Your child’s education will have a great impact on their life. If you are still undecided which school your child will attend, consider providing them a Ruizian education.
Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila of Cainta (LRMS) is a Ruizian Catholic educational insitution of servant leaders nestled inside the Vista Verde Executive Village in Cainta, Rizal.
LRMS has been providing young learners the means to develop their God-given talents for almost 30 years through a lay-directed educational system. The school is spearheaded by servant leaders who live faith, hope, and love in communion to develop learners who will contribute to the nation’s and world’s progress, unity, and peace.
Also known as Lorenzo among its constituents, LRMS is focused on rearing well-rounded students who are centered on the Eucharist and inspired by the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Lorenzo Ruiz.
LRMS is also striving for a transformative education that is innovative, dynamic, and globally responsive. In fact, Lorenzo is now offering four academic strands for senior high school students. These are the following:
General Academic Strand
Accountancy, Business, and Management
Humanities and Social Sciences
The institution also offers the Technical-Vocational-Livelihood track to equip students with job-ready skills. LRMS offers the Information and Communication Technology strand, which had produced students who all passed the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Assessment for National Certificate III-2D Animation for the past two years.
Aside from LRMS’ academic excellence, the institution is also offering programs that support every child’s holistic development. For instance, it has recently offered its summer program for students who are interested in basketball, taekwondo, ballet, and music. This proves Lorenzo’s commitment to empower the minds, build the character, and shape the ideals of the future generation.
The school is also helping parents and guardians provide a quality Ruizian education to their children through its various financial offerings such as theFamily Tuition Discount that can give them as much as a 100% in discount.
LRMS also offers the Referral Incentive that provides parents and guardians up to Php6,000 in vouchers that can be used to purchase books, uniforms, school materials, canteen meals, and payment of tuition fee balance.
These and more are part of Lorenzo’s commitment to form and educate the youth as involved, truthful, God-loving servant leaders.
Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila School of Cainta (LRMS) provides students with all the means to develop their God-given talents and empower them as servant leaders of the future. It promises transformative education that is innovative, dynamic, and globally responsive. Established in 1990, LRMS is located in Vista Verde Executive Village.
If you haven't watched the first two "Hellboy" in 2004 and 2008, or have already forgotten about it, don't worry, this latest "Hellboy" (2019) is not a continuation of the two previous films. The plot of the story stands alone so everyone will never feel left behind or might be missing something.
In 2004 and 2008 "Hellboy" films, Ron Perlman played the title role, this year, it is David Harbour who played the lead and surprisingly, I can see no difference between the two of them or if there are any, maybe just a bit. If you would base the action scenes and compare thus latest from the two previous ones (2004 and 2008), this latest has a much much bloody and gory scenes!!! Thus, it was given the Rated R impression due to its violence, darker tone and mature languages. Yes this caters to more mature audience and as for me, I did enjoy watching "Hellboy," I am a fan of hard action movies and I really feel entertained by his pleasant character (never mind the looks) :))
Milla Jovovich is "Nimue" the Blood Queen
I find Milla's portrayal as "Nimue" the Blood Queen very eccentric! She's so perfect for the character and you could see thay she's given her best efforts to give justice to the role.
What I like most about the whole film, aside from the fight scenes was the father and son relationship of Hellboy to his adoptive and loving father Professor Broom played by Ian McShane. We could witness their love and concern for each other although they do not have any blood relations at all but the fatherly instinct was there. For me, their scenes together serve as the equalizer for the whole story. There is a moral and family values to reckon to in "Hellboy" and you'll find about it if you watch it!
“Hellboy”, the legendary half-demon superhero is back this April, but not as a continuation to the 2004 and 2008 fantasy-heavy Hellboy films by visionary writer/director Guillermo del Toro. Instead, this movie reboot has a darker tone, much more grounded in horror (Rated R in America), and is composed of a new cast and a new creative team that includes Mike Mignola, the creator of the “Hellboy” comic books, acting as a co-executive producer.
