Laguna 2015 Series| Returning to Sta. Maria's Three Falls

 
happened on May 24, 2015

the much enchanting falls in the uppermost part

After two years, I'm back to this enchanting falls, with the Windangan Group and a better camera this time.

We woke up early for breakfast and in preparation for our hike.  The other kids are so ecstatic of this trip because of this (hike).  We have been bragging about the falls for quite some time now and they are just so eager to see it.

We passed by the newly built suspension bridge and we cannot let it pass without a picture of it (with the whole gang on it).  We have tested its durability and strength - and I'm glad that it has passed or else...

 

the newly built suspension bridge

typical local life on the river

they are having fun



and we invaded the bridge

adding more weight to it

the full cast.. minus hubby since he's the photographer

Laguna 2015 Series| St. John the Baptist Parish Church

happened on May 23, 2015

the baroque styled Parish Church

The Windangan Group finally sat foot on Laguna for the weekend to visit J's home, eat seafood and see their famous waterfalls.

It's a road trip on our second day. We had lunch in Real, Quezon and bought some seafood.  After lunch, we just checked out the beach (which didn't impress the kids) and drove another 2 hours to Liliw for some shoe hunting.

one of the restored old houses

one of the shoe stores

Liliw town proper is very small in area - you can literally completely roam around it for less than  an hour.  But it can't be taken for granted on how many things this town can offer.  Apparently, it's one of the most favorite tourist's destinations in Laguna - which is famous for cold springs, sweet delicacies, shoes and the old church that houses the 500 year old image of Franciscan Father Padre de San Buenaventura (the first author of Tagalog dictionary) .

While my friends are busy looking for nice shoes, I'm not in the mood for a Cinderella moment so I just did some photo shots since the place is full of picture worthy old houses and restaurants.  

love how they re use these drift woods

an old home turned into Japanese restaurant (it doesn't show any Japanese at all hehe)

My eyes were immediately stuck with the old looking red church.  It's made of bricks just like Bantay Tower in Ilocos Sur and with a baroque architecture. 

at first glimpse

History of the Church (from Wikipedia):

Original structure, which is made of wood, was built in 1620.  A stronger church was built from 1643 to 1646 and was partially destroyed during the 1880 Luzon earthquake.  It was reconstructed in 1885 and was partially burned in 1898.

even the gate is made of red bricks

The façade:

I'm just completely astonished with its façade - completely adorned with red bricks.

the watch tower

nothing was left for art work

The interiors and the altar:

It only consists of two long rows of seats with few religious images.  Even the windows are eye candies.

Priest's station common during the Spanish era

It's like deja vu looking at the altar.  I'm sure seeing it in one of the movies I've seen.  They are also elaborately decorated.

Laguna is as also known for wood carvings as shown on this altar table

The church is quite crowded that time so I spent only a few minutes inside.  I just offered some prayers, took some shots and left with a peaceful heart.

lots of tourists at that time, all wanted to have a picture with the altar as a backdrop

It's highly recommended to drop by this famous place and you'll surely fall in love with it like I did.

Bicol 2015 Series| Our Lady of Penafrancia Parish Church and Shrine

 

Our Lady of Penafrancia is the "Ina" of the Bicolanos.  Every third week of September, a feast is being celebrated in her honor.  Millions of people flock Naga for this celebration as she is believed to be miraculous and a lot of people have attested to her miracles.

 

Apparently, there are three churches within Naga City proper holding the images of Ina - Cathedral, Basilica and Shrine.  The original image is being kept in the Basilica since it's already brittle and weak.  The images seen in the altars of the said churches are already replicas. 

 

the newly painted church

This church is the first home of Ina before the Basilica was constructed.

 

 

 I just chanced upon this church while being lost in Naga town proper.  I decided to alight the jeepney and checked it.  Looking at its exteriors, it's so small and looks so ordinary but looking new because of the new painting.

 

Its history:

 

 

 I was totally astonished when I entered it.  It's so beautiful with its intricate ceiling paintings.  I literally felt goose bumps upon entering it.  I just stood there for a while marveling its interiors.

 

so small yet so intricately designed

Ina

I love the paintings and those borders

you know that these are old designs

even the windows are not left bare

After offering my prayer, I went outside again to light some candles for my loved ones.  I forgot to say the prayers before lighting the candles hehehe.

 

prayer before lighting the candle

mine are the white candles - for my family and loved ones

Fortunately, there's an upcoming mass so I was able to hear it.  I felt at peace while hearing the mass. 

 

This is the highlight of my trip.  If you are a Catholic, don't forget to visit this church when in Naga City.  If you are not, you can still visit it for its architectural features.

 

 

Bicol 2015 Series| Bob Marlin

 

We were treated by the vendor for our last day lunch here in Naga City. From the locals' suggestion, we ended in this new hip restaurant - Bob Marlin, specializing in seafood and local dishes.  It is also located along Magsaysay Road (where most eateries are).

that colorful sign board can't be missed

Just by its name, you already know that it's a hip joint and the owners probably love Bob Marley and the place is sure to have a reggae vibe.  So upon entering, you already expect to see and feel this hip vibe and I was not disappointed.  There are the indoor and outdoor settings.  Indoor is fully air conditioned and while outdoor is the bar and used mostly during night time.  The locals attested that this is jam packed at night.

idol

could be better with a live band

The indoor setting with a gallery of their guests.



love the art works

even the windows conform to reggae theme

They also cater private events and functions.

What's on the menu?

sinigang na hipon

crispy pata

laing pa more

blue marlin steak

The food is just ok for me (sorry Pampaguena kaya medyo mataas ang standard sa food).  They all love the crispy pata which is a best seller while I love the blue marlin steak.  Prices are so affordable with big servings.