from Mindanao until it later evolved into Molo. It is also home to the historic Molo Church (St. Anne Parish) which lies in front of the town square. I have a separate gallery for Molo Church under ARCHITECTURE

MOLO, ILOILO, PHILIPPINES

Molo is one of the seven districts of Iloilo City, in the Philippine p ...

Updated: Mar 17, 2009 1:03pm PST

TRAPPIST MONKS MONASTERY, JORDAN, GUIMARAS, PHILIPPINES : The order takes the name of "Trappist" from La Trappe Abbey or "La Grande Trappe" in Normandy in France, where it began as a reform movement in 1664, in reaction to the relaxation of practices in many Cistercian monasteries. The life of the Trappists is guided by the Rule of St. Benedict, written in the sixth century. The Rule describes ideals and values of a monastic life. As a contemplative order, the Trappists live a life of prayer and penance. The day of a Trappist is divided between work and prayer. Manual work is preferred over other types of work and Trappist monasteries generally provide for themselves through the sale of goods produced in the monastery. Prayer is divided between the Divine Office, Lectio Divina and various other forms of meditative and contemplative prayer. Except for the ill, they abstain from meat and fowl and eat fish on a limited basis. To the extent that it is practical, they are expected to remain silent throughout the day and most especially at night. They are expected to live a life of strict personal poverty with few personal possessions and limited contact with the outside world. "Strict Observance" refers to the trappists' aim at following closely St. Benedict's Rule, and take the three vows described in his Rule: stability, fidelity to monastic life, and obedience. As Benedict also insisted on silence, it has some importance in their way of life. However, contrary to popular belief, they do not take a vow of silence. They will generally only speak when necessary, and idle talk is strongly discouraged. Meals are usually taken in contemplative silence, as members of the order are supposed to listen to a reading. Trappists' silence should be understood as the wish to give space to what matters: gaining a deeper love and understanding of God. Information taken from Wikipedia.

TRAPPIST MONKS MONASTERY, JORDAN, GUIMARAS, PHILIPPINES

The order takes the name of "Trappist" from La Trappe Abbey or "La Gra ...

Updated: Mar 20, 2009 9:51am PST

DUMANGAS, ILOILO, PHILIPPINES : Dumangas is a rural town and municipality in the province of Iloilo, Philippines. The town is located northeast of Iloilo City on the island of Panay. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 56,291 people in 11,262 households. Dumangas is where agriculture and livestock are predominant. Although an hour drive from the Jaro, Iloilo, Dumangas continues to retain its provincial standing and has maintained its independence from the big city. Info taken from Wikipedia.

DUMANGAS, ILOILO, PHILIPPINES

Dumangas is a rural town and municipality in the province of Iloilo, P ...

Updated: Mar 20, 2009 2:01pm PST

BALAW-BALAW RESTAURANT, ANGONO, RIZAL : Balaw-Balaw Restaurant in Angono Hills is a Pilipino Restaurant that serve unusual foods. It serves dishes not usually served in regular resturants. When TV personality Andrew Zimmern of "Bizarre Foods" TV program came to the Philippines, Balaw-Balaw is one of the restaurants he visited and featured in his show. Although fresh wood worms, cow's balls, crocodile meat, white ants and other type of vegetarion worms may be ordered, I did not have the guts and stomach to order it. The lace is not just a restaurant, it is also the display area for the fine art paintings and sculptures of the restaurant owner. His art works are displayed on three floors of the building.

BALAW-BALAW RESTAURANT, ANGONO, RIZAL

Balaw-Balaw Restaurant in Angono Hills is a Pilipino Restaurant that s ...

Updated: May 04, 2009 2:45pm PST

All photographs on this site © by Andre'Salvador