PromdiTarlac News Blog: Travel

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Tarlac Monastery a Must Visit Church this Holy Week

A religious edifice in the Province of Tarlac, where the shrine of the sacred Relic of the True Cross is located, and cited by the Department of Tourism (DOT) as one of the places to go this coming Holy Week.

The Monasterio de Tarlac in Barangay Lubigan in San Jose, Tarlac as the most revered pilgrimage site in Central Luzon on account of its spiritual prominence.

The site is one of the center of spirituality this coming Holy Week. It is here where The Church of the Risen Christ, which houses silver reliquary where the authentic fragment of the Wooden Cross, is located.

The church is under the ministerial care of the Servants of the Risen Christ, a monastic congregation led by its Prior, Frater Ronald Thomas "Archie" Cortez. The religious brothers, or Frater to the Catholic community, are clothed with a divine vow to live a life of monasticism and contemplation.

It was in 2005 when Msgr. Volker Bauer from Germany during the World Youth Day celebration offered to give to Prior Cortez the sacred relic long after the churches in Europe underwent radical transformation due to the advent of communism and were being closed down to give way to museums and warehouses.

And on Jan. 29, 2007, Bauer flew in with the relic and brought it first to Clark in Pampanga and finally to the monasterio in Tarlac for dedication. The historic event was conducted by the Papal Nuncio to the Philippines, Most Rev. Fernando Filoni, Tarlac Bishop Florentino Cinense, and members of the clergy.

The reliquary is known to be the only one in the entire Asia.

MORE PHOTOS HERE!
The veneration of the True Cross finds its origin in the legend of Helena. According to Christian tradition, when Emperor Constantine granted religious freedom to Christians in the Roman Empire in 313 A.D., his mother Queen Helena, later in 326 A.D., made pilgrimage to the Holy Land to locate those places sacred to Christians and find the Cross of Jesus.

With the help of Christians there, she found many places where Jesus lived, and carried out his ministry.

Queen Helena had churches built in many of these sacred sites like the Tomb of the Holy Sepulchre, the Calvary, and the Nativity, among others.

She also found the True Cross, buried under a pagan temple, the nails, and the title that was affixed to the Cross.

She is said to have verified the true cross among the three that were unearthed through miracles (a dead girl was restored to life when touched by the True Cross). She left part of the Cross in Jerusalem, gave part to her son in Constantinople, and took part back to Rome where the Church of the Holy Cross of Jerusalem was built.

Pieces of the Cross were venerated as holy relics and fragments were given as gifts to many churches in Europe.

The sprawling monastery with dormitory and viewing decks offers a commanding view of the mountainous terrain of the towns of Tarlac nearby and the imposing 30-feet Statue of the Risen Christ.

The 278-hectare Tarlac Ecotourism Park, where the moasterio is located, was developed by Former Governor turn Congressman Jose "Aping" Yap as his legacy to Tarlaquenos. Visitors are attracted to the place on account of its cool mountain air, presence of natural springs, flora and wildlife, and outdoor living activities.

How to Get There

From Manila, take North Luzon Expressway (Nlex), exit at Sta. Ines Toll Plaza in Mabalacat, Pampanga. Proceed north to Tarlac City. Upon reaching Barangay San Sebastian (Hon Kee Tea House), take a left turn to the bypass road (Tarlac-Pangasinan) towards the town of Camiling. Follow the 36-kilometer backcountry but well-paved road to Barangay Lubigan in San Jose, Tarlac.

For more information, contact Frater Thomas Mary Lawrence at mobile no. 0917-9328738 or e-mail monasteriotarlac@yahoo.com.
www.tarlacmonastery.com

[Photos via Monasterio de tarlac]

Shangri-La's Boracay the first five-star international Resort and Spa

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts has expanded its global portfolio of luxury hotels with the opening of a new hotel in the Philippines.

The first five-star international resort on Boracay Island, Shangri-La's Boracay Resort and Spa brings new dimensions in luxury and leisure to the tropical destination.

The 219-room resort features 36 villas and suites. Located in the northern part of Boracay Island, the resort's secluded setting includes 350 metres of pristine beachfront and 12 hectares of grounds that are home to a number of interesting and rare wildlife species.

The resort features a wide range of dining facilities, including Rima, an intimate fine dining restaurant on a hilltop offering sweeping views of the ocean and forest, serving authentic northern Italian cuisine beneath the stars. The seafood restaurant, Sirena, offers fresh favourites from a cliff top overlooking the sea while the Solana Sunset Bar becomes the hub of activity after dark, where guests can lounge in cabanas and mingle over cocktails to the hypnotic music.

The resort is designed by renowned Hawaii-based architect firm, WATG, and the interior by Singapore-based LTW Design Works. The spacious guestrooms and villas, all finely furnished and finished with ethnic Filipino decor and native materials.

Each room connects to a balcony where guests can relax and take in panoramic views of the world-famous beach. Villas include private lap pool, outdoor shower, a pergola for outdoor dining, and a day bed for relaxation or massage.

