Pampanga: San Guillermo Parish Church

Also known as Bacolor church or Sunken Church, the San Guillermo Church has been the go to place for the religious people in Bacolor, Pampanga. Why Sunken? It has been one of the few places in Pampanga that has been ravaged by lahar and it has gotten almost 3/4 of the church buried. It was disheartening for them to see this happen on their most precious landmark. 

Tours on this place can be assisted with the Church historian. She'll tell you what happened and how the mega dike saved this structure bringing hope to thousands of citizens in this town.

You might feel you have seen this church before, because it's the same one where they filmed "May Bukas Pa" a popular ABSCBN series. The entrance before was a huge door but it got buried so they use the three display windows that was previously for patron saints. They fixed it and the whole level a couple of years ago.

The front entrance was closed at the time we got there so we went to the right side which was previously a school. 

The right side of the structure now houses the church's archives. It has paintings, sculptures, photos of the original structure and a multitude of statues of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Seen also above is one of the entrances of the room which also sank during the 90's eruption of Mount Pinatubo. 

The church as you can see only had a few feet left so they opened up the ceiling so they can still utilize the structure.

The altar almost reached the ceiling which means they probably raised this part.

The columns which was previously a few feet up can now be reached. Physically impossible before so you can just imagine how high this was.

They had a few more structures on both sides of the altar which displays more of their patron saints. It was off limits as they probably were protecting it from physical damage.

It was 3PM and their bells rang quite beautifully for the angeluz if I'm not mistaken. It reminded us to pray that exact hour, it was heard across town.

This was part of the church structure at the back. As you can see they were really lucky that they got to still use it after that calamity. They are truly blessed.

We also saw some black pigs in the church grounds which they probably allow to roam freely. Quite cute.

You really should visit this place and see how lucky you are if you live elsewhere. Even tough they experienced this I really feel they were blessed to have been able to get their structure saved during that time. Thanks to the kind people at this church who welcomed us and showed us around. It was a very humbling experience!

SMART Launched Best Offers for the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C

The great people at SMART just launched their best offers for the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C units this November 14th at the Top Shelf of Fully Booked in BGC. People from the telecommunications agencies, media, bloggers, celebrities and Manila's influencers gathered to celebrate what seems to be very promising handsets and plans that will be available starting November 15th for Filipino consumers.

With all the good reasons why you should get this offer, why are you even thinking of getting it from other seevice providers when they are giving you MORE!

The first batch of phones will be released on November 15 too. For those who had their applications approved and registered online during the signup period may be able to choose their handsets and color (upon availability) at the Eastwood Mall open park, JUMP Experience Center in SM City Cebu plus SM Lanang Premier in Davao City. 

SMART has definitely made it easier for all their subscribers to claim their phones on the venue of their choice. This will be also done simultaneously nationwide! Now we'll get the latest handsets, the fastest network with LTE service and the widest selection of plans in the country. Just so you know, the iPhone 5s 16GB, 32GB, 64GB and iPhone5c 16GB, 32 GB are all available in Smart Postpaid's Freedom Plan, All in Plans 500, 800, 1,200, 1,800 and 2,500. You can also opt for the iPhone plans 900 or plan 2499. There's also Unlidata plans 1500, 2000 and 3000. For richer people lol you can get the Smart Infinty Plans 3500, 5000 or 8000 and get the perks that comes with that. Every plan they offer, was well thought of. It would fit your lifestyle and budget. I'm already thinking of ditching my plan with the OTHER NETWORK actually and am waiting for the contract to expire. Oh yes I do! :P

Oh and before I forget, they have iPhone upgrade for loyal subscribers through their Wipeout Program, checkout http://www.smart.com.ph/wipeout for more details!  

Pampanga: Betis Church

The travel from Clark in Angeles Pampanga to Betis Church was a long ride. It took us around an hour or two if I'm not mistaken. We traveled on the sides of Pampanga's very own Mega Dike which was made to save several towns from lahar and pyroplastic flows during the Mount Pinatubo eruption in the 90's. 

The government spent millions on this project and I guess it served its purpose. 

Arriving at the Betis Churchbwe were greeted by a really neat facade which dates up to the year 1700. 

This is one of two churches in the Philippines that still have hard wood flooring. Most churches have cement or marble.

Outside the church, they have several structures all made for their patron saints and for a miraculous fountain which is a little dirty now.

I wasn't really prepared to see what was inside, but I'm telling you... It was really breathtaking!

This is Jesus ascending into heaven, it was at the center of the church ceiling.

The church was a mix if rustic, shabby chic. It was restored in the 60's so you can really see the details above. 

The central part where the priest officiates the mass was equally gorgeous. It was full of cherubs, saints and a couple of angels here and there. 

The altar had a multitude of hand carved saints showing how much this area has grown to be the furniture capital of Luzon. It might even have Cebu a run for its money.

On the left side of the church is this mural of Christ and Mama Mary when he was brought down from the cross.

On the right side, they had a portrait of the holy family. I must say I have visited Betis Church before but I've never seen it this close or paid attention that much. There are also a few more statues outside that you should see. Thanks to the City Government of San Fernando and Association of Travel Agencies in Pampanga (ATAP) for arranging our trip. This part was definitely awesome. 

More updates in a bit!

Kumagcow.com

Pampanga: YU FU IN Yakiniku and Japanese Restaurant

It was lunch time and we had to rest a bit after walking a lot in Clark grounds. A family owned spot called YU FU IN Yakiniku and Japanese Restaurant was our next destination. It boasts of authentic real deal Japanese dishes since it is owned by one. Mitch Otsuru the owner's daughter told us about how long they have been in the business and why this has been put up. They have Japanese patrons from Clark Airbase and the corporations around the area. The place would ultimately remind them of home and how its made them one of the few places to find authentic char grilled yakiniku in the country. 

YU FU IN is found in First Street, Balibago Angeles City Pampanga. 

The place is grand, has three floors where the two floors above is intended for Function Rooms and Yakiniku Grills. They use real Charcoal which makes meat juicier and tastier.

Their bar has some of the best Sake bottles and wine choices in town so if you have a longing for booze, this place is heaven! 

They have several cabinets containing bottles with names on it, so if you don't finish the whole thing.. They can keep it! 

The owner also has 3 huge libraries like these containing Manga which he collects. You can borrow em while in store.

The private Yakiniku rooms can be reserved for around 10 people. I think they allow smoking anywhere because I saw some Japanese folks doing so while dining.

Then they served us their set meals which costs a measly 185 and they call it service lunch. This is Gyu Sara Set. Quite nice.

Tombo Ramen was nice, this one has roasted pork and isn't too spicy. It's just right.

I ordered my favorite Zaru Soba which is cold buckwheat flour noodles. 

Dip this in sweet soy and spring onions and its a done deal. They make this from scratch so this is really authentic.

The California and Spicy Tuna Maki was really good too, they have the staples and specials. They are definitely one on the few places you should visit when in Pampanga because it's not expensive at all and totally worth it.

For more information

Call them at the Otsuru Group for reservations

09175433322

0456240517

Kumagcow.com