#Manila religious procession

[robpinzon]

Feast of the Black Nazarene 2024: A Triumph of Faith

Date: January 9, 2024 Location: Manila In a historic gathering, over 6 million devotees converged in Manila on January 9, 2024, for the highly anticipated Feast of the Black Nazarene. This year’s Traslacion, the religious procession honoring the revered Black Nazarene image, made headlines for its record-breaking 15-hour duration – the fastest in its storied history. The Unprecedented Turn of…

[postcard-from-the-past]

Religious procession in Manila, Philippines

American vintage postcard

[gking10]

Liveblogging TMAGP 7: Give and Take

It's Monday! You know what that means! What do you mean I don't have a schedule for these? Shut up.

CAT2RC3338-03022016-12022024Agglomeration (miscellany) / congregation [email]

Merriam Webster - Agglomeration: the action or process of collecting in a mass Wasn't "collection" a category? Why is this agglomeration (miscellany) and not collection (miscellany)? Is there a difference? I know the OIAR documentation system is... complex and obtuse, but are these not literally just synonyms? Geez A religious gathering of people involving a collection of miscellaneous items. And "Fire" is one of the incident elements. I'm getting Desolation vibes. Perhaps a bunch of people tossing their belongings into a bonfire to discard their previous lives and show loyalty to a cult. Reminds me of SCP-8091 from the 2024 Phobia Anthology, which is also a big Desolation reference. I don't expect this to fully map to Desolation though. One of the other incident elements is "Gun violence", which is especially interesting. This is an email, not a police report, so how is a gun even involved? And then claustrophobia and suffocation are also listed. Is someone going to be burned in a pile of junk right before it gets set ablaze? Or with the mention of human remains, is a room just going to get packed so tight of people there simply isn't space to even breathe? If it's that last one, this incident might really get to me, because I do not being surrounded by people in tight spaces.

1:33 - "…that’s your first case." Celia's first case! Time for her to witness The Horrors™. 1:40 - "Yeah. I mean, it’s an old system, but it could have been worse. It’s not like we’re wrestling with tape recorders and manila folders." EXCUSE ME? What do you know? I must confess, I made a mistake. A big oopsie. Having started actually listening to TMAGP, I gave myself permission to start looking at a fanfic I hadn't looked at in a while. Another Story (Not Our Own), a fic where after Jon and Martin end up Somewhere Else, they start receiving floppy disks that contain TMAGP episodes and they react to them. I swore to only look at the chapters for episodes I watched, and I did! But, um, the one for Episode 6 revealed something I very much did not notice. Probably would have never noticed. Celia is in TMA. In episode 190. She's one of the survivors of the Fearpocalypse that Georgie and Melanie saved. Her fear scenario apparently stole her name, so she decided to go with Celia because "she liked it". Celia is in TMAGP. Here. Right now. With the exact same voice actor. That can't be a coincidence, right? I wonder if TMA Celia's name truly was Celia, but wherever she was (maybe the Carousel from Revolutions?) screwed with her mind so much she couldn't even recognize she liked the name Celia because it was hers. Is this just a display of the fact this is an alternate dimension? Did Celia somehow cross over? I don't know. What I do know is I should really stop poking my head around in TMAGP content until I finish season 1.

1:45 - "And we’re not bothered by the whole “my skin turned into butterflies” case?" I am. I very much am. 2:19 - "Have you ever checked to see if the spoken cases have anything in common?" Celia is already starting to theorize. She wants to make connections. And I think she's going to manage. She'll uncover something about the OIAR. Whether or not Lena manages to silence Celia before she gets the word out, I don't know. 2:43 - "Is there any way to look up specific files?" "Every case about being buried alive or meat or… whatever." Gosh, I never even thought of that! See, Celia is already on it. I like her. I wonder if those examples are just examples or if Celia is trying to stealthily ask about something that happened to her? It's hinted that something happened to her, but what? 3:29 - "From DMargolis@oxfordpeoplestrust.org to HR@oxfordpeoplestrust.org RE: Tendering resignation. 3rd February 2016" God, this happened involving a charity? That's not good. And whatever it was, it was so bad DMargolis felt they had to resign. Do they feel guilty? Or did what happen just disillusion them? 3:59 - "I am aware that you may not have been directly responsible for the events that have taken place at the Hilltop Centre branch over the last six months but you have nonetheless failed to provide adequate support despite my repeated messages requesting your intervention." Six months? It went on for six whole months? And the charity organization refused to actually lend a hand. Damn. 6:33 - "He even personally donated a rather large false plant in a somewhat disconcerting ceramic pot modelled on a shouting human face." This unnamed worker sounds nice, honestly. That pot though? That pot's cursed. 6:46 - "Towards the end of his probation he told me he was having a good time since it was “all for a good cause” and that he had a friend who also wished to volunteer." Okay, never mind, I'm sus of this guy now. This feels like the start of more "volunteers" coming in, being good at first, but eventually corrupting this charity branch into some sort of fear battery. The Hilltop Centre seems to involve retail. I'm guessing this branch is a store and profits go towards charity causes of the other branches. What I wonder is when does the agglomeration come into play? Does each new volunteer bring in a new item?