Guests looking to soothe their travel-weary senses can find their sanctuary in CHI, the spa at Shangri-La, a 6,000-square-metre spa village.

The resort is situated within a peaceful nature reserve with 75 species of plants on the ravines, cliffs and seashore. Other recreational facilities include a health club, one of the country's largest free-form swimming pools, a marine centre, a water sports pavilion and two outdoor tennis courts and an entertainment zone for adults and children alike.

The resort also provides meeting and banqueting facilities including an outdoor, oceanfront wedding pavilion.
[via Shangri-La's Boracay Resort and Spa ]

Belenismo sa Tarlac

(Update)
TARLAC CITY has announced Its 2nd Belen Making Competition.The competition called
"The Art of Making Belen" This campaign is to gain an annual tourist attraction for Tarlac.A project that seeks to transform the province into the “Belen Capital of the Philippines”.

What does Belenismo mean?
Spanish means the art of making Belen, a representation of the Nativity scene in which the Holy Family (Joseph, Mary and the infant Jesus Christ) is visited by the three wise men who came to the manger through the guidance of a star.

This year’s Belen Festival ran from November-January 6.

I have my a digital camera now,so here are some pictures.

Municipality of Moncada Tarlac
100_0353 by you.

Greenhouse in Paniqui Tarlac
100_0349 by you.

Municipality of Paniqui Tarlac
mmmmmmmmmmb by you.

Municipality of Victoria Tarlac
vvvvv by you.

more photos in edzhstarblog.multiply.com

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St. Luke's Medical Center in Fort Bonifacio

As we pass the fort bonifacio goin' to NCMH mandaluyong city, I saw the construction of the second new St. Luke's Hospital at the Fort Bonifacio Global City, the country's newest business district.

The new St. Luke's Hospital will have two towers: a 14-storey, 600-bed hospital building; and a Medical Arts Building that will house 375 doctors' offices.

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Boracay Island | Best Beach Resort

Hey you! have you ever been in Boracay Island?If not,You should read this entry.
Boracay is one of the Best Philippine Beach Resort and also Amanpulo a luxury beach resort in the Philippines. BTW Boracay Island is known for its nightlife & parties, but aside from that there is more to explore of the island. There are caves to explore, resorts, the long white beach to stroll on, not to mention the fun atv ride to the highest point of the island! But what loved about the place is the carefree attitude of the people there, where one’s goal is to have fun and not think about work, or time constraints. There is the exploration of marine life by scuba/snorkel & reef walking on the small islands that surround Boracay. There are caves to explore, the long white beach to stroll on, not to mention the fun atv ride to the highest point of the island! But what loved about the place is the carefree attitude of the people there, where one’s goal is to have fun and not think about work, or time constraints. You can just let go and have the best time of your life!

Getting there is easy, as flights to nearby island Caticlan flies almost every hour & the boat ride to the island takes only around 15 minutes. People there are very accommodating, even helping you climb the boat while balancing your bags. On the island, transportation is mainly tricycle but only on the main road. No vehicles are allowed on the beaches so one has to walk towards their resort. But walking is fun, you get to see the sights & sounds and truly feel Boracay. When the sun is up, you have all the outdoor activities, and when the sun is down, bars and parties come alive on the white beach. I’d definitely recommend it to people who wants to really have a vacation, and forget the stresses of life & those who want to have fun!

But there is also a side to Boracay that only few people know. For people, who don’t like the parties and the crowd, there are places there that are not found on the crowded white beach where one can relax and feel as one with nature. It is peaceful and at the same time relaxing just to sit down and all you can hear are the crashing waves, feeling as if you are the only person there.
For beach lovers, this is a great place to explore. One can go to Boracay and not bring anything they needed for you can always shop there, from groceries, to toiletries, to beachwear, all is there!Boracay is a must-go place for people out to have fun in their life & experience a different kind of lifestyle than the norm. Experience the best beaches here!

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The Palm Jumeirah

Palm Jumeirah has everything you need to enjoy a wonderful holiday break. World famous hotel names, amazing tourist attractions, luxury fashion and shopping malls are starting to open up. Whether you just want to relax or immerse yourself in an exciting world of leisure and entertainment, this is a truly inspirational holiday destination.

Visitors will come to enjoy the magnificent sunsets, unwind in the spas, pools and gardens and eat out at the fine selection of restaurants. There's a wide range of daytime activities, including water sports, aquariums, theme parks and of course miles of beautiful beaches. And at night the bars, clubs and shows will offer plenty of fun and amusement. So why not come and explore the endless possibilities Palm Jumeirah has to offer you.

Monorail
Palm Jumeirah's advanced monorail system will provide a direct link to the airport and mainland Dubai.

Palm Mall
Be swept up in the glamour and luxury of this unforgettable shopping mall.

Shark Tank
Experience the exhilarating Ziggurat tower slide through a shark-filled lagoon.

Mega Yacht Area
This impressive marina will be one of the finest in the world, with berths for 700 boats.

