Manuel Baldemor’s Kuwaresma Opens at The Manila Hotel’s Art Gallery

The Manila Hotel held the opening reception for Kuwaresma, a solo exhibit by acclaimed Filipino painter, sculptor, writer, and book illustrator Manuel Baldemor, on 13 April 2025, Palm Sunday, at the hotel’s Art Gallery. Kuwaresma presents a contemplative visual journey through the sacred season of Lent.

Manuel Baldemor, known for his signature distinctive fusion of folk art, religious imagery, and cultural narratives, explores the solemnity and symbolism of Holy Week in this 38-piece collection. Kuwaresma, which means Lent in Spanish, captures the spirit of the 40-day period of prayer, fasting, abstinence, and reflection—echoing Christ’s retreat in the desert.

The exhibit highlights Baldemor’s vibrant palette, intricate detailing, and deeply symbolic compositions that bring Filipino religious rituals and traditions vividly to life.

“As a painter and sculptor, I want to capture the essence of Filipino life and traditions, especially Holy Week,” shared Baldemor. “Kuwaresma is a culmination of my fascination with Lenten folk rituals, particularly the Nazareno procession, whose devotion continues to humble and inspire me.”

Manuel Baldemor

Among the distinguished guests who attended the exhibit opening were Atty. Jose D. Lina, Jr., president of The Manila Hotel; Marvin Kim Tan, vice president for sales and marketing of The Manila Hotel; Dr. Elba S. Cruz, exhibit curator; Virgilio Almario, also known as Rio Alma, national artist of the Philippines; and Cecile Guidote-Alvarez, founder of the Philippine Educational Theatre Association (PETA).

Atty. Joey Lina, President of The Manila Hotel

Kuwaresma is on display at The Manila Hotel’s Art Gallery until April 30, 2025. Admission is free. For interested buyers, email r.lo@themanilahotel.com.

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A Soulful Encounter at Morong’s Pabasang Bayan – A Tourist’s Reflection

Today, I experienced something truly special—something that felt less like a tourist stop and more like being lovingly welcomed into the soul of a community. I found myself in Morong, Rizal, attending the 25th Pabasang Bayan, a profound celebration of faith, tradition, and artistry held at the Ynares Gymnasium in Brgy. San Juan.

I arrived not fully knowing what to expect. But from the moment I stepped into the venue, I was captivated by the sight of life-sized images depicting various biblical scenes displayed throughout the gymnasium. Each image is lovingly cared for by local camareros, families who treat these saintly figures not just as religious icons, but as treasured heirlooms passed down through generations.

The event is presented by the St. Jerome Parish and organized by the local group Recamadero, who clearly poured heart and soul into every detail—especially the scenes depicting the Passion of Christ.

As a traveler, I often seek experiences that are “off the beaten path,” and today, I found a true gem. Not just because of its spiritual and cultural richness, but because of the way it reminded me of the power of community, heritage, and shared belief.

If you ever find yourself in the Philippines during Holy Week or the Easter season, make time for Morong, Rizal. Witness the Pabasang Bayan—not just with your eyes, but with your heart. The exhibit runs until tomorrow, April 13, and many of these sacred images will also join the Holy Week processions, especially on Good Friday.

Tips for Fellow Travelers:

• Respect the solemnity of the event – Dress modestly and keep conversations soft; this is a deeply spiritual occasion for many.

• Engage with the locals – They're incredibly warm and always eager to share the stories and meaning behind the traditions.

• Follow their official page – Check out Recamadero.MorongRizal on Facebook for updates, event details, and a deeper dive into its history.

Until next time, Morong. Salamat sa isang makabuluhang karanasan. 💛

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PAUL APOSTLE OF CHRIST movie review

30 years following the death and resurrection of Christ, Emperor Nero of Rome has sent off Roman soldiers to capture Christians most especially the apostles to stop the spread of Christianity throughout the land. Saul, now known Paul, was captured and in an attempt to be rescued by Luke, a movie is chronicled on Paul's wisdom and teachings on love and Christianity.

Paul, Apostle of Christ gives us a chapter on the Book of Acts in the New Testament. Under the reign of Emperor Nero of Rome, we see the brutal and heartless treatment of the empire to those who profess their faith in Christ. It is amazing to hear familiar verses like 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 as Luke and Paul talk in prison.

The drama might be lengthy but it is full of lessons that you can use in life. Understanding that the path to heaven is a difficult way but we believe that there's light at the end of darkness. Following the ways of Jesus, we will be experiencing suffering before we see His glory.

This film stars Jim Caviezel as Luke, gaining his popularity in faith-based films following The Passion of the Christ, French actor Olivier Martinez as Mauritius Gallas and Game of Thrones, Alumnus James Faulkner in the titular role.

Paul, Apostle of Christ is an SM Cinema exclusive movie. Starting March 23, experience the love of God and learn the Gospel in SM Cinema Director's Club that is equipped with cozy and state-of-the-art La-Z Boy chairs for everyone. Know screening schedules and reserve seats at www.smcinema.com for better cinema experience.

