While the Nuestra Señora de Gracia Church is considered as Makati’s oldest structure, it was actually not in that location where the Makati that we know today was born. In fact, during the time the aforementioned church was built, Makati as a settlement had not been established yet and was still considered part of the thriving Santa Ana settlement which used to be the site of the pre-Hispanic Kingdom of Namayan. The beginnings of Makati can be traced in 1608 (or 1607 as said in the marker), when the Jesuits received a donation of land from Captain Pedro de Brito, a military officer of the Spanish Crown who originally bought what was then a…
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The Grace of Makati’s Nuestra Señora de Gracia Church
Hidden behind the dominating Guadalupe billboards and the emerging skyscrapers in nearby Rockwell, not to mention the urban congestion that has befallen the area, lies Makati’s centuries old gem. It is considered to be the oldest Catholic church located in the city and has become a cherished Makati landmark. You can even see it represented in the city seal. This has long been an awaited feature on the Urban Roamer and finally, we are going to roam this landmark up close. Of course, I am referring to Makati’s graceful landmark that is the Nuestra Señora de Gracia Church.
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A Madz Way of Learning Music: Checking Out the Madz Music Studio
Consider this Urban Roamer a fan of the Philippine Madrigal Singers. Ever since having heard them perform on video, then eventually in person at Pasinaya years back made that appreciation grow over the years. And if you are not convinced that the Madz (as the Philippine Madrigal Singers are affectionately called) are one of the best and most prolific choral groups in the Philippines (if not the world), then do check one of their many performances uploaded in YouTube and see for yourself, like this one: Thus, to be part of this illustrious crop of singers that has been an institution in Philippine music since its founding at the University of the…
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A Museum For Filipino Seafarers
The Philippines has been considered as the “manning capital of the world” for the maritime industry. That should not come as a surprise as Filipinos comprise the majority of the world’s 1.5 million strong maritime personnel at more than 25%, largest for any nationality. The hard work, the loneliness being at sea for months, and the other sacrifices our Filipino seafarers have made for their families and to the country cannot be stressed hard enough. Sadly, their contributions seem to be overlooked as the general public do not seem to have an idea as to what the Filipino seafarers go through in their job at sea. Come to think of it, the maritime industry…