7:01 - "The young woman (whose name also escapes me at this time)" I thought about how weird it was Dianne couldn't remember any of the names, and I just remembered something. A reddit post on r/TheMagnusArchives. It was just a photo of a weird item in a store with the post title being "What fear would fit this" or something like that. I remember thinking Stranger because I just could not recognize what the item even was supposed to be. And I remember one of the comments saying this reminded them of Give and Take. Maybe these nameless volunteers really will just keep bringing in more and more weird items. I focused on fire in the incident elements and ruled this desolation, but the actual incident report categorization doesn't even include fire. It just focuses on the fact there was an abundance of miscellaneous things and that there was a seemingly-religious gathering. Is this going to be more Stranger-aligned than I was expecting? 7:18 - "they insisted “it’s all for a good cause”" Yeah, okay, they're even repeating themselves. It's stock phrases, and these are stock people. 7:25 - "The second volunteer also made a donation in the form of a large Bearskin rug" The skin of something that once was alive. Close to taxidermy. And the first item was a pot that looked like a human face. Something non-living that took on the appearance of something living. Stranger. 8:00 - "but with the Christmas period approaching" Oh, actually, these are just elves. Dianne needs to chill out, this is just normal elf behavior. It's all good.

8:48 - "but Mr. C Clayton had not yet returned from his sabbatical which I had by then learned was with full pay in the Seychelles. I'm sure he had a lovely time." You can FEEL the bitterness. And its deserved, Clayton is not doing any managing at all, he's just leaving Dianne to flounder. 9:50 - "It was at this point I began to sense that I was starting to lose control of the situation." It's just like Breekon and Hope overtaking... well, Breekon and Hope, the delivery company. 10:25 - "None of the items were fit for sale. I specifically recall two large, soiled Crinoline dresses, a Chaise Longue with cushions filled with some sort of coarse sand, a taxidermied vulture, a rusty antique printing press and a collection of old medical equipment that had seemingly been recently used." I'm getting Corruption from this also. This is trash. Gross, icky stuff. Stuff that you could get an illness from just by touching. Maybe a bit of Extinction in here too? I'm not sure if the focus has moved towards the idea of humanity's wastefulness yet.

11:23 - "and they were all laughing and calling out to one another “it’s all for a good cause!”" Actually, the more I think about it... This is just like people donating garbage to Goodwill. Not unwanted belongings, literal actual unsalvageable garbage. And there's a fossil. A relic of something probably extinct. I think this is Extinction. This place is basically being turned into a landfill and dozens of people are gleefully participating in it, patting themselves on the back because they did their part, even though they really didn't. It's a mockery of charity, a mockery of attempting to make the world better, and I think that fits perfectly for Extinction.

12:03 Things got from bad to worse very fast. My stomach is dropping. This is the claustrophobia I was worried about. Honestly, the fact it's being crushed in between garbage and not other human bodies does make it a little better for me? I don't know. Rationally being pressed up against rotting food and broken china that could cut you is the worse option, but being cramped in between other squirming bodies as you all thrash? Ugh...

12:23 - "That’s when the gunshots started." The fucking WHAT?

13:13 - "Dazed, I tried to get to my feet only to be shoved to the ground by a heavyset man in black clothing, who demanded I identify myself while pressing a gun against the back of my head." Either a fear avatar who opposes this, or someone from the government "cleaning up". They immediately started shooting Strangers and set the place on fire to stop whatever ritual was occurring. 13:23 - "I screamed, then I wept, great heaving sobs of terror with broken ribs. This somehow seemed to satisfy him" I can't tell if that means he was checking if Dianne was human and was satisfied by a human response... Or if he was just satisfied because Dianne was afraid.

13:43 - "It has been made very clear to me that I am not to identify the security firm that took this action" Shit, was that Starkwall? Is this Starkwall, is this what Starkwall does? The fact they can just show up with literal machine guns and burn down a building, all while basically out in the public, is horrifying. 14:32 - "No, yeah I’m fine just... the voice threw me." DID YOU RECOGNIZE IT? What is going ON with you, Celia? 14:36 - "Better than Norris, whiny little toad." You shut your mouth this instant, Alice. Martin's already stuck in a computer, you do NOT get to bully him. 15:05 - "Just thought I recognised it for a moment.." BIJEWNBWEIJFKLEWBNJELCBIN Did Celia cross over somehow? Is she getting memory flashes from the TMA reality? Why, why, WHY? 15:47 - "Uh anyway yeah, I was wondering if you knew who “John” was?" This episode is an attempt on my life. Rusty Quill is actually trying to kill me. 15:57 - "I got a weird email from “John” with a random name and an address and it looks like it’s from an internal email so…" They're in the computer! Free them! Free them now! 16:24 - "If you’re going to get this worked up over a weird email you’re going to freak when you see the real stuff." Please elaborate. Colin, please elaborate. Please elaborate. Please do not be cryptic. You probably are being cryptic because you're being watched but please elaborate. 16:40 Sam brought a phone into Colin's office, and now Colin is freaking out. Is Colin worried something in the system might... leap out into a new electronic to escape? Is something in Sam's phone now? 16:49 - "It’s already recorded too-" Yeah, Colin REALLY wants to keep this contained. I thought for a moment his worry was that Sam's phone would start recording, but I think the devices are ALWAYS recording. So I'm sticking with my "something is trying to escape to new technology" theory. 17:20 Gwen why are you meeting Lena in private. This is a good way to get disappeared. Do you think you can blackmail Lena somehow? She works for the government, they probably told her to do whatever she did to Klaus!

