Legazpi City: City of My Dreams ( Part 1 )

September 11 is a memorable date because of what had happened in New York several years ago.  But at that time I was travelling for Manila on board a Cebu Pacific Air from Legazpi to Manila.  I have been on this route many times but I simply did not have much time to take photos.  But last September 11 I brought along with me my Olympus Camera.  I took one of the best shots I could ever take of Mt. Mayon Volcano.  Picture speaks more than words.  Upon checking in I specifically requested the lady attending to tickets to put me on a seat near the window so that I could have a full view of the mountain.  I would think that Bicol is a beautiful place and and an excellent one for tourism. This peninsula is gifted with flora and fauna.  

On the picture you could see the coastline of Legazpi City. Stretching from the city center one can enjoy a breathtaking view of Albay Bay and the pacific ocean.  This coastline contains the road going to the City of Tabaco. 

Perhaps a year ago I heard the pilot did make mention of this sight as the chocolate hills of Bohol in Albay.  That famed chocolate hills in Bohol Island in the Visayas.  But one need not go to Bohol to see those hills.  The western portion of Albay is characterized by rugged topography, with small hills donning the countryside.

Mount Mayon volcano as seen from the ramps of Embarcadero, Legazpi's newest shopping center.  The government has done a great job in encouraging private investors to invest in tourism and entertainment business in the city.

The shorelines of Legazpi are dotted with this kind of trawlers or fishing boats.  Albay gulf is a fish sanctuary.  And the waters off the Pacific ocean are rich in marine resources.  Fishing is one of the major economic activity of many of Legazpinos.

Here is another view of Mt. Mayon.

The light house of Embarkadero de Legazpi.

To Coffee Lovers

Right now I am in Banda Aceh, Indonesia.  We visited the Capitol and while waiting for the Vice-Governor to meet us, we were served good tasting coffee.  The said this is a specialty here.  Hmmm delicious.  There is really nothing in this world that pleases me than a good cup of coffee.  Thank God for this blessing.

Gubat Sorsogon, More Pictures for the Nostalgic Gubatnon

I use to go to this far flung municipality every Wednesday to teach at our external Campus.  I have to endure more than 80 kilometers of road travel.  Here as I was walking from the campus I decided to pass by the Church of St. Anthony and took pictures of the back portion of the Church as seen from Campus.  To some of you who grew up in Gubat but now are based abroad...enjoy...and refresh your memories of this quiet but lovely town.

Caramoan Revisited

For a lighter moment let me share with you some pictures I have of the Church in Caramoan, Camarines Sur. Although I have posted some pieces before about Caramoan, but let me do this again.  Perhaps some of you who are planning to travel can consider Caramoan to your itinerary.  Caramoan is known for its islands and beaches, but seldom do every one take notice that despite the remoteness of Caramoan it has one of the most beautiful brick church in the entire Bicol Peninsula and a wide courtyard.  I would suggest that Bicol historians to explore the history of this municipality.

The Photo below shows the facade of the Church dedicated to St. Michael, the Archangel. The two niches below shows the image of Sts. Peter and Paul, patron saints of Rome and the apostles credited for having founded the Church in Rome.

My students, Richardson and Jose.

The Church has a spacious grounds and courtyard littered with Narra Trees and with statues and shrines.  The Parish priest usually helps in cleaning the lawn.  The altar boys also volunteer their services to help clean this spacious yard.

The Risen Christ.  The church would have been beautiful if it had the old retablos.  The parish priest is planning to restore the retablos.  Because according to him that the reredos are more appropriate for the architecture of the church.

The statue and shrine of St. Joseph.  I found this statue inspiring.  It evokes awe and admiration for the greatest of all fathers.

A Visit to Hualien, Taiwan, ROC

Last September 8, 2009 I had the privilege of visiting Hualien, Taiwan to participate in the APPRA Conference. I took a chance to enjoy the place even if the time was limited. I have been wanting to post these pictures earlier but because of the business of time, I have to procrastinate. But here it is...

There is a night market in Hualien. I think that Chinese cities are famous for their night markets. The photos below shows the various Chinese cuisine which is sure to delight the appetite. Here eating is for pleasure rather than feeding on hunger.

A display of semi-precious stones, like agate, jade etc....

I cant identify these food. I would guess these are cherries ???

The photo below shows the students' residence halls. In the background are the tall and imposing mountains of Central Taiwan. I took this photo form the hotel window.

The Train Station in Hualien.

The Campus of the National Dong Hua University.

The Taroko gorge.

The National Palace Museum

I am still here in Taipei, and we did visit yesterday one of the most impressive museum in Asia that I have been into. The vast collection and how well maintained are these is indeed impressive. This is a window to the ancient culture of China and the Asia.

Uppsala, Sweden a Rejoinder

Photos and Essays.

As part of my vacation routine, I took it upon myself to arrange my files and do some cleaning. in the house. Per chance I reviewed some of the photos I have of my recent visit to Sweden as part of my participation in a Training - Seminar at Uppsala University in Sweden. May I share with you some of my reminiscence while these things are still fresh in my memory. [Photos by Dr. Herbert].

