Cavite Daily Photo

The Spirit Never Ends

2011-12-27T23:52:00.002+08:00

The Christmas Spirit just never ends on the 25th Day of December especially here in the Philippines. Just like this LED Christmas Tree on Plaza Samonte at Cavite City Proper never fades as it continues to shine bright! The lights are still on, Carols still on the airwaves and the joy in everyone's faces are still aglow anywhere you go.

Christmas in the Philippines is truly the most celebrated and really the longest. Christ does live within all our hearts as we Celebrate and Commemorate his coming 2011 years ago. Merry Christmas Everyone!

Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T16:09:00.002+08:00

This is my Christmas Village at Night. It has just been two years since I started building my annual Christmas Village and my friends and family are delighted by it! This always reminded me of Christmas Eve in movies that I watched when I was younger mostly about Christmas!

Everybody has been busy preparing for their Christmas Celebrations and this is the very last day to do those. But here in the Philippines, Christmas Starts at the night of 24th wherein families start gathering together for their Noche Buena or their Christmas Eve meal.

The Noche Buena is a Christmas Tradition of having a Good Dinner with the whole family wherein the tables are filled with Hams, Cheese, and fruits and everyone has a good time. In lesser fortunate families, even small meals are made festive because the true spirit of the Noche Buena is not the number of foods nor how delicious those are but being with the whole family.

It's sad though that a lot of families have been mourning this Christmas Season due to the Typhoon Sendong that struck Cagayan De Oro and nearby cities of Mindanao in the Southern part of the Country. We are all saddened by the incident and it was heart breaking. But as the true spirit of the Filipino people, they recover fast and in a way, they will still celebrate a happy Christmas because of everybody's helping them rise up.

I would like to take this opportunity to give thanks to all the people and to all the countries who have expressed their deep sympathy to the victims of Sendong Particularly France, Japan, USA and Spain. And to all the Caviteños and Filipinos who shared their love through all types of help like monetary, actions and prayers.

Christmas really is a time to give not just gifts but thanks to our Lord who has always been watching and taking care of us! MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

Lola's Christmas Special - Morcon

2011-12-23T21:45:00.003+08:00

Each and Every Christmas season, My Grandma, Lola Bebang, prepares and cooks her specialty, the Morcon. Morcon is a Festive Dish only served during Christmas, Fiestas and very special occasions due to its complexity and ingredients. It is made up of long and lean slices of beef rolled with celery, scrambled eggs, liver, sausages, Chorizo de Bilbao, Chinese Chorizo and Pork Fat then tied and cooked for a long period of time.

This has always been a specialty of my Grandma and I cannot argue with it, nor be biased, because I have tasted so many Morcons but my Grandma's THE BEST! 2 Days To Go! Merry Christmas Everyone!

Remembering Mom

2011-11-12T10:50:00.004+08:00

Every November 1st, Filipino Families flock out to their Family Graves to remember their loved ones and reunite with the whole family in observance of the All Saint's Day. Every Year, I always go to my Grandfather's Grave but this year is a different story.

My Mother died earlier this January 2011. It was a very sad moment for her to leave but in a way it was quite a relief for me as well because I realized that to ask the Lord for more and more years for her to live is very selfish of me because that will mean more years of agony for her through dialysis and all the hurt that her kidney failure is giving her. But of course, I grew close to my mom so I miss her so much! But the fact that she is now with the Lord, free from all sickness and hurt, it does relieve my heart in a way.

I Love you Mommy! I hope you are proud of me! I'll make sure you are and you will be.

I would like to invite everyone to visit my Travel Blog featuring my Guimaras Island Getaway. Just visit stevenque.blogspot.com

Feast of Saint Jude Thaddeus

2011-10-29T07:44:00.000+08:00

The annual Saint Jude Thaddeus procession was held last night here at the General Trias Town Proper in commemoration to the feast day of the Disciple Jude Thaddeus. This Statue of Saint Jude is my brother's and every other year, this statue is the one being paraded and venerated along the streets of General Trias.

Saint Jude Thaddeus, as like as other Hispanic countries like those in the Central and South America, is an important patron Saint of the Philippines and is venerated by many Filipinos here and abroad. He is also the Patron of the City of Trece Martirez here in Cavite. He is the Patron of desperate cases and situations.

Muffins and Donuts

2011-10-21T22:35:00.002+08:00

I am so into breads like most Filipinos are. We like it sweet and tasty and these are usually part of our snacks because our meals are mostly of rice. These donuts and our own version of the muffin from a local Bakery, the Kababayan, is truly a delicacy because of its sweet and moist texture which is very good especially when hot. But even if it's not, we still love our Kababayan and this will always be a great merienda.