Now directed by award-winning director Neil Marshall (Dog Soldiers, The Descent, Game of Thrones), and stars two-time Emmy Award Best Supporting Actor nominee David Harbour (Chief Jim Hopper in Stranger Things) in the titular role, Hellboy is seen being called to the English countryside to battle a trio of rampaging giants. This is part of his job in the government organization called B.P.R.D. - Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense.
While in pursuit of the giants, Hellboy encounters Nimue the Blood Queen, played by the stunning Resident Evil star Milla Jovovich. This vengeful 5th century sorceress wants to get him on her side so that together they can end mankind.
While the movie will show some explanation on the background of Hellboy – that he was summoned from the depths of hell on a stormy island off the coast of Scotland – it begins right in the middle of the action. It is also “truer to the comic” , says Mike Mignola, “in that Hellboy’s been out in the world, not a top-secret, hidden away guy”. He has a “been there, done that vibe”, a trait that Mignola patterned after his father, a Korean War veteran.
David Harbour says,“In our movie, he’s very much dealing with his own being ostracized from society.” He is a lot more “emotionally explosive” compared to the Hellboy version of Ron Perlman. Harbour expounds, “It’s a classically complicated hero. He’s a creature that was meant to bring about the end of the world, and he just sort of wants to be a good guy. He’s got that complexity to him. He’s also a monster who lives among human beings, so he’s in a sense fighting for human beings against his fellow monsters, and yet the humans hate him because they fear him and they think he’s weird-looking and everything.”
Having a big role in Hellboy’s life is Trevor Brutteholm, his adoptive father and founder of the B.P.R.D. Played by Golden Globe Best Actor Ian McShane (Deadwood), his version of Brutteholm is “a much harder character who doesn't sympathize with Hellboy questioning his place in the world”.
McShane calls it “nice and bittersweet” taking over the role from “his dear old friend” John Hurt, but he was pleased to have worked with Harbour in Bulgaria for three weeks. He is proud to say that the filmmakers “picked the right guy” in Harbour.
As for Nimue the Blood Queen, she is depicted in the comics as a witch from Arthurian Britain who was cast out and trapped underground for 1500 years. This could be the reason she’s thirsting for vengeance.
In response to what kind of power her character has, Jovovich says, “She is able to throw plague and sickness on people.” In spite of this, the actress believes that the Blood Queen is “terribly misunderstood”. She explains, “The Blood Queen’s plan is so beautiful, something that all people want to achieve and it’s actually very relevant to what’s happening in our world. It’s trying to bring people together even though they are very disparate communities, monsters and humans, and bring the world into one so that everybody is protecting each other…I come in peace. It’s not my fault I’m a strong woman.”
Being “a powerful and strong woman” was actually Harbour’s first impression of Jovovich whom he had only known from movies like The Fifth Element. And because of that, the actor admitted to be “a little worried” working with her, but upon meeting her, he discovered that “she is such a pro” and he enjoyed the “level of love” she has for making a movie.
Other characters that are appearing for the first time are Alice Monaghan, played by Sasha Lane (American Honey) and Ben Daimo, played by Daniel Dae Kim (Lost,The Divergent Series: Insurgent), Hellboy’s companions in saving the world.
Monaghan is depicted as a woman of Irish descent who retained some magical abilities after she was kidnapped by fairies as a baby. In the comics, she was rescued by Hellboy from her kidnappers.
Daimo is a Japanese-American military member of B.P.R.D. who acquired the power to transform into a jaguar when angered or in pain after a supernatural encounter.
“Hellboy” is filled with incredible action and Harbour prepared well for it, saying that “It’s the most physical role (he’s) ever played.” Hollywood trainer Don Saladino put him through “a rigorous 10-week boot camp, involving kettlebells, medicine balls, machine weights, dumbbells, and weighted sleds—and that was just to kick things off”.
