Holy Week 2012

While others enjoyed the waves of the ocean, drove out of town or flew out of the country for Holy Week, my family and I spent it the only way we do year after year -- at Church. I'm not complaining. To give you a piece of my mind, I really think Holy Week should be spent at church. But I have nothing against those people who choose to go in vacations because maybe they find spiritual renewal that way and, we should respect that.

Holy Week is a time to be reminded of Jesus' life sacrifice for his love for us. A time of sacrifice. I did some sacrifices in the past years. It may be simple, easy, small or won't even make sense for some but, it truly means a lot to me. I still remember the first sacrifice I did -- a week not sleeping with my putchi (pillow). I couldn't sleep without it before but got over it eventually over the years. Another was during high school. I spent a week without a cellphone. It sounds lame now that I'm older, but not then. I itched to get my hands on my phone every single time it beeped. Well this year's sacrifice was different. In times of no scheduled mass in church, my brothers and I took turns staying at the Shrine of Senior Divino Tesoro. His fiesta is fast approaching and, novena sponsors and donations in all forms start to line up. Mrs. Lourdes S. Fernandez, the president of SDT Foundation, also our grandmother, used to receive these donations. She is too old to stay long at the shrine already that's why we volunteered to do it. The task was quite simple so to make it more meaningful, we donated as well - handkerchiefs, key chains and cellphone charms - with the intention of helping in spreading the miracles of Senior Divino Tesoro.

Mass is usually scheduled in the afternoon. We come to church early because a lot of people hear mass during this time. I always get amazed by the number of faithfuls arriving, but not this year. The church wasn't packed like how I expected it to be. We didn't even have a hard time looking for a vacant pew. Is this a sign of Catholics decreasing? Lack of faith? Laziness? Or maybe more opted for a vacation? Well, whatever the reason is, it really caught my attention.

One of the things I look forward to during this week are the stalls that stand beside the church. Sotanghon, pancit and halo-halo awaits after mass. For dessert/appetizer, nothing beats the super affordable hotcakes. (Look for Ate Vicky if you want your cakes hot from the pan) And of course, the star of every fete in Calasiao - PUTO - was found in every corner. It should never be missed out!

Like most families, Visita Iglesia is also a tradition we never fail to do. It's a Catholic practice where you visit 7 different churches to pray. Here are photos of the churches we went to:

Shrine of Our Lady of Manaoag in Manaoag, Pangasinan

Sts Peter and Paul Parish Church in Calasiao, Pangasinan

The Holy Family Church in Sta Barbara, Pangasinan

Sto. Tomas De Aquino Parish in Mangaldan, Pangasinan

St Joseph Church in Mapandan, Pangasinan

St John Cathedral in Dagupan, Pangasinan

It really doesn't matter where or how we spend Holy Week. What matters is that in whatever we do, we bear Jesus in our minds and hearts.

I hope you also had a meaningful Holy Week. :D

Photo Sources:
What's Up Dagupan

   -- St John Cathedral

   -- Sto Tomas De Aquino Parish
   -- Sts Peter and Paul Parish
   -- Shrine of Our Lady of Manaoag
St Joseph Church

PS. I failed to look for a photo of the 6th church we went to in Bonuan, Pangasinan.

Congratulations, Batch 2012!

It’s the time of the year again where students harvest their fruits of labor – the Graduation. Finally, after the countless sleepless nights, stressful exams, mind-blowing quizzes and dreadful recitations, the day has arrived where all of these hit a brick wall. The END. And it’s now time to receive the most awaited diploma that serves as the trophy of this triumph.

This year four of my cousins graduated – in preschool, in Grade School and 2 in High School. My imaginary jar of emotions started to fill with much joy and pride as each went up the stage to claim their victory. And it doesn’t stop there. It reached its brink as I witnessed two of my cousins receive their medals for exemplary performance. The medals made a sound so little but enough for everyone to hear.

Here are some photos: More to come!

Tricia with Tita Ann and Tito Bong

The MLLS Pre-School students rendering their heart felt song.

Tricia

Me and Niecia

That imaginary jar of mine just couldn’t contain it anymore and overflowed as the graduates rendered their song. My heart melted with all the love that surrounded me. The pride, joy and success in every parents’ eyes were beyond compare. I bet it’s one of the most wonderful and immeasurable feelings in this world.

Naturally, if there’s an end there is always a beginning. Ironically, this day marks it too. A beginning full of new hopes, life experiences, lessons, friends and trials but assuredly ends with a triumph just like this. You may be entering a new world but some things will still remain – family – who stood by you through all the trials that came your way and, with this new endeavor you will be pursuing, they will go through it all over again without second thought.

Graduation is certainly a celebration not only for the graduates but more importantly for the parents’ also. It’s about time to recognize and give thanks to them for all the hard work and sacrifices they made.

