LENT: CRUZ MAYOR @ APRIL 2014

It is Holy Thursday 2014 today. 

During Holy Thursday, many Catholic devotees flock to the Abong-abong (Pasonanca) Stations of the Cross and reaching all the way up to the Cruz Mayor.

People of all ages do their sacrifice through a long walk from the Pasonanca or the Tumaga side.

Mount Pulong Bato (where the Via Crucis and the Cruz Mayor
 are situated and Muruk is the adjacent mountain

At about 1 pm, we were on our way to Murok (the other way). I see Mt. PulongBato from afar. The very minute white speck is actually the Crus Mayor!

There weren't so many people in Abong-abong yet!

The sun is sunny and the weather is fine.
There weren't so many devotees yet at the Cruz Mayor.

 

At night.
We went down at night and we saw so many devotees walk all the way to Abong-Abong.
Since it was one-way, we have to go in through Pasonanca and go out through the Tumaga side.

This is at the Tumaga side at about 10 p.m. Most are young people but we also see folks carrying their babies and kids. There are older people who also keep their devotion.

The devotees walking towards Abong-Abong

On our way back, we passed by the Pasonanca side.

This is the view as we go to Pasonanca...
we already see the lights of the Via Crucis and the Cruz Mayor.
The other mountain with lights is Muruk!

This is at the Abong-Abong side, where we see many devotees...young and old alike... some are still on the way and some are already done! 

This is close to the Helmet and many are just sitting by the steps
 leading to the Helmet (missed the shot) and
the pictures below lead towards the Boy Scout Camp.

It is almost midnight and there are many people at this time...

The Cruz Mayor now shows more activity, although, I feel there are less devotees than last year!

Cruz Mayor at night

After the Via Crucis and reaching the Cruz Mayor, people gather at the Boy Scout Camp Grounds in Abong-Abong/Muruk to rest, to bond and others really stay overnight.

It is now time to post where they are last Holy Thursday!
Do you see the bright lights of the cellphones and the tablets!?!

It is Good Friday at about 6:30 a.m. and the sun is up!

I feel the crowd still not as dense as in the prior years.

But what is important is our own individual call for prayer and sacrifice during the Lenten Season.

Have a Blessed Lenten Season!

P.S.

Here are my older posts on Lent at Abong-Abong and Murok, Zamboanga City.

Cruz Mayor of Abong-Abong, Pasonanca @ Lent 2011

Cruz Mayor of Abong-Abong, Pasonanca @ Lent 2011 Part 2

Lent: Cruz Mayor in Abong Abong @ April 2012

Sunrise in Zamboanga City @January 2013

WAITING FOR THE NEW YEAR 2013!@ ZC JANUARY 2013

A bit delayed since it is past Epiphany today, but, I do want to share my New Year's Eve in pictures!

I arrived a bit late already for the New Year's Eve rendezvous (work seems to follow me 'til evening|!)... just before 11 p.m. and the raindrops were starting to fall!

Apprehensive was I! I am driving alone now to the "mountains" (but just about 10 km from the city!) where my family was waiting. But since the roads were completely dark except for the car lights and weren't concrete yet, so I was praying really hard it wouldn't rain! I also couldn't go up if it rained and they were all there already!!!

with a panoramic view of Zamboanga City

But, with a view like this, I guess you now understand why I want to go up to our place, too.

Here we are with family and friends!

Those little lights are the lights of Zamboanga City!

Monette and Ailish prepare the Shabu-Shabu!

This table is filled with ingredients for Shabu-Shabu! The hot soup so fitting for the cool breeze we are already experiencing! And the noodles and everything else were really filling!!!

We loved the Shabu-Shabu and lovinly served by "Tita Auring"!

But we also had barbecue, dinuguan and puto, brownies, biko and hotdogs!

My sister-in-law brought sky lanterns but the windy night wasn't so convenient for sky lanterns. 

Good, we were so far away from "civilization" so we know we wouldn't be causing any fire hazards for the houses... but it was mentioned, what if we would cause forest fires? Luckily, it was drizzling so we know the forest wouldn't be too dry!

But our first sky lantern went down instead of up! And bumped on the swing... and burned!