The Prairie

2011-10-20T11:12:00.000+08:00

I always call this part of the Town of General Trias in Barangay Tapia the Prairie! Well it just reminds me of the Pictures and videos I saw of South Dakota when I was still a youngster. Fields like these are truly common throughout the Province but now, it is greatly diminished due to construction of numerous subdivisions and residential sites.

I feel really sad that these eye-relaxers are being turned away to concrete that is the main cause of floods. I just hope that it will not bring back the destruction as fast as Mother Nature is currently showing. Well I guess the officials never really learn.

Repairs on High

2011-10-18T19:26:00.002+08:00

Photo above shows the General Trias Rescue truck making some repairs around 30 feet above to fix a broken street light.

My Dad drives this Municipal rescue truck and he is in charge with the street light repairs throughout the whole of General Trias. He works really hard for the betterment and for the service of the people to ensure that every street is illuminated especially in the dead of the night. I am very proud of my Daddy and his hardwork together with our Electrician Kuya Louie.

All Time Favorites

2011-10-17T23:50:00.000+08:00

Bicol Express (Left) and Kaldereta (Right) are just some of the All Time Pinoy Favorites in every Table.

Bicol Express is made up of thin slices of pork cooked over a creamy sauce of coconut milk and ginger with all kind of spices that gives it the great combination of creamy and tangy. Then you have the Kaldereta which is traditionally Prepared with chunks of Goat Meat, but most of the time due to less availability of goat meat, beef and pork is being used. But this one is made up of Fresh Goat Meat cooked over a spicy chili and tomato sauce with chunks of carrots and potatoes.

I am such a Foodie and I do love taking shots of foods I prepare or enjoy eating. Stay tuned for more Caviteño dishes that I will be sharing with the world.

Fiesta Games

2011-10-12T09:38:00.000+08:00

A boy is betting on a gamer to win a prize. These carts are very common throughout Cavite and our neighboring provinces whenever the town fiesta is at hand. boys and girls, even ladies and gentlemen, bet on small white papers that when dipped to an inked solution reveals the number that corresponds to a certain prize. Most of the time, bets are priced from one to ten pesos which may win you prizes like little toys and candies, and sometimes, just like in the photo above, little snails, baby chickens and ducks and for special prizes, baby rabbits!

Children of all ages (including yours truly) are thrilled whenever the Town Fiesta is about to come. Two months before the Big date, a carnival is being set up on the Town Proper wherein people come to and have a great time with their families and friends. All the games like The Color Game, which is one of my favorites wherein three dices, each side represents one of the six colors, are being rolled and the winning colors are presented and your bets may be doubled or tripled depending on the results. On another booth, Bingo games are being held each night and everyone screams and shout whether because of their joy of winning or the depression of losing. These little games and fun moments truly are a big part of the Caviteño culture to bring townspeople together and family and friendly bonds tighter.

Banda Matanda

2011-10-05T00:11:00.001+08:00

Photo above was taken during the General Trias Town Fiesta 2011's Grand Pasayo. Banda Matanda was one of the Twelve bands who participated during the said event.

Historically known as Banda San Francisco de Malabon, Banda Matanda, General Trias' oldest band and probably the most important band in Philippine History. Banda Matanda was the first band ever to play the Philippine National Anthem or Lupang Hinirang written by Jose Palma and musical composition by Julian Felipe. The Banda Matanda played the Philippine National Anthem during the proclamation of Philippine Independence at Kawit, Cavite on June 12, 1898.

Up until now, Banda Matanda is still on its practice of playing wonderful music for Caviteños and to all Filipinos.

General Trias Town Fiesta

2011-10-04T09:30:00.000+08:00

Photo above features one of General Trias' Prime Bands, the Saint Francis Band.

October 4th is the day, the people of General Trias has all been waiting for every year but this year is extra special. Today marks the Birth of Saint Francis of Assisi, my beloved Hometown's Patron Saint. Every year, there are celebrations and feasts in every house on the Town's Poblacion.

But as I have told earlier, this year was extra special because of the Grand Pasayo, Twelve Bands representing the Twelve Barangays in the Town Central or Poblacion Area from different parts of the Province. These bands all paraded and marched along the streets of the town in their beautiful flags and costumes complete with their Band Majors and Majorettes. I always loved watching these Band Parades since it gives me so much joy, not just for me but for my fellow Caviteños as well.