17:50 - There is a struggle. YOUGER LENA is thrown to the floor and Klaus flees. There is a Gunshot. Klaus cries out but keeps stumbling away. And there goes Klaus. Seems like he actually got away though... 18:26 - "Because not only do I have a video of you trying to murder someone, even better, I have multiple copies of you failing to do so." Gwen, please say your angle is to threaten to tell the government that Lena didn't properly "get rid of a loose end". Because that's the only reason you should have to be confident about confronting her about this. Even then, this is extremely foolish, you are playing with fire. 18:53 - "And who do you imagine my masters to be in this scenario?" It's over, Gwen's so very dead. Maybe not this episode but she's dead and I am already mourning her. 19:30 - "I want “in”." You saw an organization at such depths of immorality they would order an assassination on someone and you decided you want to be PART OF THAT? GWEN!!!!

20:16 - "If you want answers and authority, you’ll have you chance to earn them. I am appointing you as the new “Externals Liaison.”" So Gwen is going to get to communicate with the "Externals", whoever they might be. Will she be directed into conversations with various servants of dark forces? That's the episode! I don't get Gwen. Why is she so ambitious to be part of something so obviously... horrible?! Is that just the person she is? Not caring about who she tramples as she climbs? She already has wealth. I know her last name is Bouchard. But did Jonah Magnus even possess Elias Bouchard in this dimension? If not, then the Bouchard family assumedly has no connection to the supernatural. And if so... then I don't even know, honestly. What is Gwen's deal?

[hcpenot]

hi guysss it's me the adventurous devotee again. i would like to share a blog about my experience in the 42nd Intramuros Grand Marian Procession held this year.

short trivia and information, basically this blog is about the grandest marian procession in the Philippines held in the streets of walled city of intramuros, manila every year in early december. a grand marian procession is the procession of the different images of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of one true God under different titles from different places in our country. devotees and delegates from different parishes across the country gathers at intramuros to start a solemn and grandiose procession in honor of the feast of the principal patroness of our country, the immaculate conception every first sunday of december every year. the chariots bearing different images of BVM participants are exclusive to those who are invited by the Cofradia de la Inmaculada Concepcion de Intramuros.

let me start to share my experience. so i am from rosario, cavite, but my name is listed in the chariot/galleon carozza of our lady of solitude of porta vaga, cavite city because she is my patroness. together with the cofradia de la virgen de la soledad de porta vaga, we travelled from cavite city to intramuros to participate in the procession in honor of our virgin of solitude. the 350+ painted image of our lady of solitude of porta vaga is greatly venerated and payed respect at plaridel st. san roque cavite city. she is hailed as the queen and protectress of our province. the procession of the our lady of solitude of porta in intramuros started at 6pm, her silver galleon carozza is escorted by the altar servers, the flags, the philippine army, republica filipina reenactment group, the Cofradia, and the devotees. she graced the historic walls of intramuros in full solemnity through the recitation of the spanish rosary and the wearing of black clothes together with candles that lights up the street. the experience is one of a kind considering this event only happens once a year out of town. the procession concluded at muralla street by dismantling of the galleon carozza through the help of cofradia and care takers at 8pm in preparation of the coming home of the venerated painting of the our lady of solitude of porta vaga. i could say that this is the best religious procession I've ever attended. the surreal feeling and experience is unexplainable and beyond words. you could literally feel the presence of our lady just by attending the procession of her image. if i were to asked to rate it, i would rate it infinity over ten. it was an incomparable experience, I'd like to remember it that way.

[t33nsofstyle]

1. A painting for a proposed sculpture

2.

1. A Painting for a Proposed Sculpture

2. ILLUSTRATOR

Manuel Ocampo is an artist whose work, both stylistically and thematically, has inspired my process as of late.

Best known for his Catholic Grand Guignol imagery, Ocampo once claimed to have learned his signature faux retablo style from a priest for counterfeiting purposes. Largely self-taught, he dazzled the art world with his precocity and virtuosity, leaping from a single one man show in Los Angeles in 1988 to rave reviews and participation at the Documenta and Venice and Whitney Biennials. Among his provocative subjects are ancient forms of crosses, including the swastika, a symbol that caused his expulsion from the main floor and relegation to the basement at Documenta IX in Kassel, Germany in 1992.

Ocampo’s surreal imagery begs explanation; he layers Spanish religious icons, American pop culture, local kitsch and obscure texts to illustrate Filipino post-colonial identity.

On his compositional style: “This is where I live. It’s a mess, which is why my paintings are a mess,” he claimed, starting the slide show with an aerial view of a massive Manila traffic jam, vehicles and people gridlocked in anarchy.

On his provocative subject matter: “I’m not afraid of controversy—in fact, I invite it,” he admitted, in response to a question on his intentions. “I’m saying, look at this, but don’t look at it, it’s just a painting, it is not real” —reminding the audience that his paintings are mere two-dimensional explorations, and no gods were actually harmed in the making of his art.

On his choice of medium. “I’ve always been a painter, it’s always been about how I can push painting further. I might ask people to pay attention to the pieces in ways other than conventional painting, but in the end I’m expanding the concept of what a painting is.” Ocampo was referring to his forays into installation, such as at a Los Angeles show where he stripped his paintings from their frames and laid them on the floor to be walked on, hanging one as a hammock.

On sources of inspiration. He credits his first job drawing editorial cartoons for his mother’s newsletter with his love of incorporating text in his works. He finds material literally everywhere. A postcard with the cryptic text, “comprehensive only to a few initiates,” found on the floor, was appropriated in full for a text-only painting (2000-2001). Another text that sparked a work was conceptualist John Baldessari’s quote, “Everything is purged from this painting but art, no ideas have entered this work,” which he inscribed around a Duchampian toilet, overturned and spilling intestines, in his work, Artist Examining Life Closely (1998). The work currently on exhibit, An Object at the Limits of Language—Necromantic Kippian Emancipator: No. 2 was painted in response to the death of German artist Martin Kippenberger, whose absurdist humour Ocampo greatly admires.

