The Amazing Islands of Lubang and Cabra

Last month, we were invited by our photography friend to visit their place in Lubang Island, Occidental Mindoro. This was my 2^nd time to travel outside of Luzon (after our Bacolod Trip last year).

The Lubang Tourism Office was very hospitable to us and they provided us transportation while visiting some of the places in their municipality like the Cabra Island Lighthouse, Binacas Beach and the Tumibo Mangroves. These are just two of the numerous places that you could visit in the Islands of Lubang and Cabra.

We were given a pamphlet that gives us brief information about Lubang. It is located 121 kilometers (75 nautical miles) southwest of Manila. From Manila, we rented a van that took us straight to Calatagan Port in Batangas. From Calatagan, we rode a ferry to Tilik Port for P400 each.

We spent almost 3 days in Lubang Island which for me, could qualify as the Garlic Capital of the Philippines. I bet there are no aswang in this island due to the presence of garlic plantations. They also have a unique look for their tricycle – they designed it in a way that it will look like a small jeepney.

Aside from the Cabra Island Lighthouse, we also visited the site were an alleged apparition of the Virgin Mary took place. Overall, our trip to Lubang and Cabra Islands is a great one and we’re looking forward to returning to visit other places.

Tilik Port, Lubang Island, Occidental Mindoro

Lubang Municipal Hall, Lubang Island

Tumibo Bakawan (Mangroves)

Binacas Beach, Lubang Island, Mindoro

Cabra Beach

Cabra Island pasture lands.

Cabra Beach

The chapel built after the alleged apparition of the Virgin Mary.

Cabra Bay

The Cabra Island Lighthouse

The tricycles of Lubang and Cabra Islands look like miniature Sarao jeepneys.

Residents of Lubang Island, Occidental Mindoro – the Garlic Capital of the Philippines

Tilik Port, Lubang Island

BuzzNet Tags: Lubang Island,Cabra Island,Lubang Tourism Office,Garlic Capital of the Philippines

Diocesan Shrine of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, San Rafael, Bulacan

The Diocesan Shrine of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus is located at Cruz na Daan, San Rafael, Bulacan. It’s one of the most beautiful church I’ve seen in my province of Bulacan and it’s located along the National Road that connects Baliuag to San Miguel, Bulacan (and to Nueva Ecija).

The façade of the San Rafael Church (officially known as the Diocesan Shrine of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus) in Bulacan.

The church is Neo-Classical because of the use of the Greek Corinthian column, and Romanesque because of the curves and arches. It has a single belfry and the image of the Sacred Heart is on the façade of the church along with a stained glass rose window.

The rose window shows the Resurrection of Christ.

The main doors of the Diocesan Shrine of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus has the Lamb of God as it’s decoration. Inside the church, you’ll see arches and the dome at the main altar. The main altar shows the apparition of Jesus to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque of France who started the devotion to the Sacred Heart. There’s also a painting of the Immaculate Conception and an archangel (I’m assuming it is St. Raphael).

The marker reads:

Diocesan Shrine of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

Cruz na Daan, San Rafael, Bulacan

We commend to the Lord the thousands of people who helped build this church.

The wealthy who shared their abundance, the gifted who gave their skills and their labor;

The less fortunate who offered their prayers, friends and kinsmen from far away lands;

All who gave what they could to transform a dream into an inspiring reality.

This house of God stands

As a living symbol of their common faith,

A monument to friendship that made them one,

Their fullest offering of thanksgiving of His beneficence

May the Lord inscribe their names in His generous heart

And grant them their just rewards,

1^st Day of December 2000

The other marker reads:

Marker

In commemoration of the solemn dedication and proclamation of the church as the Diocesan Shrine of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus located at Cruz na Daan, San Rafael, Bulacan.

Officiated by his Excellency Rolando J. Tria Tirona O.C.D., D.D. Bishop of Malolos on the 1^st Day of December 2000 in the year of our Lord during the incumbency of Rev. Fr. Adalberto G. Vergara as parish priest.

This Holy Week 2014, it’s worth visiting the Diocesan Shrine of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus in San Rafael, Bulacan along with other churches in the province.

The markers of the church.

The Lamb of God.

Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Interior of the Diocesan Shrine of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, San Rafael, Bulacan.

The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.

The wonderful dome of the Diocesan Shrine of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus in San Rafael, Bulacan.

The Main Altar.

The Rose Window depicting the Resurrection of Christ and other events in the New Testament.

Details of the arch. Diocesan Shrine of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, San Rafael, Bulacan.

Details of the ceiling.

Details of the façade.

Details of the side windows.

Details of the grills.

The side elevation of the Diocesan Shrine of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, San Rafael, Bulacan.

Façade of the church.

Monument to the Unborn.

The Diocesan Shrine of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, San Rafael, Bulacan is along the National Highway that connects Baliuag to Nueva Ecija, passing by San Rafael, San Ildefonso and San Miguel in Bulacan.

BuzzNet Tags: Holy Week 2014,San Rafael Church,Bulacan,Diocesan Shrine of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus