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JADSTravel

JADSTravel
OUR TRAVEL LOG

DADAY'S KITCHEN

DADAY'S KITCHEN
DADAY'S KITCHEN

Pulubi… by Einna Onainebas

Ika-30 ng Marso, 1998

Sino ka? Ano ang papel mo sa mundo? May halaga ba ang buhay mo? Yagit. Palaboy. Pakalat-kalat sa daan. Basura ng lipunan. Gulanit ang damit. Nanlilimahid. Anong bukas ang naghihintay sa isang katulad mo?  “Palimos po ng barya”, ang sambit sa tuwina. Nakasalalay ang pangangailangan mo sa mga taong maaawa sa iyo. Paano kung walang magbigay ng barya, anong mangyayari sa iyo? Paano maiibsan ang kalam ng sikmura mo? Sapat na ba ang isang basong tubig para mawala ito? Pagsapit ng gabi, saan ang uwi mo? Sa ilalim ng tulay. Sa hagdan ng LRT. Sa upuan sa Luneta. Sa harap ng gusali sa Mabini. Sa breakwater sa Roxas Boulevard. Kahit saan. Kung saan abutin ng dilim basta may kapirasong lugar na malalapatan ng pagod mong katawan.
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This is the famous 2005 painting, Hapag ng Pag-asa (Table of Hope), by Joey Velasco. The children dining with Jesus are real children from the streets and slums of Metro Manila except for the one under the table who eats with the cat (he is modeled from the unknown Sudan boy of the 'Pulitzer Prize winning photo taken in 1994 during the Sudan Famine). In 2006, Joey wrote a book entitled "They Have Jesus", to tell the story of each of the 12 children. 
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Monasterio De Tarlac, Home of the Relic of the True Cross

It was in 2011 when I first heard from one of my colleagues who hailed from Bamban, Tarlac about a monastery in Tarlac that house “the relic of the true cross”. When I asked her about the exact location, she could not remember it. In one of our free weekends, we traveled to Capas, Tarlac thinking that we could ask around the area to the way to “the relic”. We tried to inquire several times from different group of people…some have no ideas…some heard about it…but none of them knows where.

November 06, 2011…Jonjie, Daniz and I found the way. We traversed through rice fields, crossed a one-way bridge, braved the winding road and finally found ourselves on top of the mountain at Brgy. Lubigan, San Jose, Tarlac. And the very first thing that we saw was the 30-foot statue of The Risen Christ facing the hills and fields of Tarlac and its neighboring communities.
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In 2005, Rev. Fr. Ronald "Archie" Thomas A. Cortez was invited by the President of the Philippine-German Associate in Oberhausen, Germany, Mr. Lutz Ruhloff, be a guest for the world Youth Day in Cologne, Germany. During his visit, he met Msgr. Volker Bauer from the Diocese of Essen who was then the custodian of the Relic of the Holy Cross of Jesus. His search for the ideal and willing candidate to look after the relic was finally over. Fr. Archie who has a homegrown monastic community was chosen to bring home the relic and be its next custodian.

In 2006,  The confirmation of the coming of the relic of the Holy Cross was formally announced.  The existing chapel was elevated to be the reliquary house of the relic.  The construction started in November.  The chapel is patterned after Europe baroque type of architecture with its imposing façade and surrounded by a sprawling piazza.  It is heavily embellished and design with baroque style trimmings, giving structure grandeur of medieval art and culture.
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In January 30, 2007, the much awaited inauguration and blessing of the Chapel took place, presided by the Most Rev. Fernando Filoni, D.D., - Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines together with Archbishops, Bishop and guest Priests. And among those Bishops in attendance were: Most Rev. Florentino F. Cinense, D.D., - Tarlac; Most Rev. Paciano Aniceto, D.D. – Pampanga; Most Rev. Ernesto Salgado, D.D. – Nueva Segovia; Most Rev. Diosdado Talamayan, D.D. – Tuguegarao; Most Rev. Antoinette Cabajog, D.D. – Surigao; Most Rev. Sofronio Bancud, SSS, D.D. – Cabanatuan; Most Rev. Roberto Mallari, D.D. – Pampanga. The presence of Msgr. Volker Bauer, Rev. Fr. Joachim Kiwit, Rev. Fr. Alfred Voss and other German dignitaries and friends added more life and grace to the occasion.

The Relic was enclosed in a silver arquetta (ark) engraved with catholic symbols of crucifixion such as a pair of dice, the garment of Christ worn during his passion, a hammer with nails, and a ladder. The relic was enshrined beneath the altar. It was authenticated by a papal seal as proof that it is, indeed, the true cross of Jesus.
IMG_2950Atop the imposing altar is the inscription in Latin: AVE CRUX, SPES UNICA which means HAIL TO THE HOLY CROSS, OUR ONLY HOPE.Picture9
When the empress beheld the place where the Saviour suffered, she immediately ordered the idolatrous temple, which had been there erected, to be destroyed, and the very earth on which it stood to be removed. When the tomb, which had been so long concealed, was discovered, three crosses were seen buried near the Lord's sepulchre. All held it as certain that one of these crosses was that of our Lord Jesus Christ, and that the other two were those of the thieves who were crucified with Him. Yet they could not discern to which of the three the Body of the Lord had been brought nigh, and which had received the outpouring of His precious Blood. But the wise and holy Macarius, the president of the city, resolved this question in the following manner. He caused a lady of rank, who had been long suffering from disease, to be touched by each of the crosses, with earnest prayer, and thus discerned the virtue residing in that of the Saviour. For the instant this cross was brought near the lady, it expelled the sore disease, and made her whole.

Since 2011, we have been to the Monasterio De Tarlac several times. Every visit is a special communion with God. But I will always remember our very first Holy Mass, our second visit last January 2012. The moment we entered the Chapel and until the conclusion of the Holy Mass, I felt the loving presence of the Lord embracing me, comforting me. Even before the officiating priest prayed for everyone before the final blessing…my eyes are welling with tears…tears of gratitude…of relief…as if a weight was suddenly lifted from my being. God is with me that day…I am at peace! “God speaks to me in silence.” And I truly believed that “We are not there because of coincidence. We are there because God called us…for a reason.”
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Since that day, we wanted to share the blessing...for others to feel the loving presence of the Lord…for them to hear God speaking in silence. Every time we have a visitor from afar (Manila, Bicol, Cavite)…we always invited them to join us to attend the Holy Mass at the Monasterio. For first-timers, the best place is inside the Chapel…free from unnecessary and outwardly distractions. But it can only hold more or less a hundred pilgrims.
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.Below are some of the photos of the place and of us…
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The sight where the the 30-foot statue of The Risen Christ is facing with His arms wide open
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The piazza (public square). 1st Picture: On the left is the entrance to the Chapel and on its left is a stair going to the Administration Building. 2nd Picture: The "Brother" is going back to the Chapel after assisting in the Holy Communion, at the back is one of the Priest giving communion to the Pilgrims facing the Administration Building
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The Monasterio's Administration Building
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                                     November 06, 2011                                                           January 22, 2012
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                                 January 05, 2014                                                               October 04, 2015
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July 19, 2015. Daniz with Mommy Lydia and Tita Vicky

Pilgrims' Mass Schedule
Monday to Saturday at 10:30am except Thursday
 - Wednesday Mass is preceded by Novena to Perpetual Help
 - Friday Mass is in Honor of Sacred Heart Preceded by Chaplet to Divine Mercy
 - Saturday Mass is in Honor of Blessed Mother
Every Thursday is at 6:00am
Every Sunday at 10:30am and 3:00pm is Risen Christ's Day
The pilgrims are allowed to touch the reliquary after the mass.
Open veneration of the relic happens twice a year, every January 19 to commemorate its enshrinement and September 14 to celebrate the Servants of the Risen Christ anniversary.

Things To Do

Monasterio De Tarlac is considered as a sanctuary for spiritual nourishment in the Philippines nestled in the serenity and beauty of nature where one can really feel the warm embrace of God Almighty.
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At present, the monastery only has 5 cottages that can accommodate a small number of faithful looking for spiritual retreat and solitude.
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They wanted to provide better and more sufficient facilities for spiritual nourishment, hence the initial construction of the SRC Center for Spirituality located within the monastery. They also started the construction of a new basilica that will serve as a new home for the Relic of the True Cross of Jesus Christ. However, due to the lack of financial means, the development of the said establishment has been put into an indefinite halt.

The SRC Monastic Community would like to make an appeal to please help them continue what they have started. Generous donation will certainly help them reach the completion of the center for the greater glory of God.

Excerpt from the Monasterio's Brochure 


BE BLESSED. BE HEALED. HEAR GOD SPEAKS TO YOU IN SILENCE.

AT THE MONASTERIO DE TARLAC

THE SERVANTS OF THE RISEN CHRIST MONASTIC COMMUNITY

THE HOME OF THE RELIC OF THE CROSS OF CHRIST IN THE PHILIPPINES


How To Get There
From Manila, head north through the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and enter the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX). Continue to Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX) and take Victoria Exit. Follow the signs to Monasterio De Tarlac that are visible along the road.
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11 Fun and Enjoyable Rides at Enchanted Kingdom

October 10, 2015, we celebrated Daniz 10th birthday at Enchanted Kingdom in Santa Rosa, Laguna... from 9:00am to 8:30pm. We arrived at the place 2 hours before it opens and left 30 minutes before it closes.

Jonjie and I are not fond of adventure rides, but it is her birthday...and so, "her wish is our command". The reason why we requested two of her beloved Ate...Cris and Bevs...to join us.

Tiring but "fun-joyable" day (new term short for fun and enjoyable courtesy of Daniz). Including the travel time from Mabalacat, Pampanga to Enchanted Kingdom and back, from 6:20am to 12:00am...it's almost 18 hours.

During breakfast the following day, we asked her to rank the rides, 1 being the most "fun-joyable". And here it is:

1.  Flying Fiesta
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Experience an exhilarating swing ride on it. Guests get the feel of flying as the rotation speed of the 52 swing seats increases while a wave motion is created by gradual lifts, drops and tilts. Parent and child will have a thrilling and memorable ride on the tandem seats.
She love the feel of flying, of speed especially in mid-air and the rotating motion. This is freedom...and fun...and exciting...and enjoyable. She rode this twice.


It was an easy feat for her as she was able to conquer the Giant Swing at Sandbox Alviera in Porac, Pampanga.
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2.  Disk-O-Magic
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It is a fun and breathtaking family ride that takes its riders on a spinning and rocking adventure of motion. This state-of-the art ride from Italy has 24 motorcycle-like pedestal seats that maximize visual impact for onlookers and riders alike.
While most are shouting because of fear or nervousness, look at her and that pure smile of joy! And as it goes higher, back and forth, as if we could hear her laughter.
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3. Anchor's Away
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Experience casting off on a pirate ship and sail over imaginary waves in pendulum motion. This ship can accommodate up to 50 riders and from full stop, swings back and forth until it reaches a maximum angle of 70 degrees.
This ride meant to make your stomach upside down. But for Daniz, this is fun...fun...fun. She's with her Ate Cris and Ate Bev. The second time...she rode it without them.
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4.  Roller Skater
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This junior coaster is designed for guests who want the up-and-down, twist-and-turn excitement of a roller coaster minus the quick thumping heartbeat that the big thrill rides bring. It has 8 coaches that seat 2 guests each.
Her first ever ride of the day with Ate Cris and Ate Bev. For her, speed is equivalent to fun. Later that day, she were at it again, alone, even if it means waiting in the long line of students who toured EK that day.
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5.  Jungle Log Jam 
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This is an exciting water ride that takes guests two times up a lift and down a slope before splashing into the water. It gives the thrill of racing along a twisting river with up and down chutes, while seated in a dug-out log. There are 17 logs that can seat up to 4 guests each.
The first slope is the shorter one at the far right then to a twisting river, up to the tallest lift on the far left then down on the tall slope in the middle. Daniz is having the time of her life...
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6.  Rio Grande Rapids
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Rushing over rough waters on board a rubber raft is no tame experience. It is an exhilarating family (or group) ride that has guests constantly catching their breath while traversing raging white water.  Each of the 11 circular rafts can seat 8 riders for this awesome and refreshing water adventure. Expect to get wet on this ride!
The day is so hot! And it is just fitting that at 3:00pm, after waiting 30 minutes of waiting in line, they were able to ride the rubber raft of Rio Grande. Most of the riders were soaked after the ride...but not the three of them...only part of their back and their shoes.

