St. Padre Pio Shrine, Quezon City Manila

I just came early from the exact time for my interview located in Quezon City Manila, participating for Academicals Case Studies of UE students.

After that my plan is to visit the Shrine of Padre Pio located at Libis Quezon City. After an hour’s participating the case study and having fun being part of it.

We just drop quickly in a free admission Art Exhibit Gallery located at 5th floor gateway Tower. To explore and just to see amazing art works related about Philippine History. Now it’s time to go to my target place.

I was really intrigued about Padre Pio Shrine located in Libis, Quezon City Manila. But I heard there is also another one located at Santo Tomas Batangas. (I never been yet there but anyway I will share you my experience visiting the Libis, Quezon City Manila Shrine)

Its lunch time and hot afternoon were about to walk a few distance to reach the public terminal to ride a jeepney that bring us to the target destination.  We ride a jeepney that route going to Rosario and Libis Quezon that cost us 10 pesos only.

Now we already off to jeepney and need to walk few steps to the over pass bridge and reach the Petron Gasoline Station where the Shrine is nearby.

While entering the place you will feel that the place is very solemn. Based on my observation the structure of the church place it’s not too far from the Padre Pio shrine in San Giovanni Rotonda Italy. It’s really a replica style and you will feel bless surrounded by nice statue of saints and beautiful ambiance like fountains, arc and lots of stone sculpture of angels.

I find it that it’s so very angelic and relaxing.

Beside of enjoying the place the main purpose of visiting is to send our prayers. Be thankful for all the blessing and keep the faith in our heart doing good things. And I did send my prayers being thankful for everything, appreciation of feeding my spirit and soul of gratitude’s, asking wishes and some personal sentiment.  It’s really ideal place for prayer and meditation.

I give myself time to down my knee, feel the silence, pray and show some respect in this holy place. My heart was really feel delighted being here and meets Padre Pio as a Saint and being a roman catholic its part of our spirit life to pray and talk to our god based on our belief.

The church was actually sacred and practicing a strict dress code policy in terms of proper attire. Before entering the church you need to wear a piece of fabric that can cover your legs if you are wearing shorts or skirt above knee for woman. 

To show some respect and it’s also a significance culture of visiting the church in conservative formal way. Since I wear short dresses I need to follow the policy so I can enter the sacred place and I really do understand practicing nice ethical way of dressing policy.

After a minutes of offering prayers and cherish my moment in this cozy church that makes you feel spiritually home and chill because of fully air-conditioned ambience that makes you forgot the humidity outside. It’s time to go around, explore and enjoy some other space.

Getting around is lovely you will actually find the place is spiritually inviting because of many angel sculptured spread around, Images of Jesus Christ and Mama Mary, candle place where you could do your personal devotion or prayer intention, there’s a place where you can hang and put your own rosary to side corner of life size image of Padre Pio, they also have small chapel where you can pray silently and also offer flowers and some donation, enjoying the garden, having fun seeing pigeons around freely flying and feed by caretakers. The place is really impressive and makes you feel solace.

There is so much to do and see, but the most interesting view point when you get here is to really know more the life, works and story who exactly Padre Pio as a Saint for many Filipino devotees.

Here’s brief information about Padre Pio

Pio of Pietrelcina (25 May 1887 – 23 September 1968) was a Capuchin priest from Italy who is venerated as a saint, having been canonized by Pope John Paul II. He was born Francesco Forgione, and given the name Pio when he joined the Capuchins; he was popularly known as Padre Pio after his ordination to priesthood. He became famous for his stigmata - bodily marks, pain, and bleeding in locations corresponding to the crucifixion wounds of Jesus Christ. This phenomenon continued for fifty years, until the end of his life.

Padre Pio believed that the love of God was inseparable from suffering and that suffering all things for the sake of God was the way for the soul to reach God. "After my death I will do more. My real mission will begin after my death" - he was once quoted. True enough, he is known to grant the wishes and prayerful "intentions" of the faithful. He further said, “If God refuses no one, how can I refuse those seeking my help!”