Our second sky lantern indeed flew to the sky, but it flew too fast because of the strong winds!

Can you seen the sky lantern in the right upper hand corner of the picture and just looks like one of the lights?

This is Zamboanga City panorama before the New Year fireworks!

viewing Veteran's Avenue,  Nunez Extension and Sta. Maria

Of course, we waited for midnight! There were already fireworks even before midnight and went on even up to about 2 a.m. and a few more until dawn! We even appreciated the fireworks in Basilan from afar, but, that was really too difficult to photograph!

But later, it seemed so dark... we were wondering if the smoke was the cause of the dark cloud over the City or if there really were brown outs in some areas!

 

and it was really cold!!!

but sometimes, the gadgets make us forget everything and everyone else!

Well, we all welcomed the New Year with happy hearts, spontaneous smiles and l♥ve all around!!! 

♥♥♥HAPPY NEW YEAR 2013!!!♥♥♥

IMAGES OF ZAMBOANGA CITY @ SEPTEMBER 2011 PART 1

Today, I started so early and I decided I wanted to get IMAGES of ZAMBOANGA CITY. 
from Wikipedia: The City of Zamboanga (Zamboangueño Chavacano/Spanish: Ciudad de Zamboanga): is a highly urbanized, independent and a chartered city located in Mindanao, Philippines. It is currently ranked as the 6th most populous city (947,020 estimated population as of 2010) and the 3rd largest by land area in the Philippines (1,483.3849/km² (572.738/sq mi)).^[4][5] It is located at the southernmost tip of the Zamboanga Peninsula and is bounded in the north by the provinces of Zamboanga Sibugay and Zamboanga del Norte, in the west by the Sulu Sea, in the east by Sibuguey Bay, and in the south by the Basilan Strait. It is approximately 460 nautical miles (850 km) south of City of Manila, 365 nautical miles (676 km) northeast of Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, 345 nautical miles (639 km) northeast of Manado, Indonesia, bounded to the west bySulu Sea, on the east by the Moro Gulf, and on the south by the Basilan Strait and Celebes Sea. Its distance from Cebu City is about 372.57 nautical miles (690.00 km), and is 340.17 nautical miles (629.99 km) from Davao City.^[6]

I just drove around for an hour and got shots of a school, church, hospital and some noted tourist spots in Zamboanga City... Some of the data I inserted were taken from Wikipedia, from different Zamboanga City websites and related topics.
Here is Zamboanga City!

First stop: ATENEO DE ZAMBOANGA UNIVERSITY (ADZU) HIGH SCHOOL CAMPUS, TUMAGA

ADZU HS Campus in Tumaga is quite far (by Zamboanga standards) from the main "pueblo", but actually only 4 to 5 kms. away.  But, the big building dedicated to the High School students alone, in a large open area is enough compensation for this... a very ideal campus! Future plans also include transfer of the Grade School Department to this campus in another new building.   

Ateneo De Zamboanga University High School Campus... Can you see a glimpse of Mount Pulong Bato in the background?

Second Stop: Still within the ADZU HS Campus, we see a view of MOUNT PULONG BATO and adjacent MURUK.

Mount Pulong Bato or Pulungbato is a landmark in itself and is part of Zamboanga City's landscape. 

From the airport, from Basilan Strait and from many parts of the City, Mount Pulung Bato is very visible.

And indeed, the mountain has a dome contour and indeed made of stone, and is part of the Zamboanga City watershed area.

The rounded mountain made of stone is Mount Pulong Bato, considered as the biggest mountain within the city.

http://www.zambotimes.com/archives/5124-Watershed-transcends-boundaries.html

The Pasonanca watershed, the source of drinking water of Zamboanga City covers a land area of 12,107 hectares and a 5,307 hectares buffer zone which are all subject to actual survey.

http://www.mb.com.ph/node/323784/approval-water

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – The Lower House has approved, during its second reading, House Bill (HB) 422, “An Act establishing the Pasonanca Watershed Forest Reserve located in this city as protected area under the category of Natural Park and its peripheral areas as buffer zones."

