Church Hopping in Singapore

In our visits to Singapore, one of the places that we never fail to visit are its churches. Considering the multi-faceted culture of the people in Singapore, almost every race and religion imaginable has its own place of worship in the city. The striking contrast in architectural structures here is something to marvel at...well, at least for me.

Take for example St. Andrew's Cathedral, at 11 Andrew's Road.

Naga Churches - Bicolandia

The City of Naga is a first class city of the Philippines. Located in the Bicol region, it is one of the most progressive city in the Philippines and the most progressive city in the Bicol region, a peninsula on the south-easternmost tip of the island of Luzon, it is 377 kilometres south-east of Manila, the nation's capital, and about 380 kilometres north-east of Cebu City. It boasts of architecturally magnificent churches that mostly date back since the Spanish Era. 

These are photos of Mr. OSG in one of his recent explorations of Bicolandia.

Naga Metropolitan Cathedral officially known as the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist.

INSIDE.... Naga Metropolitan Cathedral

Holy Rosary Minor Seminary

Naga Metropolitan Cathedral

The Peñafrancia Basilica Minore

Our Lady of Penafrancia Basilica

The Magic of Caleruega

Caleruega strikes me as a place where beginnings are born. I say this due to the numerous weddings of friends and family that have been solemnized at this place. So the first time I was at Caleruega, I was mesmerized not only by the simple architecture of the Transfiguration chapel which I was told was a replica of the original chapel of the Dominican order in Caleruega, Spain.

It is a place of solace for the weary soul who want a quiet place to reflect and pray. The Dominicans opened Caleruega for activities like retreats, recollections, prayer, and renewal workshop. As well as study, research, youth camps, marriage and family encounter celebrations, skills training, leadership seminars, art, music, and liturgy workshops, and environment and agriculture-related activities. It has facilities to house a number of participants like the Veritas Hall among others. It makes one feel attuned with nature, a perfect place to commune with our Creator.

The Transfiguration Chapel

inside the chapel

It is no wonder that many chose to seal their love through weddings here. The towering trees and foliage adds drama to any wedding. It is simply stated, a romantic place to have weddings. How I wish I had my wedding here  many years ago. Probably, when hubby and I celebrate our 50 years together with God's grace we might decide to hold it there -- permitting of course that I can still walk all the many steps up the chapel. :)

the many steps up the chapel.. i think i counted 99 steps :)

Caleruega is located at Bgy. Kaylaway, Batulao, Nasugbu, Batangas. If you have a private vehicle, you can get there:

Via South Superhighway:
• Take Sta. Rosa exit.
• Proceed towards Tagaytay Market.
• Turn right to Tagaytay Rotonda.

Via Coastal Road:
From Roxas Blvd. proceed to Aguinaldo
Highway all the way up to Tagaytay.

a few visitors in front of the main entrance at Caleruega with a Dominican priest

Trappistine Monastery of Our Lady of Mt Matutum..a Place of Solace and Peace

Deep in the highlands of Landan in Polomolok, South Cotabato lies a quaint monastery run by the Trappistine nuns. These nuns are under the Cistercian order which started in France around the year 1098. The Trappistine Monastery of the Our Lady of Mt. Matutum is a place of prayer, meditation and reflection. They open their doors to the public once a week during the offering of the Sunday mass.

Its refreshing to note that such a place exists in the middle of pineapple fields and rolling hills in faraway Landan. The steep drive up the monastery leads to their guest house (not one where you can book your vacations mind you). The guest house as it is aptly called houses the monasteries’ visitors who are on retreat or recollection. They find solace in prayer at the Trappistine Monastery since the place is so close to nature. The breathtaking view of the towering Mt. Matutum and the huge trees and foliage around it brings an atmosphere of peace and perfect commune with our Creator.

Since the Trappistine nuns live a life of solitude and prayer, they only ask their visitors to observe utmost silence within their grounds. Small children are not encouraged to be brought along especially inside the chapel during the offering of the Holy Mass. The nuns of the order follow a disciplined life of prayer and work. They support themselves by selling pastries, prayer books, posters and other religious artifacts. Their rum balls and mango tarts are personal favorites and they are a very good “pasalubongs”.

I personally love the simple but fine lined architecture of the monastery. Its red tiled roofings and modern feel of its edifice. It never fails to surprise our bakasyunistas whenever we have the chance to take them there. They are often astonished that such a place exists in remote but very accessible town of Landan. But oftentimes I have to remind them that it is a place of “worship” not a tourist spot so we have to be discreet in snapping photos and maintain the atmosphere of silence within its grounds.

To go to there, one can ride a motorcycle from Poblacion Polomolok or from Bgy. Cannery, Polomolok. A taxi from GenSan or a rented van would also work out fine since Landan is roughly about 13kms from Poblacion Polomolok. The Trappistine Monastery schedules its masses at 10AM every Sunday. For retreats or recollections or for orders of their yummy treats and souvenir items, you can reach them at this number: 63 920 4377367

view on the way to landan..