tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83925404703662480802026-05-22T19:12:03.024+08:00Filipino SojournerLife and AdventuresIshmael F. Ahabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07278928907562589208noreply@blogger.comBlogger853125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392540470366248080.post-27120811319907954602026-04-05T17:12:00.012+08:002026-04-11T17:49:50.912+08:00Visita Iglesia: Archdiocesan Shrine of Jesus, the Way, the Truth and the Life (Pasay City)“Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life” - as we end this year’s Lenten Season let us contemplate on this mystery by checking out this church located just across Ikea in SM Mall of Asia (MOA).The Shrine of Jesus the Way, the Truth, and the Life is the church nearest to SM MOA, which is perfect for mall employees and shoppers to unwind and relax their weary spirit.As for me, I make it a point Ishmael F. Ahabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07278928907562589208noreply@blogger.com0Archdiocesan Shrine of Jesus, Coral Way, Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines14.5307223 120.9822265-13.779511536178845 85.8259765 42.840956136178846 156.1384765tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392540470366248080.post-86839750783160768492026-04-04T20:03:00.009+08:002026-04-11T16:50:23.156+08:00Visita Iglesia: National Shrine of Saint Padre Pio (Santo Tomas, Batangas)I have been listening to podcasts about Padre Pio of Pietrelcina lately. What struck me is that Padre Pio seems to have existed in a plane beyond the physical realm. He saw angels and devils, he perceived the state of the souls of the people he met, and he was able to see the impact of human actions not only on his or her soul but also to others.That’s why I am blessed that I was able to visit Ishmael F. Ahabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07278928907562589208noreply@blogger.com0National Shrine of Saint Padre Pio, 35GG+Q3Q, San Pablo, Santo Tomas, Batangas, Philippines14.0760093 121.1782467-18.266975626245085 86.021996700000017 46.41899422624509 156.3344967tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392540470366248080.post-86679098925292763382026-04-03T08:41:00.010+08:002026-04-05T12:11:22.887+08:00Visita Iglesia: Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar (Santa Cruz, Manila)It was 12 years ago when I did a virtual Visita Iglesia of Santa Cruz Church in Manila. For that many years I witnessed this church change from white to brown-orange then back to immaculate white. Spiritually, this church grew from a simple parish in Santa Cruz to minor basilica dedicate to Our Lady of the Pillar.I am always drawn to this church simply because this is the only church that I Ishmael F. Ahabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07278928907562589208noreply@blogger.com0Plaza Sta. Cruz, Santa Cruz, Manila, 1008 Metro Manila, Philippines14.5995166 120.9803612-13.710717236178846 85.8241112 42.909750436178847 156.1366112tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392540470366248080.post-42385949098985679262026-04-02T16:50:00.003+08:002026-04-05T12:08:09.220+08:00Visita Iglesia: Caleruega’s Transfiguration Chapel (Nasugbu, Batangas)From a church in San Mateo, Rizal that has a red brick facade let us now do a virtual Visita Iglesia to a famous chapel in Nasugbu, Batangas that stands out because of its red brick walls. This chapel is popularly known as the best church for weddings in Nasugbu: the Transfiguration Chapel a.k.a. Caleruega Church.Our family visited this church on a whim enroute home from a beach outing in Calayo,Ishmael F. Ahabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07278928907562589208noreply@blogger.com04231 Caleruega Road, Nasugbu, Batangas, Philippines14.0714675 120.8359022-14.238766336178845 85.6796522 42.38170133617885 155.99215220000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392540470366248080.post-19681762353674279582026-04-01T23:40:00.002+08:002026-04-05T12:07:57.863+08:00Visita Iglesia: National Shrine of Our Lady of Aranzazu (San Mateo, Rizal)Of the many titles given to Mama Mary, the one that always makes me wonder is her title as Our Lady of Aranzazu. Aranzazu what? Is it a place? Is it a thing? Is it related to Zazu, the servant of the Lion King? The trigger of my questions is the church in San Mateo, Rizal known as the National Shrine of Our Lady of Aranzazu.The source of the Marian title of Our Lady of Aranzazu is mystical Ishmael F. Ahabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07278928907562589208noreply@blogger.com01850, Gen. Luna Ave, San Mateo, Rizal, Philippines14.695589 121.117529-13.614644836178845 85.961279 43.005822836178844 