Tuesday, August 30, 2011

SAN RAFAEL... A BEAUTIFUL SANCTUARY

The facade of San Rafael Parish Church in Pasay City

The beautiful retablo mayor as well as the altar of the Sacred Heart of Jesus gleam in gold
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Rev. Fr. Rey A. Cruz as he delivers the homily during High Mass. Beside him is the altar of San Rafael the archangel with the young Tobias.

An image of the Risen Christ, along with other reproductions of famous artworks on the life of Jesus Christ, line the upper wall of the central nave.

The icon of Nuestra Senora del Rosario with Baby Jesus attracts devotees to the church's left inner aisle.

A stained glass interpretation of Jesus, Mary and the three archangels San Rafael, San Miguel and San Gabriel guards the choir loft.

The central nave of the church with the golden retablo mayor and two side altars present a striking spectacle viewed from the choir loft.

The belfry with Belgian carillon bells signals the beginning and the end of every mass.

In a country dotted with numerous Catholic churches that date back to the 16th century when the Christian faith took root in these tropical islands, San Rafael in Park Avenue, Pasay City is by no means old. At 60, it is a church wrapped in relative stillness. Unlike the capacious shrines of devotion that can accommodate scores of believers, it is compactly built. Therein lies its irresistible charm. Diminutive in scale but immense in beauty, one can sit inside for hours, train the eyes on various decorative details that evoke delight, and feel the presence of God more acutely.

Commanding attention and creating a breathtaking sight is the gleaming retablo mayor that harks back to the days of Spanish colonial rule when churches were not simply places of worship but intricate paeans to the Catholic faith.

San Rafael’s retablo is slim and less elaborate but eye-catching in the graceful fluidity of its lines. Made of carved wood, it incorporates various design elements—such as fluted colonnades, baroque-inspired scroll work on the upper wings, and lattice work that act as a linear background to the niches.

On days when the sun shines brightly, the altars catch the rays and reflect the light into the church—appearing ablaze with the sun’s own fire and bathing the altar and nave in golden light. On cool, rainy days, they provide muted warmth and a soft glow that inspire quiet reflection and a deep communion with God.

Text and photos by Vix Sev

Monday, August 29, 2011

GOING LOCO OVER COCO BEACH

Me (on the right) with one of my bestfriends and technical director Nathan on our way to Coco Beach in Puerto Galera.

About halfway between Batangas and Mindoro is this deserted crag with a lone lighthouse on top.

The first inviting treat at Coco Beach Island Resort: a nipa hut with a spacious bedroom complete with a mosquito net gracefully hanging from the ceiling.

Or one can sleep on the hammock and be lulled by the incessant twitter of birds.

The sea laps at the white sand beach at Coco Beach.

Commune with nature... or catch up on the zzzzs while being caressed by the soft sea breeze.

Coco Beach has a large swimming pool surrounded by restaurants and bars.

Mom watches carefully as her kids enjoy a dip in the cool waters of the pool.

Away from the raucous clamor at the large pool, the Silence Pool atop a hill offers peace and quiet.

Over at the boutique, shoppers can grab an assortment of buys--including these beautiful necklaces made of corals and semi-precious stones.

There is even a small corner gallery which puts on display a collection of fine artworks.

The shirt kiosk has an eye-catching ceiling that mimics the surface of the sea complete with a school of tropical fishes.

One last glimpse of Coco Beach Island Resort's crystal clear waters, luxuriant vegetation and white-sand beach before the ferry pushes for Manila. The holiday is over... for now.

Caught between blue sea and lush mountains, Coco Beach Island Resort in Puerto Galera offers the best of both worlds.

On the one hand, it is mountain hideaway tucked between lush gardens, coconut groves and tropical rainforest. The cool breezes wafting from the mountains fan the nipa huts that serve as cozy accommodations. The floor of narrow bamboo slats, the nipa roof, sawali walls, capiz windows and furniture made of thick bamboo trunks offer a luxurious native sanctuary. One can lie down on the bed, or nestle on the woven hammock and enjoy a quiet shuteye lulled by the twitter of birds or the rustling of the leaves.

On the other, it is also a water paradise ringed by a white-sand beach and lapped by clear waters. One can gambol in the large swimming pool along with countless shrieking kids, or enjoy the serenity of the Silence Pool on a hillside garden where whispering, rather than loud talking, is observed. Here, it is best to turn off the mobile phone and take pleasure from the stillness of the surroundings.

At Coco Beach Island Resort, a thousand and one delights await holiday makers. Whether one is in quest for a relaxing communion with nature, a thrilling time exploring natural wonders, a luxurious get-away with all manner of creature comforts and the most superb culinary indulgences, or a rejuvenating down time in the middle of a tropical paradise, Coco Beach Island Resort has the perfect spot waiting to be experienced and enjoyed.

Coco Beach Island Resort’s Booking office is at Unit A, Ramona Apartments, 1555 M. Adriatico St., Malate, Manila. Phone numbers are (+63)2 521.5260, (+63)2 526.4594 and (+63)2 528.0864. Or email: info@cocobeach.com. For reservations, log on to reservation@cocobeach.com. Visit www.cocobeach.com for more information. Special group and corporate arrangements are available; just contact a sales representative at sales@cocobeach.com.

Text & photos by Vix Sev