Blessed in Bulacan

Because of Ellen de Generes's Twittter breaking celeb selfie, #blessed has come to be associated with gathering as many stars as you can into one photo. Of course, blessings come in many forms. For me, it recently came in a day full of quiet joys and unexpected treasures. Call it coincidence; call it lightheaded thinking from meatless Fridays, or perhaps just some Divine Intervention. Some friends and I wanted to do a pilgrimage, and a road trip as well and I was tasked with doing the research. My best friend Angelette said, "Let's go to Bulacan, it's near enough to be back in a day." I thought of Barsoain Church, and as I searched online, discovered that a few meters away was equally historic and architecturally significant Malolos Cathedral or formally named the Basilica Minore de la Immaculada Concepcion.

Barasoain Church was built in the 1630, and then witness to three major event in our history, the convening of the First Philippine Congress, the drafting of the Philippine Constitution and the declaration of the First Philippine Republic. It has a serene majesty, and though burned in the Revolution, has been wonderfully restored. Malolos Cathedral is slightly older as it was constructed in 1591, of light materials, and finally completed in1740. In 1813, it was destroyed by a fire, and then rebuilt; but then it was severely damaged by an earthquake in 1863. Emilio Aguinaldo used it as the first seat of his government. Its super fresh paint job is a bit discordant with its NeoClassic architecture, but its soaring dome asserts its presence and heritage. The Stations of the Cross were kept in the original Spanish. It gives hope to our Boholano kababayans that their landmark churches can emerge from last year's devastation, as these Bulacan monuments have also survived these tectonic shifts.

It is mind boggling to think how old these churches are because there are signs of life everywhere: baptismal and mass schedules; wedding banns; and constant cleaning, perhaps in preparation for Holy Week. And it filled my heart and soul to know that though many of our beautiful buildings have been torn down indiscriminately, these churches have been so painstakingly and lovingly restored.

Angelette had read about a local resto Kabisera, and we headed there after offering our prayers in both churches. My sister, the architect called it Pinoy Shabby Chic. Maybe it was more shabby than chic, but we left satisfied. With some authentic dirty ice cream, care of the local manong whom we followed on the subdivision's streets, I felt uplifted in body, mind and spirit.

Malolos Cathedral, Basilica Minore de la Imacolada Concepcion.

The Malolos Cathedral's immaculate ceiling

The dome of Malolos Cathedral.

Malolos Cathedral altar with the statue of the Immaculate Conception

La Imaculada Concepcion statue at Malolos Cathedral

Heads bowed in prayer.

Malolos Cathedral interiors

Malolos Cathedral - the Stations of the Cross are in Spanish.

"In the beginning was the Word." Gospel of St John. Ceiling of Malolos Cathedral.

Malolos Cathedral finely carved doors

These plants must be watered with holy water, as they are lush and blooming even in the summer heat. Landscaping at Malolos Cathedral.

Pilgrimage

Barasoain Church altar

Main altar, Barasoain Church, Malolos, Bulacan.

Barasoain ceiling

Barasoain Church's intricately carved main door & Romanesque facade

Floor detail in the pathways outside Barasoin Church.

Excursionistas ang peg!

Kabisera Restaurant. Pinoy shabby chic in Bulacan

Local flavor. Foyer of Kabisera, a restaurant specializing in home cooking.

Feelin' the blues.

It's more fun on the floor!

Reflections

Come to my window.

Provincial providence.