[spintaxi]

Gen Z Forms New Religious Movement

Gen Z Forms New Religious Movement Based on Astrology, Memes, and Vibing

Byline: SpinTaxi’s Youth Culture Chaplain and Meme Archivist The Holy Trinity: Moon Signs, SpongeBob Gifs, and Good Vibes In the absence of organized religion, job security, or pants without drawstrings, Gen Z has officially founded a new spiritual movement. It’s called “The Church of Cosmic Vibrology,” and its tenets are as fluid as gender, as mysterious as Mercury retrograde, and as sacred as a well-timed meme drop. Worshippers gather weekly on Discord to chant affirmations like “I am enough” and “I saw three angel numbers today, so my ex is definitely regretting everything.” Their central ritual involves lighting a $14 Target candle, reciting zodiac affirmations, and posting spiritual thirst traps captioned with Bible verses from the Book of Rihanna.

The Four Sacred Pillars of Vibrology:

Astrology – All sermons begin with “Okay, so I’m a Libra, but like...” Memes – The only text that holds divine authority. Holy scripture is written in Comic Sans. Crystals – Used not for healing, but to accessorize vape pens. Vibing – Undefined, unquantifiable, but essential. If the vibe is off, so is your salvation.

The Founding Prophets

The movement was co-founded by: @moonbitch_33 (actual name: Tyler) @glutenfreeoracle (Sophia, 23, empath) And @vibechecksavior, a cat named Sprout with 400k followers and a crystal on his forehead Their manifesto, posted as a 27-tweet thread, begins: “God left the chat. But Mercury’s in Virgo and that means it’s time to realign.”

What the Funny People Are Saying:

“They don’t kneel at the altar, they just crouch for selfies in golden hour lighting.”—Jerry Seinfeld “I asked one of them what the afterlife is. They said ‘probably just a lo-fi beats playlist.’”—Ali Wong “Confessionals are now voice notes, and instead of penance, they send each other Spotify links.”—Chris Rock

Gen Z Commandments (Posted on Instagram Stories)

Thou shalt not ghost thy neighbor unless their energy is toxic. Honor thy birth chart and those who vibe within it. Thou shalt not commit bad lighting. Keep holy the meme cycle. Covet not thy neighbor’s aesthetic, unless it's for inspo.

Religious Services, Reimagined

Worship takes place in Twitch streams, crystal shops, and wherever iced coffee is blessed with oat milk. Communion is replaced with sipping ethically sourced matcha from mason jars, and the hymns are all TikTok remixes of Doja Cat. Instead of baptism, followers undergo a ritual “aura exfoliation,” which involves sage smoke, rain sounds, and three minutes of uninterrupted eye contact with an alpaca gif.

Doctrinal Authority? Never Heard of Her.

In the Church of Cosmic Vibrology, truth is personal, sacred, and Google-able. Doctrinal disputes are resolved via “vibe arbitration,” where both sides must explain their positions using Lana Del Rey lyrics and TikTok duets. There is no official leader. Instead, authority is rotated weekly based on who had the most viral tweet beginning with “Not to be a Capricorn but…”

Conversion Process

To join: Delete your LinkedIn. Screenshot your birth chart. Pledge to protect your peace, drink 80 oz of water, and never text your ex. Receive a divine welcome DM: “U in. Blessed be the vibes.”

Critics React

Conservative news outlets warn that the movement “undermines civilization by replacing the Ten Commandments with tarot decks and TikTok challenges.” Pastor Randy Stubborn of First Baptist Megachurch said, “I tried to join, but I couldn’t get past the meme CAPTCHA.” Meanwhile, the Catholic Church released a statement gently reminding everyone that Lent is not “a time to give up negative energy.”

Global Spread

The movement has caught fire—cosmically, not literally: In London, followers meet in abandoned pubs to read horoscopes in fake British accents. In Manila, the Holy Meme Gospel was printed on tote bags. In Los Angeles, a splinter sect believes Jesus was a Sagittarius and therefore deeply misunderstood.

Final Thought: Salvation via Screenshot

If you ever feel lost, confused, or overcaffeinated, Gen Z has a holy emoji waiting for you. Salvation doesn’t require confession—it just needs a decent Wi-Fi signal and the willingness to believe in something bigger than yourself… like Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. Because at the end of the day, they don’t care if you’ve read scripture.They care if your aura’s aligned.And whether you brought your own selenite wand to brunch. Read the full article

[balainikoymaks]

Cascaia, Vista Land Spanish-Inspired Estate Shines a Light

on San Fernando Lantern-Making Heritage

Rooted in the religious observance of lubenas, the lanterns of San Fernando, Pampanga were once implements of bamboo and papel de japon. A solemn tribute to the Star of Bethlehem, the flicker of the humble parul Sampernandu led the way for faithful devotees. The advent of electricity sparked a wave of innovation, giving rise to Ligligan Parul­—the annual Giant Lantern Festival that furthered local artistry.

Vista Land, the Philippines' leading integrated property developer, keeps the light alive by building an integrated community that safeguards the spirit of San Fernando—where the convergence of creativity and community will always prevail.

Introducing Cascaia, a prime development of Vista Estates.

The Philippines' city of lights

San Fernando is a flourishing economic hub in the Culinary Capital of the Philippines. Over the years, homegrown enterprises and multinational corporations have established their presence here, benefiting from its proximity to key road networks including the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), Subic–Clark–Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX), and the Olongapo-Gapan (OG) Road. This logistical advantage is strengthened by direct access to Angeles and Clark Freeport and the Special Economic Zone (CFSEZ) through MacArthur Highway.

Global connectivity further enhances the standing of San Fernando, with Clark International Airport and the forthcoming New Manila International Airport in Bulacan providing seamless access to international markets. These transportation systems have solidified the role of the city as a cornerstone of growth in Central Luzon, driving both regional and national economic progress.

San Fernando has also seen a significant influx of business process outsourcing (BPO) and information technology (IT) sectors. Its skilled workforce, coupled with its accessibility and modern infrastructure, has formed opportunities and helped position the city as an emerging player in the knowledge-based economy.

The making of a masterpiece

Cascaia is born from a vivid aspiration—a lifescape rich in emotion, energy, and expression. Its name, a fusion of casco, the Spanish word for shard, and Gaia, the Greek personification of life, encapsulates a powerful duality between vision with vitality, creativity, and community.

This ethos finds a kinship in Barcelona, Spain—immortalized in the masterful work of Antoni Gaudi, whose designs within the Spanish Modernista movement have elevated everyday elements into extraordinary engagements.

The iconic trencadis technique of the Catalan genius—reimagining fragmented ceramics, stained glass, and wrought iron into kaleidoscopic mosaics—bears a striking parallel to the lantern-making conventions of San Fernando. Both revel in the interplay of light and color, adapting raw materials into chronicles of pride and purpose. These traditions prove that calling and craftsmanship transcend the bounds of geography, forming links through shared inspiration.

Cascaia channels this transformation, weaving history and heritage into a honed quality of life. Just as the lanterns of San Fernando and Gaudi's creations cast a light on the nature of collaboration and enduring craftsmanship, Cascaia seeks to leave an indelible mark on its community. It is not merely a place to live—it is a living, breathing celebration of creation, creativity, and connection.

Live life in full color

Set on four hectares of prime land, Cascaia is anchored by residential enclaves designed to exceed the demands of contemporary lifestyles. Residents are treated to panoramic views, from the iconic Mount Arayat to the sweeping Zambales Mountains and the bustling cityscape at their feet. Cascaia creates a distinctive environment where modern living exquisitely intersects with the tranquility of nature.

Located along MacArthur Highway, the master planned development is fronted by a commercial node comprising Vista Mall Pampanga—home to retail, dining, and entertainment selections. A central boulevard leads to Andalusia, a neighborhood of Spanish-Mediterranean-themed homes with expansive living spaces. Along the way rises Cascaia Tower, the 25-storey condominium property that will provide housing solutions for various needs and preferences. This curated integration of residential and commercial elements allows residents to enjoy a comprehensive experience without stepping away from the estate.

Cascaia emphasizes balance and well-being through green spaces, leisure facilities, and purposefully designed infrastructure. Amenities such as a rooftop pool, lounge with view deck, multimedia room, and function hall, echo the organic curves of life itself. The development offers residents a serene yet connected lifestyle, enhancing its appeal for young professionals, starting families, and discerning investors.

An investment into a better way of living

As the holding company of the residential ventures of Vista Group, Vista Land is primarily engaged in developing horizontal properties, master planned communities, and the construction of vertical residences in the Philippines' key growth areas.

Vista Land is investing into these master planned developments, making good on its promise to its homebuyers and investors to continue creating superior offerings, and, more importantly, deliver excellent long-term investment growth.

To learn more about Cascaia by Vista Estates, visit vistaestates.vistaland.com.ph.

Follow @VistaLandAndLifescapesOfficial for news and offerings.

[amazinglifescapes]

Cascaia, Vista Land Spanish-Inspired Estate Shines a Light

on San Fernando Lantern-Making Heritage

Rooted in the religious observance of lubenas, the lanterns of San Fernando, Pampanga were once implements of bamboo and papel de japon. A solemn tribute to the Star of Bethlehem, the flicker of the humble parul Sampernandu led the way for faithful devotees. The advent of electricity sparked a wave of innovation, giving rise to Ligligan Parul­—the annual Giant Lantern Festival that furthered local artistry.

Vista Land, the Philippines' leading integrated property developer, keeps the light alive by building an integrated community that safeguards the spirit of San Fernando—where the convergence of creativity and community will always prevail.

Introducing Cascaia, a prime development of Vista Estates.

The Philippines' city of lights

San Fernando is a flourishing economic hub in the Culinary Capital of the Philippines. Over the years, homegrown enterprises and multinational corporations have established their presence here, benefiting from its proximity to key road networks including the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), Subic–Clark–Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX), and the Olongapo-Gapan (OG) Road. This logistical advantage is strengthened by direct access to Angeles and Clark Freeport and the Special Economic Zone (CFSEZ) through MacArthur Highway.

Global connectivity further enhances the standing of San Fernando, with Clark International Airport and the forthcoming New Manila International Airport in Bulacan providing seamless access to international markets. These transportation systems have solidified the role of the city as a cornerstone of growth in Central Luzon, driving both regional and national economic progress.

San Fernando has also seen a significant influx of business process outsourcing (BPO) and information technology (IT) sectors. Its skilled workforce, coupled with its accessibility and modern infrastructure, has formed opportunities and helped position the city as an emerging player in the knowledge-based economy.

The making of a masterpiece

Cascaia is born from a vivid aspiration—a lifescape rich in emotion, energy, and expression. Its name, a fusion of casco, the Spanish word for shard, and Gaia, the Greek personification of life, encapsulates a powerful duality between vision with vitality, creativity, and community.

