" Do you believe?"

Revered saints like Mother Mary and Sto. Nino are for sale outside the Quiapo church.
There are also beads of rosary, prayer books and novenas for those devotees.
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"Asleep "

On my way home the other day, I saw this vendor selling fresh tomatoes on the street.
It was lunchtime so most establishments were closed.
This lady, maybe tired from the heat, suddenly got so sleepy and thought since it's lunch, why not have a quick nap... ^0^

Studies have shown that a 10 minute power nap is good, as it rejuvenates your mind and body.
It also helps you to be more focus on your work.
Although it's not my habit, do you often take naps in between breaks? ^-^
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" Fleur "

Let's play a guessing game...



Can you name this flower ? ^0^



clue:
It has a distinct sweet and heady fragrance.
It doesn't bear seeds, the plant is cultivated by cuttings.
It's pure white in color, small, dainty, star-shaped blossoms.
The flowers open at night and wilt in less than a day.



another clue:
It grows on woody vines or semi-climbing shrubs, which reaches a height of 1,2 meters.
-Known in Asia for its use in teas and religious offerings, symbolizing divine hope.
-Native to southern Asia, namely, the Philippines, India, Myanmar and Sri Lanka.



more info:
It's considered to be a symbol of fidelity, purity, devotion and dedication.
It's the national flower of the Philippines and Indonesia.
In China, the flower is processed and used as the main ingredient in jasmine tea.
Scientifically known as "Jasminum sambac".

The flowers are meticulously string into leis, corsages and crowns and distill its oils and sell them in stores, streets, and outside churches.



Answer?!..^0^

- It's Arabian Jasmine.
- Locally known as Sampaguita.
with various names like sampagung, campopot, kulatai, ponso, lumabi, malur and manul.

- The name Sampaguita is a Spanish term that comes from the Philippino words "sumpa kita," which mean 'I promise you.'

They are often strung into fragrant garlands or given as offerings on altars, more common is you'll see them dangling from rear view mirrors serving as natural car fresheners.

trivia on sampaguita:
- It wasn’t a Filipino who proclaimed it as our natiional flower.
- On February 1, 1934, Governor-General Frank Murphy of the U.S named it as our national symbol because of its "popularity, ornamental value, fragrance, and the role it plays in the legends and traditions of the Filipino people.”
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"Faith"

Continuing last week's post on 'Temples n Sky'.
This is probably the most famous Chinese Buddhist Temple here called "Seng Guan Si".
Inspired by Stupa like structure, its interiors are intricately carved with detailed designs.
In themes of red, gold and dark hand crafted woods furnishings.
It's frequently visited by locals (mostly fil-chinese) who have a profound belief in this religion.
Upon entering it main door, you'll be greeted by the laughing buddha and further inside is the goddess of Mercy.
It's said that the goddess of mercy (bodhisattva) "Kuan Yin Ma" is the most precised and beloved among the venerated saints inside.
Kuan Yin Ma is similar of Mother Mary in Catholism.
A mural depicting the life of Buddha is on the second floor and on the third floor is where you'll find the statue of the Holy Buddha, a place where worshippers have their prayers and daily chants.


Pagoda like structure of the exterior


The entryway



A closer look at its ornate design and writings


ps: to all who commented for the last few days esp. yesterday, "thank you!" ^0^
blogging is eating part of my life,^0^ but reading your comments makes me smile on a bad day and makes me want to post more of something everyday. ^-^
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"Sound of Silence"

I'm having second thoughts whether or not i should post this one.
Apart from the wonderful sights there's to see,
a deeper social problem here needs to be resolved and that is
hoping to alleviate poverty.

Somehow Paul Simon's song reminded me of this "reality".
"People talking without speaking,
People hearing without listening,
People writing songs that voices never share
And no one dare
Disturb the sound of silence."
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"Temple n Sky"

My sunny skywatch this friday focuses on the other side of Manila.
People have this assumption that we're all about the Spanish and American
influences but,part of our history we share it with the Chinese culture as well.




A pagoda like structure, oriental in architecture, hidden along the
Streets of Narra.
It's a well-known Buddhist temple, mostly filled with people wearing "Red" theme outfits, esp. during the festive months like Chinese new year or celebrating the divine Buddha, their gods and goddesses.

I'll tell you more about its history next time.
meanwhile, i hope you enjoy this sight. ^0^
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" StaRe "

are you a cat lover?



Some random stray cat i found on the street, typical of manila, you'll either find dogs or cats lurking here and there, i was careful not to disturb him/her while silently, i took the shot from a distance, surprise-surprise! it was staring back at me. I was caught off guard, maybe he can sense my presence already.
^0^
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