Tulong na, Tabang na, Tayo na

Kapamilya stars emotional in 'Tulong Na' concert

Kapamilya stars performed ABS-CBN's Christmas station ID "Magkasama Tayo sa Kwento ng Pasko" at the sold-out "Tulong Na, Tabang Na, Tayo Na! An All-Star Benefit Concert" at the Araneta Coliseum on Saturday night.
Among those who performed at the concert, which helped raise funds for victims of super typhoon "Yolanda," were Tony-award winner Lea Salonga, Gary Valenciano, and Piolo Pascual.

source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/video/lifestyle/11/17/13/kapamilya-stars-emotional-tulong-na-concert

 

Honesto

Honesto is a Filipino fantasy television drama starring new child actor Raikko Mateo as Honesto, a young boy whose nose gets big whenever he lies. The series premiered on ABS-CBN on October 28, 2013 and worldwide on TFC on October 29, 2013, succeeding Juan dela Cruz. It is the seventh television drama in the Philippines made by ABS-CBN filmed and broadcast in high definition .

Main Cast Raikko Mateo as Honesto Galang / Honesto Layer Paulo Avelino as Diego Layer Eddie Garcia as Lemuel Galang Janice de Belen as Lourdes Galang Angel Aquino as Magdalena "Lena" Layer Nonie Buencamino as Cleto Joel Torre as Hugo Layer Melissa Ricks as Leah Layer Joseph Marco as Elai Galang Supporting Cast Melai Cantiveros as Cleopatra Batungbakal Jason Francisco as Omar Batungbakal Malou Crisologo as Minerva Jana Casandra Agoncillo as Abby Layer Helga Krapf Erin Ocampo Vangie Martelle Michael Conan Josh Ivan Morales Eileen Gonzales Special Participation Spanky Manikan as Felipe Lualhati Maricar Reyes as Josefina "Fina" Lualhati Guest Cast Kathleen Hermosa Lui Villaruz as Pablo Beauty Gonzalez as Emily Johan Santos as Jacob Hermie Concepcion Marco Antonio Masa as Wacky Jan Marini as Rebecca Ricardo Cepeda as Anuncio Cristine Reyes as Marie
source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honesto

Miss Universe 2013

Miss Universe 2013 is.....Miss Venezuela, Gabriela Isler
The 1st Runner up is..... Miss Spain, Patricia Yurena Rodriguez
The 2nd Runner up is.... Miss Ecuador, Constanza Baez
The 3rd Runner up is..... Miss Philippines, Ariella Arida
The 4th Runner up is.... Miss Brazil, Jakelyne Oliveira


Miss Venezuela - Gabriela Isler ( M i s s    U n i v e r s e    2 0 1 3 )
Gabriela Isler started taking flamenco dancing lessons when she was a child, but says that her “real training” began when her niece was born. After finishing her thesis three years ago, Gabriela has regularly helped her sister take care of her daughter, and even considers herself a second mother to the child. Gabriela currently works as a talent on the Venevision TV Network, but considers motherhood the hardest profession in life. Above all else, she values being at home, surrounded by the people she loves. 

source : http://www.missuniverse.com/members/profile/657674/year:2013


Miss Spain - Patricia Yurena Rodriguez ( 1st Runner Up )

Patricia Yurena Rodriguez’s greatest personal accomplishment is leaving her small hometown in Tenerife, located in the Canary Islands of Spain, to pursue a modeling career. Her interests include painting, playing the guitar and acting, all of which she started at a young age. She now focuses mostly on acting, receiving training for the past three years at a theatre company.

source : http://www.missuniverse.com/members/profile/657662/year:2013


Miss Ecuador - Constanza Baez ( 2nd Runner Up)

Constanza Baez is a 22-year-old who was born in Quito, Ecuador. Raised in Guayaquil, Constanza fostered her love for sports, nutrition and education. Constanza graduated with an economics degree from an elite German University. She has participated in numerous philanthropic ventures, including a campaign she started to create awareness of the importance for blood donation in Ecuador. 

source : http://www.missuniverse.com/members/profile/657611/year:2013


Miss Philippines - Ariella Arida  ( 3rd Runner Up )