156.273779tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392540470366248080.post-14688358374502070412026-03-31T23:55:00.002+08:002026-04-05T12:07:46.857+08:00Visita Iglesia: Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Church (Boracay Island)When people say “Boracay” the images that conjure up in my mind are the white sand beach, calm sea, beautiful sunsets, and party people enjoying the cool nights with their friends. Going to a church will not be included in the list of activities of tourists going to Boracay. That’s why I am glad to discover that a Catholic church exists in this touristy island paradise.This church is the Our LadyIshmael F. Ahabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07278928907562589208noreply@blogger.com0Boracay, Malay, Aklan, Philippines11.9673753 121.924815-16.342858536178845 86.768565 40.277609136178846 157.081065tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392540470366248080.post-31160839133139295492026-03-30T23:33:00.002+08:002026-04-05T12:07:33.949+08:00Visita Iglesia: Nuestra Señora de Gracia Church (Guadalupe Viejo, Makati)“Lakad nang lakad” — this is how I was described by a colleague during one of our work trips in South Korea.It is true. I have a habit of walking short and long distances, even if riding a bus or jeepney is more convenient. My reason for walking is for health because it is a good exercise. Another reason is that walking allows me to discover hidden gems that cannot be seen if I am inside a Ishmael F. Ahabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07278928907562589208noreply@blogger.com07440, 1211 Bernardino, Makati, Kalakhang Maynila, Philippines14.5662595 121.0432539-13.743974336178846 85.8870039 42.876493336178847 156.1995039tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392540470366248080.post-11775225796733400622026-03-29T22:34:00.002+08:002026-04-05T12:07:22.758+08:00Visita Iglesia: Saint Michael the Archangel Church (BGC, Taguig)I treat churches in the city as my spiritual oasis that brings me comfort from the chaos of city life. These churches serve as my rest stop where I can stay for free rather than going to coffee shops with their overpriced sugar-loaded drinks.That’s why I was glad when I stumbled upon Saint Michael the Archangel Church in the middle of Bonifacio Global City (BGC).I was awed the moment I saw the Ishmael F. Ahabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07278928907562589208noreply@blogger.com01928 10th Ave, Taguig, Metro Manila, Philippines14.5599521 121.0552038-13.750281736178845 85.8989538 42.870185936178842 156.21145380000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392540470366248080.post-55784224527691726832026-03-12T18:19:00.003+08:002026-03-12T18:19:58.231+08:00Algorithmic Bias and the News on Iran WarThe current war in the Middle East spurred me to watch news and latest updates in Youtube as I no longer rely on free TV or newspaper. The news outlet that I clicked first is Fox News and from that moment on Youtube just give me video clips from Fox. I have to scroll a lot to find other news outlets like BBC. The CNN? Nada, they don't appear in my Youtube feed.The algorithm machine of Ishmael F. Ahabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07278928907562589208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392540470366248080.post-354455382343948032025-09-23T16:06:00.002+08:002025-09-23T16:06:43.785+08:00Scam or Not? Crown Regency Hotel Free 3 Days and 2 Nights OfferDays after attending the PhilMarine Expo at SMX Mall of Asia I received the following text message:Hi, Maam/Sir. We just want to know if you're still interested to claim your ULTIMATE VACATION CERTIFICATE? (3days & 2nights in CROWN REGENCY HOTEL & RESORTS in BORACAY, CEBU and DAVAO. Good for 2ADULTS & 2KIDS and NO EXPIRATI0N DATE. Our company still giving you a chance to claim it ON Ishmael F. Ahabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07278928907562589208noreply@blogger.com01026 Antonio Arnaiz Ave, Village, Makati City, 1223 Metro Manila, Philippines14.5485601 121.0248184-13.761673736178846 85.8685684 42.858793936178841 156.18106840000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392540470366248080.post-6224977065585704032025-07-30T22:10:00.001+08:002025-07-30T22:10:30.917+08:00Feels Like the Netherlands: Our Wedding Anniversary Date in Crosswinds Tagaytay
Tagaytay — the city where me and My Beloved Wife has fond memories. This is
the city, aside from Metro Manila and our hometown in Laguna, where we had our
dates. Picnic Grove, Palace in the Sky, and many restaurants — we visited them
all as a couple.
So, for our wedding anniversary, we went up to Tagaytay again for a date but
this time we went to Crosswind Tagaytay.