Harbour says, “I put on a lot of muscle and I got really strong and a lot of the training was power, because there’s a lot of stunts in the movie. There are two amazing Bulgarian Olympic wrestlers who did most of the Hellboy stunts, but there still was a lot of close up stuff that I had to do.”
As for his weapons, Harbour shares, “He’s got this big hand cannon and he’s also got this big Right Hand of Doom, so there’s a lot of big fights and there’s a lot of swinging that big right hand around.”
“Hellboy” opens From VIVA International Pictures and MVP Entertainment.
When we were invited by San Juan City Mayor Guia Gomez for her 77th birthday during our first meet-up last March in a posh restaurant in San Juan City, we were not that certain that it will push through, although on the other side of my head, I was wishing for it to happen :) I can never imagine, that a powerful and honorable persona like Mayor Guia, would be so cool and that humble to have us invited and celebrate with her.
Another reason for us to get so excited was she had shared to us that she'll be cooking her specialty, Bacalao Vizcaina (Spanish dish), which is the fave dish of her son, Senatoriable JV Ejercito. She also added that she only cooks once a year, and that is, only during her birthday, meaning it was even made more meaningful and special for us, just having the thought of eating her Bacalao.
The posh dining table :)
We've learned from Mayor Guia that this have been their home in San Juan city since early 70's. The house was so huge and very comfy. You could see a lot of photos which were memorable for the family, I could also see that Mayor Guia is a sentimental type of person and she keeps her fondest memories by putting their pictures in frames and displaying it.
With blogger friends
Mayor Guia happily sharing her thoughts pop
April 20, fell on a Black Saturday (Holy Week season), the big day for San Juan City's most-loved mother. We had a brief chit-chat with the birthday girl first and we were so amazed and entertained by her candid answers, funny gestures and happy stories to tell. She had even shared how she was discovered to be an actress, how she met Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada (he was also an actor before) and how she was pursued by him and a lot of things! Including how good JV Ejercito is as a son and as a Senator.
Eating time!!!
Her famous Bacalao Vizcaina
Finally had the chance to taste her much-talked about Bacalao! It was very flavorful and requires more rice. When Mayor asked me if how was her Bacalao, I told her that it was so delicious and I felt that it was really cooked with heart. And she hastily agreed to what I've said, she confirmed that it was really a dish with a heart and that makes it even more special. :)
Relyenong Bangus
One of my all-time fave dish is Relyenong Bangus that's I was so happy that they had prepared this.
Beef Pochero
Home-style cooking is really the best! This beef pochero reminds me of my mom's home-cooking!
Adobo (chicken, pork and chicken liver)
I love this adobo sauce! The porks really tender.
Beef Bulalo
This Bulalo tastes like the ones served in Tagaytay and Batangas. Sooo love it!
Luscious desserts!!!
Melon balls, Mango Ice Cream cake (to die for), Kiwi and lots of fruits!
Thanks for the Easter gift Mayor Guia!!!
Of all the birthdays that I've attended, only Mayor Guia has
Happy happy birthday Mayor Guia! May your selfless birthday wish come true!
More power and God bless!
WhenaI asked her about her birthday wish, Mayor answered, "Peace within my family, for everybody... good health for everyone, my birthday wish for JV is hopefully he can make it, and that he'll remain a good person... a good public servant."
Madam Guia, I can feel how selfless and pure your intention is and that you only wish what you think is best for everyone. You have raised your son, Sen. JV Ejercito so well and you are now reaping it.
No words could tell how grateful I am and I feel very fortunate to be one of your guests in your most-anticipated birthday celebration!
If you haven't watched SkinWhite's newest tv and online campaign, well, here's the link and tell me what you think:
https://youtu.be/RWN9FAZhlO0
I guess some of you are also aware that this particular campaign of SkinWhite had raised a lot of eyebrows, comments (positive or negative) and issues. I can understand that maybe it's because SkinWhite products caters to Filipinas (or any race) who wanted to have a clearer, lighter skin complexion. Thus, the issue on contradiction arises. And the executives ir the people behind this campaign had forseen it would happen. Let's read to what they have to say...