Beside Mount Pulong Bato is the mountains of Barangay Muruk

http://www.zamboanga.com/z/index.php?title=Pasonanca_Zamboanga_City_Philippines

During the Christian holiday of Holy Week, thousands of people visit the holy cross near the top of Mt. Pulong Bato. On the way to the top about 50 to 75 meters apart are the 14 stations of the cross where the Christian faithful can pray or rest.

Third Stop: PASONANCA ROAD

This is close to the Zamboanga City Water District Treatment Plant and the Pasonanca Park Tree House. I love the shade the old tree gives and the character that the place has.

This is Pasonanca Road on the side of the PNPA (down below), with large and old trees giving shade!

Fourth Stop: PASONANCA PARK TREE HOUSE

Ever since we were kids, I remember this image in our Social Studies book and when I visited Zamboanga City for the first time, I really looked for the place.  Here is the Tree House... it looks small but it is well-maintained. 

The former Mayor, Maria Clara Lobregat made a larger multi-level tree house attached to a huge acacia tree in La Vista Del Mar.  

ZAMBOANGA TREE HOUSE Elizabeth Stafford Pasonanca Park Tree-House September 30, 1963

This is originally constructed as the "Youth Citizenship Training Center" in the 60s.

http://www.zamboanga.com/z/index.php?title=Zamboanga_City,_Philippines

Pasonanca Tree House: The pasonanca tree house is visited by thousands of visitor per year. For a minimum fee you can rent this tree house. Then you can boast to your friends that you spent the night in a tree house. It has all the amenities of a small motel room.

Originally constructed to be the "Youth Citizenship Training Center" in April of 1960 with the generous assistance of the city council.

Pasonanca to this date continues to represent the beautiful side of Zamboanga City.

Fifth Stop: BOY SCOUT GROUNDS 

The Boy Scout Grounds is the campsite for Boy Scouts and has the trademark teepees and an outdoor ampitheater. This is also located in the Pasonanca Park complex.

the lined green teepees are the hallmark of the Boy Scout Grounds

farther ahead is the ampitheater...

http://www.zamboanga.com/z/index.php?title=Pasonanca_Zamboanga_City_Philippines

The Boy Scout Grounds is a campsite for the Boy Scouts. It has an outdoor amphitheater. There are several teepees in the campground for camping. This campground is often visited by many scounting groups in the area. The Antonio M. Limbaga memorial training center is located here in Pasonanca.

Sixth Stop: ASTORIA REGENCY CONVENTION CENTER

Astoria Regency Convention Center is an imposing building located also in Pasonanca, quite close to the Pasonanca Park Tree House.

Astoria Regency is a popular venue for big conventions (maybe because it has the biggest hall at this time!), weddings, debuts, proms, company parties, concerts and the like, as well as smaller parties and seminars.

There is a small hotel within the complex, which is convenient for the guests who use the convention hall and other function rooms. 

It also has a swimming pool, where many families and friends come over just to swim.  

Since this is a quick stopover, I didn't go in to take a picture of the pool.

From the vantage point of Astoria Regency is this view of the ZAMBOANGA CONVENTION CENTER, which has passed it heyday! 

http://www.zamboanga.com/z/index.php?title=Pasonanca_Zamboanga_City_Philippines

The Zamboanga Convention Center is located fronting the Boy Scout Grounds, it was used for entertainment events and symposia. It has been the temporary regional office of the Department of Interior and Local Government at the basement of the convention center.

only the top of the Zamboanga Convention Center... but it has lost its luster and its original purpose!

Seventh Stop: CIUDAD MEDICAL ZAMBOANGA

From Pasonanca and Sta. Maria, I drove to Nuñez Extension and passed by Ciudad Medical Zamboanga.

Nuñez Extension is a relatively new road, but is now gradually filled with several businesses.

CMZ started its operations in October 18, 2003 and is now a 160-bed tertiary hospital and one of the largest hospitals in Zamboanga City.

From Wikipedia under Zamboanga City: Ciudad Medical Zamboanga - Is one of the most equipped and advanced medical center in the city. Ciudad Medical is a five-storey medical complex located at Nunez Extension.

