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...

Shrine of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Dinginan Visita Iglesia (church visit) is one of the traditional Catholic Lenten rituals that is widely practiced in the Philippines. Devotees may choose to visit 7 or 14 churches on Maundy Thursday after the Mass of the Last Supper or on Good Friday . Visiting 7 churches is symbolic of the 7 Last Words of Jesus. Fourteen churches represent the Via Crucis which consists of 14 Stations tracing the journey of Jesus Christ to Calvary. While visiting these churches, devotees pray and reflect on the sacrifice of Christ. Follow this link for the  prayers recited at each station of the cross:  https://www.catholic.org/prayers/station.php Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception The Cathedral sits in the heart of the cultural heritage sites of Roxas City. The current structure is from a reconstruction in 1954. This is a good place to start your church visits. St. Vincent Ferrer, Cagay* *Photo courtesy of Fr. Bernie Barrios Hesus Nazareno...

Bayanihan spirit I have a new video about the places you shouldn’t miss when visiting Capiz. Here’s the link:   https://youtu.be/09qkbWXzvNw?feature=shared . I am also posting the images I included in the video here. Old Railway Bridge, Dao Our Lady of the Snows, Dumarao Ivisan Coastline, Ivisan Ivisan Coastline, Ivisan Vineyard, Barangay Agustin Navarra, Ivisan Patio Beach, Ivisan Basiao Beach, Ivisan  Malinamon Falls, Jamindan* Puting Bato, Pilar Hinulugan Falls, Pilar La Playa de Balisong, Pilar Gugma Beach, Sapian Marugo Lake, Tapaz Baybay Beach, Roxas City Mantalinga Island, Roxas City Mantalinga Island Palina Greenbelt Eco-Park, Roxas City Boodle Fight, Bitoy’s, Roxas City Sunset, Baybay Beach, Roxas City Stay connected   ***** Images by TravelswithCharie with the exception of *Malinamon Falls which was taken by Bernadette Barrientos.