Regina Rica

Need I say more?

Pea hen wandering about.

peacock

Patrick also took me to Regina Rica. Cared for by Dominican Sisters, it was dedicated in 2010. Regina Rica is indeed a peaceful and reflective place. The statue of Mary is immense. Inside is a chapel where Mass could be said.

"Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us."

Daranak Falls

My cousin's son Patrick took me to Daranak Falls on Friday. He said this is a popular spot during the summer because the water is cool.  There were only a handful of people there when we went.  Being at Daranak Falls was the first time I was naturally "cool" (without the use of air conditioning) since coming to the Philippines.  I hope to return; next time I shall bring a towel.

Fiesta 431!

image of St. Mary Magdalene
sponsored by the Catholic Church

Virgilio B. Melendres is an uncle who was mayor of Pililla
The school named after him sponsored one group of street dancers. 

one of 5 groups of street dancers 

one of 5 groups of street dancers 

band from one of the villages within Pililla

another band-this one from Paete, Laguna (neighboring town)

"I have seen the Lord."

image of St. Mary Magdalene
sponsored by the Aglipay (Philippine Independent) Church.

The structures you see in the background are my family's.
This is the area where the new house/library will be built.

Franciscan missionaries established the Catholic Church in Pililla in 1583 under the patronage of St. Mary Magdalene.  This feast is second to Christmas in people's hearts.  Much work goes into preparing for this feast.

Novena.  Three Masses, including one where Bishop Gabriel Reyes, bishop of the Diocese of Antipolo in which Pililla is a part -- presided. Despite the rain, at times strong, festivities continued.  Among these are: Procession throughout town, mass Baptisms, Street dance competitions, Band competitions, Talent show competitions, and of course the feria (carnival).

About 2:30 pm my cousin Julie Ann and I walked about town where we visited 4 relatives' and friends' homes.  We were served a variety of food and drinks.When I returned about 9 pm to my aunt's house, I was very full; physically and spiritually renewed!

Fiesta part 1

Julie and Poof (nickname) preparing
gulaman (dessert with jello)

street banners

Reggie preparing embotido

more banners

feria rides

feria rides

games at the feria

more games

more rides

kids enjoying the feria

feria rides

for the nightly amateur shows

                                                                 

one of the many bands

more banners

Typhoon Glenda

Police and townsfolk work to clear the river.

River partially blocked causing minor flooding.

View of river from the other side of the bridge

drinkable water anyone?

coffee break

It didn't take long for people to come together to give relief to those working.  

After Glenda

nice and clear (of water lilies)

bent over after 130-160 kilometers per hour wind

This tree fell during the storm.
After only 4 hours officials from the barangay (village)
have almost cleared what remained of the tree.

The light green seen in the background is rice.

We survived Typhoon Glenda.  Meralco Electric Company shut down power for 11 hours, not due to damage, but just to be on the safe side.  We also always had water, unlike other areas.  The following day we were without electricity for 6 hours.  Other parts of the Luzon area weren't as lucky.  I heard from relatives about 3 hours from Pililla that they had been without electricity and water for 3 days.

Daily life

Cousin Ellen's husband Mario
caught these tilapia not an hour before.  

Ellen cleaning the fish that she sells.

Aunt Alphonsa buys at her sister's store at the Pililla market.

radish, string beans and other healthy food

Uncle Warly's store--rice in the forefront

buko (young coconut) juice coming right up

The flesh of the buko is scrapped and eaten.