MALACAÑANG OF THE NORTH

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Official residence of the Pres. Ferdinand Marcos in Ilocos Norte was built on a high

point of land projecting into the sea right beyond the coastline of the legendary

Paoay Lake. This is now a museum.

We were met by a tourist guide who gave us a brief background of the history of the place and toured us around the different rooms of the palace. 

LA PAZ SAND DUNES

A few minutes drive from Paoay Church, we proceeded to La Paz  Sand Dunes    -- consists  approximately 85 square kilometers of protected sandy coastal desert and beach close to Laoag City, capital of Ilocos Norte. 

The area is locally known as “Bantay Bimmaboy”  - refers  to common perception that the dunes resemble  pigs in shape. The area is also popularly known as the “Desert of the North” and is popular location for shooting of films  e.g. Himala and Panday.

The glaring heat of the sun did not stop the pilgrims from going down the buses. With umbrellas, we spent the time taking pictures of the site and posing beside the four-wheel cars for hire at P2,500 per hour drive around the area.

PAOAY CHURCH - ST. AUGUSTINE PARISH

Canonically known as St Augustine Church, Paoay Church is of the four baroque churches in the Philippines designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites in 1993.  The other three are San Agustin Church in Manila; Miag-Ao Church (Sto Tomas de Villanueva Church ) in Iloilo; and La Asuncion de Nuestra Senora Church in Sta Maria, Ilocos Sur.

Construction by the Augustinian Friars started in 1694  and completed in 1710  using coral  stones and bricks. It is an example of earthquake baroque architecture  -- Philippine interpretation of the European Baroque adapted to the seismic condition of the country. The location of the Philippines in the Pacific Rim of Fire called for  the emphasis on buttresses – architectural structures built against a wall which serve to support or reinforce the wall. The most imposing of buttresses in Philippine churches are found in Paoay Church which was damaged during the earthquakes in 1865 and 1885.

During the FIl-Spanish war in the 1800’s, the bell tower served as an observation post for Filipino guerrillas.

  

We were welcomed by  Parish Priest Rev Fr Earl John Domingo, who proudly told us that because of Paoay Church and their other ancient churches, historical and tourist spots particularly Calle Crisologo and Pagudpod, Ilocos Region now ranks number two as the region most visited  by tourists,  second to Camsur.

REV. FR. EARL JOHN DOMINGO

MORNING PRAYER

At the adjacent office and reception building, we had a taste of the native breakfast prepared and served by the parishioners.

BREAKFAST

A JOURNEY OF FAITH AT ILOCANDIA

By ODETTE LEON

All praise and thanksgiving to God for the successful Journey of Faith @ Ilocandia  -- a pilgrimage for a cause held September 14-16, 2012.  Said activity was organized by the Volunteer Catechists Commission as part of this year’s Catechetical Month celebration and In preparation for the opening of the Year of Faith, October 2012 – November 2013 as proclaimed by Pope Benedict XVI. 

The 100 pilgrims -- catechists, families and friends -- are from the Diocese of Manila and 5 sufragan dioceses of Pasig, Paranaque, Cubao, Novaliches and Kalookan.  Blessed with  good sunny weather and safe trip, the pilgrims marveled at and  enjoyed every place visited during the 2-day pilgrimage.

Pilgrimage itinerary included the visits to four churches in Ilocos Norte  and three churches in Ilocos Sur as well as side trips to a few historical and tourist spots in the Ilocos Region. Last stop before departure for Manila was St William Parish in San Fernando, La Union.

DAY 1 - September 14

http://volcats.blogspot.com/2012/10/paoay-church-st-augustine-parish.html

http://volcats.blogspot.com/2012/10/la-paz-sand-dunes.html

http://volcats.blogspot.com/2012/10/malacanang-of-north.html

THE GRANDEUR OF VIGAN

By: Odette Leon

The itineraries of my first two trips to the Ilocos Region (in the early 90’s and in 2006)  did not allow me  to have a good  enough  glance of the famous UNESCO World Heritage Village --  Calle Crisologo in Vigan City.  Learning about it, my proud Ilokano cousin-in-law who has gone on  European tour commented, “Sayang,  If you’ve been to Vigan, you’ve seen Madrid. Same na same ang setting and ambiance – the cobbled-stone streets, the century old houses, etc.  Next time you go north, be sure to find time to see  VIgan.”

And so I did – during the September 14-16, 2012 Journey of Faith @  Ilocandia –  the pilgrimage for a cause organized by the Volunteer Catechists Commission.

Arriving 7pm at the Socio Pastoral Center at Vigan for our overnight rest  (about 2hours drive from Badoc Church - the fourth and last church visited  in Laoag), we had  quick refreshing up.  After having some hot noodles for dinner at nearby Chowking, we walked to Calle Crisologo. Unfortunately some souvenir shops were already closed  as it was already almost half past 8pm when we got there.  

Conscious of the 9pm curfew at the Pastoral Center, we only had some brisk browsing of souvenir items in two or three stores and were not able to buy anything and take pictures. Disappointed  but tired and sleepy, we decided to call it a day and get some rest for the next day’s schedule. 