Ishmael F. Ahabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07278928907562589208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392540470366248080.post-36789005597280432612025-03-30T12:08:00.000+08:002025-03-30T12:08:40.945+08:00Shrine of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus Wedding Rates 2025It was 11 years ago when Me ang My-Beloved-Wife tied the knot in the Shrine of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus. It was a beatiful moment for us that we will cherish until the end of our lives.I am sure that many couples are also looking at the Shrine of St. Therese of the Child Jesus as the venue for their wedding. One question that pops up their minds is how much is the rate for weddings at theIshmael F. Ahabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07278928907562589208noreply@blogger.com0Shrine of St. Therese of the Child Jesus, 20 Newport Boulevard, Newport City Complex, Barangay 183, Villamor Air Base, Ground Floor, 20 Newport Blvd, Pasay, 1309 Metro Manila, Philippines14.5211299 121.0159623-13.789103936178845 85.8597123 42.831363736178844 156.1722123tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392540470366248080.post-8310844734586217442024-11-21T12:50:00.004+08:002024-11-21T12:50:34.988+08:00The Historical Laguna (Part 3): Exploring the Heritage Square of Santa Rosa
The City of Santa Rosa was recently the subject of fury of Philippine heritage
enthusiasts after it was reported that the city’s oldest heritage house is
being demolished to make way for a branch of McDonalds. The “news” went viral
because the owner of that McDo branch is the actor and Santa Rosa resident
Alden Richards. The issue eventually died down when it was cleared that what
Ishmael F. Ahabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07278928907562589208noreply@blogger.com0Santa Rosa, Laguna, Philippines14.2843023 121.0888928-14.025931536178845 85.9326428 42.594536136178846 156.2451428tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392540470366248080.post-67781367596569711722024-10-01T13:08:00.001+08:002024-10-01T13:08:47.856+08:00How I Got My Student Driver's License from LTOI finally started my “driving journey” last month when I started the process of obtaining a Student Driver’s License from the Land Transportation Office.Starting my journey was never easy since I am not that motivated to buy my own vehicle. That is until I gave in to Mrs. Ahab’s persistent pestering, and also after seeing her and the kids being exhausted after a long commute to my parents’ home.IIshmael F. Ahabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07278928907562589208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392540470366248080.post-50909516165355979482024-08-19T13:24:00.002+08:002024-10-17T15:09:14.513+08:00The Historical Laguna (Part 2): The Story of the Iconic Arch of Santa Rosa
“Bandits infested the roads and rivers, ravaged fields and farms, pillaged
churches and set light to houses in an orgy of murder, robbery and rapine in
which there was ‘hardly and evil deed that their rash boldness [did] not
perform”
This was how the late 19th Century Philippines was described by many
commentators and historians. Filipinos at that time lived in Ishmael F. Ahabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07278928907562589208noreply@blogger.com0Santa Rosa Arch, Rizal Blvd, Santa Rosa, Laguna, Philippines14.3151767 121.1114671-18.144654751981541 85.9552171 46.775008151981545 156.2677171tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392540470366248080.post-73632680428140717532024-04-23T12:56:00.001+08:002024-10-17T15:08:07.502+08:00Experiencing Laguna (Part 2): A Healthy and Relaxing Dip in Laguna Hot Spring Resort (Pansol, Calamba)
One day, during one of her rare visits to our house, the Sister-in-Law said
that we should go to a pool and swim. We accommodated her request, even though
it was sudden and unplanned, by bringing her to Pansol, Calamba. We
particularly brought her to Laguna Hot Spring Resort.
We chose Laguna Hot Spring Resort because they allowed guests to bring their
own food. As a typical Ishmael F. Ahabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07278928907562589208noreply@blogger.com055HM+WGM, Purok 3, Calamba, 4027 Laguna, Philippines14.1798415 121.1837852-14.130392336178845 86.0275352 42.490075336178847 156.3400352tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392540470366248080.post-14658188543188529392024-04-09T23:40:00.003+08:002024-10-17T15:07:22.534+08:00Experiencing Laguna (Part 1): Our Overnight Stay in La Vista Pansol Resort
Laguna is an unfortunate place for my kids who enjoy swimming. This landlocked
province has no beach or access to the open sea. It only has access to Laguna
de Bay, which is a terrible place to dip in. Fortunately, Laguna has another
option and that is the hot springs of Calamba and Los Baños.