Ariella Arida graduated with honors from the University of the Philippines with a degree in chemistry. She is fascinated with different cultures and has a love of learning, and advocates for educating the young. In the future, Ariella aspires to become an entrepreneur, and merge her love of chemistry and research to create her own fragrance line. Since her childhood, Ariella has always had a competitive, determined and hardworking spirit

source - http://www.missuniverse.com/members/profile/657652/year:2013


Miss Brazil - Jakelyne Oliveira ( 4th Runner Up )

Jakelyne Oliveira dreams of making a name for herself in the fashion industry and using her image to support social and environmental causes. Described as an extrovert, she is part of a dance group that performs samba and other traditional dances at festivals and celebrations around her hometown. Jakelyne's other hobbies include reading and playing volleyball.

source - http://www.missuniverse.com/members/profile/657598/year:2013

SOURCE : http://www.missuniverse.com/

Go Ariella Arida (Ms Philippines Universe 2013)

Ariella Hernandez Arida^[1] or Ara Arida (born November 20, 1988, in Alaminos, Laguna, Philippines) is a Filipino beauty queen who holds the title Miss Universe-Philippines 2013.^[2] Prior to her win at Binibining Pilipinas, she was a runway model and was also a contender at the Miss Philippines Earth 2012^[3] representing Alaminos, Laguna.

Ara Arida was born in Alaminos, Laguna, Philippines to Public School Teachers, Estella (née Hernandez) and Arlesito Arida.^[4][5] She is a graduate of the University of the Philippines Los Baños with a degree in Chemistry.^[6] She is a sportswoman who loves the outdoors, especially the beach.^[7][8] Prior to winning the title, Ara competed at Miss Philippines Earth 2012^[3] and was a former Binibining Laguna contestant.

     source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ariella_Arida

     source : Miss Universe 2013


Here are the ladies who Top everyone in their elegant evening gowns and catwalk skills as they strutted in their bikinis.

Top 5 Best in Gown
1.    Miss Puerto Rico Monic Perez
2.    Miss Spain Patricia Yurena Rodriguez
3.    Miss USA Erin Brady
4.    Miss Philippines Ariella Arida
5.    Miss Israel Titi Yitayish Ayanaw

Top 5 Best in Swimwear
1.    Miss Philippines Ariella Arida
2.    Miss Great Britain Amy Willerton
3.    Miss USA Erin Brady
4.    Miss Italy Luna Voce
5.    Miss Paraguay Guadalupe Gonzalez Talaver

Class Suspension November 8, 2013

(as of 11:45pm November 07, 2013)
CLASS SUSPENSION FOR FRIDAY November 08, 2013

source : Bandila  @bandila (twitter)

 
Metro Manila:
Malabon City, preschool to high school
San Juan, all levels
Pasay City, all levels
Mandaluyong City, all levels
Parañaque City, all levels
Caloocan City, preschool to high school
Marikina City, public and private, all levels
Muntinlupa City, public and private, all levels
Pasig City, preschool
Pateros, public and private, all levels
Quezon City, public and private, preschool to high school
Taguig City, preschool
Valenzuela City, public only, preschool to high school

Municipalities, Provinces, and LGUs:
Alcantara, Romblon, all levels
Baco, Oriental Mindoro, all levels
Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, all levels public and private; work at city government also suspended except for disaster response services
Bacoor City, work in government offices suspended (except those involved in disaster operations)
Bansud, Oriental Mindoro, all levels
Banton, Romblon, all levels
Batangas, Classes from kindergarten to college suspended Friday
Baybay, Leyte, all levels, public and private
Boac, Marinduque, all levels
Bohol, all levels
Buenavista, Marinduque, all levels
Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro, grade school
Butuan City, all levels, public and private
Cajidiocan, Romblon, all levels
Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro, grade school and high school
Calatrava, Romblon, all levels
Camarines Sur, all levels
Cavite, public and private, kindergarten to highschool
Catanduanes (until further notice), all levels
Catbalogan City, all levels
Cebu, all levels, public and private; Capitol employees, starting Thursday afternoon
Compostela Valley, all levels, public and private
Concepcion, Romblon, all levels
Corcuera, Romblon, all levels
Davao del Norte, all levels, public and private
Dumaguete City, all levels
Eastern Samar (until further notice), all levels
Ferrol, Romblon, all levels
Gasan, Marinduque, all levels
Gloria, Oriental Mindoro, all levels
Imus, Cavite, all levels
Kawit, Cavite, public and private, all levels
Laguna, public and private, all levels
Looc, Romblon, all levels
Maasin City, Southern Leyte, all levels, public and private
Magdiwang, Romblon, all levels
Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro, all levels
Mogpog, Marinduque, all levels
Naujan, Oriental Mindoro, all levels
Negros Occidental, all levels
Negros Oriental, all levels
Northern Samar, all levels, public and private
Odiongan, Romblon, all levels
Ormoc City, all levels
Quezon, prep to college
Paluan, Occidental Mindoro, preschool and grade school
Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro, all levels
Pola, Oriental Mindoro, all levels
Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro, preschool and grade school
Rizal, Occidental Mindoro, grade school and high school
Rizal Province, public and private, all levels
Romblon, Romblon, all levels
Roxas, Oriental Mindoro, all levels
San Agustin, Romblon, all levels
San Andres, Romblon, all levels
San Fernando, Romblon, all levels
San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, classes at all levels and work in government offices
San Jose, Romblon, all levels
Sorsogon City, all levels
Southern Leyte (until further notice), all levels
Sta. Cruz, Marinduque, all levels
Sta. Fe, Romblon, all levels
Sta. Maria, Romblon, all levels
Surigao del Norte, all levels
Tacloban City, kindergarten to college, public and private
Tagaytay City, all levels, public and private
Tagum City, all levels, public and private
Talisay City in Cebu, work in government and private, from 12 noon Thursday to Friday
Torrijos, Marinduque, all levels