The Shrine is maintained by Mr. Ramon Rodriguez a businessman and his wife Ms. Didi Cloribel Rodriguez as their property located at Bagumbayan Quezon City. They were also recipients of God’s grace through a miracle.

According to a story Mr. Ramon experienced Padre Pio Miracle in 1979. At that time he was suffered in high blood pressure that causes blindness in his right eye and blurred vision in his left eye. Then a concern friend gave him a novena prayer to Padre Pio, he picked up and read the novena to know who Padre Pio was. Unconsciously he was reading the novena prayer and wondered why he was able to read it clearly. And the miracle happens when his Ophthalmologist told him that is cured and could see clearly his vision. After that miraculous happen he dedicates his faith, always pray and venerates Padre Pio for this unforgettable miracle happen in his life.

And I was so bless that I have chances and my friend visit this place for spiritual purpose and having a great time.  Don’t underestimate the power of prayer and we all know that every different religion have their different belief and all we can do is to RESPECT. And always keep to our mind to share the act of kindness with all our heart.

I recommend you to make a time for yourself to go there to pray and enjoy the place. Don’t forget as well to share your story.

Love

JAZZ-SIMPLYTRAVEL

Even a HEART can TRAVEL

 

It’s a hectic Tuesday morning. My hometown is busy and for sure what else the Capital City Manila? This is the day I’m waiting for. The Philippine Foundation conduct “Art Boats Project”, I was actually voluntary offer my day, being part of this inspiring and great project to meet and to have a great time to kids who are cancer patient. It was supposed to be last July 10, 2015. Due to unpredictable weather and experiencing typhoon it was cancelled and reschedules this Day July 21, 2015.

It’s early in the morning prepared and ready to travel the City, I was so excited and feels like it’s another best day for me to be part of it.

It’s very crowded and heavy traffic in my place, due to unexpected check point of transportation group to conduct a big license checking for public drivers. It really causes a huge heavy traffic.  I’m only a commuter and depending only for public transportation.  Even I have the early time to travel, this thing waste my time and affects my travel duration to get in the capital city Manila.

I was feel so bad wasting my hour and feel so impatient for what happen, now I need to transfer for another jeepney that will bring me to south manila where I can able to ride on the Bus terminal going to the Main Capital. Another issue is filling up the jeepney with passenger, it really takes a long time, and I feel bad luck today, my time is running and lot of time is wasting.

Because I don’t want to feel disappointed for what’s happening I’ll take my time reading a book I have on my bag. While traveling I focus reading so I forget time wasting cause by traffic.

I kept running and feel in hurry when I’m taking off and now ready to transfer and ride on a bus heading up the main city Manila.

And then I thought I’m already safe and escape from being stuck for slow flow of traffic. Why even sky express way is also experiencing this, (Is it because of over population of people who have their own vehicle? Problems in drivers discipline? Or maybe we need more road widening?) It’s really makes me feel so embarrass  that even I have more time estimation adjustment  for this day to travel, my time consume for this waste issue.

I reach the point that I was really late for almost 2 hours, I reach the train station and I don’t have a choice because this will be the best way to reach the station near to the hospital venue for activities.

I was feeling so upset being so late, what happen to my beloved Philippines, even buying ticket for train is slow and time wasting.

I was so disappointed, but I still believe myself that I dedicate this day to see the kids and my willingness to participate. I have still this flaming hope that I should keep going, reputation and commitment is so important. And it’s better to keep going and being there than to give up.

I finally reach the final station and need to ride 1 more jeepney to reach the Philippine Children’s Hospital. Glad it takes me 15mins to get there and few walk to enter the final destination.