So last month, when the kids were clamoring for a swim, we brought them to
Calamba and Ishmael F. Ahabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07278928907562589208noreply@blogger.com0La Vista Pansol Resort, Nielsen St, Norville Subd, Calamba, 4027 Laguna, Philippines14.1792052 121.189561-14.131028636178845 86.033311 42.489439036178844 156.345811tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392540470366248080.post-88830827287391884362024-03-11T13:13:00.003+08:002024-03-11T13:13:40.125+08:00Ano ang Kumpisal at Paano Magkumpisal?Lahat ng Kristyano ay inaanyahan mg magsisi sa mga nagawang pagkakasala ngayong panahon ng kwaresma. Sa mga Katoliko, ag kaakibat ng pagsisisi ay ang Sakramento ng Kumpisal. Kaya nga sa panahon ng Kwaresma ay laging may kumpisalang bayan para magkaroon ang mga tao ng pagkakataon na magkumpisal ng kanilang mga kasalanan.(Source: Catholic News World)Ayon sa Katekismo, ang kumpisal ay ang sakramentoIshmael F. Ahabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07278928907562589208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392540470366248080.post-64343443508678285642023-12-31T21:40:00.000+08:002023-12-31T21:40:17.567+08:002023: A Year that Was So here I am once again at the end of another year — looking forward on what’s to come and looking back on what happened. And what happened in Year 2023 was a LOT.2023 is the year when I finally earned my Master’s degree, with flying colors to boot. I am now back to work but in a different office with a higher responsibility and increased stress. I admit that I was surprised to be given a Ishmael F. Ahabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07278928907562589208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392540470366248080.post-12009055079498122132023-11-13T13:52:00.004+08:002024-10-17T15:05:47.314+08:00The Historical Laguna (Part 1): Rizal Monument and a Peek at the History of Biñan Our family usually goes to the City of Biñan because of its palengke. Biñan's marketplace or palengke is much bigger and offers cheaper options compared to those in Cabuyao or Santa Rosa. It is the "bagsakan" of vegetables and fruits, which are the items that are on the priority list of My Beloved Wife. That’s why if you ask our kids what they think of Biñan then the palengke will be on theIshmael F. Ahabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07278928907562589208noreply@blogger.com0Biñan, Laguna, Philippines14.3036345 121.0781493-14.006599336178846 85.9218993 42.613868336178847 156.2343993tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392540470366248080.post-61129515898895820062023-10-17T12:08:00.000+08:002023-10-17T12:08:19.946+08:00SM Makati Chapel Mass ScheduleThe chapel in SM Makati is the church that I always visit whenever I am in the area of SM Makati or Glorietta. This chapel is conveniently located near the MRT-Ayala Station that’s why it was very easy for me to visit this church whenever I am in the area.The convenient location is one of the reasons why many people pass by this chapel. Many of the churchgoers are mall employees and other Ishmael F. Ahabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07278928907562589208noreply@blogger.com0SM Makati, Courtyard Dr, Makati, 1223 Metro Manila, Philippines14.5500966 121.0271477-13.760137236178846 85.8708977 42.860330436178842 156.1833977tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392540470366248080.post-77682788660876462432023-06-22T06:57:00.002+08:002023-12-11T16:09:49.549+08:00Ano ang Ginagawa sa Binyag?May mga tanong ka ba tungkol sa binyag? Tanungin mo ako sa pamamagitan ng pag-follow sa aking Facebook page at pag-iwan ng comment o message.Ang binyag ang pinakamahalagang Sakramento dahil ito ang pintuan upang maging kaanib ng Simbahang Katolika. Kaya naman ang Sakramentong ito ay ibinibigay sa mga sanggol upang sila ay maging kaanib na sa Simbahan kahit sila ay musmos pa lamang.
Ishmael F. Ahabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07278928907562589208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392540470366248080.post-56468774092784375262023-04-08T07:00:00.024+08:002026-04-05T12:08:45.353+08:00Visita Iglesia: Quiapo Church (Manila)Today is Black Saturday, the day when the superstitious people believe that Jesus is dead. The truth is that this was the day when Jesus descended to Hades to free the worthy souls and brought them to heaven.The death of Jesus on the cross is not the end but rather a beginning of our salvation. So for the 7th and last day of my virtual Visita Iglesia, I believe that it is good to look at Quiapo Ishmael F. Ahabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07278928907562589208noreply@blogger.com0Quiapo Church, Quiapo, Manila, 1001 Metro Manila, Philippines14.5990318 120.9837939-13.711202036178845 85.8275439 42.909265636178844 156.1400439tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392540470366248080.post-42606806811509696462023-04-07T15:14:00.009+08:002026-04-05T12:08:57.433+08:00Visita Iglesia: Minor Basilica of San Lorenzo Ruiz (Binondo, Manila)Good Friday is the day when we commemorate the suffering and death of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Now, a certain Philippine president ridiculed Jesus because he let Himself be crucified. That president, who only knows of worldly power, is ignorant of the power of Jesus' sacrifice. Through his sacrifice many Christians were inspired and strengthened to take up their cross, face persecution, and die Ishmael F. Ahabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07278928907562589208noreply@blogger.com01006 Plaza Lorenzo Ruiz, Binondo, 1006 Metro Manila, Philippines14.60007 120.974443-13.710163836178845 85.818193 42.910303836178848 156.130693tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392540470366248080.post-79088395960929553532023-04-06T07:00:00.025+08:002026-04-05T12:09:06.280+08:00Visita Iglesia: Saint John Paul II Chapel (NAIA Terminal 3, Pasay City)
Tucked beside the stairs in NAIA Terminal 3 is a place that I make sure to
visit before I board the airplane. That place with a small space is none other
than the Saint John Paul II Chapel of NAIA Terminal 3.
The Airport Chapel was established as a tribute to Pope John Paul II. I am not
sure why they chose to dedicate the chapel the Pope. My only guess is that
since Pope Ishmael F. Ahabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07278928907562589208noreply@blogger.com0NAIA Terminal 3, Pasay, Metro Manila, Philippines14.5195456 121.013799-13.790688236178845 85.857549 42.829779436178846 156.170049