Above all, this celebration wouldn’t be possible without Divine Intervention. Every thing should be offered back to Him. He is our beginning and our end.

Congratulations,  Batch 2012! Godbless!

Baguio, we meet again!

Baguio, we meet again! <3 So, I had to leave the event because my family and I went to Baguio. My sister, Ate Aprylle, had a mild breakdown due to her Medicine clerkship, and also it’s been a while since we last visited her, so we decided to spend a night there.

We arrived in Baguio late in the afternoon. Ate Aprylle wasn’t at the dorm then so we had to wait, which was fine, because we also needed the time to rest. I’ve been traveling to Baguio since I was little and even more back in college because we went home almost every weekend but still I didn’t get use to it. I always feel light-headed and really tired though it’s only a 2-hour drive.

My brother’s girlfriend also dropped by before she headed home for the weekend. She’s a very sweet gal. I really like her.

my brother and his hunny!

When Ate Aprylle arrived she suggested that all of us have dinner out. It was unexpected of her to invite because we all know she had to review for her oral exams that week and, also unusual because she didn’t mind skipping review night to spend the night with us. Maybe she missed us really much. I know I did. And still do. I miss my Ate! <3

while on our way, I saw this new building and got surprised when I saw the name. GREAT TASTE! It serves very yummy and affordable food. And now, the serve it in a nice place!

We went to Camp John Hay for dinner and saw that there are new shops that opened. When I left Baguio there were only tarps of the store. I feel like I just left but a lot has seemed to change. Time really flies so fast, eh? Sometimes (just sometimes) I wish I was back in Baguio. HAHA (in time, I will.) Anyways, my Mama learned about a promo at one of the stores and she just can’t say NO to it. Well, the promo was -BUY 3 AND GET A 30% DISCOUNT – it’s like getting the third item for free! Who can say NO to that? Well, not my Mama. That’s for sure!

Sorry for the poor quality!

My Ate Aprylle and I

We all wanted to try the new seafood restaurant but unfortunately it wasn’t open. So we had to think of another place to eat. Joseph, my brother, suggested Mario’s. My first experience in Mario’s is unforgettable. It was on my second year of college to attend a debut lunch party of a friend. It was on my Favorite Restaurant Listsince then. ;D

Upon entering, the first thing you’ll see is their dessert display. Canonigo is a must try! Here, they also serve the best Paella! Well, maybe because it’s the only place I ever had Paella, but even so, I still think it’ll be one of the best! It’s an ultimate favorite of us siblings. <3 When we arrived, the place was full but lucky us there was still a table at the far end corner. Better than waiting. Yay!

Mario s, Baguio City

while waiting for our orders, we had bread and butter.

Caesar s Salad.

Beef Salpicao

Baby Back Ribs

Tuscany Platter - A trio of medium well steak, fish and prawn.

It was pretty late (for mama) and getting cold already, so we headed straight home after dinner. My sister, who repeatedly promised herself to review upon arriving went straight to bed. As always! The others followed one by one. I, on the other hand, sat in the balcony and enjoyed the cold breeze of Baguio until sleep finally gave me a visit. oh how I missed Baguio!

Baguio Cathedral

The next day, we went up early for mass. Unfortunately, the mass we attended to was in Ilocano. Boo. But we still stayed and prayed.

Bought coffee and food for the trip home.

SM was the last place we went to before leaving. It was sad leaving Ate Aprylle alone again. And also sad leaving Baguio. It’s really a place filled with happy memories for me. It’s my happy place next to home. Until me meet again, Baguio! <3

Toodles! <3

Sidney's Grill

My family and I had dinner out for a change tonight. We went to this dining place named Sidney’s Grill found along De Venecia Highway here in Dagupan.

Sidney’s Grill greets you with this wall where you can throw plates at to release anger or stress. A plate costs Php 15 only!

The place stands in a pond where they grow the fishes that they serve to their customers. You have to pass a bridge before arriving to the main dining area. It is designed like a big gazeebo which is surrounded by mini nipa huts where people can also dine in.

The bridge. =D

The pillars are made of cement but designed to look like wooden logs.

L-R Ian, Joseph, Tricia, Me and Jaear

Me and Ian

Mama and Papa

The nipa huts are named after different kinds of fish.

We waited for our food to be served for quite a time, but their food is definitely worth every minute.

Crispy Kangkong

Their version of Pigar-Pigar

Barbecue

Grilled Boneless Bangus - not just any bangus, it s the famous Dagupan Bangus!

Sizzling Sisig

I wasn’t able to take a photo of the Calamares, which for me is the stand out! Definitely a must try! Oh, and with these kind of food it is best if you use your hands in eating. After, you can wash your hands this way!

Until my next post! <3