25 Bulacan Churches for your Visita Iglesia (Part 2)

For many people, Holy Week is that time of the year when they would visit churches as their own way of penitence and observing the sanctity of the Christ's passion in the cross. Some would go to far-away provinces to visit different churches though many would prefer nearer churches, especially those who are from Metro Manila. Fortunately, Bulacan, a province just north of Metro Manila, has many churches which are perfect for a meaningful Visita Iglesia.

Bulacan is an averaged sized province and visitors would not be able to cover all its churches in a one day Visita Iglesia. Depending on what visitors prefer and from where they will come from, they can choose from three clusters of churches to be visited. They can choose Eastern Bulacan (Part 1), Southwestern Bulacan (Part 2), or Northwestern Bulacan (Part 3) Visita Iglesia.

Below is a suggested guide to a Visita Iglesia in Southwestern Bulacan:

1. ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISSI CHURCH, Meycauayan

25 Bulacan Churches for your Visita Iglesia (Part 1)

For many people, Holy Week is that time of the year when they would visit churches as their own way of penitence and observing the sanctity of the Christ's passion in the cross. Some would go to far-away provinces to visit different churches though many would prefer nearer churches, especially those who are from Metro Manila. Fortunately, Bulacan, a province just north of Metro Manila, has many churches which are perfect for a meaningful Visita Iglesia.

Bulacan is an averaged sized province and visitors would not be able to cover all its churches in a one day Visita Iglesia. Depending on what visitors prefer and from where they will come from, they can choose from three clusters of churches to be visited. They can choose Eastern Bulacan (Part 1), Southwestern Bulacan (Part 2), or Northwestern Bulacan (Part 3) Visita Iglesia.

Below is a suggested guide to a Visita Iglesia in Eastern Bulacan:

1. SAN LORENZO RUIZ DE MANILA CHURCH, San Jose del Monte City

Sabtang Church and Its Historical Complex

History and historical buildings are part of the allure Sabtang has. Sabtang Church, which was built during the 1800's, stands proud as a proof of the island's historicity. The church alone gives one a feeling of nostalgia and being one with the place's history, but not many know that aside from the main church, there is more historical things and sites to see just at the vicinity.  

Sabtang Church. Sabtang Island, Batanes

The Day I Traveled for Other

I remember when I started traveling, it was for self fulfillment more than anything else. But after many adventures and wanderings, I realized that it made me more human. And I learn that it is now easier to travel from place to place, not only to seek for a lost soul but also to share one’s soul to other people. My travel is now not only about my own happiness but of others as well…

I was in our house, thinking about an adventure to Dumaguete and Siquijor that has never happened. My flight was cancelled, all because of the imminent arrival of a typhoon. I was actually expecting then that the now infamous storm would already dissipate before the day of my flight but lo! It even arrived on time.

And came the news. Tacloban was badly hit. Samar was also severely affected as well as parts of Cebu, Aklan, Iloilo, Capiz, Antique and Palawan. Every night was a night of horror, not only for those who were directly affected, but also to those who were watching the television and closely monitoring all media: radio, newspapers, and the internet too.

My tears fell without me noticing it while watching the nightly news programs. I have seen many typhoons in my whole adult life but nothing ever came near to the horror I have felt upon seeing what Yolanda has done. On the 3^rd night after the typhoon, I decided I have to do something, anything just to be of help. My mother always had so much apprehension whenever I tell her I would be on a trip but that night when I told her I would embark on another trip, she readily consented. I know she is worried but she lets me go anyway. She too understands.

San Jose del Monte Free College Entrance Exam Review's 9th Year of God's Blessing!

Just a short break from travel related posts...

The San Jose del Monte Free College Entrance Exam Review Guild (SJDM FCEER GUILD) now formally announces its 9th year of Summer Review Program to incoming 4th Year students of High Schools from San Jose del Monte.

For a brief background, SJDM FCEER Guild is a group composed of former students of the different high schools in SJDM who are now students/graduates of different Philippine colleges such as, but not limited to, UP, PUP, PNU, and TUP. 

Sabtang Island : Batanes' Precious Jewel

Sabtang.

One of the two island municipalities of Batanes. One whole island of wonder, history and nature. One whole day here and one would get to see some of the best it has to offer. One week and one would still not get enough. 

Chamantad-Tinyan Hills. Sabtang Island. Batanes.

From the endless rolling hills to its iconic tricycles; from its historical churches to its indigenous houses; from its relaxing ambiance to the warm welcome of the locals, there will be no reason left not to be amazed and be charmed by this single island. 

And amazed and charmed I am.

How I Spent less than Php 4,000.00 in my almost 5 days in Batanes?

It has been widely believed since time immemorial that a trip to Batanes is very much expensive, even up to this day. A round trip airfare could already cost Php 12-16,000.00, no joke. However, because of the entry of promo fares offered by Philipine Airlines, many people especially backpackers and frequent travelers were able to visit the islands and experience its magic. 

Day 1. Cheap Batanes Travel

Notes : Before flying out to Batanes, Natz shopped for our grocery provision which we consequently put in the baggage, thus the entry above. If breakfast and dinner is not indicated in the expenses for the day, it means, we cooked our own food. BATODA stands for Basco TODA.

After the airfare is the cost of accommodation, food, and tour. A tour just North of Batan Island could already cost as much as 3,650.00 if you are alone and 1,350.00 if you are part of a group of more than 10 people (though food and other fees such as tourism fee are already included). Food is also somewhat expensive for it could cost one 400 for a lunch or dinner buffet and 200 for breakfast.**

The Best of Ivatan Cuisine at Pension Ivatan Hometel and Restaurant

Nature. Culture. History... Cuisine!

Ivatan Platter. Pension Ivatan Hometel and Restaurant. Basco, Batanes.

Dios Mamajes, Batanes!

It was an experience of a lifetime! 

Basco Lighthouse. Basco, Batanes.

San Pablo : A Glorious Past of a Town

Isabela is indeed a must-see province to those who want to have a history and heritage filled tour northeast of the Philippines. Aside from Tumauini, the town of San Pablo offers the visitor a glimpse of the past, not only of the province of Isabela, but of the whole Cagayan Valley as well.

Upper part of San Pablo Church facade. San Pablo, Isabela.

I came to visit San Pablo that one fateful day when I was travelling north to Tuguegarao from Tumauini. While on the bus, I noticed a tall, old-looking bell tower which instantly piqued my curiosity. Even though I have already paid for my fare up to Tuguegarao, I decided to get off the bus to visit that thing which made me curious, and voila! I discovered another hidden gem.