Restaurant, Trump International Hotel and Tower
The Sky Restaurant sits atop this 62-storey tower and boasts some of the most breathtaking views of Palm Jumeirah.

Satellite View of Palm Jumeirah

Terrain View from Google Map

Map View

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New Nature Wonders

Tubbataha Reef
PHILIPPINES
Tubbataha Reef is an atoll coral reef in the Sulu Sea that belongs to the Philippines. It is a marine sanctuary protected as Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park.

The reef is composed of two atolls, North and South Reefs. Each reef has a single small islet that protrudes from the water. The atolls are separated by a deep channel 8 kilometers wide. Over one thousand species, including many that are endangered, can be found at on the reef. These include manta rays, lionfish, tortoises, clownfish and sharks.

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
PHILIPPINES
The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is located about 50 km north of the city of Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines. It features a limestone karst mountain landscape with an 8.2 km. navigable underground river. A distinguishing feature of the river is that it winds through a cave before flowing directly into the South China Sea. It includes major formations of stalactites and stalagmites, and several large chambers. The lower portion of the river is subject to tidal influences. The underground river is reputed to be the world's longest. At the mouth of the cave, a clear lagoon is framed by ancient trees growing right to the water's edge. Monkeys, large monitor lizards, and squirrels find their niche on the beach near the cave.

Chocolate Hills
PHILIPPINES
The Chocolate Hills is an unusual geological formation in Bohol, Philippines. It is composed of around 1,268 perfectly cone-shaped hills, all about the same size, spread over an area of more than 50 sq km The hills are covered in green grass that turns brown during the dry season, giving them the name ''Chocolate Hills

Mayon Volcano
PHILIPPINES
Mayon Volcano is an active volcano on the Filipino island of Luzon, 15 km northwest of Legazpi City.It is classified by volcanologists as a stratovolcano (composite volcano). Its symmetric cone was formed through alternate pyroclastic and lava flows. Mayon is the most active volcano in the country, having erupted over 47 times in the past 400 years, and is a part of what is called the Pacific Ring of Fire.

Philippine's Wonders Nomeenee

Tubbataha Reef
PHILIPPINES
Tubbataha Reef is an atoll coral reef in the Sulu Sea that belongs to the Philippines. It is a marine sanctuary protected as Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park. The reef is composed of two atolls, North and South Reefs. Each reef has a single small islet that protrudes from the water. The atolls are separated by a deep channel 8 kilometers wide. Over one thousand species, including many that are endangered, can be found at on the reef. These include manta rays, lionfish, tortoises, clownfish and sharks.

7107 Islands Cruise Ship

Philippines' 7107 Islands Cruise Ship
The Luxury Cruises throughout the Philippines' Islands is just about here!

Experience the warm waters of the Philippine coastline as the 1st cruise ship to explore under the Philippine flag offers the most spectacular views of the unexplored waters surrounding Puerto Galera, Boracay, Coron, and Palawan to start. Bohol and Cebu are soon to follow. The ship will stop over 1-2 days on each island.

The 7107 Islands Cruise ship will start taking passengers on late summer of 2008,leaving from Manila bay.
Theres 137 rooms offered w/c could fit 400 guests and they would be pampered with 5 star hotel facilities aboard.
This cruise ship has 137 bedroom cabins and able to hold up to 400 guests on each cruise.It would cost around 5,500php and this would be good for a day per person.

Amenities

Bar
Gym
Internet
Pool
Spa

more information about the cruise ship will come here soon!

Amanpulo Luxury Beach Resort

A private luxury island,where luxurious white sand is indulged by the lap of crystal H2O, where sky and sea meet as one, where palms bow to vermillion bougainvillea in tropically kissed phytophagous, where nature’s hand streaks the sun’s iridescence on its ungoverned canvas, where night skies are praised beside the crackle of a ‘tepee’ bonfire, where sleep is immersed in untouched white, where luxury is identified by its earth given radiance, where peacecherished its island host. This place is Amanpulo, in the Palawan Philippines, a realization of a dream.

About

Amanpulo island is hidden, being private, and offers a diversity of sea, sand and tropical island–pleasures, in exclusive comfort and in traditionally designed accommodation.This luxury resort is an getaway from the markings of mankind and is a dive into island life where nature has been unhumbledly glorious. Amanpulo island is secluded, being private, and offers a variety of sea, sand and tropical island-retreat–pleasures, in exclusive comfort and in traditionally styled accommodation. Amanpulo or, ‘peaceful island’, honours its island host, respecting the natural elements with a profoundly ‘South Seas’ interpretation. The 40 Beach, Hillside and Treetop Casitas are modelled on authentic bahay kubo dwellings, each with its own golf cart for island exploration.

This romantically seclude island caters for those who wish to ‘hammock’ and beach comb their days in paradise, and for those who seek an active agenda, involving a myriad of maritime adventures as well as tennis, a high-tec air-conditioned gym, and taking languid lengths in the resort’s 30m serene pool. The open-air Garden and Beach Salas are discreetly secluded for pleasurable holistic body treatments.