The event is located at the lobby of the Hospital near in open ground.  I arrived and wearing my smile and feel happy despite of disappointing time travel issue. I sat down in some area while looking up these kids. They actually enjoy the Magic show of 2 entertaining clowns. And I saw Ms. Pilar Tuazon (well known Photographer/Sony ambassador) she is one of the people behind this great charity event, I greet her and ask for my sincere apology being so late and I feel ashamed. And still she smile, warmly welcome me and told me to hang around with kids even I wasn’t able to do the expected duty given to me. (Thank you so much Ms. Pilar Tuazon I adore your kindness).

I’m supposed to be the one of the artist that will lead the kids to hang around with them and joining them to draw, sadly I arrived and the drawing session is done.

But then what else I can do? To play with kids, assist and talk with them even I only have few hours left. Sitting around and talks in a few parents and kids is amazing. Every individual case I heard is truly facing difficulty in cancer.

I’m just late at its just a minor problem compare to serious thing they fighting for. My disappointment relieved and I feel glad witnessing this great event. I am enjoying talking with those parents sharing their sympathy while listening to their stories. Having fun playing and talking with kids and enjoying assisting them with our fellow friend Mr. Clown giving balloons for each and every one.

They are genuinely showing their happiness at the moment, the smile they had is truly pure and lovely. The way they laugh and giggles is like a harmony of their strength and sign of tools which is called braveness.

Now I feel I was surrounded by good perception, they are also inspiration to us; normal people that even they have disorder, illnesses and disable, they keep on fighting to live as a normal as we are. They try their best facing medication process and have the faith and courage to defeat cancer.

In this atmosphere you will feel the mix emotion of appreciation, sadness, happiness and courage seeing and hearing them. I really adore their spirit and persona.

Being a cancer patient is not easy, the struggles is always there and even the feeling of being so hopeless. At very young age feels like their life is just only borrow and any time their life can be stolen. I feel sad and teary thinking about the sad part. Their innocent was bringing us hope the moment they smile and show us the feeling that things are normal even if, its not. I always wonder why these kids deserve to be in this situation while there’s a lot of bad people are doing bad things and deserve to be in their place as karma.

 Now I guess there are an angel, angel that teaching us to understand the power of kindness and giving. To appreciate exactly what is love all about while we are living. How we should value our LIFE being fortunate. There are truly great reminders of positivity for good change. In every cancer patient died a day there’s another 5 that comes. Sad to hear but it’s true.

We are actually not aware so much how this disease is prone and visible. Because many of us are too busy spending our time in different way. Many of us ignore and feel like its ok because we felt safe for being out of these cases.

I’m so very glad and thankful for this memorable experience, my awareness gain knowledge, my heart was filled of love and inspiration. My time is not a waste dedicating in this activity. It such an honor and feel so thankful witnessing and being part of it.

I’m sending my gratitude to Ms. Pilar Tuazon for being so nice, polite and calm woman, she is really adorable woman and artist. I really idolize her not only in Photography field but also sharing and giving us the opportunity to remind us kindness. She is a wonderful and truly inspiration. Thank you so much.

And for those kids that I been played and hang around they are such an inspiration too, an angel and reminders of a good instrument for us and for me, being a good figure of braveness and hope.

I wish I have more time to spend with them and I have no doubt to extend my moment with them. This experience is truly a treasure and I considered this as part of my journey.

How and why?

Because my heart travel to expand love, my mind understand more and my soul is like dancing while listening their laughter and giggles. It makes me smile seeing them escaping for a while with their serious combat in cancer. And I cherish this moment.

Thank you as well Philippine Foundation for this enormous eye opening activities, to all sponsor, crew and my fellow volunteers I also being thankful to work with you all even a short time. My heart feels so great and wonderful.

Let’s always keep our heart travel the world with kindness.

All Photos owned by JazzrellRio Photography

Love

JAZZ-SIMPLYTRAVEL

Santa Rosa De Lima Parish Church, Santa Rosa Laguna

One of the big impacts through our LIFE is the religious aspect.  Religion is very influential and powerful especially to those devoted Filipino in terms of being a Roman Catholic.