One would wonder why a skin whitening brand such as SkinWhite would dare to say that dark skin is beautiful. “It’s all about choice”, says Rachelle Layda, Marketing Manager for Whitening of Splash Corporation. “SkinWhite is a brand that empowers women to choose. A choice to define their own standard of beauty. If you choose to have dark skin, you are beautiful. If you choose to have white skin, you are just as beautiful. The choice is yours, and SkinWhite respects that choice."
This inclusivity is refreshing and speak volumes, especially at a time when shaming and bullying is prevalent across social media. Bashers and haters abound online with no agenda but to shame in all forms and ways – body-shaming, hair-shaming, race-shaming, gender-shaming, and yes, also skin-shaming. “This is precisely the stigma that we wish to change. Skin color should not be about one being better than the other”, adds Pam Sulit, Splash Corporation’s VP for Marketing.
“White and dark are both beautiful.” confirms Rachel Villanueva, Creative Director of Petch & Partners, the creative agency that created this campaign for SkinWhite. She continues, “It’s about time that dark skin and white skin get the same adoration and acknowledgment.”
There has never been an outright claim that DARK IS BEAUTIFUL. And for the statement to come from a skin whitening brand, it should be easy for others to follow suit. And for those who choose that WHITE IS BEAUTIFUL, there’s due acknowledgement that they’re simply taking control of their beauty too. And why not? Wear your skin, whichever way you choose. Because DARK OR WHITE, YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL.
If I'm going to put my two cents for this issue, I would like to say that, SkinWhite's very prepared for this and they are very confident too, that no matter how they reiterate to us that "Dark is Beautiful," they are so strong and very hopeful that their campaign will be heard. They will make an impact ( and that's what's happening), and that impact, created a noise, a reaction and an interaction. As for the bashers, they come and go... bashers will be bashers but they can never realize the real essence and meaning of the campaign.
Kudos to everyone in SkinWhite for braving everything amidst the rants and negative feedbacks.
If I could only put in words how greatful and privilege I am having invited and served as one of the fortunate witnesses in the recently concluded and awarding of Bayambang, Pangasinan Patron Saint, San Vicente Ferrer's colossal statue as Guinness World Records "Tallest Bamboo Sculpture" (supported).
How time flies so fast, just last June 10, 2018, the groundbreaking for the construction of the said sculpture and its prayer park took place. And in just barely 10 months, they have been very blessed to finally accomplish the completion of the structure without no record of any mishaps or accidents. (Thank God!)
And just last month, we were also invited to the Pista'y Baley (meaning town fiesta) presscon held at Mr. and Mrs. Cezar T. Quiambao's posh residence. We were at an awe realizing how grandiose the week-long (April 1-8) celebration of Bayambang's 405th Anniversary and St. Vincent Ferrer's 400th Anniversary as well and this also marks as the patron saint's 600th death anniversary too. Eveything seemed so well-thought and planned and that the implementation and execution were the prime aspects to be anticipated.
The Pista'y Baley of Balon Bayambang (New Bayambang), is a yearly grand celebration of this municipality, participated by 77 baranggays of this 3rd district of Pangasinan. This year, their theme was "Bayang Pinagtibay ng Pananampalataya at Pagkakaisa Laban sa Lahirapan." Aside from the Bayambangueños, other townsfolks from neighboring areas, cities, municipalities and provinces come to visit and be part of the most-anticipated celebration to honor, give thanks and pay respect to the town's patron saint, St. Vincent Ferrer.