Uppsala is a historic city. It once was the center of political and ecclesiastical power in Sweden. It is also a city with remarkable architechture. Outstanding is the Domkyrka [the Cathedral and seat of the Archbishop of Uppsala and the Domkyrka is the National Sanctuary of the Church of Sweden]. The dominant religion in Sweden is Evangelical Lutheran. Among the Lutheran communion, Sweden is a country that has stedfastly preserved its episcopacies. Aside from the Domkyrka there is also the Castle, which once upon a time a center of political power. Then there is the University of Uppsala founded in 1477 and the oldest in Scandinavia.

The picture above shows the smaller pipe organ. There are three pipe organs in this cathedral. The vacant seats are for the choir members and the members of the clergy. During regular days the Pastor does not occupy a special chair. He or she seats with the rest of the clergy. The Church of Sweden ordains both men and women as ministers.

This is the bigger organ at the Cathedral set up in the choir loft above the entrance door.

This is a smaller church I visited located near the Cathedral. I suppose, but I am not sure this church must be the parish of the Holy Trinity. Before the reformation the Domkyrka (construction started in 1287 and took almost a hundred years to complete) was used specifically as a coronation church for Kings and Queens. Hence ordinary services were held in this smaller church.

The High Altar Dressed up for Advent. Notice the Circular Communion Rail? Typical of Scandinavian Churches and of Medieval Christianity. The Domkyrka is enourmous. I found it difficult to capture the whole structure on camera. It must be photographed with a panoramic camera in order to capture its length and breath. The ceiling is painted but very tall. Its enormity provides a sense of sacredness and awe. This structure would dwarf the biggest church we have in the Philippines. The high altar is very much impressive. Originally the liturgical position is ad orientem but they built a wooden platform with aschening stairs at the bak in order for the minister to be able to celebrate Mass facing the people. I also observed that people dont kneel, but stands during the reception of communion. There are pews but no kneelers. But I also observed that in the side chapels there are small kneelers. And I have seen some genuflecting.

One of the side chapels in the domkyrka. There are several of them. But this chapel specifically captured my attention because of the beauty of the altar and the icon behind it. Notice that the altar is attached to the wall. So the minister who will celebrate mass in this side chapel will have to face the altar with his or her back from the people.

The tomb of King Gustav Vasa. This chapel where King Gustav Vasa is interred has formerly been the chapel of the Virgin Mary. The only signs that this was formerly the chapel of the virgin Mary are the yellow stars inscribed on the ceilings, symbols of the Virgin Mary. With the introduction of Lutheranism in the 16th Century, the Role of the Virgin Mary has somehow been not emphasized.

A Nativity Scene in one of the side chapels of the Domkyrka.

Tapestry at the Domkyrka

Statue of St. Erick the National Saint of Sweden. St. Erick is the National Saint of Sweden. Many prominent noble persons were buried in this cathedral. A relic of St. Brigitte is also placed at the side chapel where the relic of St. Erick is interred.

Is this the candlestick sculptured in 1968called the tree of the reconciliation of man on the occasion of the fourth assembly of the world council of Churches?

Portrait of King Gustav Vasa (1496-1560) at the Uppsala Castle

Seven Candle Sticks as Displayed on Window Sills, Very Popular Advent Tradition in Sweden

Miniature of the Uppsala Castle

The Main Hall of the Uppsala Castle

Uppsala Domkyrka [Cathedral]

Trees of Winter Overshadowed by the Spires of the Domkyrka

A Building Near the Cathedral

A Cobbled Stone Street In the Old Section of Uppsala

Beautiful Red Building Near the Administration Building of Uppsala University

Museum Gustavianum

Uppsala University

Together with some of my Fellow Participants from Brazil, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Mexico and Honduras Posing for Photos during Break Time

A Replica of the Icon from Moscow Displayed at the Uppsala Cathedral One of the Memento I bought From my Visit to the Domkyrka

The Bookshelf where I Displayed the icon from the Domkyrka. I use to display some of my souvenirs in my bookshelves. If there are material treasures I consider, these are my books and my souvenirs. Not for their material value but it keeps alive memories and store a wealth of knowledge. We know that in this world everything is transitory and it is foolish to trust in riches or wealth. In an instant they can vanish and in days fortune may change. But as the Scriptures said: "They that trust in the Lord will be like a tree planted in the courtyard of the temple."

This is the train station in Uppsala. I was impressed by the efficiency of the trains and the speed. It took us only 30 minutes to reach Stockholm. Uppsala is almost 70 kilometers from Stockholm.

Old and commercial district of Uppsala where you can find an array of shops and restaurants. This old portion of the city is a haven for pedestrians.

The Rear view of the Domkyrka

The Faculty of Law Building of Uppsala University

The Cathedral Cafe. I took one of my dinners in this cafe. Simple but elegant, and romantic too. But sadly I was alone when I visited this cafe.

I notice that Swedish homes are fond of lights and candles. Perhaps because winters in Sweden are gloomy. In my eleven days of stay in Uppsala, I have never seen the sun in its fullfness. Days are cloudy onlyday light but not sunlight.