September 21, 1972 has been a date forever etched in the history of the Philippines as Ferdinand Marcos issued Presidential Decree 1021, which placed the entire country under the state of martial law as a way in addressing what was then a “deteriorating” condition of the country’s peace and order. For some, the Martial Law years was a time that our country achieved stability and growth which succeeding administrations have yet to surpass. Then there are others, especially those who became victims of human rights violations during this period, who feel that this particular dark, unforgettable chapter in history should not be glorified. Hearing stories of those imprisoned, tortured, killed…
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A fusion of faiths in Manila
Manila, and the Philippines in general, has always been described as a melting pot of eastern and western cultures. Religion has been no exception as with the case of this curious religious item called the Santo Cristo de Longos. Legend tells us that sometime in the 16th century, a deaf-mute Chinese guy was getting water from a well in a barrio called Longos, when he managed to draw along with the water an image of a crucified Christ. It was said that this guy’s deaf-mute condition was healed at that moment. And word soon spread about the image’s supposed miraculous powers. The image was fitted to a cross and was…
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Welcome to the Ark (Avilon)
The Bible tells us of a large vessel, an ark built by Noah as commanded to him by God as a means for him, his family, and the animals to be safe from the rains and the floods that God sent to submerge the earth. Even in modern standards, the size of this ark is huge, huge enough to accommodate the various pairs of species of animals, big and small. The story of Noah’s ark has been one of those Bible stories that has captured the imagination of generations. It’s this particular inspiration that has led to the country’s first indoor zoo: the Ark Avilon.
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the Cartimar at Pasay
The Pasay area these days (and by that we mean the old Pasay, not the reclaimed area) is not one of those places you find yourself at that often. Sadly, it’s one of those places here in the metropolis that has suffered much from urban blight, coupled with the government’s lack of will to face this issue. Despite all these, there are still some good old gems found in old Pasay. One of which would probably the number one reason that puts this part of Pasay on the map. With that, we are referring to none other than the Cartimar Shopping Center located right between the busy intersections of Taft…