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 !!!

Juan Hay-bing - the Tale of the devoted Chinaman

Hay-bing, the devoted Chinaman of the Virgin of Caysasay

Since I have know that many of readers are looking for the story of Juan Hay-bing I decided to write the story in this post. The tale of the Chinaman has been told for many years and is recalled to the children of Taal. Back in the 1920's this story became the plot for the a play made in Taal, Batangas.

The Story goes like this.

Back in the year 1639, as the construction of the of the stone church of Caysasay. A revolt against the Spanish Government erupted in Manila, taking the live of some 24, 000 Chinese with it. The Spaniards then decide to promulgate a decree that all Chinese be arrested and executed. When the order arrive at Taal the authorities ordered all the Chinese there to be decapitated(Beheaded). One of the Chinese living in Taal was Juan Hay-bing, a fervent devotee of the Virgin of Caysasay. One day the Hay-bing was arrested and was beheaded. However the following morning they found him alive walking towards the Sanctuary. All were astonished to see Hay-bing alive again, many were amazed especially those who witness his death. According to Hay-bing the Virgin of Caysasay returned his life by uniting his head and body after the execution.

Grateful he was that he promised to serve and guard the Image in the Church of Caysasay. But after some years he forgot all his promise to the Virgin. One Saturday morning Hay-bing was on his way to plow the fields. A man who was going to church see's him and addressed him " Ungrateful Hay-bing why have you forgotten your promise ?" "Never mind that old promise" replied by the Chinaman " I have serve the Virgin long enough and now I am caring for my wife." Hardly had Hay-bing pronounced these words a bull attacked him it its horns killing him instantly. Because of this, it was thought it was the revenge of the Our Lady to those who does not kept there promise.

Some might think that message of story is that God through Mary is fearsome and vengeful to the truth God is merciful and loving. The story challenge us to be obedience and be good Christians it also serves as a warning for those who does not live out as Christians, in the end sinners will be tested for their wrong doings back when they were living.

Our Lady of Caysasay Visit Candelaria, Quezon 2011

The Our Lady of Caysasay at Candelaria Quezon

For its 29th year of visiting Candelaria, Quezon. I got the privilege to attend the event last February 13-14. Back then it was an invitation of Madame Licup for me to have a visit to Candelaria back in December 8(Feast of the Virgin of Caysasay). She told me about the tradition of the Licup family of bringing the devotion of the Our Lady of Caysasay to Candelaria.

The Parish Church of San Pedro Baustista Candelaria, Quezon

A deeper meaning of devotion that I discovered was that many of the devotees are of Chinese decent, they believe the Virgin of Caysasay is a reincarnation of the Chinese Goddess Ma-Cho(Patroness of Sea Ferrer's). In the Catholic tradition Mary under the title of the Immaculate Conception which Caysasay falls is know as Stella Maris which means Star of the Sea, thus the connection of the Ma-cho and Caysasay are the same.

The "Paputong", the tradition of placing the base of the Image over the head of the devotees

Upon my arrival a large number of devotees flock the Church in line of the traditional"Paputong". Most were Chinese devotees were in  red, the presence of incense sticks and two large red candles were present, similar to Chinese temples only inside a Catholic Church.. The Image was then enthrone in an Altar located next to the lectern of commentator. A procession washeld after the 4 pm Mass. The Image was then carried by Fr. Larry Famarin to the entrance of the Church ready for the procession, many devotees were getting a chance to touch the Virgin.

The fireworks display after the procession

The procession move around the poblacion of Candelaria with the hymn of Caysasay and the reciting of the Holy Rosary. The procession ended with the fireworks display in the Plaza in honor of the Our Lady of Caysasay. What was interesting is how devoted the people of Candelaria especially the Chinese. 

The Art above the Heads - Basilica of the Immaculate Conception and the Holy Child of Batangas, Batangas City

The Patroness of the Basilica

Thinking that few churches in the region had paintings where ceilings and wall

s of religious symbols, angels, and saints are found in chuches can also be discovered here in Batangas, a style known as Trompe o'loeil . The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception and the Holy Child of Batangas is one

the best place to see these paintings.

With all the glory of these paintings, it is a treasure that steals the beholder, Above is the painting that will greet all as one enter's to the main door of the church.