This ethos finds a kinship in Barcelona, Spain—immortalized in the masterful work of Antoni Gaudi, whose designs within the Spanish Modernista movement have elevated everyday elements into extraordinary engagements.

The iconic trencadis technique of the Catalan genius—reimagining fragmented ceramics, stained glass, and wrought iron into kaleidoscopic mosaics—bears a striking parallel to the lantern-making conventions of San Fernando. Both revel in the interplay of light and color, adapting raw materials into chronicles of pride and purpose. These traditions prove that calling and craftsmanship transcend the bounds of geography, forming links through shared inspiration.

Cascaia channels this transformation, weaving history and heritage into a honed quality of life. Just as the lanterns of San Fernando and Gaudi's creations cast a light on the nature of collaboration and enduring craftsmanship, Cascaia seeks to leave an indelible mark on its community. It is not merely a place to live—it is a living, breathing celebration of creation, creativity, and connection.

Live life in full color

Set on four hectares of prime land, Cascaia is anchored by residential enclaves designed to exceed the demands of contemporary lifestyles. Residents are treated to panoramic views, from the iconic Mount Arayat to the sweeping Zambales Mountains and the bustling cityscape at their feet. Cascaia creates a distinctive environment where modern living exquisitely intersects with the tranquility of nature.

Located along MacArthur Highway, the master planned development is fronted by a commercial node comprising Vista Mall Pampanga—home to retail, dining, and entertainment selections. A central boulevard leads to Andalusia, a neighborhood of Spanish-Mediterranean-themed homes with expansive living spaces. Along the way rises Cascaia Tower, the 25-storey condominium property that will provide housing solutions for various needs and preferences. This curated integration of residential and commercial elements allows residents to enjoy a comprehensive experience without stepping away from the estate.

Cascaia emphasizes balance and well-being through green spaces, leisure facilities, and purposefully designed infrastructure. Amenities such as a rooftop pool, lounge with view deck, multimedia room, and function hall, echo the organic curves of life itself. The development offers residents a serene yet connected lifestyle, enhancing its appeal for young professionals, starting families, and discerning investors.

An investment into a better way of living

As the holding company of the residential ventures of Vista Group, Vista Land is primarily engaged in developing horizontal properties, master planned communities, and the construction of vertical residences in the Philippines' key growth areas.

Vista Land is investing into these master planned developments, making good on its promise to its homebuyers and investors to continue creating superior offerings, and, more importantly, deliver excellent long-term investment growth.

To learn more about Cascaia by Vista Estates, visit vistaestates.vistaland.com.ph.

Follow @VistaLandAndLifescapesOfficial for news and offerings.

[holofirastory]

2 dead, 9 injured after car rams into crowd in central Philippines

MANILA – Two people were killed and nine others injured after a speeding car plowed into people attending a religious procession in Negros Occidental province in central Philippines on Friday evening, police said Saturday. The police said the crash occurred at around 7:30 p.m. local time in Bacolod City when a Good Friday procession was heading back to a church. One died at the scene, while…

[literaturereviewhelp]

Liberalism is a political ideology or global view constructed on the ideas of equality and liberty. During the age of enlightenment, liberalism became a significant political movement. Slowly and gradually, it became popular among the economists and philosophers. This liberalism entails several aspects, such as human rights, liberty, free trade, freedom of religion and private property. The purpose of the study is to identify the themes of resolution of liberalism in the modern age. It will describe about the policies of human rights and free trade. Then a comparison between the liberalism of pre and post modern age has been provided in order evaluate the effect on the global economy and society. Finally, the study will provide the impact of liberalism on the modern age civilization. Liberalism in Modern Age Liberalism is a dominant political ideology. Liberalism is known as the response to the urbanization and industrial revolution in the 19th century (Doyle, 1986). Liberalism was occurred in America and Europe. Classical liberalism was constructed on the basis of the ideas in the 18th century. Liberties, human rights and free trade are the three major aspects of liberalism. In order to discuss every single aspect of the modern liberalism, it is necessary to highlight theme resolution of free trade and human rights. Theme Resolution Human rights and Free trade theme was constructed in the year 2011 by the manila Congress that discusses the integrity of the system of free trade and human rights. Human Rights Human rights are the fundamental and universal rights that determine the virtue of humanity of the human beings. This right has not constructed on the basis of nationality, religion, culture, race, citizenship, social class, ethnicity, gender and sexual orientation. Human rights and the policies related to the welfare of human being and society need to be exist in every community (Zakaria & Aff, 1997). This process will help the globe to bring the equality among the several groups of individuals in this modern civilization era. The fundamental conditions and rights are mentioned in the document of internatio0nal founding The proposed and regulated rights and conditions are provided below. Liberty of conscience and freedom of worship. Freedom of speech. Freedom to collaborate or not to collaborate. Individual freedom, guaranteed by the justice, law and administrative body. No gender discrimination. The opportunity to have the varied and full education irrespective of birth. Security from the unfavorable issues such as unemployment, old age, disability and sickness. Free choice of the consumers and to rap the opportunity of productivity of industry and soil. Civil and political rights can only be realized where the right of security and subsistence are recognized. Reorganizations The need to promote and protect the rights of religious, national and ethnic and linguistic minorities. Need to establish and practice a culture that overcomes the issue of discrimination among the people of several groups. Need to abolish the regulations and laws regarding the discrimination. Support and defend the activities of the individuals who have fought with the society in order to get personal freedom and fight for civil liberties and human rights. Free Trade The potential of the free trade is to bring strength and empower in the human being to increase the standard of live in the globe (Huntington, 1993). Free trade in the modern age generally entails the following. Read the full article