Schools:
Bicol University, all classes suspended until further notice
National High School, San Teodoro, Oriental Mindoro
San Rafael Elementary School, San Teodoro
Oriental Mindoro Central Elementary School, San Teodoro, Oriental Mindoro

November 8, 2013 Classes Suspended Cavite

Classes are suspended November 08, 2013 (Cavite)
     Highschool
     Elementary

Christmas Tree

Pasko na sa bahay.
Plazo Residence. GMA, Cavite, Philippines

Typhoon Yolanda

Reuters/Reuters - Typhoon Haiyan is pictured in this NOAA satellite handout image taken November 6, 2013 at 23:13 UTC. REUTERS/NOAA/Handout via Reuters

International weather monitoring groups have tagged “Yolanda” (international name Haiyan) a super typhoon, warning the Philippines against a trail of death and destruction.

“Haiyan became a super typhoon Wednesday morning,” commercial weather service Accuweather said, calling Yolanda the world’s “strongest tropical system” this year.

The U.S. Joint Typhoon Warning Center also called Yolanda a super typhoon, but added that it may still strengthen as it crosses the country.

A bulletin by the U.S. National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Service meanwhile said Yolanda “has developed to almost max intensity for a cyclone.” 
“Based on satellite imagery, [Haiyan’s] the strongest storm I’ve seen since Bopha,” a Washington post report quoted WeatherBell meteorologist Ryan Maue as saying.

Bopha—named Pablo as it entered the Philippine area of responsibility—hit Mindanao in December 2012, killing hundreds in flashfloods and landslides.

“Widespread torrential rain and damaging winds will accompany Haiyan through the central Philippines, threatening to leave a trail of destruction and triggering life-threatening flash floods,” Accuweather said.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomic Services Administration (Pagasa) expects Yolanda to make landfall in the Samar-Leyte area Friday.

It is also forecast to directly impact Visayas areas of Leyte, Cebu, Biliran, Iloilo, Capiz, Aklan, Romblon, Mindoro, Busuanga and Semirara Island.

Storm warning signals have been raised in several areas, with Pagasa warning residents against possible floods and landslides, as well as storm surges in coastal areas.

The weather bureau earlier said it may raise the rarely used storm warning signal number 4 in some areas in Yolanda’s path, especially the countries’ southern provinces.

Accuweather said “the worst of the storm will bypass the capital city of Manila, but damaging winds of 80 to 120 kph and rainfall of 100 to 200 mm are still expected.”

It however warned of the storm’s impact on Cebu and Bohol, which have recently been hit by a strong typhoon. The two areas are now under signal number 2.

source = http://ph.news.yahoo.com/is--yolanda--the-world-s-strongest-typhoon-this-year--080946069.html

Cherry Mobile LTE phone

If an email from Cherry Mobile just minutes ago is any indication, it seems the company is again ending the year's last quarter with a bang. A "42 feature phones and 42 smartphones and tablets" (yes, 84 gadgets all in all!) kind of bang. If you recall, Cherry Mobile introduced the dual-core Flare for under P4,000 back in November 2012.  