One of the painting above the side doors

The nave of the Basilica

On its side are murals of the life and work of Christ such as the "Finding in the Temple" and th"Ascension to Heaven",the most common feature also is the Coat of Arms of the Pope in Vatican.

Detail of the section above the nave

The Battle in Heaven

Another beautiful feature are the framed paintings in the sides near the portico, these painting showcase the "The Expiration at the Cross" and "The Battle in Heaven". Other works can also be seen while walking in the sides but the best are those seen in the transept(crossing). With so infinite detail and artistry one is amazed by the realistic look of the painting.

Detail of the Ascension to Heaven

Ascension to Heaven

The Transept has two magnificent showpiece are the "Ascension to Heaven" in the left side and the "Holy Trinity " in the right.

The Holy Trinity

Detail of the painting

Both has details of structures of the bygone era and even a part showing the city of Jerusalem.

The Holy Eucharist above the presbytery

Similar to that of San Agustin in Intramuros, Giovanni Alberoni and Cesare Dibella where hired by the Augustinian Fathers to paint the interior, these two were also the painters whom give life to the interior of Taal Church(now Basilica) in the late 19th century after its construction.

Taal Basilica restoration

The Trompe l'oeil ceiling

For decades Taal Basilica's interior has been painted only in whites and blues . The last restoration project was done back in 1972 as part of the preparation for the town's quad centennial celebration. Originally I fought I was a joke of Msgr. Madlangbayan about his idea of repainting again the interior. Its was until in the last quarter of 2010 that the restoration project was started. According to several sources Msgr. Madlangbayan consulted the National Historical Institute for the restoration.

The nave looking from the Altar

The first part was nave with restoration of its trompe l'oeil ceiling, in order to maintain the features the workers copied the details from the apse of the church. A total of five sections were restored back to its original setting. The restoration of the nave also includes the walls and the pulpit.

The restored pulpit

The pulpit was repainted and gold leaf gilding was added, so too its side altars in the transept, the addition of gold leaf gilding brought back life to the old altar.

The facade with newly restored bell tower

The original setting also of the bell tower of the Basilica was also brought back. The original belfry was destroyed back in 1942 by an earthquake. The new bell tower was constructed sometime in the 1990's which became the talk of the town because of its milk bottle like shape. Lately it was decided to restore it back and probably carillon bells will be added later.

Sto. Niño sightings

I was wondering near the Cathedral when I got to see this subjects for this entry

A small Niño near the Cathedral

The revered Sto. Niño de Lipa, whom the children of Lipa are under its protection

Viva Sto. Niño Viva!

Caysasay - The Glory of Her devotion

The people of Taal, Batangas really prides its historic devotion to its blessed patroness, Nuestra Señora de Caysasay, with the festivities last December 8 - 9. Its was glory of love and devotion to the Blessed Mother in a showcase of procession and Lua's to honor her once more in the streets of Taal.

The celebration started with the Misa Concelebrada in her Sanctuary in Labac, followed with the Beso manto in the afternoon. At exactly 3pm a Mass proceeding the procession was celebrated with the recitation of Lua after the Mass. It was then followed by the procession in the barrios of Caysasay, Tatlong Maria, Serian, and Calumpang, which took three hours to finish. Then next was the fluvial procession in the Pansipit River along with the men of Labac maneuvering  the casco to Nagpulok. In the Fluvial, the Virgin was showered by fireworks and confetti by her devotees, along with the smell of incense great joy is felt by those who see's Her.

The stop at Nagpulok ends her fluvial, while the Ilustrados of Taal awaits for Her to be place in the silver carroza. After the enthronement in the caro, a Lua is given to welcome the Virgin. Afterwards the Brass band played religious music as the caro move to the streets of Taal towards the Basilica of San Martin. A vast number of devotees awaits as the carroza of the Virgin enters the Basilica grounds, many of them attempting to get flowers as a token from the Virgin.

Finally the Virgin, makes the stop near the Altar mayor of the Basilica, the last Lua  is given to Her. With many devotees , wanting to get close. A group of men tries to secure the Virgin in order to control the people.Finally the Virgin was down and the "pahalik" started. It was not until when the last of her devotees, made their respect to the Virgin and she wound be now keep in the Basilica as for tomorrow festivities.

Credits to: Emerson Factor Leonor (photos), Renz Marion Katigbak, and Randy Caponpon