As we hurried back to the dormitory, we were met by surprise  by the flash of the camera of our two “guardians” who were just about to start their stroll along Calle Crisologo – and experience the beauty of nightlife at the Heritage Village.

Next day, from Bantay Church and Bell Tower, three of us from my team took a tricycle ride to Calle Crisologo  -- for shopping  and picture taking as we strolled along the cobbled-stoned streets lined up with  colonial houses called “bahay na bato”  -- two storey house with the ground floor made of stone and used as rice granary and storage area while the upper floor is made of wood and used exclusively for living quarters with sliding windows made of capiz.  Some of the houses are now used as souvenir shops.

Established in the 16^th century by Chinese traders from the Fujan Province, Calle Crisologo is the main street in VIgan, the Capital City of Ilocos Sur which has withstood the trials of time specially WW II. Stories have been told that Vigan was spared from destruction out  of love.  During the later part of the WWII, retreating Japanese troops would blaze any town before leaving so that the American  forces could not make use of them.  However, one Japanese General who lived and married a local girl, made a pact with the parish priest  to spare the city in exchange for the promise that the parish priest will take care of his family.

Hence, VIgan is a city spared out of love and so impressively preserved that present day visitors are able to experience what life was centuries ago. It is no wonder it is one of the Philippines’ UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Ilocos Region is very proud of.

And to conserve the nostalgic colonial street in this UNESCO World Heritage City of VIgan,  only horse-drawn kalesas are allowed to enter and pass by Calle Crisologo.  And so from there, to complete our Vigan experience, we took a calesa ride going to Gov. Chavit’s Baluarte Zoo to meet our other co-pilgrims.   

HERITAGE VILLAGE

By:  Jhosie Olayrest

A GLIMPSE OF THE PAST

By Odette Leon

The Sept 14-16, 2012  Ilocandia Pilgrimage organized by the Volunteer Catechists Commission was indeed an experience of a lifetime for me and for many other pilgrims I  can assume.  Though, I have already  been on tour  to the Ilocos Region  twice and have seen almost the same places,  this third trip gave me a deeper sense of appreciation of the value and significance of the places we visited.

St. Augustine Church, Paoay

In particular are the four-century old churches and bell towers which have withstood the test of time and natural calamities. These churches are now priceless treasures  and pride of the Region and of the Philippines as a whole.  In fact,  Paoay Church in Laoag and Sta Maria Church in Vigan  are UNESCO World Heritage Sites as well as the Calle Crisologo in Vigan now more popularly known  as the Heritage Village.

St. William Cathedral, Laoag

These places have remained  the repository of the  400 year old history of Christianity in the Philippines which we owe to the Spanish Friars notably from the Order St Augustine (OSA). We thank the OSA’s for their remarkable contributions to Christianity in the Region which  will continue to linger in the hearts of the people who go to these churches they constructed --  St Augustine Church in Paoay,  St William Cathedral in Laoag,  Immaculate Conception Church in Batac, St John the Baptist Church in Badoc, Metropolitan Cathedral of St Paul in Vigan,  St Augustine Church in Bantay, and La Asuncion de Nstra Senora Church in Sta Maria, Ilocos Sur.

Immaculate Conception Church, Batac

The opportunity of having marveled at  these awesome sights even for only a few minutes is  indeed a memorable  blessing.   I thank and commend the people behind the maintenance and conservation of these places for more generations to see.   I wish them more power and inspiration to continue  their good work  -- all for the greater glory of God. 

St. John the Baptist Church, Badoc

Metropolitan Cathedral of St. Paul, Vigan

St. Augustine Church, Bantay

La Asuncion de Nuestra Senora, Santa Maria

ISABUHAY SI KRISTO, IBAHAGI SI KRISTO

NI ODETTE LEON

Taon-taon,  sa tuwing sasapit ang buwan ng Setyembre, ipinag-diriwang natin ang BUWAN NG KATEKESIS --– upang paalalahanan tayong lahat sa kahalagahan ng Kateksis  ----  ang pag-aaral ng mga katotohanan, pagsasabuhay at pagdiriwang ng ating pananampalataya. 

Sa taong ito, ang tema ng pagdiriwang ng Buwan ng Katekesis ay --- “LIVE CHRIST,  SHARE CHRIST”…. “ISABUHAY SI KRISTO, IBAHAGI SI KRISTO”.

Sa tuwina,  tayo ay hinahamon na isabuhay ang mga aral at halimbawa ni Kristo  at ibahagi si Kristo sa iba.  Upang makatugon sa hamong ito,  una sa lahat, kinakailangang kilalanin muna  si Kristo at alamin ang Kanyang mga aral at halimbawang nais Niyang ating tularan sa Kanya.  At doon  pa lamang natin Siya maibabahagi sa iba sa pamamagitan ng katekesis.

