January 28, 2008

WS #21: Quiapo Church bell tower


Bell tower of Quiapo church

I missed far too many Weekend Snapshots already which I felt pretty bad about so I decided I wasn't going to miss this one. Here is a picture of the Quiapo Church's bell tower taken during Carlos' North Bank walking tour. The church, also known as the Basilika ng Nazareno, is the home of the Black Nazarene - a life-sized statue of a kneeling Jesus Christ. On January 9 each year, the statue is taken outside for a frenzied procession during which hundreds of thousands of devotoees try to touch the image, hoping for a miracle and to be absolved of their sins. As you can come to expect from blind faith of this magnitude, the procession often results in mass injuries and even deaths.

Quiapo church, Manila

facade of the Quiapo Church

In relation to this post, you may be interested in seeing Sidney's stunning photography of this year's procession here. Sidney, you are one brave man! :)

18 comments:

Sharon said...

Those pictures are wonderful! Wow.

SandyCarlson said...

Such rich color! That is a beautiful place. God bless.

Natalie said...

What a beautiful church!

Come visit my weekend snapshot if you get a chance. :)

Anonymous said...

Makes me want to go home now:) GORGEOUS photos! Happy WS:)

christine said...

Thanks everyone! I'll be making my rounds of your WS photos tonight. :)

Anonymous said...

I've only gone on Carlos's Intramuros tour. I really want to go on the Imelda one and feel bad for not having done so yet, 'cause I think it's temporarily on hold now that they've closed the Coconut Palace. How's the North Bank tour, what do you see on it?

si kiky said...

nice architecture, Among those ASEAN countries, i never visit manila , soon i hope. :-D

Snap Catch said...

wow! just missing my home country now... I want go home na sa Pinas.... soon! Happy WS! mine's up too...

christine said...

Hi Katrina, some of the points of interest in his North Bank tour are the Escolta museum/Calvo Bldg., Sta. Cruz church & Plaza Sta. Cruz, Rizal Ave and Escolta St.. I really enjoyed it. Like he says, this is what the Philippines is really about - the Quiapo area. It's amazing. I can't believe I've never walked around there before, and yet my mom strolled those streets once upon a time like we would stroll greenbelt park now.

Si Kiky, I hope you can visit soon too. It's really very different from the rest of the ASEAN countries, in flavor and in spirit. :)

Thanks snap catch, happy WS to you too! I'll come over to your site. :)

Lynn said...

Nice shot of the Quiapo Church. Where were you when you took a shot of the first pic? :)

SimplyGigi said...

Gorgeous! Great WS!

Anonymous said...

I came from Pinas but i did not see that yet maybe when i visit there i will. Mine is up.

Emzkie said...

wow! QUiapo!! maganda sana sis yung scene ng quipo too. hehehe...kool WS!

christine said...

Hi Lynn! The first pic was taken from the side patio of the church, where the candle and amulet vendors are located. :)

Thanks Gigi & Emz!

Genny, would you believe this was my first time to step foot in Quiapo church? The foreigners in our group couldn't believe it, but that's what happens, you take these things for granted. It's a shame that I probably know London or other cities I've visited more than I know Manila (not Makati or Pasig or Alabang). We have just as much, maybe even more, to offer and I vow to explore my own backyard whenever I can. :)

Watergirl said...

What a blessing that the sky was clear and blue the day you were on the tour!
It's a pity that the Imelda Tour is on hold now that the Coconut Palace is closed. Carlos took me and 4 friends on a special tour of Intramuros then the Imelda tour, all of 5 hours or so a few years back. And I've learned to enjoy going to Quiapo after doing the North bank tour.

Sidney said...

Not brave... foolish ! ;-)
Thanks for the plug.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful pic Nens! I feel bad I missed this!

christine said...

Hi Mila! Yes, it was a beautiful day that day. I was worried because it drizzled slightly earlier on but that afternoon was nice and pleasant, not even hot. Yes, pity about the Coconut Palace, I'm glad I did the tour a year ago. Good thing you did too! :) I'm doing Corregidor on the 16th, overnight. I'm scared! The hotel is haunted they say. :(

Haha ok, brave AND foolish, Sidney! :)

Thanks, Jo! Don't worry, when you're ready to go, I'll come with you. I'd love to do it again, even if it's soon. :) I enjoyed it that much. And I also missed some of the things he was explaining because I was off taking pictures.