The Bells Are Ringing!

Most Filipinos are well known as Catholics. According to CIA, 82.9% of the Filipino population that's currently residing in Philippines are Catholics. With that being said, did you know that there are approximately 137 Catholic Churches in the Philippines?

There are a number of different churches and basilicas that are often visited due to their intricate and very historic architectural features. These churches were not only made by Filipinos, but a mixture of different cultures like Japanese, American, Chinese, Malays and Hindus, but mainly influenced by the Spaniards.
It was during the Spanish colonial era when the Filipinos were introduced to the European architecture. This type of architecture was first used to build the San Agustin Church in the capital city of the Philippines, Manila. This church was specifically designed to withstand earthquakes and fires with the consideration of the past occurrences.



Another church that is greatly recognized from the Philippines is the Parish of the Holy Sacrifice. This is known as the first circular church in the Philippines. This church was specifically planned in order to accommodate at least 1,000 people at the same time. The Parish of the Holy Sacrifice is designed with a marble altar located in the middle of the church, surrounded by rows and rows of pews.

There are obviously way more churches in the Philippines, but I only have so much time to post about it! Let me know if you guys are interested with other churches, and I’ll definitely post about them :)!

Flowers? What flowers?

Philippines, the country made up of 7107 Islands. Yes, 7107! As most of you may already know, Philippines isn't the coldest country in the world, but it does have a cold province!

Baguio, aka the Summer Capital of the Philippines is known to be the place to escape to when one is in need of a fresh, cold, breeze of air. It may not be -15°C, but it's definitely cold enough to stop sweating buckets!

Despite of the chilly weather, an interesting sight can still thrive at least once a year...flowers! Baguio City holds a yearly event for the entire month of February known as the Panagbenga Festival. Panagbenga, which means a season of blooming in Kankanaey (one of the many dialects in Philippines), started in 1995. Panagbenga was established in order to provide hope to its citizens after the earthquake that occurred in 1990. Many might say that it's known as "a season of blooming" because of the flowers, but I'd like to think that the flowers aren't the only reason. In my opinion, the flowers aren't the only ones that are blooming, but Baguio City as a whole as well. Oh! Before I forget, the Panagbenga Festival doesn't just showcase the beauty of the flowers, but also the talents of the traditional street dancers in the Philippines!

I hope that the videos I've posted below can help you visualize the state that Baguio City was in after the earthquake in 1990 and compare it to how Baguio City looks like now during the Panagbenga Festival.



Amazing right?! One the characteristics that I admire about Filipinos are their ability to pick up the pieces of anything that is broken and turn it into something beautiful. There have been a lot of natural and "not-so-natural" disasters that have occurred in the Philippines, yet they always seem to pick themselves back up somehow. This is why I can honestly say that my hope for the Philippines blooms along with the Panagbenga Festival ;)