A typical Binondo street scene.
On a trip to Binondo, there are a number of things you will notice immediately including the traffic, the very narrow streets, how people seem to be everywhere, and poverty.
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Archive for the ‘Destinations’ Category
Binondo Street Photography
On February - 4 - 2010
Marikina’s Animated Christmas Display 2009
On January - 28 - 2010
First, an excuse.
This post is a little late because it’s been over a month since Christmas. But then again, better late than pregnant, erm, than sorry. Besides, shouldn’t we spread the Christmas spirit to everyone every day?
With the excuses out of the way, let’s proceed.
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Taste Driving Binondo without the Big Binondo Food Wok Map
On January - 26 - 2010
Ang Tunay Beef House’s Beef Noodle Soup.
When traveling to a place for the first time, it’s always recommended that you do your research on that place first. It saves you the hassle of getting lost and ultimately spoiling your travel experience.
But there are exceptions. Just like my experience during a trip to Binondo.
I was originally going to meet wanderboy and lantaw to ‘taste drive’ Binondo (as per lagalog) using Ivan Man Dy’s Big Binondo Food Wok Map. Unfortunately, both wanderboy and lantaw had to cancel at the last minute, meaning I had to do the taste driving blind. Good thing, though, I was able to tag my friend Trish along. So we went together to explore the narrow and crowded streets of Binondo and see what they have to offer.
The Church of the Immaculate Conception in Guiuan, Eastern Samar
On January - 20 - 2010
The Immaculate Conception Church in Guiuan, Eastern Samar.
Guiuan may be popular nowadays because of Calicoan Island, but before surfing became its main tourist attraction, there’s always been its church—the Parish of the Immaculate Conception.
I had the chance to visit the town in December 2009 and lost no time taking photos of this magnificent church. I’ve been here several times when I was in college, and the church still amazes me.
The Church of the Immaculate Conception, Guiuan
According to historical records, the first church in Guiuan was built in the late 17th century. The original was then replaced with a more permanent structure in 1718. The church survived fires and years of neglect during the Spanish times, and was thus renovated in several occasions.
In 1854, the Franciscans built a bell tower made of stone, a structure that still stands today.
Bell tower, the Church of the Immaculate Conception.
The church was then refurbished in 1935 led by Msgr. Donato B. Guimbaolibot, a widely-revered figure in Guiuan.
Statue of Msgr. Donato B. Guimbaolibot just outside the church.
Inside the Church
Inside the church.
Entering the church’s compound already gives visitors a glance of the rich history behind it. Elaborately carved wooden doors then welcome you as you enter the church itself.
One of the panels of the church’s main door.
Detail from the church’s main door.
Once inside the church, all you need to you do raise your head a little to see the magnificent paintings that adorn the ceilings.
Detail from the church’s ceiling.
Meanwhile, the main altar is also richly-adorned, said to have been built during the time of the Jesuits in Guiuan due to it’s Baroque style.
The main altar of the church.
How to Go to Guiuan
You can take a bus or an air-conditioned van from Tacloban to Guiuan. A bus ride costs 100 Philippine Pesos (PhP) and PhP120 for a ride on a van. There are trips as early as 5am to as late as 6-7pm. Now if you’re taking a van, I recommend you ride Duptours as they have reliable drivers and trip schedules.
The trip from Tacloban to Guiuan takes 3 hours, which may be longer depending on road conditions.
Want to Know More About the Church?
Check out these very informative references:
