Escolta Walk

The Regina Building.

Last July 12  I was boarding the LRT going to Gil Puyat when I remember I need to go to Quiapo Church to give thanks to the Black Nazarene. Then I realized I haven't got a chance to take pictures of Escolta so I grab my camera and walk the Escolta. The street is no that long yet the history  it posses is huge. Before Makati and T,aguig there is Escolta. Numerous stores lined Escolta ranging from Ice cream parlors, jewelry shops and bazaars, to name a few. Later in Pre-war days, department stores, insurance companies, banks and theaters opened in this famous street. 

Marker of the First United Building. 

Entrance of the Regina Building.

Another view of Escolta, the Natividad Buliding on the right.

Escolta as it was became the center of social life way before the openings of malls in Metro Manila. Later in the 60's the shine of Escolta slowly faded as the business centers move to Makati and later in Taguig. Today was was left of Escolta are the buildings that reminded us of role in Philippine history back then.

The Philippines National Bank Building from a far.

The Capitol Theater

Hermandad's Cuaresma Exhibit 2011

The Facade of San Agustin Church

Santo fan's from all places witness the grand opening of the Lenten exhibit of Hermandad dela Sargada Pasión de Jesús in the historic San Agustin Church in Manila last March 11, 2011. This year exhibit was held for the first time inside a church, with San Agustin Church as the venue. Preparation were made as the Lenten season begins. A selection of Holy Week images form various people were discuss to be part of this exhibit. Famous owners like Allan Tengco, sculptor Willy Layug, Kiko Vecin and Tom Joven joined the exhibit. Sponsorship from Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office with Doña Ma. Theresa Palado as guest. Sadly Madame Imelda Marcos, invited, did't came due to her important travel to Cambodia.

The Opening of the Historic Doors of the Church

From L-R, Mr. Allan Tengco, Doña Ma. Theresa Palado, Don "Ado" Escudero and Mr. Clifford Chua.

The Opening Ceremony started at 6:30pm with the "Osanahan" of Las Piñas following the opening of the mighty doors of San Agustin. As the participants and guest enters the church the "Bati" of Paranaque, started the Opening Mass. The "Sayaw ng Saboy" of Las Piñas glides with the offertory. In the last part of the Mass after Communion, the Tinyenta and "Dithco" from Angono where presented.

The "Sayaw ng Saboy" from Las Piñas

The Tinyenta,(girl in red) Ditcho(girl in white with banner) and Regina Coeli(girl with the basket)

The "Ditcho" from Angono, Rizal

The "Sayaw ng Kapitana"

Mahal na Poon Sta. Cruz of Bauan, Batangas

Hesus con Herodes

The exhibit is is categorized in to three(3) parts: the Processional, Table top, and the Saints of Passion category. The Processional images are arranged in order as to tell the Passion, Death and Resurrection of the Our Lord Jesus Christ. Along with the images of Christ are the Apostles, the Holy Women and the Sorrowful Mother.

Santiago Mayor

San Longinos

Piedad

San Juan Evangelista

The Exhibit will run from March 11 to 27, in weekends covering the exhibit there will be lecture about Lenten Topics that will surely delight its guest.

In March 27 will be the Closing Ceremonies here more presentation will be featured. As for now why not try to go to San Agustin and see the Exhibit. Viva Hermandad !!!