Stations of Grace: A Personal Visita Iglesia Itinerary

This year, I'm doing the Visita Iglesia—the traditional Holy Week practice of visiting seven churches, typically accompanied by praying the Stations of the Cross. While this devotion is often done in groups, I'm setting out on a solo pilgrimage, following an itinerary I’ve carefully planned to finish before lunchtime.

To make things more meaningful, I’ve chosen to also visit some Jubilee Churches—starting from the farthest one and gradually making my way back home to Cainta. At each church, I’ll be praying two Stations, completing all fourteen by the end of the journey.

Here’s the route I took:

1. Immaculate Conception Cathedral (Cubao, Quezon City)
A Jubilee Church under the Diocese of Cubao.
From LRT-2 Marikina Station, transfer to Araneta Center-Cubao. Exit north and ride a jeep bound for Quiapo or España. Get off at New York Avenue, then cross to Vancouver Street—the cathedral is just there.
Fun fact: This is where celebrity couple Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera tied the knot in 2014.

2. Diocesan Shrine of St. Joseph the Worker (Project 2, Quezon City)
Another Jubilee Church within the Diocese of Cubao.
It’s conveniently located right beside LRT-2 Anonas Station, making it one of the easiest stops on this route.

3. Real Monasterio de Sta. Clara de Manila (Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City)

A peaceful monastery known for its tradition of offering eggs in prayer petitions.
You can get here by riding a jeep from Cubao bound for Marikina, or take the LRT-2 to Katipunan Station.

4. St. Therese of the Child Jesus Parish (Mayamot, Antipolo City)
Back within the Diocese of Antipolo, this is one of the Jubilee churches nearest to me.
A quiet and reflective stop before heading further into the heart of Antipolo.

5. Diocesan Shrine of Padre Pio of Pietrelcina (Antipolo City)

From LRT-2 Antipolo Station, ride a jeep or minibus toward Antipolo Cathedral. You’ll find this church on the right side, just past College of San Benildo and before Fatima University.

The shrine holds a blood relic of Padre Pio, which is exposed for veneration in the basement chapel. It’s a quiet, sacred space where you can spend a few moments in prayer and reflection. There's also a unique honesty store in the same area—no cashier, just a selection of religious items and designated boxes where you can drop your payment. It’s a beautiful reminder that trust and faith go hand in hand.

6. St. John Mary Vianney Parish (Antipolo City)

Located along the Marikina-Infanta Highway heading toward Cogeo, this parish is just across from SM City Antipolo Downtown. A good spot to rest and refresh, too.

7. Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of the Abandoned (Marikina City)
The final stop—a Jubilee Church in Marikina. A fitting end to the journey, as I reflect on the Passion of Christ and wrap up my Visita Iglesia.

This quiet solo pilgrimage reminded me that faith journeys don't always have to be grand or crowded—they can be intimate, personal, and just as spiritually fulfilling. Walking from one church to another, praying the Stations along the way, offered me not just a chance to reflect on Christ’s passion, but also to encounter moments of peace amid the city’s bustle.

If you're planning your own Visita Iglesia, consider choosing churches that are meaningful to you, and don’t rush the journey. Let every stop be a pause to pray, breathe, and reconnect with the reason behind the season.

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HIGH SCHOOL SHOELANDERS Celebrate First Grand Alumni Homecoming

Marikina City witnessed a momentous occasion on November 18, 2023, as graduates from Marikina High School (MHS), Leodegario Victorino Memorial High School (LVMHS), Marikina School of Arts and Trade (MSAT), Marikina Institute of Science and Technology (MIST), and Marikina Science High School (MariSci) came together for the inaugural High School Shoelanders Grand Alumni Homecoming. The event, held at the Marikina Sports Center, was a testament to the power of unity and loyalty to their cherished alma mater.

The festivities kicked off with a grand parade led by the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of MariSci. Alumni were thrilled to see their former teachers performing on stage to music spanning the decades, creating a nostalgic atmosphere that set the tone for the evening.

Members of the BSP

The night unfolded with a dazzling array of performances, featuring songs and dances that celebrated iconic moments and highlights from different eras.