[firstoccupier]

Global News Roundup: Key Events Shaping the World

Top 10 News Stories Around the World WPS News Staff ReportersBaybay City | January 12, 2025 Philippines’ Black Nazarene Procession Draws Hundreds of Thousands of DevoteesThe annual procession honoring the Black Nazarene sees an overwhelming turnout as thousands of devotees brave the streets of Manila, showcasing deep religious fervor and cultural significance in Filipino society. Kenyan…

[sundayvalues]

The Black Nazarene is a deeply cherished religious statue of Jesus Christ, known for its striking dark skin, which many believe symbolizes Christ's suffering and humanity. Housed in the Quiapo Church in Manila, this revered image has been a source of hope and healing for millions of Filipino Catholics. Every January 9th, the streets of Manila come alive with the incredible Feast of the Black Nazarene, a massive procession where thousands of devotees, some barefoot and filled with fervor, follow the statue, believing in its power to bring miracles and blessings. The Black Nazarene represents more than just faith, it's a symbol of resilience, humility, and the enduring strength of the Filipino spirit.

[elysianasterism]

January 8, 2025

Today ended up being busier than usual. I just found out this morning that my removal exam for pharm calc is on Friday. And that I had to submit a permit for it today. In person. (The offices are closed tomorrow because of this big religious event in the city)

So submit we did. Dad and I went to the city. We planned to park at the mall near the uni, but it was too hard to get there from the direction we'd be coming from. So we just parked at the condo and commuted to uni. The submission process was faster than I thought.

We crossed to the other street to buy exam notebooks (bluebooks), and bought karioka too. But it kinda sucked.

Went back, bought toasted siopao for my siblings (and the bottoms were real toasted!) and went back home. I'll go back on Friday for the removals. The travel time was wayyy longer than the submission time!

This got me thinking about "luwas". It's a Filipino verb used when one travels from the (usually rural) province to Metro Manila, or I guess to an urban area. Like, it's pretty specific! Metro Manila is a whole region with cities, not provinces, and it is definitely urban. And while there are many urban areas in the provinces, it's still different.

I wonder if there are similar words in other languages, since I'm sure there are a lot of other countries with lots of rural areas and a central urban area. And people who move from the cities from the rural places.

Also the bluebooks are lowkey a giveaway of where I study... But also if you've seen my tweets then you'd know for sure hehe (and it's my uni, not like my high school or anything)

Good night!

[wendellcapili]

Over the holidays, I had several get-togethers, some with friends I had not seen for a long time. This is one of them. (L) Ralph Semino Galán, Delan Robillos, Jae Jalandoni-Robillos, Levine Lao, and especially, Fr. Rolando De La Rosa OP. With Lito Zulueta in the 2nd pic. Fr. Roland was previously the University of Santo Tomas Rector twice, during which he introduced innovations in teaching, research, creativity, and community engagement. Not very many people remember that UST's Paskuhan, Christmas Concert Series, Thomasian Welcome Walk (TWW) through the Arch of the Centuries, and the traditional recessional procession that ends with graduates exiting through the Arch of the Centuries were some of his initiatives. He also served as Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education(CHED) and Chair of the University of the Philippines Board of Regents.

As a writer and academic, he received the Medal of Highest Honor from Kyung Hee University (Seoul, 1996), the Outstanding Manilan Award from the City of Manila (1995, 2006), and the National Book Award in History from the Manila Critics Circle (1991).

Some of his important publications are: •History of the Filipinization of the Religious Orders in the Philippines: Beginnings of the Filipino Dominicans, First Edition, 1991; Revised Edition, 1997; UST Publishing House, 306 pp.

•Admission of Filipinos in the Dominican Order in the 20th Century, in Unitas, LXIII, 1 (1990), pp. 34-52.

•Reinheit des Blutes: Der verwehrte Zugang zu Priesteramt und Ordensstand in Conquista und Evangelisation – Fünfhundert Jahre Orden in Lateinamerica, Mainz, Germany 1992, pp. 271-293.

•Suspicion or Development? The Operative Hermeneutics in Two Church Documents on the Media of Communication, in Philippiniana Sacra, XXVII, 79 (1992), pp. 57-71

•Les premiers dominicains philippins in Memoire Dominicaine: Lórient lointain, Paris, 1995, pp. 59-73.

Fr. Roland has a Doctor in Sacred Theology and a Ph.D. in Higher Religious Studies, Magna cum Laude, from the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (Belgium, 1988); a Licentiate in Sacred Theology and an MA in Higher Religious Studies, Magna cum Laude, from UST (1984); a Bachelor in Sacred Theology, Magna cum Laude from UST (1980); and a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Magna cum Laude (1977) from the Dominican House of Studies. Most importantly, he is a kind and genuine person who always looks after the welfare of others above and beyond his interests.

[jiacast]

Culture Fact File

(A view of the Manila Bay)

Here are some fascinating facts about my Filipino culture, which is shaped by a blend of indigenous traditions, Spanish influences, and modern Western elements:

1. Bayanihan Spirit: The concept of bayanihan is deeply rooted in Filipino culture and represents a spirit of communal unity and cooperation. Traditionally, it refers to neighbors helping to physically move a house by carrying it on bamboo poles, symbolizing helping one another without expecting anything in return.