That's why many Rosanian (People live in Santa Rosa City) worship and dedicate their faith to Jesus Christ and to the Patron Santa Rosa De Lima in which is named after to our City.

What's the story behind how my hometown called Santa Rosa a City of Laguna?

Sta. Rosa, named from the first Patron Saint of South America-Santa Rosa De Lima, Peru.  As a sign of their patron saint, the Rosarians build the Santa Rosa De Lima Church near the city Plaza.

 It was in 1790 when priests from Spain started building the church and completed it in 1792. It was these Spaniards who chose Santa Rosa De Lima to be its Patron Saint. The church has 8 bells that toll and ring majestically. These bells are given names like – “Santa Rosa de Lima, Santa Barbara, Santissimo Sacramento, San Juan Bautista, San Jose, Santa Cecilia, Santo Domingo de Guzman and Niño Jesus”. Santa Rosa De Lima was believed to have watched over the people and protected them during the Japanese occupation. Several evacuees that time have been saved from hunger through the miraculous appearance of this Holy Lady.

The first Mass was held on August 30, 1812 in honor of the Patron Saint, with Fray Francisco Favie, O.P the first Parish Priest.

Sta. Rosa became a municipality on January 18, 1972 from a mere barrio of Binan called Barrio Bukol. During the revolutionary period, Santa Rosa signed the act of Independence from Spain on June 12 1898. The local leaders fought alongside General Emilio Aguinaldo during the Filipino- American War. After a brief occupation by the Japanese forces during the Second World War, the town was liberated on February 5, 1945.

During the post war era, Santa Rosa’s local economy was largely agricultural dependent on farming, fishing, livestock and small backyard industry. The influence of industrialization came in the 1980’s with the entry of foreign multinational companies in the PEZA registered economic zones and industrial estates.

From 4th class municipality in 1986, Santa Rosa became a 1st class Municipality in 1993. Through Republic Act No. 9264 signed by the former President Ms. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Santa Rosa became a component City on July 2004. Presently, the City has been recognized as a fast rising investment capital of South Luzon next to Capital City Metro Manila.

Now! The Santa Rosa De Lima Parish Church is one of the landmarks here. And one prides of Rosanian preserving this wonderful history.  The Feast of Santa Rosa De Lima held every 23rd day of August in honor of the City’s Patron Saint.

So it feels like my hometown having a touch of country Peru. On the left side corner of this church there was actually a small adoration chapel were I often visit and I considered that as the sanctuary of my soul, the moment that I want to sent my prayers, message and sentiment to god.

I'm not such a devoted type of person putting my whole life being religious, but I always have the heart, faith and love through god, when I open my eyes and grew in this religion culture.

The big matter is the respect, faith for what we believe about the God in our heart and soul. I was actually dreaming to have my own small Santa Rosa De Lima Patron to put in altar on our house but I wasn't able to find one yet.

Once you drop to Santa Rosa City don't forget to offer some prayers and candles. But also enjoy the view and structure of the historical Church.

All photos owned by JazzrellRio Photography except the first photo.

Love
JAZZSIMPLYTRAVEL

People's Park in the Sky, Tagaytay City

Hey! Fellas another more park to enjoy. Of course who doesn’t even know the Tagaytay City? My one favorite places to visit which is quite near from my hometown. Because the nice ecological atmosphere and the blustery temperature. I really enjoy this place, not too much hot and too cold it’s both good blends of warm and cool wind.

There are a lot of places to visit, from public tourist spot to exclusive place in Tagaytay City.

It’s lovely sunny Holiday and I just wanna go around somewhere and relax after a week being busy. So I think the perfect place to go and spent my day is the Park.  And accompany with my best buddy, my Best friend.