Abbey Road

2011-10-03T12:23:00.000+08:00

Five Geese and a Gander went passing by the road on a clear sunny day. As the Children play along the road, these wonderful fowls created somewhat their own version of the famous The Beatles photo on Abbey Road in England. My Dad is a big fan of The Beatles that's why this sight truly caught his attention while I was shooting it as we stopped by to let the pass by the road.

Street Ball

2011-10-02T13:13:00.002+08:00

Basketball has been a big part of the Filipino Culture and is popular to Men and Women of all ages whether they are spectators or the players themselves. Just a ring and some teammates you can play Basketball anytime just like these boys playing ball on a Clear Sunday morning. It is almost the new National Sport of the Philippines in my opinion because this is where we truly excel together with boxing. Even if Filipino men are not that tall just like men from other nations, Speed is our key factor for winning sports.

No To Mining In Palawan

2011-10-01T22:06:00.001+08:00

This is me and my dad two years ago along the entrance to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River in Palawan, the Most Beutiful Place I have ever been to!

I was never fond of posting Non-Cavite Photos and Stories here at Cavite Daily Photo but I really really feel I should do this. Palawan has been famous around the world through its Natural Beauty and its ecosystem that is truly one of the richest around the world. Even the Natural Wonders of the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, is located on it's heart, and the colorful Tubbataha Reef spreads across the waters of the Island Province.

But today, all these wonderful sights and sounds are in the grieve danger of being just a was. Something that will just be on Photos and Videos, something good that will just be a memory, because of the threat of Mining. Mining that damages all the beautiful mountains, poisons its waters, and kills its people. But it is never too late if we work altogether to stop these greedy monsters from exploiting these natural treasures.

I have never in my life seen such green mountains, towering limestone karsts, beautiful smiles and the Freshest Seafood since being in Palawan. I just hope ou can all help me, help Palawan, Help ourselves to Save Palawan! To the Filipinos who will be directly harmed if we don't unite ourselves to save our country from thorough devastation, This is our chance, let our voices be heard! And to all our brothers and Sisters from all Nations, Palawan is just waiting for all of you to be seen and discovered. You can help us save the Province and you can help yourselves by doing a favor to save something you should visit and see with your eyes!

NO TO MINING IN PALAWAN!

Visit the Site and see the ways how you can help stop this Threat at http://no2mininginpalawan.com

Prinza Dam

2011-09-27T22:18:00.001+08:00

The Prinza Dam is a Spanish Era made Dam located in the heart of the town of General Trias. It was said to be built within the 18th to 19th Century which stops the water from the Upland Parts of Southern Tagalog and especially the Laguna de Bay Area. Though today, the dam is not very functional as a real dam but it still is strong enough to guard of water from overflowing.

During the Typhoon season, this dam does overflow just like the photo shown above. But during the Hot Summer days, the river bed turns dry.Sadly, some vandals especially the once left during the last elections did remove some of the beauty and serenity that the dam creates and gives the people passing by but most of us still thinks its a great sight to see.

Today, Typhoon Pedring caused a big casualty to the Country with its strength of 130 - 150 kph and speed of approximately 20 kph. Classes are suspended as it sent out inches and inches of flood and devastating winds. Even the Town of Noveleta here in Cavite did not get away as they declared themselves in the State of Calamity. Please Pray for the Philippines and all the Filipinos who are still suffering from the Typhoon. God Bless us all.

Saint Francis of Assisi Parish Dome

2011-09-21T21:40:00.000+08:00

The Dome of the Altar at the Saint Francis of Assisi Parish in General Trias, Cavite is a depiction of the Pentecost. The Pentecost happened after the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ when the Holy Spirit came down upon his Disciples. The event that happened Two thousand years ago is also known as the Birthday of the Church.

This Magnificent Painting was a masterpiece of Rolly Acuña and Boy Maclang, both are proudly from General Trias, proudly from the Province of Cavite.

Magallanes Church

2011-09-20T09:54:00.002+08:00

The Nuestra Señora de Guia Parish or the Our Lady of the Way Parish in Magallanes, Cavite is located at the Heart of the Mountain town of Magallanes. Magallanes is located at the edge of the province of Cavite bordering the neighboring province of Batangas. It was named in honor of the Portuguese Explorer Ferdinand Magellan who discovered the Philippine Islands for the Kingdom of Spain in the 16th Century.

The Mint Green Walls deviate the usual adobe stone walls that are the once used in most churches around the province and in most of the Country.

Happy Birthday Mama Mary

2011-09-08T21:21:00.002+08:00

The Philippines and the whole world is Celebrating the Feast of the Birth of our Mama Mary! You have always been there for everyone since Jesus gave you to us from His cross. We will always be grateful and forever be thankful for the Love you give unconditionally. You will always be what a Mother is defined to be.

