HOLY WEEK 2013

      Our Lady of the Abandoned Shrine and Parish Church is the oldest church in Marikina City which boasts of over seventy images in it's annual holy week processions during holy wednesday and good friday. Here are three of my "favorites"  because of the reason that they all seem so "real" and alive !

 

Church Sanctuaries

        I have this penchant for church altars. More than the exterior, for me it's the altar that attracts me more because this is where the circle of  our life begins and ends. From baptism to passing on, the church is a witness to all our moments in our lives both happy and sad.

 Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Talim Island, Binangonan Rizal

 

 Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, Antipolo City

Shrine of Our Lady of the Abandoned, Marikina City

  The historical Quiapo Church

Immaculate Conception Parish, Marikina City

San Antonio de Padua Parish, Antipolo City

 San Idelfonso Parish, Tanay Rizal

NEW POPE !!

  
    So much have has been said and written about the Catholic Church's new leader, Pope Francis. I just want to post this picture in his honor. Habemus Papam!

The Heart of Saint Camillus

 

  Saint Camillus de Lellis is known to be the Patron Saint of the sick, hospitals and church workers. It was a rare chance for me to view his relic at the Saint Camillus Seminary; merely a stone's throw away from our house in Marikina. I can never forgive myself if I didn't go. So on the night of February 23,  I was there at the Seminary chapel where I prayed fervently for my loved ones, especially those who are sick. It was an advantage ( or disadvantage?) that there were only a few people around so I was able to get closer to take this picture. It's just too bad that this Saint is not as "popular" as the others and I am greatly privileged to know him through my priest and seminarian friends at the seminary. Lucky me...I saw his heart during the Love month!

Prom Night

....Had a photo shoot today with a friend's daughter, Clara,  who's having her senior prom. After all the trouble of finding the right gown, shoes, accessories and make-up artist, it's just right to document everything by means of a professional photo shoot. Don't you agree?

LOVE LOVE LOVE

Next to Christmas I think Valentine's day is also a well celebrated occasion. I took pictures for a flower shop's website many years back and witnessed how they worked on Valentine's Day. Cars are all queued  along the road, with customers waiting for their turn to get their flowers. Each one of them is lead to a "showroom" . They choose the flowers they want, the staff put them all in a "pail" ( well that's how i see it) and then brought to the arranger. After a few minutes ( well actually not really few as there are so many people in the shop) they get their bouquet, and off they go. Almost 80% of the flowers are imported with ecuadorian roses being their best sellers. ( picture shown). And yes, they command a hefty price ! But no one seem to mind, after all V Day comes only once a year. Happy Valentine !!!

Landscapes and Churches

The oldest church in Marikina, this church looks a lot different now.. I'm just glad I was able to take its  picture long before its expansion and renovation.

River Parks  along the Marikina River at night..this is the floating restaurant.

  Another series of my landscape photographs