Mayor Marcy Teodoro, a member of Batch 1986, welcomed the attendees and expressed gratitude to the organizers and committees for the success of the homecoming. He assured attendees that this was just the beginning, promising that the Shoelander spirit would endure for years to come.

Marikina Mayor Marcelino "Marcy" Teodoro, MIST Batch 86

Marikina Representative Maan Teodoro praised the Shoelanders, hailing them as a constant partner in the city's pursuit of progress. She emphasized the core values of discipline, good taste, and excellence that continue to resonate within each alumnus, contributing positively to the wider community.

Marikina City Representative Maan Teodoro

Mr. Joseph Santos, acting OIC Principal of Marikina Science High School and a proud graduate from Batch 1993, provided a glimpse of the school history and reported its current situation. He emphasized the importance of alumni support in restoring the school to its original home. He noted that the grand homecoming was a poignant opportunity to make this vision a reality.

Mr. Joseph Santos, from Batch 93, and acting OIC Principal of Marikina Science High School

The event also recognized distinguished alumni for their outstanding contributions in various fields. Notable awardees include:

• Roheil Caimol (MIST Batch 1988) - Business and Industry
• Kenneth Kibanoff (MIST Batch 1980) - Corporate Social Responsibility
• Ligaya Fernando - Amilbangsa (MSAT Batch 1959) - Culture & Arts
• Dr. Doryl Sequena Cabiao (MIST 1998) - Education & Research
• Celeste Reyes (MIST Batch 1995) - Entrepreneurship
• Antonio Andres, Sr. (MSAT Batch 1960) - Entrepreneurship
• Dr. Riza Araceli Salinas (MIST Batch 1989) - Environment & Ecology
• (Ret) Col. Ray Claudio Abaya (MIST Batch 1984) - Justice & Peace
• P B/Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr. (MIST Batch 1988) - Justice & Peace
• Gerald Ariel Grande (MIST Batch 1983) - Media & Entertainment
• Allan Hernandez (MIST Batch 1992) - Media & Entertainment
• Bayani Fernando [Posthumous] (MSAT Batch 1962) - Public Service
• Marcelino Teodoro (MIST Batch 1986) - Public Service
• Roberto De Guzman (MIST Batch 1983) - Science and Medicine
• Dr. Ronnie Royo (MIST Batch 1987) - Science and Medicine
• Dr. Noel Tiburcio (MSAT Batch 1978) - Science and Medicine
• Crisanto Bautista (MIST Batch 1983) - Sports and Athletics

High School Shoelanders Distinguished Alumni with Mayor Marcy Teodoro, Marikina City Mayor

The night was even made exciting with the culmination of the Win Your Dream Raffle where tickets were drawn to win a trip package to Hong Kong and Palawan, 2023 Honda PCX and a brand new Toyota Vios. The proceeds of the fund raising activity will be awarded to the school.

The success of the High School Shoelanders Grand Alumni Homecoming was made possible through the support of Mayor Marcy Teodoro, Cong. Maan Teodoro, generous sponsors such as Filteam Shipmanagement Inc, Pepsi, Goya, and Mr. Manolo Cruz. Special thanks were extended to Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Marikina, Bespoke Logistics, Gibson Shoes Factory, The Bar and Mountain Snow, and Caper Group.

For the latest updates on the High School Shoelanders, follow them on Facebook (@hs.shoelanders) and join the conversation at #ShoelandersUnite. The event stands as a vibrant testament to the enduring spirit and commitment of Marikina's high school alumni.

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Shoelanders Unite: The 1st Shoelanders Grand Alumni Homecoming set on November 18, 2023

The Shoelanders’ Alumni Ad Hoc committee invites all graduates of the Marikina High School (MHS), Leodegario Victorino Memorial High School (LVMHS), Marikina School of Arts and Trade (MSAT), Marikina Institute of Science and Technology (MIST), and Marikina Science High School (MariSci), collectively known as “The Shoelanders” to the first-ever Shoelanders Grand Alumni Homecoming on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at the Marikina Sports Center.

Carrying the theme, “Shoelanders Unite: Baliktanaw at Pagpupugay sa Paaralang Mahal,” this homecoming event will bring together more than 70 batch years that includes its first graduates in 1950 up to the present 2023 batch. Considered a historic gathering of topnotch graduates from an illustrious secondary school in Marikina, it is truly a once-in-a-lifetime event one should not miss. This premiere alumni homecoming also sets to give awards and recognition to outstanding achievements of alumni in different categories as one of its highlights.