Notice the replica of the St. Vincent Ferrer Parish Church and the signage indicatiing the 400th year of the presence of the town's patron saint, Saint Vincent Ferrer
Come April 5, 2019, Friday, the joyous day for the Bayambangueños and the rest of us Filipinos, too! This will be the day that St. Vincent Ferrer's 50.2 meters statue will be unveiled right before our eyes and will be determined and examined by the Guinness World Records adjudicator. As far as I know, at 7 in the morning, the whole detailed and meticulous examination of the bamboo sculpture occured on that very same day. I can imagine the tension and the pressure it brought to everyone involved during those breathtaking hours.
This was my view from my location with St. Vincent Ferrer's sculpture behind me. This historical place, aside from St. Vincent's colossal structure, will soon rise a chapel beside it for the devotees, pilgrims, tourists to have a very special sanctuary for them to reflect and say their prayers everytime they visit the place and of course the whole place will be called St. Vincent Ferrer Prayer Park. Part of the whole plan was to have it also finished within this year so that people from all walks of life, from every part of the Philippines or even from any part of the world will flock the prayer park to visit this sacred place which is also proposed to be a National Shrine.
Can't help but to take a shot on this majestic sunset. I've captured this amazing scenery while we were taking snaps of St. Vincent Ferrer's statue and the vicinity. It was a such a sight to behold! I guess this was also a good premonition or sign that something "big" and "great" was about to happen. Good sign, isn't it?!
My first picture with St. Vincent Ferrer! I was so excited, imagine, just last month (March), we visited the site and it was still under construction and now... here He is and about to make a mark in the world history and record!!!
It had reached to my knowledge that there were 608 strong men and 1 exceptional woman behind the construction (who is a welder) which was completed in a span of 10 months.
Bayambang is the current record-holder of the Guinness World Records' Longest Barbecue (8kms.), surpassing the record from Turkey. That momentous event happened last April 4, 2014.
Materials used for this: Engineered bamboo with steel frame for support.
Project manager, site development planner, detailed design of the sculpture using 3D polygon technology: JQS Builders (headed by Arch. Jerry Surratos, Engr. Aaron Villafuerte and Mr. Jericho Roble).
With blogger/friend Gracee Bongolan
As soon as the carousel of patron saint San Vicente Ferrer arrived, the program started...
Bayambang Mayor Cezar T. Quiambao started with his speech to all his beloved Bayambangueños
Mayor Quiambao's wife and first lady of Bayambang also gave her speech
The "Prince of Pop" Erik Santos serenaded us with his soulful voice
The unveiling of St. Vincent Ferrer's gigantic statue has finally come. It was proceeded by a display of fireworks first. The Bayambangueños were rejoicing at this momentous event!
It was followed by the blessing officiated by Bishop Elmer Macalinao and Rev Fr. Allen O. Romero
Guinness World Records adjudicator Swapnil Dangarikar (from India)
And the most-awaited moment has finally come... it is the announcement or recognition of the newly-built St. Vincent Ferrer Bamboo Sculpture as Guinness World Records "Tallest Bamboo Sculpture" (supported) !!!
Mr. Swapnil Dangarikar's wonderful words went like this : "It has been an absolute pleasure to come here to Bayambang, and to see this magnificent structure here. I've come to the Philippines, six times already, this is my seventh time, and every time I come here I'm amazed to see how dedicated how passionate the people here are, this is just one more example. So big round of applause to all of you!!! So I was here in the morning to verify the structure... this is record for the tallest bamboo sculpture (supported) ... now there are lot of guidelines that has to be cleared in order to get the record, it's not just to record by the height. After going through all the guidelines... I'm very happy to say that with 50.23 meters, you have broken the record and this is the world's tallest bamboo sculpture!!! A big round of applause for all of you and congratulations!!!"
Oh my, after hearing that announcement, I felt goosebumps all over my body! It was a very surreal experience indeed! Congratulations to everyone involved and had partake in making this whole magnificent event possible!!!
VIVA SEÑOR SAN VICENTE FERRER!!!
