Pinoy Wit

Cultivating the Filipino soul through culture and history

Cultural Heritage

Simala Shrine – Monastery of the Holy Eucharist in Sibonga Cebu

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I visited the Simala Shrine in May 2011, making this post nearly four years delayed and entirely deserving of a procrastination award. I was then in my former hometown, Cebu, for a blogging summit and my mother suggested a quick side trip, reminiscent of days of old when my family and I used to go on spur of the moment trips to wherever we fancied. As with most of our impulse … [Read more...] about Simala Shrine – Monastery of the Holy Eucharist in Sibonga Cebu

Remembering Bantayan Island – Old Memories of a Young Traveler

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When a relative came home from Manila, my pasalubong (souvenir) was a box of Pan de Manila coffee. Although the box art showed what I would assume to be an idealized rendition of old Manila, it reminded me of a different place, Bantayan Island. My mother was born and raised there, but I’d only been there twice.Unfortunately, I went there in the early 90s, before the age of … [Read more...] about Remembering Bantayan Island – Old Memories of a Young Traveler

The Official National Symbols of the Philippines

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I was among those who grew up believing that sipa, maya, mango and anahaw were national symbols. After all, those were what were in our textbooks. I learned as a grown up that not all of the symbols we were taught in school are recognized by the law. I would not be surprised if others who had gone to school with me are unaware that there are official symbols. A recent episode … [Read more...] about The Official National Symbols of the Philippines

Bohol – Cebu Earthquake: Remembering Our Fallen Churches

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When calamity strikes, we grieve first for the loss of life and for families deprived of loved ones. The recent earthquake however, which struck Bohol and Cebu has created in us who love history and culture another level of grief. For among the many casualties are our old churches, priceless specimens of our cultural and historical heritage. I am even more grieved by the … [Read more...] about Bohol – Cebu Earthquake: Remembering Our Fallen Churches

Divine Mercy Shrine in El Salvador Misamis Oriental

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Rudy, who left a comment on the video I shot says it all, "Spain in the Philippines." Of course, those of us who live here know he isn't referring to the structure itself. There is no Spanish influence anywhere on it. Rudy was referring to the religious and perhaps spiritual fervor that is the influence of more than 300 years of colonial rule that has resulted in the … [Read more...] about Divine Mercy Shrine in El Salvador Misamis Oriental