Reunion For A Common Cause
Through a Ceremonial Signing of “The Shoelanders Alumni Commitment Board”, this homecoming will also seal and make official the solid stand & unwavering support of the entire alumni membership across all batch years to all legislative initiatives and efforts or any activities all in the effort of preserving and restoring the persona and existence of the High School Alma Mater that carries profound history since its founding in 1947.

Mr. Joseph T. Santos, acting OIC of MariSci and from MIST Batch 1992, appeals to all, “We reach out to all alumni to help preserve our beloved school and bring back students to the campus they truly deserve.”

Ms. Fe Oaing-Doromal, Chairman of the Ad Hoc committee and MIST graduate from Batch 1992 is very optimistic about the support of all batches to this event. “It will be a memorable day for everyone and an opportunity to keep our school strong. This is our chance to give back to our alma mater which honed us to be achievers.” She also highlights that proceeds from this event can support in establishing a Shoelanders Foundation and provide for the educational needs of deserving scholars and other beneficial programs.

Marikina City Mayor Marcelino “Marcy” Teodoro, MIST Batch 1986 alumnus, expressed great support to the event offering the Marikina Sports Center as venue for the event. “It is my great joy to see my former classmates and teachers again. I am truly excited to reminisce about the times we had when I was studying in MIST. I know that the graduates are a great contribution of our school as their talents and knowledge are integral factors in nation-building.”

Countdown to the Big Day
Leading to the big day, the committee has lined-up series of fun and exciting activities to the enjoyment of the alumni. A motorcade kicked off last July that roamed along the streets of Marikina City. There are also mini sports tournaments like bowling, basketball, volleyball, billiards and a Bingo social. Details of events are announced in the official Facebook group The High School SHOELANDERS.

Registration is now ongoing. Early bird is priced at P500 until September 30, and P700 starting from October 1-30, 2023. You may register at https://tinyurl.com/Shoelanders or coordinate with your batch representatives. For volunteers, sponsorships, donations or business opportunities, interested parties may contact Ms. Lourdes Santos at 09566480645.

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A visit at the Bl. Ivan Merz Reliquarium

Today is Holy Monday and a blessed day to visit the Bl. Ivan Merz Reliquarium Home of Sacred Relics in Marikina City. A small home turned into a mini-museum of sacred relics from all over the world.

You will be required to take off your foot wear when entering the Reliquarium to maintain the cleanliness and sanctity of the place. Take a glimpse of the relics or say a little prayer of your special intentions.

There are more than 1,000 relics found inside the Reliquarium, the third most in the Philippines. And the relics are coming from the bodies, vestments, place of birth, missions and my favorite section, from the Holy Land. It also includes relics from the apostles, and early Christians recognized for their holiness.

Relics are arranged according to the date of saints' feast days from January 1 to December 31. I learned that St. Rita of Cascia's feast day is also my birthday.

Relics of St. Rita of Cascia - Feast Day - May 22

You can also recognize some relics coming from famous saints like these from St. Pio de Pietrelcina, St. John Paul II, St. Teresa of Calcutta, St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Valentine, St. Therese of the Child Jesus, St. Ignatius of Loyola, and St. Faustina Kowalska.

Relics of St. Pio de Pietrelcina and St. John Paul II

Relics of St. Therese of the Child Jesus

  
But the center of the Reliquarium is the relics from the cross of the Crucifixion and there are secondary relics on the nails and thorns used in the passion of Christ.

Relic of the Holy Cross

Bl. Ivan Merz

Bl. Ivan Merz is of Bosnian descent, born December 16, 1896. He fought during World War 1 and decided to be a layman. He took the perpetual vow of chastity and devoted his free time to the Church. A young missionary and taught about Christianity to young Croatians until he died on May 10, 1928 (feast day).

He was beatified by Pope John Paul II on June 22 2003 and declared him as Apostle of the Youth. He was then recognized by Pope Benedict XVI for his holiness by mentioning his name in the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation: "Sacramentum Caritatis."

