Avatar Fire and Ash

I had watched the movie Avatar Fire and Ash two days ago. The movie is very entertaining and visually stunning. You will not be frustrated watching the movie for 3 hours and 15 minutes as if you are in the world of Pandora. I had seen the previous two Avatar movies before - Avatar (2009) and Avatar: The Way of Water (2022). I considered this third installment is the best of the three franchise film so far. The third installment had already earned a whooping $1.3 billion at the box office as of this writing. This movie is a must see for everyone, children, teenagers, and adults. 

St. Michael the Archangel Parish Church

Exploring and visiting churches around Cavite province and nearby cities is one of my goal this year. Recently, I visited St. Michael the Archangel Parish Church in the City of Bacoor, Cavite. The church is located at General Evangelista Street, Poblacion and one of the oldest churches in the area. It was founded in the early 1600s and I was impressed by it's beautiful architecture that showcases a blend of Spanish and Baroque style. The church is a perfect place for prayer and reflection and remains a vital destination for those exploring the city of Bacoor. You can also find the Plaza de Padre Mariano Gomes near the church. 

Main Altar of St. Michael the Archangel Parish Church

Main entrance of the church

Church facade in 2026

Statue of Christ the King in front of the church  

Plaza de Padre Mariano Gomes near the church

Memorial statue of Padre Mariano Gomes - is a priest and martyr born in Sta. Cruz, Manila on August 02, 1799. He was the Parish priest of Bacoor for 48 years, June 02, 1824 - February 17, 1872.

 

Plaza de Padre Mariano Gomes marker

The End of Christmas Season

Today, January 11, 2026 marks the end of the Christmas season in the Liturgical Calendar. It is also the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. As we end the season, let us reflect on the Birth of Jesus Christ.

Photo credit to the owner: Pixabay

Happy Three Kings (Epiphany Sunday)

Today January 04, 2026 is Epiphany Sunday. Epiphany Sunday celebrates the revelation of Jesus Christ as the Son of God to the whole world. It is marked by the visitation of the three kings or Magi bringing gifts of gold, frankincese, and myrrh. These gifts represents Jesus Christ's kingship, divinity, and sacrifice respectively. In the Philippines especially in provinces, it celebrates Epiphany as three men dressed as King's riding in horses giving candies and cookies while roaming around the streets. The Catholic Church in the Philippines performed special masses commemorating the revelation of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles via the Three Kings (Magi).

Happy New Year 2026!

Today, people around the world celebrates new year of 2026. In the Philippines, families, friends, relatives, and common people will gather together to watch the display of fireworks at exactly 12:00 am of January 01, 2026. It is a common tradition and belief that firecrackers serve to make loud noise for celebration and for warding off bad and evil spirits. It is also used to attract good luck and happiness for the coming year. Let us all welcome year 2026 with peace, love, prosperity, and blessings to our life.