From my house it takes 1hour and few minutes to reach the People Park in the Sky. I don’t know how to drive beside I don’t have a car. But it will be the fastest way to travel the Tagaytay City. Of course as an ordinary citizen and living in simple life public transportation is always out there. The tricycle and jeepney.  It’s symbolizing a Filipino lifestyle on how they travel places to one another thru land transportation. From the Public Market of Balibago Complex where you can find the terminal for commuters, we ride Jeepney route going to Tagaytay City. It will take you a few minutes to load passenger in the jeepney and every individual cost P50 per head as traveling fare.

So if you don’t want to feel bored better play music or make some nap while traveling, nor if you love games, be sure you have your mobile phones on hand to use your time while on the road. Of course the best thing to kill boredom for me is not being alone, because I’m very talkative and love conversations I appreciate rather bring some buddy with me to hang around and talk many things. (But be sure you are with a sensible one).

Glad I have my best friend always on the go, while she is not yet committed in married life. Because we have much topic to talk for and enjoying scenery like old houses, fruit shops, wood craft store and some huge pineapple farm. We haven’t even felt bored until we notice that we reach the Tagaytay City. And ready to transfer to another jeepney that will bring us to the specific destination.

Now from the main Tagaytay City once you are off there you need to wait and ride for another jeepney that will heading up to bring you to People’s Park in the Sky. And it cost you only P20 as a travel fare.

While going there riding on the second jeepney you will enjoy viewing the famous and lovely smallest Volcano in the whole world. The Taal Volcano surrounded by lake and fog.  In just few minutes here we are, getting our ticket for entrance that cost you P30. (I remember way back years ago it was only P10) Now it was truly happens that every now and then the price is getting higher and higher every year. Ok! I just notice and wonder, but we will not tackle about the economy crisis hehe…

Going back to our journey the road is tough because of ups and down, zigzag road and of course in one mistake it can cause a big danger. (Glad our jeepney driver brings us safely and drives calm way).

From the entrance you will actually seen an architectural structure of a brick castle. (Oh I wish I’m in Ireland or somewhere in Europe where I can find real Castle).

So what exactly what it means? And what exactly the story of this Park is all about?

It used to be known as Palace in the Sky. It was built under administration of the Marcoses in 1979. People’s Park in the Sky is an unfinished business of former president Ferdinand Marcos and his wife Imelda Marcos.  It was intended to be a guest house for former US President Ronald Reagan, who was set to visit the Philippines. But due to political situation at the time, the “palace” was not finished, the visit cancelled and after the People Power EDSA Revolution, the name changed to People’s Park in the Sky. Unfortunately, this site was actually look abandoned; but still it remains a top attraction in Tagaytay City. Once you reach the top area and sitting at the highest point of the Park, the site provides a 360-degree view of the city. The People’s Park in the Sky is a Natural art and a man-made art.

And this place still great for sightseeing for a wonderful green field view, blanketed of a perfect fogy clouds and enjoy seeing the Taal Volcano.

You can also visit and go upstairs to the Shrine site where you can find the Shrine of Our Lady, Mother of Fair Love, located within the People's Park in the Sky. The shrine was installed in December 15, 1974 with the installation of the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the child Jesus by Hernan D. Reyes.

On the top area you will also find the big statue of Jesus Christ where you can offer prayers while enjoying the scenery. I admire this place where you can relax, enjoy going around, buying souvenir and stuff in Souvenir Shop, sat down and take time to chill and relax your eyes with the view.

You will certainly enjoy walking going up and down in every area, from stairs to zigzag way, seeing pony and taking pictures with in any angle of the view.

And it was really fun when a Nigerian guy asking if he can able to take some picture together with me, on his mobile phone even if he is quite intimidates and shy from me. But of course I’m a friendly type and I find that it’s not bad to be with those people who adore your look on the Photo. (Feel like I’m a celebrity) I didn’t know his name but thank you and I really appreciate your politeness.

Now all I can say that this place is overwhelming.  Enjoy and have fun try to visit this place.

I didn’t own the First Photo since I forgot to take some photo from my camera I was just getting a great one from internet. So you can able see the main entrance.

The rest is from JazzrellRio Photography

JAZZ-SIMPLYTRAVEL