Bl. Ivan Merz is the perfect patron saint for young people, youth ministers, military personnel, philosophers, philologists, students, educators, liturgists, theologians, devotees of the Holy Eucharist, and lay faithful engaged in Christian apostolate.

He is also a powerful and compassionate intercessor when it comes to academic or professional examinations, dental and lung illnesses, couples who seek for a child and HIV/AIDS victims.

Bl. Ivan Merz Center and Reliquarium is open every Tuesday to Sunday, 10am - 7pm. There is also no entrance fee. They've open it for Holy Week 2018 that's why we are lucky to visit it today. Here is the schedule for this week:

Holy Tuesday - Pabasa, 7am onwards
Maundy Thursday - 7am - 11pm
Good Friday and Black Saturday - 7am to 7pm
Easter Sunday (April 1 and 2) - CLOSED

* Office and Reliquarium resumes operation on Tuesday, April 3.

A visitor gets a certificate, a scapular and a stampita with the prayer to Bl. Ivan Merz. You can leave a letter where your prayer intentions will be included in every day masses for the whole year.

Visit the Bl. Ivan Merz Center and Reliquarium at SE Narra cor Champagnat St, Marikina Heights, Marikina City. Near St. Scholastica's Academy and C&B Mall.

For more information about the Reliquarium, prayer requests, religious items and souvenirs, you can contact them via:
Phone: +63 2 6212230, +63 956-1253804
Emal: vp.ivanmerz@gmail.com
Facebook Page: ivanmerzcenter

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Kutis Filipina's loyalty card

It may be too early for Christmas presents but you can give yourself and your friend or loved one the good things and experience wellness to maintain young-looking, stress-free skin from Kutis Filipina. And it's not just for Christmas, but you will benefit the whole year round.

Kutis Filipina's Loyalty membership card gives you access to their treatments and wellness procedures with discounts on your birthday for only Php 9,800. Members get a weekly Kutis Express Face care, which includes cleaning and clearing the pores through mechanical extraction and micro-exfoliation of the upper chest, neck and face; Once a month “Kutis Klassic Face Care” that includes cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, and diamond peel. Once a month use of dermal infusion machine and 30 minutes use of PDT (red, blue, pink light).

If you think Php 9800 costs a lot for you, think about the benefits, aside from the weekly Classic Facial treatments, diamond peel, dermal infusion and PDT, members can also get 20% discount on regular services and products on their birthday. They also get to enjoy 5% discount on regular services and products all year round. The membership card is for one person only and is non-transferable.

You can also take care of your skin by availing Kutis Filipina soaps. I personally use the Tea Tree soap to dry out pimples easily.

Tea Tree soap has antibacterial properties from tea tree which clears out your skin from harmful bacteria found in the environment. The Moisturizing soap restores your skin's protection that is washed away from bathing and the Glutathione soap gives a fairer skin with regular use.

Prices:
Tea Tree Soap - P 250
Moisturizing Soap - P 280
Glutathione Soap - P 250

For more information, you can call telephone nos. +639175038784 or 6460807. The Kutis membership card is only available at the Mayor Gil Fernando branch, San Roque Marikina City.

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I slimmed down 2 inches with these non-surgical procedures

I always wanted to trim my muffin top with going to the gym and diet but never went to my mind any medical procedure because of the additional cost it may entail. So the attempt fails and it sometimes adds more inches to my waist. The flab measures up to 92cm and I just laugh it out but when I see photos, they are a little downer.

But Doc Lawrence Tan of Kutis Filipina introduced me to this non-surgical and painless procedure, I tried it out to see if it works. It is called Lipo Cavitation which kind of looks like you're having an ultrasound during treatment. For 20mins, the flat wand will go over your tummy in a circular motion to burn the fat directly from that area. Here are the points if you would like to consider Lipo Cavitation as your slimming remedy:

• Non-surgical - no needles, no slicing
• Painless
• Targeted to slim down fatty areas

After that, you will undergo RF treatment to stimulate and break down the fatty cells using radio frequency. This is a bit warm but relaxing and the same treatment to put out the puffiness in my eyes.

As you thought that Kutis Filipina only focuses on the face, they also offer services for body wellness. Try their Lymphatic Massage that also flushes out toxins from the body. Ask for Ate Flor if you want a good lymphatic massage. Of course, you also need discipline if you really need to slim down with regular exercise and diet.

