Rizal Shrine Calamba

June 9, 2013: The Philippines is celebrating it's 115th Independence day this coming June 12.  We had brought the kids to Calamba Laguna to see the birthplace of our our national hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal.  His ancestral house was restored to its previous glory which stands beside the Calamba church and infront of the municipal hall.

It was a memorable trip down history lane.

Tayabas Quezon Roadtrip

June 2, 2012: On a rainy weekend, we drove all the way to Tayabas Quezon.  It was a 138 kilometer drive south of Luzon from Antipolo City via the backdoor route.  After 3 hours of lush green scenery we reached our destination, The Minor Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel.  It is the largest Catholic church in Quezon province.  Built during the Spanish colonial era, it is now considered as one of the most beautiful churches in the country.

 
 

Surprised that a replica of the Black Nazarene was waiting for us inside the church, we paused and prayed for his continued guidance.

 

We spent the night at Batis Aramin in Lucban and heard the Sunday morning mass at the Kamay ni Hesus shrine which was just across the street before driving back home.