TravelswithCharie

  Parol from Pan-ay One of the most endearing Christmas holiday traditions in the Philippines is the hanging of star shaped lanterns in homes, public buildings, streets and markets. It’s always a welcome sight. Some lanterns are made of bamboo and paper while others are made of Capiz shells with metal frames. During the Spanish colonial era, lanterns or “farol” (lantern) were lighted with candles as Filipinos walked to church during the wee hours of the morning to attend “simbang gabi” or night mass. These masses begin on December 16 and end on Christmas Eve. The parol is the symbol of hope and faith. The star is a reminder of the Star of Bethlehem that shone brightly to guide the Magi to Bethlehem and the manger of Jesus. Parol from Pan-ay Parol from Pilar The parol has since evolved from the simple bamboo and paper lantern to gigantic 30-foot marvels with LED twinkling lights that are shown annually at the Pampanga Lantern Festival.  This festival is a fine display of Philip...

1. Visit Santa Monica Parish Church, a National Historical Landmark. 2. Try "puso", a specialty of Holy Grounds Coffee Shop located in front of the Church. 3. Go to Buntod Beach which has a commanding view of Olotayan Island. 4. Visit a heritage house, Balay ni Nanay Lording, and try their choriwich with thick hot chocolate. 5. Order pica-pica at Dante's Taberna on Friday and Saturday nights then dance the night away.

    Baybay Beach Two of my travel articles about Capiz were published recently. Check them out at the links provided below. 7 of the Best Things to do in Capiz https://waytogo.cebupacificair.com/things-to-do-capiz/ 10 Reasons why you should visit Capiz http://www.sunstar.com.ph/iloilo/lifestyle/2016/11/03/10-reasons-why-you-should-visit-capiz-506932 ***** Image by Charie

Church of Pan-ay or Santa Monica Church The original church in Pan-ay was first established in 1774. A little over a century later, in 1875, a typhoon devastated that structure. It was reconstructed in 1884 and that is the church we see today. It is a fine example of the colonial Baroque style of architecture. Its walls of coral stone are three meters thick (about 9.84 feet). Renovations have been made in recent years to the roof and belfry which have suffered from termites and the ravages of time. Santa Monica Parish Church has been declared a National Historical Landmark by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines. Main altar In the aftermath of typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda in 2013, the church was damaged once again. The patches on the walls that you see in these images are part of the repairs made to make the structure safe and sound. The floor of the church consists of terra cotta tiles accented by white marble and black slate tiles. The black and whit...

First Grade classroom, Agsilab Elementary School February was a hectic month for Balay ni Charie. We distributed school supplies in four elementary schools in Capiz. Our first stop was in Sapian at  Agsilab Elementary  School . 300 students received notebooks, pens and pencils from Balay ni Charie. At Agsilab, we saw first hand the damages wrought by super typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda. In one building, three different grades had to share the same room. Blackboards were used to separate one class from the other. The ceiling was gouged out. In another classroom, a red plastic tarp keeps the children dry from the rains. The kindergarten and day care kids were installed at the barangay hall across the street as there were no classrooms available for them. The good thing is that all the children were able to continue with their studies. And maybe the buildings will be repaired during the summer break. Agsilab Elementary School Our next stop was at  Agoho ...