The first couple of Bayambang Mayor Cezar T. Quiambao and his wife Niña Jose were all smiles and couldn't contain the happiness they feel!
The 400-voice choir rejoiced and sang before the audience
The whole team of Quimbao-Sabangan as well as the whole town of Bayambang, Pangasinan were rejoicing as they celebrate another milestone for their beloved Balon Bayambang!
This Holy Week season, we can start paying a visit to St. Vincent Ferrer located at St. Vincent Ferrer Prayer Park, Brgy. Bani, Bayambang, Pangasinan.
For everyone who would like to watch how the whole ceremony unfolded, please watch my vlog:
St. Vincent Ferrer Background
Homage to the town patron, Saint Vincent Ferrer
This year, Pista’y Baley focuses on the commemoration of the two milestones of the town’s parish, namely the 600th death anniversary and the quadricentennial (400th year) of the presence of the town’s patron saint, Saint Vincent Ferrer, in the municipality. Balon Bayambang (New Bayambang) hence prepares for a week filled with merriment and exuberance, April 5, 2019 being also the 405th Pista’y Baley and which will highlight the Jubilee celebration of St. Vincent FerrerParish Church.
Towering over the central district of Bayambang is the Church of the Saint Vincent Ferrer Parish – an imposingly grandiose and historical edifice where the municipality’s patron saint, St. Vincent Ferrer, is enshrined. The church, built in the early 17th century, is a combination of achievements in Spanish and Filipino art and architecture, craftsmanship, and engineering.
Due to the damages brought about by the elements and natural calamities, the church has undergone some repairs and structural changes from the time it was built to the present.
Dr. Clarita Jimenez, one of the most prominent daughters of Bayambang, describes the church as, “A silent witness to the town’s history of trials and triumphs. Above all, it has been a solemn sanctuary for prayer and worship for the religious, industrious, cooperative, and friendly parishioners.”
Bayambang is also most fortunate and privileged to have a remnant of the saint in its possession. In a chalice strategically installed at the center of the Prayer Room of the parish can be found a relic of Saint Vincent Ferrer. While deep in prayer to feel as though the saint is there with them, devotees can glance at the relic as they search for something deeper within themselves and feel a comforting presence that guides their souls.
One of greatest miracle workers in the history of the Catholic Church, St. Vincent Ferrer (1350-1419) moved in the limelight before both ordinary and great people of the world. St. Vincent Ferrer, a Dominican priest, was born in Valencia, Spain on January 23, 1350 to Guillem Ferrer and Constancia Miquel who were both nobles. He entered the Dominican order at the age of 15 and was ordained priest in 1378.
This Dominican preacher lived during one of the most turbulent periods in the history of the church, during the time of the Western Schism. St. Vincent preached not only in Spainand France but also in Italy, Germany, and Switzerland.
The patron saint of builders
St. Vincent Ferrer is the patron saint of builders because of his fame for "building up" and strengthening the Church: through his preaching, missionary work, and his teachings.
All his life he felt that he was called to carry the gospel not only to Christians, but also the Jews, the Muslims, and some heretical sects. Some would consider it a conservative estimate that St. Vincent Ferrer converted 25,000 Jews and 8,000 Moors; his total number of conversions was around 200,000 souls, among them Moors, Jews, heretics, and apostate Catholics.
Reputed to have received the gift of tongues, St. Vincent once converted 10,000 Jews at one time by marching right into their synagogue and preaching to them. Consequently, the Jews turned their synagogue into a Catholic Church.
Epic accolade to Bayambang’s overseer and guardian
Saint Vincent Ferrer has been a beacon of faith in Bayambang for hundreds of years, and his presence has been incessantly felt by Bayambangueños through the Saint Vincent Ferrer Parish Church. He remains to be a symbol of devotion for the people of Bayambang, and the influence that he has had on the local culture is undeniable.
