Sto. Niño de Tondo Church of Manila

I attended a Christening in Tondo, Manila last month. Ever since I was a kid, I was mesmerized by old churches, the history behind it and what its walls have heard through out the ages. I am not too fond of vintage things but the churches are the exception. I like how each adobe rock was placed and how it was renovated in order to still display its authenticity some hundreds of years ago.

At any rate, this is the first time that I see the Sto. Niño de Tondo Church in Manila. Tondo may not have that most appealing effect to other people. With tiny streets, a lot of people around (somewhat overpopulated) and the environment of Manila it could sure be somewhat stressful to go to. So with the help of my ever reliable Locus Application (on Android) we were able to locate the Church without making our wrong turns (and we get there fast). It wasn't as stressful as it seems. Tondo is just your ordinary Manila City with many people but not dangerous at all.

Some facts about the church:

• The church was established by Franciscan priests on May 3, 1572. Construction of its first stone structure started in 1611 under the term of Fr. Alonzo Guererro and completed by 1695. Damaged and rebuilt after the earthquakes of 1740 and 1863. The present structure was built after World War II. 
• On its front is the Plaza Hernandez, while beside it is the Holy Child Catholic School.

Our Lady of Peñafrancia - Bicol

Have you ever heard of the Biyahe Tayo song of the Lakbay Pilipinas campaign of the Department of Tourism? Part of its lyrics include the following:

"Namiesta ka na ba
Sa Peñafrancia sa Naga"

Where exactly is Peñafrancia in Naga that made it to this song to attract tourists?

Since we are already in Naga we took the opportunity to visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Peñafrancia. The interiors are so grand. I was like, "if only I can have my wedding in such a beautiful Basilica".

So if you ever dropped by the Naga vicinity, take a tour at this lovely church. Attend a mass too, to complete your tour with the blessing of Mama Mary. :)

Sacred Heart Parish of Caybiga, Caloocan

We went to a baptismal ceremony at Caloocan early this morning. The Baptismal venue is at the Sacred Heart Parish in Caloocan. Due to traffic, it would be around 20 mins away from the NLEX Valenzuela Exit. From the valenzuela exit you just follow the main road. Slow down and look to your right when you see the Caybiga Elementary School. The church is on the main road so you won't miss it.

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