11th of July, 2011
But the souls of the just are in the hand of God and no torment shall touch them. They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead; and their passing away was thought an affliction and their going forth from us, utter destruction. But they are in peace. For if before men, indeed, they be punished, yet is their hope full of immortality; chastised a little, they shall be greatly blessed, because God tried them and found them worthy of himself. As gold in the furnace, he proved them, and as sacrificial offerings he took them to himself. In the time of their visitation they shall shine, and shall dart about as sparks through stubble; they shall judge nations and rule over peoples, and the Lord shall be their King forever. Those who trust him shall understand truth and the faithful shall abide with him in love; because grace and mercy are with his holy ones, and his care is with elect.
Wisdom 3:1-9
On my uncle's 50th birthday, his father, our grandfather was finally brought to his final resting place. It was such an emotional day for all of us. We know he is in a better place and he is watching and guiding is from above. :)
13th of July, 2011
Since my uncle was on his vacation and I was still waiting for an important call (that happened already 6 days after this), he and I went 'touring' two days after Lolo's funeral.
Museo Iloilo is a small museum that has exhibits on prehistoric Chinese traders, Spanish era and American years. As expected in museums, you can find a lot of interesting things but in this museum, my favorites were the old clothing items/fabrics made of pina, jusi and sinamay which is still very intact as of the very moment (Amazing!), a letter written in English that was dropped in a balcony or lake (I can't remember where exactly.) in response to the message given by a Filipino general (if I remember correctly) regarding the retreat of Japanese soldiers and uniforms, pins and medals of some Filipino soldier and/or general. I'm a sentimental person and I find value and meaning over more personal things like these. For me, it's like you can actually feel or imagine the person who wore it or who owned it. It tells more story that you don't usually find in history books.
You can also find old jars/bangas, bones probably of a prominent/rich person because of jewelries on his nose and wrists, kitchenware and cookware, more or less century-old religious sculptures made of wood and ivory, donated paintings, bottles of wine and chinaware of British, American radio/telegraph, Japanese rifles and bombs in Museo Iloilo. Souvenir items can also be bought inside.
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| View of Guimaras Island |
Fort San Pedro, according to what I've read, was originally built as a form of defense to protect the city from invaders. It was destroyed during World War II. Now, though it looks dull and quiet and seemingly unrestored, I think it's still a good place where you can randomly go and sit, eat with friends or family and see the sunset or just the view of Guimaras Island.
15th of July, 2011
My grandmothers, my uncle and aunt and I went on a roadtrip to Miag-Ao and San Joaquin to see two famous churches.
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| Miag-Ao Church |
Miag-Ao Church or Church of Santo Tomas Villanueva is one of UNESCO's World Heritage Site. Done by 1797, it still stands strong and represents spiritual and cultural legacy over the years.
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| Amazing sculptural relief, isn't it? |
One can't help but be mesmerized of its architecture and its creative sculptural relief on the outside, front walls. According to what I've read, the church's walls were made of solid coral and is several meters thick. Unfortunately, the church was closed when we went there so we weren't able to see how it looks like inside. I bet it's just as beautiful as it is on the outside.
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| San Joaquin Church |
San Joaquin Church was completed by 1869. Like the Miag-Ao Church, it also stood stronger over the years. It was listed by National Historical Institute as a National Cultural Treasure.
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| See its sculptural relief? |
It also has an interesting architecture and has a bigger and more sculptural relief in front that depicts the victory of Spanish cavalry against the Moors in the Battle of Tetuan. It also has a three-storey bell tower. Inside, you can find three altars.
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| Bantayan Beach Resort |
We had lunch at Bantayan Beach Resort in Guimbal afterwards. The view is just relaxing. We were the only ones eating at the resort so it wasn't crowded and you can really hear the gush of waves and movement of leaves. Oh, how I missed the smell of sea water and fresh air!
18th of July, 2011
I started my week with a trip to Guimaras with my uncle and grandmother. It is a 30-45 minute boatride away from Iloilo Port. Just like going to Puerto Galera. Boats get filled up easily and leaves every 15 minutes or so since there are a lot travelling to Guimaras and back everyday. When we arrived there, we rented a van-turned-jeepney, their usual form of transportation there.
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| The background behind that boat is Iloilo. Yes, that's the boat you'll ride to get to Guimaras. |
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| At the Port of Guimaras, in Jordan. |
We went to see the Trappist Monastery. It very much reminded me of Oasis of Prayer in Cavite, my high school alma mater's retreat place. As expected, it is a very quiet place and has a very beautiful scenery. Check out their gift shop, their jams are very good! Aside from religious items and other souvenirs, you can also find lots of mango products since the monastery owns a mango orchard.
We went to eat lunch at Raymen Beach Resort, recommended by the driver of the jeep we rented. While waiting for our food, we roamed around the area. OH MY GOSH, their beach -- well, not just their beach but beaches in Guimaras ARE VERY BORACAY, ONLY UNDERRATED. I was amazed!!! Bongga! My aunt said once to me that if I wanted to go to Boracay, I should just go to Guimaras instead because it is not crowded and the beaches there are just the same. Very true. Minus the crowd as well because the place itself is very fresh and 'uncommercialized' or slightly undiscovered. I'm not sure if I'm giving the right terms but you all get what I mean! Haha! :) Check also out exquisite accessories as souvenir items. You can find them being sold on the beach. :)
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| "Very Boracay," isn't it? At Raymen Beach Resort. |
We also passed by the world's smallest plaza. I never knew until that day that it is in the Philippines! :)
The island itself is very peaceful. You can see a lot of greens all over the place!
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| That's where the beaches are. |