By aldamerin
Travelers looking to rev up their spiritual life need not go any farther than the Philippines, which is home to some of the worlds oldest and beautiful churches. The archipelago of 7,107 islands, which was under Spanish rule for more than 300 years, is the largest Catholic country in Asia. Hundreds of churches have been constructed across the nation since the Spaniards arrived in the Philippines in 1521. With its rich religious heritage, the Philippines is cashing in on pilgrimage tourism to boost its coffers.
Wise men in the travel industry believe that tourism is not only centered on man-made and natural attractions but also on meaningful rituals that are based on religious faith. Large churches made from indigenous materials have placed the Philippines on the tourism map. This makes the country a versatile player in the sector, as it has a lot of attractions to offer from exquisite natural wonders to colorful events and festivals. Since a whole day, maybe even a week or a month, is not enough to visit all the historic and elegant churches in the country, the following travel information might help in your ultimate spiritual trip to this pre-dominantly Catholic nation.
San Agustin Church
Have a trip down memory lanes by visiting San Agustin Church in Manila. Constructed in 1607, this place of worship is considered the oldest standing church in the Philippines. The church, which is made from adobe stones, has withstood several world wars and numerous earthquakes. A point of interest inside San Agustin Church is the magnificent trompe l’oeil mural on its ceiling and walls.
Paoay Church
One of the notable travel destinations in northern Philippines is the Paoay Church in Ilocos Norte. Completed in 1894, the church is an excellent example of Baroque architecture. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has 24 massive curved buttresses designed to withstand powerful earthquakes. Its bell tower was used by local militants as an observation post in their revolt against Spanish colonizers.
Barasoain Church
Barasoain Church in Malolos, Bulacan, ranks among the most historic sites in the Philippines. Dubbed as the Cradle of Democracy in the East, this 17th century structure was the site of the First Philippine Congress in September 29, 1898. Barasoain Church was destroyed at the height of the Philippine Revolution but was renovated several times to preserve its original structure.
Basilica del Santo Nio
Another top pilgrimage destination in the country is Basilica del Santo Nio. Located in the heart of Cebu City, this 16th century church was erected on the same spot where Spanish explorers purportedly found a sculpture of the child Jesus in 1565. A side trip in this historic site is a visit to a museum showcasing the history of Christianity in Cebu. The basilica remains under the Order of St. Augustine.
Dauis Church
Aside from the worlds famous Chocolate Hills, tourists flock to Bohol to catch a glimpse of the Dauis Church. Located on the island of Panglao, this place of prayer is also called the Our Lady of Assumption Church. Catholic faithfuls believe that the well located in front of the altar contains water that has medicinal powers.
Quiapo Church
Another famous pilgrimage site in the Philippines is the Quiapo Church in Manila. It is home to the Black Nazarene, a life-sized, dark-colored sculpture of Jesus Christ bearing a cross. Due to the growing number of devotees, Catholic leaders launched an expansion project in 1984. Outside the church, you can find hordes of vendors selling various goods from religious items to traditional medicines.
Local Philippines is your travel buddy. We have information about the destinations, how to get there, what to do while in the area and more! Destinations in the beaches or in the mountains, destinations under water, destinations right at the middle of the urban hub, name it and Local Philippines will most likely feature it.
Allan Leandro Merin has been writing for a living since 2008. After leaving a career at a daily electronic crew newspaper, he joined a web development outsourcing company and linked up with Local Philippines, the most comprehensive online directory of Philippine destinations, events, and attractions.
Hello From Montreal Part 12 Dinner At Galianos And Celebrating Canada Day
By Kim Richardson
After my official Montreal bike tour, my person explorations of the Lachine Canal and my chat with Andr from a Roule, I decided to go for a tiny stroll to explore Montreal’s Port area which was hustling and bustling with celebrations on this Canada Day. I strolled out on Jacques Cartier Pier to an outdoor concert stage where by two well-known Canadian singers, Kim Richardson and Sylvie Desgroseillers were enchanting the audience with Mo-Town and R&B melodies.
I walked east and happened onto a huge playground region on the tiny island inside Bassin Bonsecours that was a family entertainment zone. Kids have been sliding up and down and in and out of a whole variety of huge inflatable slides. Freestyle skiers were jumping off a large ramp and performing summersaults and various aerial acrobatics. The whole area was packed with people enjoying themselves on a beautiful summer day. I walked up Place Jacques Cartier and into a small pedestrian street called Rue des Amables which is full of portrait artists and galleries. At the end of this tiny street I found my dinner destination: Galiano’s.
Galiano’s is located in a 200 year-old building on a little cobble-stoned street in Old Montreal. Formerly a “bote chanson” it opened its doors eight years ago. The restaurant stretches over two floors with an open area from the middle and a wooden staircase leading up to the second floor with seating on an interior balcony. The street-side patio adds additional seating capacity and ambience to this rustic restaurant.
Always a big fan of Italian cuisine, I was looking forward to a filling meal following a day packed with exercise and activities. The whole area around the restaurant and Old Montreal in general was absolutely hustling and bustling with people and everyone was in good spirits, ready to celebrate since it was Canada Day. Street performers have been entertaining the crowd. At just before 6 pm it was still a bit early and I was fortunate to find a seat from the lounge region in the restaurant that features several tables flanking an arrangement of leather couches in front of the fireplace.
For any few minutes I was able to catch the owner, John Tsinas, to find out more about this culinary establishment. John is part of Montreal’s famous Antonopoulos family that owns a variety of hospitality restaurants and hotels in Old Montreal. His uncles are silent partners in Galiano’s. John’s younger brothers Manny and Peter also work with him inside business. At 40 years of age John is the oldest, and the two other brothers are each five years apart. John says that Manny is the people person and today Manny was seating customers, tryig to keep up with the sheer onslaught of customers that were just streaming into Galiano’s.
Manny is also the man using the creative ideas and he was the one that came up while using idea for lounge area and some from the new decorating styles featured at Galianos. Another new idea is to use a little balcony area above the entrance door as a location for any DJ or some live music. And a wine cellar next to the entrance is presently under construction and will be opened inside near future.
John has a lot of experience within the hospitality industry: he started working in the restaurant business at age 14 and has worked his way up all the way through the bottom. He even ran a food warehouse for McGill University which included restocking the vending machines and was a waiter at three different restaurants prior to opening Galiano’s. John added that he still thinks like an employee and because of his hands-on experience he always treats his staff members with respect. His working style is very hands-on, he says that today he will be calling out the orders in his kitchen and preparing them for the waiters.
Galiano’s is recognized for its Italian cuisine and its generous portion sizes. Everything is produced from scratch at Galiano’s. John mentioned their signature dishes: Scaloppini alla Veronica, their Antipasto Misto, a Filetto Tre Sapori, home created Lasagna as well as their Quattro Stagioni Pizza. John recommended that I try Galiano’s Calamari Fritti. Just about 10 minutes right after my order a steaming plate of juicy and tasty calamari arrived, the perfect introduction to a filling meal. I followed it up with a Galiano Salad: a huge plate of salad with cold cuts and cheese. John wasn’t kidding when he talked about huge portion sizes!
John of course had to get back to work after our little chat, but I thoroughly enjoyed my evening meal and by the time I was finished, the lineup was stretching all the way out the door and down the street. Galiano’s is obviously a favourite destination for many in Old Montreal and for me it was a great starting point for my evening discoveries which would include the official Canada Day Celebrations and a big concert in the Old Port of Montreal.
Do you enjoy reading this? If yes, you may also visit famouswonders.com to read more about some of the best places to visit in the world and have a look at canada tourist attractions.
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