There is an available drying machine right outside the building for Php150.00, but they preferred to stay wet. And we proceeded to Jungle Log Jam...
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7.  Wheel of Fate
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Go for a truly enchanting ride on this big, old fashioned Ferris Wheel which lifts the riders over 130 feet into the air. There are 36 gondolas and each gondola can accommodate up to 6 riders. One gets a breathtaking view of the entire theme park and the surrounding areas of Laguna province from the top.
This is a boring ride for her though she enjoyed the view while we are on the extreme top. She even stood up...and it made me tense. Me? I was holding on tightly to the post on the middle of the gondola while trying to take pictures of the surrounding views below.
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8.  EKstreme Tower Ride
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This thrill ride gives guests a breathtaking view of the expanse surrounding Enchanted Kingdom. The EKstreme Tower takes the rider a minute to get to the top almost 40 meters high before suddenly dropping at 76 kph. This ride will leave you screaming your lungs out for more.
For us, with her bravery, this should be number 1. She's so cool even after the sudden drop...though we've seen her eyes grew wide with a bit of fear. We do not have the picture, but see it for yourself with this video, Daniz EKStreme Tower Ride

9.  Air Race
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Boasts of six acrobatic planes that can fly four (4) passengers each. Famous for its simulation of acrobatic exhibition flights, this thriller ride banks, loops, dives, and mimics weightlessness as each plane rotates either 180o or 360o  while revolving  around a central tower. The country’s first and only, Air Race also features remarkable visuals for riders and spectators alike.
This is the second to the last ride that she tried. After the space shuttle, I thought she won't have the heart to do it...but she did. She chose the 180o rotation and wanted to do it again with the 360o, but changed her mind.
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10.  Space Shuttle 
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It is a thrilling roller coaster ride that turns guests upside-down 6 times – 3 times forward and 3 times backward – all in 2 minutes! With 28 seats in 7 coaches to choose from, guests will surely experience the exhilarating encounter with gravity, whichever seat is selected.
As soon as she saw the space shuttle, she ran directly to the entrance up until the end of the line, ready to conquer it by herself (the 2 "Ates" got knock-out after Anchor's Away). Our mistake...we let her fall in line alone thinking that she will be alright. But she's not. After a few minutes, I saw her walking towards me, shoulders droop and teary-eyed...saying "I'm sorry Mamay, I cannot ride it...I am afraid". Maybe, if we accompanied her...but...there will always be a next and we knew better.

11.  Dodgem
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Enjoy an exciting and fun ride of bumper cars. Choose from an array of 24 colorful cars and drive around while both evading and bumping others in the process, for a gratifying experience. Photo courtesy of  http://enchantedkingdom.ph/posts/dodgem/
She wanted to ride the bump car...this is one of her favorite rides together with her Daday Jonjie since she was 3 years old. But she was not able to because there's always a long queue. Maybe she already outgrew it...she's not as keen as with the other rides.

My heart is founding every time she chose the "extreme thrill" ride. But seeing her smile that lit up her face and hearing her laughter...it's all worth it.

Footnote:
  • Description of each rides are taken from the official website of the Enchanted Kingdom, 
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