EMONG'S JOURNALS

The annual feast of the Black Nazarene, happening on January 9, is Manila’s longest-running urban traditional procession. It is not only a harmonious blend of Spanish and Filipino traditions, but also a conveniently condensed representation of local history, art, and culture. WHAT IS IT? Simply put,  the "Traslacion" is when the image of the black Senor Nazareno is to be carried by bare-footed devotees called the "mamamasan," around Manila and back to Quiapo Church. The Black Nazarene is "black" because according to history, the image of the Senor Nazareno got damaged and got darker when the galleon carrying it from Mexico to Manila caught fire. Its original color was brown, painted by an unknown Mexican artist similar to his own skin. The Black Nazarene was originally brought by the Augustinian Recollect friars to the Church of San Juan Bautista in Bagumbayan (now Luneta Park) on May 31, 1606. It was later transferred to the Recollect Church ...

What could be more spectacular than the annual feast of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila? For this year's event, an estimated 9 to 10 million devotees are expected to participate in a procession to celebrate the reenactment of the image's "Traslación" in 1787 (English: "passage" or "transfer"), or solemn transfer to the Minor Basilica from its original location in what is now Rizal Park. Rooted in the 17th Century, the procession will parade the iconic image of the cross-bearing Christ in the streets of central Manila. SAFETY REMINDERS Know the route in advance and be there earlier than the rest. It's best to know the schematics of the location and the route of the procession so you can get a good spot. Travel by Light Rail Transit (LRT) to Carriedo Station (the nearest station to Quiapo). There won't be available parking spaces for you (aside from the fact that it's not safe to park and leave your vehicle behind while ...

AND they didn't invite us (groan)! The whole fracas started on August 27, Thursday, when a mob of protesters led by Iglesia ni Cristo members stormed the 56th birthday celebration of Justice secretary Leila de Lima at the Department of Justice building in Padre Faura St, Manila. The lightning protest rally was the INC's reply to de Lima's alleged meddling in the church's internal squabble, when she allegedly "personally looked into" the complaint of expelled minister Isaias Samson Jr., who recently said members of INC's governing body Sanggunian placed him and his family under house arrest after blogging about the council's alleged corrupt practices. The protesters, who got a permit from the Manila City government, swelled even if de Lima had left, making the stretch of Padre Faura street impassable to motorists. August 28 - Friday On its second day of protest, Iglesia Ni Cristo members abandoned the DOJ gates and converged on the northbo...

WE'RE sure everybody's wondering why their Facebook friends are posting the words "God is Real" on their FB timeline all of a sudden. The phrase seems all over the FB news feeds and everybody's not sure what started it. We saw this question on Reddit a couple of weeks ago so we did a little research -- and this is what we found out: Your friends who posted "God is Real" are taking part in a 7-day challenge wherein those who will like or leave a comment on the Facebook status are encouraged to post the following sentences for 7 consecutive days: Day 1: God is real Day 2: God is good Day 3: God is faithful Day 4: God is my strength Day 5: God is my shield Day 6: God is love Day 7: God is alive However, it is still uncertain who and where the challenge started except that it's been on Facebook for almost two months now. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THIS POST? Share your ideas by commenting.

P ope Francis, the most closely guarded religious man in the world, will remain under the watchful eye of an extensive, and intense, security detail of the Philippine National Police (PNP) during his first papal visit to the country. When he arrives on Friday, January 15, he will be secured by nearly 40,000 uniformed police and army personnel, and more than 20,000 civilian volunteers. The Vatican City also have a security contingency of their own. Its security detail is never officially confirmed, but security experts say his entourage is expected to include hundreds of elite and heavily armed security personnel. Meanwhile, to further boost security measures, the PNP has already listed down a number of items which civilians must not bring when they go and see Pope Francis. 1. No big bags or backpacks. 2. No umbrellas. 3. No bladed weapons or any deadly weapons. 4. No wearing of hats and caps. Security operations will include close-in security, route security including ...

T he 408th anniversary of the Black Nazarene, also known as “Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno” happens January 9, 2015. According to latest statistics, authorities expect around 9 million devotees to flock to Quiapo Church in Manila to line up, touch and kiss the image of the Black Nazarene, referred to as the "Pahalik." There is also the "Traslacion," where the image of Senor Nazareno is be carried by bare-footed devotees called the "mamamasan," around Manila and back to Quiapo Church. But there are interesting facts about the Black Nazarene which you may not know yet. Find below some of these: 1. The first "Traslacion" happened in 1787 from Intramuros to Quiapo Church. 2. The feast day of Quiapo Church is not January 9, but June 24 -- the feast of John the Baptist. 3. The Black Nazarene is "black" because according to history, the image of the Senor Nazareno got damaged and got darker when the galleon carrying it caught ...