Among the upcoming feature phones are the following:

• Cherry Mobile G1. A watch phone with a price tag of P1,599. This is the company’s first wearable device.
• IP67-certified Cherry Mobile U1 and Cherry Mobile U2. Dust- and water-resistant handsets that will sell for P1,999and P2,399, respectively.
  
• Cherry Mobile W7i. A 3.5-inch, WiFi-enabled TV phone priced at P1,499. It’s the successor to the W7.
  
  
  
  The email also confirms the existence of several Android smartphones that have recently been in the rumor mill: "Yes, the new 'Droids are true. 32GB ROM,2GB RAM, full-HD phablet. NFC-certified phone. LTE smartphone (Smart LTE- and Globe LTE-ready). Front auto-focus camera with flash. New Flare series.Quad-core tablet. These are just some of the new offerings of Cherry Mobile this Christmas!"
  By "new offerings," the company refers to the Cherry Mobile Hero, Titan 2.0, W900 LTE, and Omega HD 2X, all of which were named and detailed in a leaked snapshot of the company's marketing collateral days ago.
  We’re most interested in the P11,499 Cherry Mobile W900 LTE. As the name implies, it is said to feature an LTE radio and a dual-core Snapdragon chipset.
  On the other hand, the P12,399 Cherry Mobile Omega HD2X is a full-HD phablet with a 5.7-inch display, 2GB of RAM, and 32GB of storage.
  
  On paper, the two make quite a compelling package for its price and specs. But are they really worth getting?That we can’t tell until we get to review them.
  One thing’s for sure: Things are about to get hectic at the Cherry Mobile headquarters.
   source: yahoo.com.ph
  http://ph.news.yahoo.com/cherry-mobile-confirms-lte-phone--to-showcase-84-devices-for-christmas-203007030.html

Jed Madela still single :)

Singer Jed Madela would rather shrug off questions about his sexual preference than worry about them.

“Yung mga ganyang issue, for anybody who steps into the world of showbiz, there are always questions about sexual preference, family background, yung upbringing. Lahat pakikialaman. And you can’t say one thing to put a period to it, kasi kahit anong sabihin mo, meron at meron pa rin silang sasabihin,” Jed said at the press conference of his tenth anniversary concert in C2 Events Place in Greenhills, San Juan on Monday, October 21.

Ten years in the business has taught Jed to just “go with the flow and let everybody speak their mind.”

Jed is more concerned about doing his best as a singer than rumors about his character.

“Hindi ko na kokontrahin, kung anong gusto niyong sabihin, kung anong gusto niyong isipin, bahala na kayo. As long as I’m doing my job well, as long as I’m making people enjoy through my voice and performances, that’s what matters.”

While Jed has been in the industry for quite some time, little or nothing is known about his love life.

“I really treasure my privacy. During the ten years, hindi naman ako naging single lang, I just managed to keep it private.”

What are the qualities he is looking for in a girl?

“Someone who can understand the business I am in. Hindi madali kasi 'yung sa schedule namin, hindi fixed. So, someone who understands my job, somebody who can make me laugh and somebody who can take care of me.”

Jed relates that his journey in the music industry is “close to perfect.”

“There have been highs and lows in the industry. Ang dami ring humindi sa akin, hindi tumanggap sa akin sa circle nila. On the other hand, what makes it perfect is learning from those things that I’ve experienced in the past.”

He first released an album in 2003 but it was his triumph in the World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) in 2005, which made Jed’s popularity zoom even more.

The former band member recalled that it was hard to penetrate the music industry when he was starting out because many singers were products of reality contests.

“I was lucky enough to be surrounded by a handful of people who believe so much in me na kahit sinasabi ko na I will give up, andiyan sila to push me. They were my strength behind my temporary weakness.”

Why did Jed come up with an all-original album even if he himself thinks promoting original songs is harder these days?

“To spearhead and start the ball rolling na ibalik na natin ang OPM, ibalik na natin ang original songs. And sana through this album, ma-inspire uli ang ibang artists na gumawa ng mga bagong kanta at hindi na magrely sa mga covers.”