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A Lenten exhibit at Sta. Lucia Mall

As a Catholic, traditions are well-preserved especially in Church occasions like Christmas or Lent. Growing up, I can hear Pabasa in different parts of the community which sadly is no longer visible today. However, I am still thankful for the tradition of showing to the public different imagery portraying the suffering and crucifixion of the Lord Jesus Christ is seen in different churches until processions during the Holy Week.

And for many years, Sta. Lucia Mall hosts the annual Lenten exhibit featuring santos and santas xrom different families and owners who devote their time in adorning them with lavish and regal outfits and jewelry, offering beautiful and fragrant flowers.

Aside from the depictions of the different scenes during the suffering and death of Christ, there is also a Marian exhibit.

The Sta. Lucia Lenten Exhibit 2018 is ongoing until Palm Sunday, March 25. Located at the Ground Floor of Phase 2, beside Home Gallery.

You can give a donation or buy souvenir items, rosaries or stampitas at the entrance when you visit.

For more info, you can follow @staluciamall on Instagram or visit https://www.facebook.com/staluciamall/

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MIRACLES FROM HEAVEN movie review

Hailing from the best-selling book of the same title, Miracles from Heaven is truly highly-recommended to watch this holy season. Knowing the story of the Beam family as told by the mother, Christy Beam, this movie will touch the hearts of not just only to make you believe but to hope for second chances and hold on to family. This movie teach us a good lesson on how we can face great life challenges and make us look forward to blessings from Heaven.

You'll get touched and relate with Christy Beam, played by Jennifer Garner, as how you would react and be concerned tremendously when a member of your family is in dying pain. You will feel her sorrow and decisions and questions are understandable when such thing is happening. There's a good representation and messaging in each of the characters. You'll going to love the whole Beam family that are very tied with their values.

Outside of the family are the people that are "angels" that help us uplift our spirits. Angela (Queen Latifah) and Dr. Nurko (Eugenio Derbez) will have us look life into a positive way, that there is always hope.

There may be instances that we may forget about faith but Miracles from Heaven tells us that hard challenges are opportunities to believe and have faith. That God will answer your prayers if you believe through other people. This movie aims not to change a perception or religion but reminds us that there is God and Heaven.

Miracles from Heaven is written by Christy Beam and directed by Patricia Riggen. Opening March 16 in theaters and distributed by Columbia Pictures (Philippines), local releasing of Sony Pictures international.

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MIRACLES FROM HEAVEN reaffirms faith from book to the movie screens

This movie is perfect for coming season of Lent as we contemplate on our faith. Based on the true story of the Beam family where an incurable disease struck the 10-year old Anna and her mother Christy becomes a ferocious advocate for her daughter’s healing as she searches for a solution.
After Anna has a freak accident and falls three stories, a miracle unfolds in the wake of her dramatic rescue that leaves medical specialists mystified, her family restored and their community inspired.

The film is directed by Patricia Riggen, from a screenplay by Randy Brown based on the book by Christy Beam. Starring Jennifer Garner as Christy Beam, with Martin Henderson and Queen Latifah.

Opening across the Philippines in March 2016, “Miracles from Heaven” is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Watch the trailer below:

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Visita Iglesia: Holy Rosary Parish Boracay

i was looking for a place to hear anticipated mass in Boracay and i found the Holy Rosary Parish.

the facade is a welcoming arms of Christ surrounded by island elements, trees and sea waves in tile mosaic. it's like feeling that you are in caring arms in paradise like Boracay.

going inside feels so calm and peaceful. the altar is adorned with the risen Christ and beside him are images of the Lady of the Holy Rosary. i heard the choir practicing their songs in peaceful harmony.

you can visit this parish when you visit Boracay most especially during lent. you can take a tricycle or walk on the shoreline of Balabag beach. it is a few steps away from Obama Grill and near the plaza.

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Visita Iglesia: St. Therese Parish Antipolo City

a young parish in the diocese of Antipolo is in reverence of St. Therese of the Child Jesus. it is located by the gate of Kingsville Subdivision, in front of SM City Masinag. the church sits there inviting all Catholic devotees to come.

white walls dominate the building and concentrating on the altar area where the Crucifix, the Immaculate Conception and the image of St. Therese of Lisseux stands. the special relic of St. Therese is found at the left of the altar.

the pews and the aisle is also spacious for your convenience. there are even more seats upstairs to accommodate more church-goers.

this is one of the stops you may consider when you do Visita Iglesia during lent. you can share your destinations by writing a comment below.

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Lent in the Philippines 2012

the Philippines is known for being the country with the most Catholics in South East Asia. aside from celebrating the world's longest Christmas, devotees of the Catholic church display the gesture of remembering the Passion of the Christ in the 40 days of lent. an obvious example is the array of images portraying the scenes of the Passion and the key characters that lived in the Gospel days.

in an exhibit at Sta. Lucia East Mall in Cainta, Rizal, life-size images are displayed in this fashion:

Scenes from The Way of the Cross

Christ

Mary

these wooden or ivory images are adorned with elegant clothes and accessories made of brass which are included in processions during the Holy Week.

you can find the other photos in my Facebook page but you can check them out for yourself at the exhibit at Sta. Lucia East Mall. the exhibit runs whole lent before Holy Week (April 1-8, 2012). you can write your petitions at the papers beside every image and donations are also accepted.

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