Many devotees of St. Vincent Ferrer believe that it is their revered patron who perpetually saves them from the onslaught of natural calamities. Historical archives have it that near Palma of Majorca, St. Vincent Ferrer stilled a storm in order to preach from a wharf. At Beziers he stopped a flood. And Bayambang, which he oversees as the patron saint, was saved on several occasions from natural calamities.
This is why the church, with the assistance of Mayor Cezar T. Quiambao, his wife, Mary Clare Judith Phyllis Jose-Quiambao, and several private firms, is spearheading the construction of the Saint Vincent Ferrer Prayer Park in the heart of the town of Bayambang which is politically subdivided into 77 barangays, 11 of which are urban barangays and 66 are rural barangays.
The groundbreaking ceremony held on June 20, 2018 marked the beginning of a bigger and better future for the town. Saint Vincent Ferrer’s 50.23-meter monument was erected in Barangay Bani as a testament to the Bayambangueños’ never-ending love for and gratitude to the patron saint of builders.
The park will serve as a place of serenity, not just for Bayambangueños, but for anyone seeking spiritual help and guidance.
A winged statue
St. Vincent Ferrer identified himself as "The Angel of the Judgment" and preached as if the end of the world were near. He is often pictured with wings. Religious data indicate accounts which state that multitudes of people have witnessed him, in the middle of preaching, suddenly assume wings and fly off to help some suffering person. He would return in the same manner and continue preaching.
St. Vincent was also renowned as a healer. At the gates of Vannes he cured a great number of the sick. At Guerande he delivered a man possessed by the devil and more dead than alive.
In France he had the British victors at Caen praying together with the defeated French for a sick man, who was then cured--and all of them, enemies or not, shouted for joy. At Leride he cured a cripple in the presence of the king.
St. Vincent is also known to have summoned dead people back to life. The author, Fr. Andrew Pradel, states that St. Vincent Ferrer "resuscitated more than 30 persons during his lifetime."
As such, he was believed to be the "Angel of the Judgment." In his own words, he declared while preaching to thousands at Salamanca: "I am the Angel of the Apocalypse and am preaching Judgment!" Then he proceeded to prove his claim by ordering a dead woman to return to life. To the awe of said multitude in Salamanca, the dead woman sat up.
Prayer Park with chapel, fountains, candle-lighting area and business stalls
The current parish priest of St. Vincent Ferrer Church, Rev. Fr. Allen O. Romero, said that the land from God is being developed to become “a beautiful place where people can go and have peace of mind, where pilgrims from different places can visit, and where people can pray and meditate and venerate our patron.”
A chapel will be situated just beside the statue to serve as a place of meditation where devotees can find peace and serenity during their visit. The chapel is added to the master plan because, despite the expected influx of tourists, there needs to be a solemn spot where they can pray and reflect.
At the center of the rotunda will be a fountain, a calming presence to welcome visitors to the Prayer Park. The water element is added to the park because of the weight of its importance to Catholicism. For Catholics, water is a symbol for purification and cleansing. This is why Catholics dip their fingers in holy water before attending a holy mass and why water is poured over a baby’s head during baptism. This element adds to the overall solemnity and tranquility of the Saint Vincent Ferrer Prayer Park.
Like any other religious spaces, an area where devotees can light candles is important to have. At the Saint Vincent Ferrer Prayer Park, the candle-lighting area is situated just at the back of the 50.23-meter high structure. It will be a spot where devotees can pray for the illumination of their minds and souls, and as the light from the candle keeps glowing, the faith of the devotees keeps on burning.
Situated near the chapel and candle-lighting area are the stalls that will be erected to provide a venue where devotees can buy their food, candles, or souvenirs.
Because the park is expected to attract many tourists from all around the Philippines and even the world, Bayambangueños would like to showcase what else the town has to offer by marketing the different delicacies and products that are proudly made in Bayambang.
Aside from marketing the prides of the town, this will also give the locals a great source of revenue, which is one of the major goals of the project.