Jed’s tenth anniversary concert will be held at the PICC Plenary Hall on November 15. It is  directed by Johnny Manahan with musical direction by Mel Villena.

source - yahoo.com.ph
http://ph.omg.yahoo.com/news/jed-shrugs-off-sexuality-rumors-004733857.html

Azkals vs. Pakistan (Oct. 15, 2013) Azkals wins

The Philippine Azkals will try to capture the Philippine Peace Cup for the second consecutive years but they need to defeat the visiting Pakistan’s national football team at the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City. The live scores, highlights and results will be posted here through our correspondents.

Here’s the starting line-up of the Philippine Azkals:
Goalkeeper: Neil Etheridge
Defenders: Jerry Barbaso, Rob Gier, Juan Guirado, Jeffrey Christiaens
Midfielders: James Younghusband, Jerry Lucena, Chris Greatwich, Stephan Schrock
Forwards: Misagh Bahadoran, Patrick Reichelt

  

 source : http://philnews.ph/2013/10/15/azkals-vs-pakistan-live-scores-coverage-and-results-oct-15-2013/

Philippine Azkals on the field at Panaad (Photo: dyancastillejo Instagram)

Bradley-Marquez Fight (Bradley wins)

Bradley - Marquez fight.

Juan Manuel Marquez landed more power punches but Tim Bradley landed more total punches. (Getty Images)

Marquez definitely landed the more telling blows and in fact had some 27 more power punches than Bradley.
Despite the controversy about the decision Arum told us “It was a terrific fight, great atmosphere. The staging was good so everybody here loved it and we did very well on pay-per-view” although no numbers have yet been disclosed.
Discussing what is likely to happen since Beltran said if Marquez decides to continue fighting instead of retiring which is what his family wants him to do, then a rematch in Mexico is the only possibility because Marquez isn’t interested in fighting in Las Vegas again.
But Arum scuttled the thought when he told Yahoo Philippines quite categorically that Bradley “would not draw a big crowd in Mexico.”
He followed this up with a realistic although intriguing comment in which he said “the only one who would draw in Mexico is Manny Pacquiao.”
When pressed on whether a fifth Pacquiao-Marquez fight is a possibility, Arum replied “I have no idea whether it’s a possibility. I have not talked to both fighters - Manny or Marquez.”
Beltran however, according to Arum, “would love to get the fight and put on a huge event in the Azteca Stadium in Mexico with support from a huge financier.”
Arum said “whether its doable or not –I’m not making any plans until after this weekend (after the Mike “Mile High” Alvarado WBO light welterweight title defense against Provodnikov) and after November 24” when Pacquiao faces Brandon “Bam Bam” Rios in Macau for the WBO International welterweight title.
To even discuss it, said Arum, would be “a waste of time.”

Editor's note: The blogger's views do not represent Yahoo! Southeast Asia's position on the topic or issue being discussed in this post. 

source- http://ph.sports.yahoo.com/blogs/fortherecord/real-score-bradley-marquez-fight-144710449.html

Pray for Bohol

Photos of famed churches in Visayas after the major Bohol quake.

Pray for Bohol. 

 

Baclayon after the October 15 earthquake. Photo from DrakeDominik on Twitter.

REFILE - CLARIFYING NAME OF BASILICA A general view of the damage on the historic Basilica Minore of Santo Nino de Cebu after an earthquake hit the church in Cebu City, central Philippines October 15, 2013. At least six people were killed when buildings collapsed on islands popular with tourists in the central Philippines on Tuesday, radio reports said, after an earthquake measuring 7.2 hit the region. REUTERS/Stringer (PHILIPPINES - Tags: DISASTER ENVIRONMENT RELIGION)

Local photographers takes pictures of the damage to the historic Basilica Minore of Santo Nino de Cebu after an earthquake hit the church in Cebu City, central Philippines October 15, 2013. At least six people were killed when buildings collapsed on islands popular with tourists in the central Philippines on Tuesday, radio reports said, after an earthquake measuring 7.2 hit the region. REUTERS/STRINGER (PHILIPPINES - Tags: DISASTER)

Baclayon Church after the October 15 earthquake. Photo by Raymond Racaza shared to ABS-CBN

The Church of San Pedro in the town of Loboc on Bohol island, Philippines lies in ruins after a major 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck the region on October 15, 2013

source: yahoo.news
http://ph.news.yahoo.com/photos/before-and-after-visayas-famed-churches-slideshow/

5th PMPC Star Awards for Music 2013

The complete list of winners:

