Typhoon Maring

Four days of severe rain in metro Manila. Our hotel area didn't have any flooding but it did pour rain 24/7 throughout the storm. The wind sounded like 10 jets zooming past our window. We can now say we have experienced both a typhoon and monsoon.... at the same time. Other areas were severely flooded, praying for the families that lost so much during the storm. Its rainy season in the Philippines so more storms are expected but hopefully not as severe as Typhoon Maring.

Within the Walls

When I visited Manila for a weekend during our Saigon season I had hoped to visit the Manila Cathedral. Unfortunately it was closed for renovations-- now eight months later it is STILL CLOSED. Manila Cathedral is located within Intramuros. Intramuros is a historical part of Manila, where the Spanish government held control of the Philippines. Intramuros means "within the walls" because the small city like area is surrounded by the original walls built by the Spanish.

Manila Cathedral

The security in Intramuros are dressed in the colonial Spanish times uniform.

St Agustin church

St. Agustin Church (the picture above) was built in 1607 and was declared a National Historical Landmark by the Philippine government in 1976.

The interior of St Agustine

Altar boys still wear their traditional outfits in St Agustine

Cobblestone streets and colonial style buildings

Spanish home within Intramuros

Black Nazarene

The majority of Filipino people are Catholic which means there are plenty of Catholic churches to visit.

I first visited Quiapo Church- famous for its Black Nazarene- a black statute of Jesus that many believe has the power to perform miracles. When I entered the church I was overwhelmed by the faith of the churchgoers. Many people had their hands reached in to the air as if hoping to touch the Black Nazarene, well out of our reach. I feel privileged that I was able to see the Black Nazarene in person and share my prayers with God in this holy space.

Philippines! First Stop Volcano Island!

Dior and I visited Tagay Tay Volcano on our first venture out of Manila. Sadly, my camera died on the drive up the Volcano viewpoint. I was only able to snap a few photos but I'm okay with that... the memory will stay with me forever. My first volcano visit!!!

Thank you Google images!

Can't see the volcano because the fog rolled in but it was in the backdrop... incredible volcano island!!

Fruit Stand in Tagay Tay

Senoritas!! Little sweet bananas! YUUUUM!