Our Lady of Lebanon

Of all the titles of our Blessed Mother, I chose to post about her being “Our Lady of Lebanon”. It started when I was just searching and completing my archive of Marian images from the internet when I stumbled upon her pictures of her breathtakingly beautiful and gigantic sculpture, said to be erected on the top of the hill of Harissa. I also caught sight of some interesting perspectives of the statue, especially in Flickr. Click here for more.

I especially love the one with the iron fence and a huge imposing image of the statue, as if our Blessed Mother is looking at us below and inviting us to heaven (depicted by the seemingly blue, fair and peaceful sky) while we are imprisoned in our sins. It is as if our Blessed Mother is consoling us and is giving us hope, saying “Come, My child, stand up. Be freed from your enslavement in sins. Let us go to heaven”. That is why I was so inspired that I even made one as my laptop wallpaper as a constant reminder of Our Lady’s omnipotence in her supplication. And this is also to keep the presence of God always.

That reminds me, this month of May is dedicated to Our Lady. As our Blessed Mother, let us offer her some little things with great love, as a child would do to her earthly mother.

Subic Field Trip

We went to a field trip to Subic, Zambales more than a year ago as a partial requirement in one of my subjects. I have been to Subic many times, but I still had fun since we went to places I haven’t been before.

First stop was to get a tour guide in the tourism department of Subic. Then we went straight ahead to the little village of the aeta (Filipino cultural minority).

They showed us how to survive in the jungle, using itak (sort of Filipino bladed weapon) and bamboos, which is one of the most common and most versatile plant in the forest. They also showed us how to make fire, how to cook rice and dishes, and how to make various utensils from bamboo.

Then they also showed us how to make various animal traps, especially for monkeys.

After the lecture, an aeta led the way for the forest trekking. As it had rained before we arrived, the forest soil was muddy and slippery. I was a bit nervous as the steps were sometimes steep. But the forest was very beautiful, I was especially astonished at the humungous heights of the trees. The aeta also pointed the medicinal plants along the way.

As we left for our next stop in our field trip, we saw several monkeys along the road. Then we went to the beach, but it was sad that it was kind of dirty with trash. Still, the panoramic view of the sea was breathtaking.

Then we went to the Mangrove Trail where they do rehabilitation programs to conserve the remaining mangrove forests. The spiky aerial roots were very striking.

We also went to Zoobic Safari,where we watched an animal and cultural show of the aetas in their traditional clothing. Zoobic Safari is also known for their huge collection of tigers, especially white tigers. But before we went to see the tigers, I saw a wild pig roaming along the forest.

As we left Zoobic Safari and went along the path outside, we came across a farm full of ostriches and wild pigs.

Our next stop was the Crocodile Farm. Our professor was so kind to pay us all the chicken for a thrilling meal session for the crocodiles waiting below. They’re so lazy and huge, like “Lolong”. We were screaming and laughing as the crocodiles ate the chicken hanging at our rods.

Our very last stop was Puregolds Duty Free. I bought some chocolate for my family. Then we went home back to the university.

Easter Eggs

As usual, we received Easter eggs during the Easter vigil mass of the Paschal Triduum and during the  Easter Sunday mass. These Easter eggs were said to be prepared by the poor Claire nuns, from the eggs donated by the devotees of Sta. Clara. I remember back then how their Easter eggs were decorated with crayons. Now, they were decorated with paint. Some eggs were just painted with one color all throughout, while others are painted with monochrome repeated patterns to colorful abstract designs.

This Summer

It is now officially summer in the Philippines, and that means vacation for elementary, high school and some college students who will choose to take their leave from studies. But studying doesn’t stop here for me since I will be taking summer classes for a good reason. I wasn’t able to get a Physics subject last semester, so I have to take it this summer or else I will have a hard time finishing my curriculum requirements. And besides, I thought it would be wise put greater focus in a math-related subject, as I have great weakness in anything math. So this time, it will only be Physics and nothing else.

In case of free time, which I hope, I will renovate and update this blog. I will also do self-studying of kanji words and Japanese language. These will be my moments of rest, because to rest is to focus your attention into other worthwhile activities while relaxing. In this way, no time will be wasted.

May it be a worthwhile summer time for us!

A Changing Sky

In one Math class, I was seated just beside the window where a good view used to give me consolation from the confusing numbers and symbols written on the blackboard. What I liked most in this view was the ever-changing sky and its cloud formations. So whenever possible, I would take quick shots of the view with my cellphone camera.

Maybe because the classroom was located on the third floor that the elevation gives a better view of the sky and clouds. Well, I hope I will have this kind of view again in my future classes.