Song of the Year:  Sa Isang Sulyap No/1:43/Composer: Myrus
Album of the Year:  Mga Kuwento ng Makata
Music Video of the Year:  Sirena/Gloc 9          
Concert of the Year:  Foursome/Star Media  and GMA Network, Inc.
Male Concert Performer of the Year:  Martin Nievera/Foursome      
Female Concert Performer of the Year:  Regine Velasquez/Silver        
Male Recording Artist of the Year:  Jed Madela/All Originals
Female Recording Artist of the Year:  Sarah Geronimo/Pure              
New Male Recording Artist of the Year:  Daniel Padilla            
New Female Recording Artist of the Year:  Julie Anne San Jose              
Pop Album of the Year:  Daniel Padilla DJP        
Male Pop Artist of the Year:  Marvin Ong/Sigaw ng Puso and Piolo Pascual/Dedades III
Female Pop Artist of the Year:  Jessa Zaragoza/Pag Wala Na ang Ulan     
Acoustic Album of the Year: TuloyPa Rin/Nyoy Volante             
Male Acoustic Artist of the Year:  Noel Cabangon/Tuloy ang Byahe     
Female Acoustic Artist of the Year:  Princess Velasco /Acoustic Princess II
Revival Album of the Year:  The Prince of Ballad              
Compilation Album of the Year: Himig Handog P- Pop Love Songs     
Dance  Album of the Year:  Best of the Teen Pop Idol
Inspirational album of the year:  ASOP, A Song of  Praise
Novelty Song of the Year:   Arimunding-Munding/Alexis/Composer: Christian Martinez and Pinoy na Krismas/The Company/ Composers: Ogie Alcasid  and Jose Mari Chan
Novelty Album of the Year:   Dekada
Novelty Artist of the Year:   Alexis/Arimunding-munding
Duo/Group Artist of the Year:  The ompany/Light Hearted OPM
Rock Album of the Year:  Metamorphosis
Rock Artist of the Year:   Rico Blanco
Rap Album of the Year:   Metal Dog/John Rendez
Rap Artist of the Year:  John Rendez/Metal Dog             
Alternative Album of the Year:  Moonstar 88,  This Year
RnB Artist of the Year:  Luke Mejares/Kasayaw
Cover Design of the Year:  3d Tatlong Dekada     
Lifetime Achievement Award:  Freddie Aguilar
Icons of Original Pilipino Music:
Dulce
Imelda Papin
Rey Valera
Rico J. Puno
Sampaguita
Vic Sotto
Special Citation:  Jose Mari Chan
-source yahoo.news
http://ph.omg.yahoo.com/news/sarah-geronimo--jed-madela-lead--5th-pmpc-star-awards-for-music-052643926.html

Japanese spitz

The Japanese Spitz (日本スピッツ Nihon Supittsu^?) is a small to medium breed of dog of the Spitz type. The Japanese Spitz is a companion dog and pet. There are varying standards around the world as to the ideal size of the breed, but they are always larger than their smaller cousins, the Pomeranian. They were developed in Japan in the 1920s and 30s by breeding a number of other Spitz type dog breeds together. They are recognized by the vast majority of the major kennel clubs, except the American Kennel Club due to it being similar appearance to the white Pomeranian dog, American Eskimo Dog and Samoyed Dog. While they are a relatively new breed, they are becoming widely popular due to their favorable temperament and other features.
The major health concern is patellar luxation, and a minor recurring concern is that the breed can be prone to runny eyes. They can act as reliable watchdogs, but are a type of companion dog and prefer to be an active part of the family. Although they might appear fluffy, they are a low maintenance breed as the coat has a non stick texture often compared to teflon. - source wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_Spitz

Tierra de Maria - Tagaytay

Tierra de Maria, Haven of Meditation and Enrichment, H.O.M.E. of the majestic 50-foot image of Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth. An Inner Peace Healing Center.

Tierra de Maria
Haven Of Meditation and Enrichment.
H.O.M.E. of the majestic 50-foot image of Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth.

Shrouded with mist in the early dawn and enveloped by the cool breeze of upland winds, Tagaytay nestles high enough to be a balmy refuge from the noise of crowded days. It is here where Tierra de Maria established a piece of heaven for the weary and the wandering soul: Mama Mary’s sanctuary for the pilgrim searching for peace of heart.

On the main Calamba road, fronting the Development Academy of the Philippines, before the Tagaytay Picnic Grove, Tierra de Maria is a haven where the 50-foot majestic image of Mary, Mother of God. With her arms outstretched in welcome, beckoning all to come, for thanksgiving, prayers and healing of body, mind and spirit.