Continue praying for us and looking upon us! Let me share everyone my Favorite Song about Mama Mary, Birheng Maria, Tala sa Umaga (Virgin Mary, Star of the Morning)

Birheng Maria, Tala sa Umaga
Noon pa man ay itinangi ka.
Ang 'yong liwanag ang takdang lulupig
Kay Satanas, Tao'y ililigtas

Iyong tunghan, kaming nananambitan
At ang lupang iyong tinapakan
Tulong mo'y ilawit sa'min Maria
Ngayon at sa aming kamatayan

Happy Birthday Mama Mary!

Inside Maragondon Church

2011-09-07T09:59:00.001+08:00

During my last post about the town of Maragondon, I have featured about the famous Maragondon Church and its reconstruction. And by request of a friend from Eagan Daily Photo, Leif, Here I present everyone the Interior of the Maragondon Church. Whitewash walls surround this magnificent interior that truly creates the feeling and aura of safety and security inside the church.

The Trail inside the church is probably one of the longest in the Province which is one of the reason most weddings are being held here beside the beauty and the historical value of this church. The trusses on the whitewashed ceilings have encrypts of Latin prayers.

Under the Mango Tree

2011-09-06T20:01:00.001+08:00

The shade that a Mango Tree gives cannot be understated. Filipinos especially the Farmers have their afternoon siestas under these sturdy and shady trees especially in the hot and humid summers or even on cloudy days like this one on the Highlands of Magallanes, Cavite. Greenery Everywhere on this untouched town located in the mountains of Cavite just a few miles away from the Province of Batangas.

This is probably my very first post of Magallanes here in Cavite Daily Photo because all myt life, this has been the very first time I have been to this remote Town in my Province, Yes! Ever in my Life! I hope you stay tuned to my future posts about this magnificent and peaceful town in the Upland Cavite.

Also, I am inviting you all to visit my Personal Blog at http://stevenque.blogspot.com/ This is where I share all my Life's Stories and my Travel Rants with everyone! Hope to see you guys there and may you enjoy the stories I share with everyone!

Foggy Roadside

2011-08-29T19:37:00.002+08:00

When the sky decided to halt the rain a bit, the Fog on the roadside at Alfonso, Cavite created a blanket of fluff along the grasslands up to the homes. This is a common sight in the Tagaytay-Alfonso Area due to its high altitude and wet climate all year round.

Maragondon Church

2011-08-28T11:29:00.004+08:00

The Parish of Our Lady of the Assumption in Maragondon, Cavite is probably one of the most famous Landmarks of the Town of Maragondon, Located at the Mountain Districts of Cavite, Maragondon is truly one of the historical sites where Andres Bonifacio have been brought to be judged and executed in Mount Buntis (Pregnant Mountain).

The Church is built with River rocks during the Early 18th Century by the Jesuits. Also, the Maragondon Church is the main inspiration for the overall design of the Chapel of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary in De La Salle University - Dasmariñas. Currently, the Church is undergoing Minor reconstructions in the facade.

Typhoon Mina

2011-08-27T23:14:00.002+08:00

Photo Shot this morning at Alfonso, Cavite.

Tall Coconut Palm Tress swaying along the streets around the Town of Alfonso in Upland Cavite while me and my Dad went around the mountains this morning in the midst of the storm. Even if Cavite and Metro Manila are not raised to any storm signal, we are not exempted from the gusty winds that Mina has been slapping around Luzon.

Typhoon Mina just got inside the Philippines just a couple of days ago yet it has raised up Storm Signals to it's maximum level. Signal Number 4, which is very rare, is posted in the Northern Province of Cagayan. And almost the whole part of Northern Luzon is under Storm Signals. I hope and pray that God will watch over the Filipinos especially the ones in the Northern Provinces and guard them with His loving arms.

Serenity at Lake La Salle

2011-08-26T21:47:00.005+08:00

Shot earlier at noon showing a man serenely paddling along the waters of the University Lagoon, or as most of us call it, Lake La Salle, in DLSU-Dasmariñas.

The Lagoon at the Heart of De La Salle University - Dasmariñas has truly been one of the landmarks of the institution. Just like most places around the Campus, the Lagoon has been featured in so many Soap Operas in Philippine Television. It gives a great setting to any romantic scenes that lightens up any dialog between the actors.

But for the people of De La Salle University - Dasmariñas, this has been a symbol of being a part of the LaSallian Community. A lot of memories have been shared with these waters and truly gives a lighter mood to anyone that passes by this lake.