The National Shrine of the Sacred Heart

In Makati, Philippines

On October 2, 2009 (First Friday of the month), the NATIONAL SHRINE OF THE SACRED HEART was declared a JUBILEE SHRINE, officiated by the former Archbishop of Manila; Cardinal Gaudencio B. Rosales at a concelebrated Mass in the morning.

The honor is granted to this Church for being a National Shrine of the Sacred Heart, this same year being declared a Year of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, plus being the Year of the Priests (150th death anniversary of St. John Vianney, Cure of Ars - Parish Priest of Ars).

To gain the plenary indulgence, all who visit the Shrine must be in the state of grace, receive Holy Communion, and say the following prayers for the intentions of the Holy Father (Pope Benedict XVI) and Priests: Apostles Creed, Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, and the invocations: Sacred Heart of Jesus, Have mercy on us; Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pray for us; St. John Marie Vianney, Pray for us  .

The Cathedral Church of Macau

Do not confuse the Macau Cathedral with the Ruins of St. Paul's Cathedral, which is now only a standing facade. The Macau Cathedral has been a church since 1576. The original church was rebuilt in 1850 to a much larger size. A typhoon severely damaged that church in the 1870s. It was finally rebuilt in 1937 in concrete, in the form which remains today. Adjacent to the Cathedral is the Bishop's Palace with a small museum and across from the church is a pleasant square with a fountain, large cross and many benches.

The Peak Tower

Have a fabulous view from one of Hong Kong's most striking landmark, The Peak Tower which was enhanced in 2006. The Peak Tower, with its iconic wok-like top, offers a dazzling array of shops and sure to make for many happy hours of great dinning with a view experience, leisurely shopping and souvenir hunting and a 360 degree panoramic view of Hong Kong Business District.

The Peak Tram

In Hong Kong

Getting to The Peak is thru the Peak Tram located in St John Building near the Cotton Tree Drive. This is one of the World's oldest and most famous funicular cable monorail, the tram rises to 396 meters (about 1,300 feet) above sea level. It is so steep that the buildings you pass look like they are leaning a gradient of between 4 to 27 degrees. 

The Peak

In Hong Kong

The Peak is one of Hong Kong's popular attractions. It is 396 meters (about 1,300 feet) above sea level and covers a stunning view of Hong Kong Mainland. It is the mountain behind the Hong Kong Business District. This place also includes the Peak Tower and Peak Galleria which offers great shopping and dining; a must-visit attraction like Madame Tussauds; and the unforgettable Peak Tram ride.

Cosco Hotel

In Hong Kong

This hotel is a 3 star hotel in Hong Kong mainland near the Kennedy Town Praya.

We stayed here during our visit in Hong Kong and this would be the cheapest 3 star hotel at the time of our visit.

Visita Iglesia 2012

In Hong Kong and Macau

Because of our busy and hectic schedule during the Holy Week, my wife and I have not visited 7 churches as part of our devotion and heritage. We were supposed to visit the churches of Cavite province from Bacoor all the way to Maragondon, Cavite. But everything was too tight for our schedule so we decided to have the Visita Iglesia some other time.

And when we travelled to Hong Kong and Macau on the last week of April, we decided to make this our Visita Iglesia for 2012.

1)      Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception – Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong

Website: http://cathedral.catholic.org.hk/index.php?id=4

Ho Chi Minh (Saigon)

In Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City formerly named Saigon is the largest city in Vietnam. It was the capital of the French colony and the independent state of South Vietnam, as an anti-communist state from 1955-75. Saigon fell on April 30, 1975 bringing an end to the War. Then vietnam was turned into a communist state. And in 1976, Saigon was merged with Gia Dinh Province and was officially renamed Ho Chi Minh City.

My wife and I visited some famous landmark in Ho Chi Minh City such as Reunification Palace, War Museum, Ho Chi Minh City Hall, Ben Thanh Market, Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica and many more...

The Reunification Palace formerly known as Independence Palace, was the home and workplace of the President of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. It was also the site of the end of Vietnam War during the Fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975, when a North Vietnamese Army tank crashed through its gates.

Sunrise near Mt. Nantai

In Nikko, Japan

This is not a painting or camera trick… this is my real shot of sunrise in Nikko, Japan. Wonderful…

Praise God for his beautiful and majestic creation…

Hanoi

In Vietnam

Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and the country's second largest city.

My wife and I went to several places in Hanoi like Temple of Literature, Turtle tower, St. Joseph Cathedral, Puppet Theater and many more…

At the Confucius Temple – “Temple of Literature”

Ha Long Bay

In Hanoi, Vietnam

For those visiting Vietnam, never forget to see the wonders of Ha Long Bay. Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since1994, included in the 7 new wonders of nature and a popular travel destination in Vietnam. The bay features thousands of limestone karsts and isles in various sizes and shapes.