The gates are open from eight in the morning till six in the evening. One climbs a short elevated incline which is lined on the right side approach with a garden wall-vine of murals depicting the joyful, luminous, sorrowful and glorious mysteries of the holy rosary, “The life of Jesus”, and the Stations of the Cross, the suffering

Immediately fronting the image of Mama Mary is a “wishing” deep well symbolic of the waters of the “Wedding at Cana” where our Lord was asked to change water into the finest wine even if it was not yet His time to perform miracles; a reminder to all who journey to Tierra de Maria that through the intercession of Mama Mary, Jesus will perform miracles at her behest.

Candles may be lighted with the prayer-wishes offered as one moves from the well towards the Haven for Meditation and Enrichment, the Inner Peace Healing Center. At the threshold, one is greeted by hymns of celestial calmness and the surreal sense actually being in the holy presence of the crucified Christ in His majestic larger-than-life wooden figure. A gaping wound by His heart is where one’s finger can feel the beating of His love, unifying His suffering with that of the personal pains that one prays for deliverance.

On the crucified Christ’s right is the life-size statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the patron of our island-country, whose miraculous intercessions continue to be prayed for, even as she urges us to continue praying the rosary and the Hail Mary, especially, for the salvation of humankind and peace throughout the world. Her folded hands are warm and almost pulsating from the thousands of palms that have enclosed them in supplication and in tears. No prayer is ever left un-answered.

From the main altar, one moves towards the life-size of Our Lady of Manaoag and the other images of Mama Mary and her various attributes, each one reflective of the distant places where her apparitions and miracles have been recorded and continue to be experienced.

Surrounding this haven of meditation are tiles with printed pictures and names of Mama Mary’s family plastered like magnificent murals on the wall.
And so is it here, in Tierra de Maria where Mama Mary’s universal presence enfolds all who come, whether as a simple traveler or a returning pilgrim devotee.
A silent space before the turn towards the same entrance and exit door, is a nondescript “Forgiveness Corner” where the most difficult acts of asking, receiving and giving forgiveness are un-loaded in all humility. The Cross under which one kneels to unload the baggage of hurts simulates the hanging of the crutches at the grotto of Lourdes, a gesture of instant healing, an offering of absolute contrition, as in Jesus’ admonition: “You are healed. Go and sin no more!”

Before leaving the chapel, where first Saturday masses are held every three o’clock in the afternoon, a basket-full of God’s words contain the wisdom of answers for petitions, questions and praises of thanks. Every hand that picks a piece of paper is guided by the faith contained within its soul. Believe.
The second floor is a pathway of liturgical calendars of the saints being honored for each day. The persons and families who made special offerings for their birthdays have their names inscribed on the tiles of the saints of that day and they are enrolled in perpetual prayers for their personal intentions.
One flight up and on the left side of the third floor is the Rosary Garden of the Risen Christ, a special place for meditation. A therapeutic Fish Spa is an added feature, designed for the unique experience of health rejuvenation while contemplating on the mysteries of the rosary wafting subliminally through the sound system.

On the other side of this floor is Mama Mary’s Angels’ Meditation Garden surrounded by fruit-bearing trees and fragrantly scented shrubs. Figurines of different angels are simply reminders of the heavenly guardians of our lives. An intimate barako coffee bar adds to the ambiance of relaxation and bonding, or for singular meditation moments.

On the third floor before ascending, the hand of 50-foot image of Mary, Mother of God can be touched and her face viewed close-up. Tactile prayers enhance the soul towards a more meaningful communion with the Lord.

The top, fourth floor is an aviary. A variety of birds, the open sky, the view of the world famous Taal Volcano below are nature’s pieces of paradise on earth. It is the pilgrim’s piece of heaven to be experienced in stillness and silence…and as one breathes out a prayer to the celestial heights, listen with your heart, Mama Mary whispers her words to your soul.

Tierra de Maria is a haven for the searching soul. Tierra de Maria is a refuge for the weary traveler. Tierra de Maria is a sanctuary of peace. Tierra de Maria is a threshold for healing. Tierra de Maria, the land of Mary is a spiritual experience…your piece of heaven on earth….your home of Jesus.

-source https://www.facebook.com/tierrademaria/info 

Picnic Grove Tagaytay Philippines

Picnic Grove Tagaytay