Lipo Cavitation is Php 250 per 20mins treatment. Same goes with the RF treatment. If you want to know more about it, you can visit Kutis Filipina is located at #67 2nd Floor ESJ Building Gil Fernando Ave, Marikina City. Landmarks are Shell Gas Station and Veterans Bank, above Omakase.

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Feed your skin with Dermal Infusion from Kutis Filipina

Did you know that when you wash your face with soap, you strip of its natural and outermost layer of protection from foreign objects in the environment? How about feeding your skin with nutrients that it needs that can give you a natural glow and moisturizer?

Kutis Filipina offers a great service that comes with the Kutis Classic treatment and it's called Dermal Infusion. It's a unique treatment for me and according to Dr. Laurence Tan of Kutis Filipina, it injects essential nutrients that were stripped off of your face in every washing. It is similar with the Diamond Peel but it is less abrasive, so it retains the young skin cells and at the same time, adds vitamins / minerals for your skin's natural glow.

Dermal Infusion machine

I have tried this twice already and during the first treatment, it nourished my face with Vitamin C and E and moisture. At the following treatment, we added Glutathione that is also a powerful antioxidant which can help prevent skin cancer which everybody is subject to especially when exposed to the sun. Glutathione is also a powerful ingredient in whitening for an even skin tone and erase dark spots on the face.

Dermal Infusion is also included in the annual promo of Kutis Filipina which you can avail for only Php 9,800. It covers regular facial treatments, diamond peel, radio frequency and Photo Dynamic Therapy which is more expensive when you avail individually.

Visit Kutis Filipina at Gil Fernando Avenue, San Roque, Marikina City (above Omakase) or call 0917 503 8784 or (02) 646 0807 for appointment.

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A more natural but effective skin care at Kutis Filipina

We've been accustomed to many skin care products but all seems not to really work for our covers. Worse, they consume our money, thanks to the brilliance of marketing that deceives us of the so-called "benefits" of using such items in the market. How would you like to save your skin naturally and your bank account without the harmful effects of chemicals found in each bottle or cream or cosmetics?

Dr. Laurence Mil Tan, aesthetic doctor of Kutis Filipina, believes that only washing with water can do the trick. He explained to me, backed up with research and first-hand observations, comparing the effects of just water to adding soap, cleansers, etc. may affect the skin's composition and its structure based upon frequent usage. Better is that how much will I able to save by putting out products which in fact are not really advisable.

But Dr Tan is offering something that can repair and clean our skin naturally and will not harm it. Since every body has a different skin type, he gives customized and friendly advise on how to return to a natural state of your skin. And guess what, it can erase all your consumption to the harmful chemicals found in beauty soaps, alcohol-based cleansers, cosmetics, etc.

He offers the Kutis Filipina Membership card which is only  Php 9,800 for the whole year. Each visit, you will undergo cleansing, facial treatment and something that you have to try: Photo Dynamic Therapy (PDT), silk peel and others, depending on your skin's needs. This membership is applicable to both men and women and can be used at the newly-renovated Kutis Filipina branch in Gil Fernando Ave, Marikina City. If you compare all your expenses with soaps, cleansers, moisturizers, facial treatments, etc, you'll be surprised of the difference in costs.

There are 3 types of PDT and each session lasts for only 15-30 mins, depending on your needs based on the assessment:

Red for Anti-Aging

Blue for Anti-Bacterial

Purple for Combination Treatment

I've also got to try the Dermal Infusion. This is a less-abrasive procedure than Diamond Peel and plus it injects vitamins that makes the skin recover from dullness and healthier with every use. You have to attend a weekly treatment for best results. Of course, you also have to do your part of washing your face regularly with water and do not let your face be exposed under the sun.

Dermal Infusion machine (Silk Peel)

All these are inclusive to the Php 9,800 membership card and for you who is a beauty enthusiast and a believer of naturally beautiful and healthy skin. Members can also get 20% discount on regular services and products on their birthday. They also get to enjoy 5% discount on regular services and products all year round. The membership card is for one person only and is not transferrable. For more information, you can call telephone nos. 0917 503 8784 or (02) 646 0807.

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