Eighth Stop: ATENEO DE ZAMBOANGA UNIVERSITY MAIN CAMPUS

The ADZU Main Campus facade is located at La Purisima Street and its backfield opens to Nuñez Street, which connects Nuñez Extension. 

Within the ADZU Main is the Grade School Department as well as all the College departments, including the ADZU School of Medicine and this year, the Law School opened.

from Wikipedia: The Ateneo de Zamboanga University is a Catholic and Jesuit university in Western Mindanao. It is also known by the acronym AdZU. Founded by the Society of Jesus in 1912, it is the second oldest Jesuit school in the Philippines. It initially catered to primary and secondary education for boys. It became a college in 1952, and a university in August 2001. The Ateneo de Zamboanga began in 1912 as Escuela Catolica, a parochial school run by Spanish Jesuits at the old site of the Immaculate Conception Church, right across the Sunken Garden. Fr. Manuel Sauras, S.J. was the first director.^[1]

It operates two campuses. The main campus in La Purisima Street houses the Colleges and the Grade School, while the newly constructed campus, outsideZamboanga City proper holds the High School.

Ninth Stop: METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

Just beside ADZU Main Campus is the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, another main Zamboanga City landmark.

I remember the old Cathedral... and I remember in 1998, the demolition of the old cathedral and eventually, the making of the new Cathedral which I sort of documented.

• From Wikipedia: Modern Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception - Founded in 1810 as a parish located at the present day Universidad de Zamboanga campus, the Cathedral is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Zamboanga (created in 1910 as diocese and elevated in 1958 as an archdiocese). It is known as one of the most modern cathedrals in Asia, built in 1998-2001. The cathedral is located at La Purisima street. The cathedral's structure is a cruciform, resembling a cross and its facade is patterned after a candle (which is connected to the Blessed Virgin Mary).^[85]

A new landmark of Zamboanga City completed in December 1999. It is perhaps the country's most modern cathedral and the only one with an elevator. Summary: 2-storey Cathedral accessible by ramp & side stairs; Cruciform design accented elliptical/oval forms in the shape of candles - 3 at main entrance (foot of cruciform) and 1 each at 3 other ends of the cruciform Ground Floor: Area - 2,303.77 sq. m.; 400-500 capacity Day Chapel; 536 sq. m. Conference Room; 250 capacity Perpetual Adoration Chapel; 355 sq. m. Crypt; Public and Clergy Offices Second Floor: Area - 2,276.82 sq. m.; 1,600 to 2,000 capacity Main Cathedral; 250 each capacity Baptistry and Blessed Sacrament Chapel; 116 sq. m. Sacristy; highly proportional Sanctuary and Altar, elevated Bishop's Chair, ample area for Ordination ceremonies; approached by Front Ramps, side stairs, and winding stairs.

Did you know that the central round part of the stained glass was preserved from the old Immaculate Conception Church (ICC) and placed again to the central stained glass at the facade of the new Metropolitan Cathedral?

the stained glass of the Immaculate Conception came from the old Immaculate Conception Cathedral

This is the new Bell Tower, which was just inaugurated this year.

Tenth Stop: ZAMBOANGA CITY MEDICAL CENTER

This is the main government hospital of Zamboanga City and is a DOH retained hospital.

It has an American type of architecture and is sprawling.

However, in the recent years, the Tzu Chi Foundation has helped the ZCMC a lot, with two buildings, the Rehabilitation Medicine Building and the Eye Center with the Tzu Chi design. Thanks a lot to the moving forces of the Tzu Chi Zamboanga Chapter.  

from Wikipedia: Zamboanga City Medical Center - Is the largest medical facility in Region IX in terms of bed capacity. The hospital was founded in 1918 as the Zamboanga General Hospital; better known simply as "General Hospital", is located in the corner of Veterans Avenue-Fort Pilar road.

Zamboanga City Medical Center

ZCMC Tzu Chi Great Love Rehabilitation Center and Annex

ZCMC Tzu Chi Great Love Eye Center

For me, Zamboanga City has lots of facets... the Filipino, Spanish, American, Muslim and modern influences rolled into one. I have still another set of images of Zamboanga City...