2. Fiestas and Festivals: Filipinos celebrate numerous fiestas (festivals) throughout the year to honor patron saints and celebrate local heritage. Some of the most popular ones include the Sinulog Festival in Cebu, the Ati-Atihan Festival in Aklan, and the Pahiyas Festival in Quezon, known for their vibrant parades, costumes, and street dances.

3. Catholic Influence: The Philippines is the only predominantly Catholic country in Asia, a legacy of Spanish colonization. About 80% of Filipinos identify as Catholic, and the faith plays a significant role in everyday life, including events like baptisms, fiestas, and processions.

4. Balikbayan Boxes: Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) often send balikbayan boxes filled with gifts, clothing, and food to their families back home. These boxes symbolize care and love from abroad and are eagerly awaited by Filipino families.

5. Pamamanhikan: In traditional Filipino culture, pamamanhikan is the custom where a man and his family formally ask for a woman’s hand in marriage. This is typically followed by a meal where both families discuss wedding arrangements and get to know each other.

6. Pasalubong: Pasalubong are small gifts or souvenirs brought home by travelers for friends and family. It’s a way to show thoughtfulness and share a part of one’s journey with loved ones.

7. Strong Family Ties: Family is the cornerstone of Filipino culture. It’s common for extended families to live together or nearby, with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins playing active roles in each other’s lives. Filipino families are known for their close-knit relationships and mutual support.

8. Love for Karaoke: Karaoke is a national pastime in the Philippines, with many Filipinos owning karaoke machines at home. Singing karaoke is a popular form of entertainment during family gatherings, parties, and even public events.

9. Filipino Hospitality: Filipinos are famous for their warm hospitality, often going out of their way to make guests feel comfortable. It’s common to be offered food, drinks, and even a place to stay if you’re visiting a Filipino home, with hosts often saying, “Feel at home.”

10. Respect for Nature and Spiritual Beliefs: Many Filipinos, especially in rural areas, hold animistic beliefs and respect nature spirits known as anitos. These beliefs are mixed with Catholic traditions, with some families still offering rituals or prayers to respect and appease nature.

Filipino culture is a beautiful blend of community spirit, respect for elders, religious devotion, and a love for family and hospitality.

[imariejoyce]

Does it make you a bad person if you don't have any religion?

This topic is always somewhat sensitive, but I just want to share what are my thoughts about this.

In my early years, I was raised by my parents, who are deeply spiritual Catholic Filipinos. I grew accustomed to the idea of spending Sundays attending church, listening to the priest’s gospel and homily, and reflecting on them. We lived in a small provincial town where this kind of routine was quite typical.

During Holy Week when I was little, I looked forward to the annual procession in our town. It was a nice experience to see the wooden sculpture of the images of saints and the Holy Family showing the stories of the bible and with other devotees while holding their candles as they participated in the procession. I found it beautiful to witness people praying solemnly and expressing their faith through their devotions. I still remember when we were kids; our parents would lift us up or let us sit on their shoulders so we could better see the crowd and watch the procession, which represents various Biblical events related to Holy Week.

I also attended a Catholic school during high school, which I would describe as quite conservative. Each month, every class had a designated day for attending a morning mass. In October, there was a special rosary month where some students participated in a living rosary, forming a large circle in the school's covered court while everyone prayed the rosary together. Reflecting on those times still brings a sense of nostalgia.

When I went to college, I moved to Manila to attend university. Transitioning from a provincial town to the bustling city of Manila was quite a shift. While studying, I met many people, and occasionally, they would invite me to join their religious services. Out of curiosity, I often took the opportunity to participate, especially when I had some free time. I even had a board mate who was actively involved in a campus ministry. In short, I ended up attending various religious services whenever friends invited me during my free time.

As time passes, you encounter different types of people, beliefs, and ways of expressing faith. When I moved to Europe, my perspective on this became more practical. Through my experiences, I realized that not all religious individuals who are actively involved in church are necessarily the kindest or most compassionate. I recall attending a service here where, despite my efforts to avoid gossip (what we call "marites" in the Philippines), I overheard people discussing others' lives after the service. Some were sharing opinions based only on one side of the story. I understand that this kind of behavior isn't limited to churches; it can happen anywhere. There are also stories of infidelity and individuals who leave their families behind, starting new lives abroad without supporting their children. That sounds really frustrating. It’s tough when people don’t live up to the values they claim to uphold, especially in a community where trust and integrity are important. It’s disheartening to see people undermine their own good intentions with actions that contradict their words. Experiencing these situations can be challenging, especially if you feel caught between confronting the behavior and maintaining your own peace.

As I’ve grown older, I’ve realized that religion often serves as a label that separates people based on their beliefs. Attending church regularly doesn’t necessarily make someone the kindest or purest person. What truly matters is doing good and being kind to others. The essential thing is to act with empathy and respect, considering how your actions affect those around you and treating others the way you would like to be treated.

Honestly, I've become less involved with church services due to various experiences I've had. I believe that as long as I'm not harming others, I'm still on the right path. Some may believe I’m saying this because it’s convenient for me, but it’s not about convenience. It’s about the freedom to pursue what brings you happiness and enjoy what life has to offer, as long as it doesn’t harm others. To answer the question in the title, "Does it make you a bad person if you don't have any religion?" I don’t think so. I know many people who don’t practice any religion but are actively involved in helping others. In fact, they can often be more reliable than those you might expect to be there for you during tough times. I understand that assessing kindness isn't confined to a single approach, same as labeling someone as kind shouldn't be solely based on their level of spirituality.