Ang pagbabahagi kay  Kristo sa iba sa pamamagitan ng katekesis ay  tungkulin ng lahat.  IKAW… AKO… TAYONG LAHAT AY TAGAPAGTURO NG MABUTING BALITA.  Dahil sa bisa ng ating binyag,  tayong lahat  ay nakiki-isa sa misyon ni Kristo bilang propeta. Kaya’t,  BAWAT KRISTIYANO AY KATEKISTA --  layko na tumugon sa panawagan na magsabuhay at magturo ng Ebangelyo sa iba’t ibang pamamaraan…  Katekista sa tahanan/pamilya….  Katekista sa paraalan…. Sa parokya……  at sa komunidad.

Ayon sa sabi ni Blessed Pope John Paul II…  “the world needs you because it needs catechesis “  dahil sa  …  “marami ang aanihin ngunit kakaunti ang manggagawa”.  (Mat 9:27). 

Sa paghahayo ni Jesus sa kanyang labing dawalang apostoles upang ipalaganap ng Mabuting Balita… kasama tayong bawat binyagan Katoliko na  hinahamong tumugon sa tungkuling iniwan ni Kristo na  ipinagpapatuloy ng Simbahan sa pamamagitan ng pagtutulungan ng bawat kristiyano.

Light of the World

Prayer by Lucille del Mundo
Catechist
Diocese of Parañaque

Thre is a saying, "what is in a name?"  You are what your name is.  The name makes the person.

Almighty Father, I give you praise and thanks for the gift of life and faith and calling me in my baptismal name - Lucille del Mundo which mean "light of the world."  What a beautiful name!  But, I have to live it. "Maging ilaw sa mundo . . . maghasik ng ilaw sa mundo."  

Through your many graces Lord, I try to live it up to my name.  You are the lamp of my feet and a light to my path.  I follow the ways of your teaching in every opportune time and place, and give hope, guidance, care and help to those who are lost or weary.  So, I pray to you again and again, let your spirit's presence and power overflow again, as I do God's righteous purpose on me.  Amen.

Volunteer Catechists: First Quarterly Assembly

By Odette Leon

July 28, 2012

The Volunteer Catechists Commission started its formation program for school year 2012-2013 during the first CFAM volunteer catechists assembly held last July 28, 2012 at the Jaime Cardinal Sin Auditorium, Paco Catholic School, Manila. The formation program for this school year aims to assist volunteers catechists in the difficulties encountered during the tests on Doctrine, Morals, Worship and Scriptures given last school year.

The whole-day assembly started with the recitation of the Holy Rosary and the Morning Praise. Immediately after, the masters of ceremonies Malou Celada (Manila Volunteer Catechist Coordinator) and Malou Mariazeta (Cubao Volunteer Catechist Coordinator) led the participants in welcoming Sir Art Barbadillo as the newly appointed Ministry Assistant in the Volunteer Catechists Commission to work with Sir Ed Frando in the same capacity.

The highlight of the assembly was Fr. Bong Gino’s input.  As an introduction, Fr Bong gave a brief backgrounder on the history, structure and significance of the  Catechism of the Catholic Church  (CCC) – the official text of  the teachings of the Catholic Church approved in 1992 by Pope John Paul II as an output of the Synod of Bishops held in 1985.  

For the major topic, he explained the principles of the doctrines on Original Sin, Incarnation and Resurrection – the three topics with the highest record of frequency of errors during last year’s test on doctrine.  For the doctrine on  Resurrection, Fr. Bong presented a comparative exposition of the Scriptural sources of the principles of Resurrection based  on the Gospels of Sts. Matthew, John and Luke.  He noted that the selection of the Scriptural source to be used in catechesis is significant because  the three Gospels have three different themes. 

For St. Matthew,  Resurrection is an experience of forgiveness and the power of God’s hope on us.  “Forever Emmanuel” – God with us.  “I am with you always till the end of age.”  (Matt  28:20)

For St. John, Resurrection is an “event of love” – For the “Beloved Disciple” the empty tomb was more than enough sign for him to believe even before he saw the Risen Christ.  Love heightens the ability to see and believe.  Where there is love, we believe.  Because of love, we believe. 

For St. Luke, it is a "fresh start".  The risen Christ gathered the disciples in Galilee - the birth place of their "love story". Despite their infidelity (abandonment and crucifixion), Jesus did not give up on them.  For Jesus, not everything was lost. He was willing to give their “love story” a second chance -- which they did during the 40 days they were together before Jesus ascended into heaven.  

In the afternoon, Dr. Romel Gloria, M.D. gave a talk on health, wellness and beauty giving tips on how to prevent diseases, avoid expensive doctor consultations, medications and medical procedures. 

The whole-day formation culminated with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist presided by Msgr.  Gerry Santos.  In his homily, Msgr.  Gerry expressed his appreciation for the strong show of willingness of volunteer catechists to undergo formation – the  importance of  which he again emphasized as he always does during on-going-formation activities.  He also cited the important events of the year 2012, the most significant of which for us Filipinos is the canonization of Blessed Pedro Calunsod, a youthful missionary catechist – the second Filipino catechist saint.