Saturday, August 29, 2009

Pit Stop #4 Part 4: Japanese Garden, Cavinti, Laguna Province



The Japanese Garden is a shrine created by Philippine-Japan Friendship Society in memory of the Japanese soldiers who died during the encounter between the Japanese and Filipino-American troops at the close of World War II.

Also to symbolize the amity and friendship that exist between the Philippines and Japan.

There are picnic huts on the lower level of the garden where visitors can sit and enjoy a snack.



This beautiful garden is located at Brgy. Kanluran Talaongan, Cavinti Laguna
Credits: http://www.cavinti.com/places.php

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Pit Stop #4 Part 3: Paete Church, Laguna Province



St. James The Apostle Church (Paete Church)


Like many of the churches in the province, the Paete Church was built during the early Spanish period. But the novelty of this church lies in the fact that all the religious images found here were carved and/or painted by the residents of Paete long ago.

The intricate baroque altar is a monument to their woodcarving industry and the walls of the church boast of large murals done by Jose Dans (19th Century), a true son of Paete who used color pigments mixed with pulverized volcanic ash and brushes fashioned from cat’s hair. Although the church has been recently renovated, and the construction materials are not like the original, the designs remain mainly the same.

Credits:
http://www.laguna.gov.ph/touristframe.htm

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Pit Stop #4 Part 2: Wood Carvers of Paete, Laguna Province

Paete’s Woodcarvers, Paete Laguna

There is a proliferation of woodcarving ranging from small to large scale. Practically all the town folks are involved in this business, either as factory workers or owners – a tradition that has been passed on from generation. The artistic ingenuity of Paete reputedly dates back to the pre-Spanish period, during which, the artists created mostly religious articles.




Skillful artisans patiently fashion lanite, amlang, kamagong, lauan, acacia and santol wood into world-class miniature décor items. The old creations of Paete are among the most valued antiques today. At present, Paete’s artists carve not only religious figures but also genre masterpieces, furniture and just about anything imaginable. The hard work that each Paete artist devotes to his craft indeed puts meaning to the words “made in Paete”.

Credits:
http://www.laguna.gov.ph/touristframe.htm

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Pit Stop #4 Part 1: Pakil Church, Laguna Province

Pakil Church, Laguna Province





Built in 1767 as San Pedro De Alcantara Church.
Enshrined in this church is the statue of the 'Virgin Mary named Nuestra Senora de los Dolores de Turumba', or Our Lady of Sorrows of Turumba.

Completed in 1767 after 35 years of construction, the architectural design of the Pedro de Alcantara Parish Church is reminiscent of the Corinthian and Ionic styles. In 1788, the Virgin of Turumba was enshrined in this church. Through the years, the church has survived great calamities. Along with the rectory, it was burned in 1851 but was repaired the same year; it survived two earthquakes, one in 1881 and the other in 1937. Now, the church is a major attraction of the area. 14 icons grace its main altar with the Archangel Michael towering above the others. Each icon is housed in an elaborately carved niche. This old Franciscan church also houses an authentic painting of Jose Dans (19th Century), a painter from Paete. Although the interior of the church has been renovated recently, the design of the church remains basically the same.

Its belfry four small bells and one huge bell, which are rung daily at 12:00 noon and 6:00 p.m.

How to get to Pakil Church in Laguna:
Use the national highway (Manila East Road)
Pass by Paete town center (Quesada st. from Plaza Edesan, Paete Church, town plaza,
Paete Municipal Hall (munisipyo) and public market
Right turn on Manila East road going to Pakil.
You may encounter difficulty looking
for parking space for your car in Pakil due to narrow streets and many
people flocking to the place.

Credits:
http://www.waypoints.ph/detail_gen.php?wpt=pakilc
http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2009/04/pakil-turumba-fiesta-schedule-laguna.html

Friday, August 14, 2009

Tronix Ebike Exceed at SM Megamall

Visit the Tronix Ebike Exceed exhibit at Bldg A, 1st Floor, SM Megamall from August 13-16, 2009.


Image courtesy of Manila Daily Photo

Friday, August 7, 2009