For a short vacation, we went to the municipality of Binalbagan in Negros Occidental. Binalbagan, originally called Inabagan or “The Haven of Refuge,” is one of the oldest towns in Western Visayas, founded in 1572 along with Oton. Binalbagan even holds the title Banwang Panganay (eldest town). Initially inhabited by Negritos and later by Malays from the ten Bornean Datus, the town became a major Spanish encomienda in 1571.
Category: Wandering
Hinigaran Church
St. Mary Magdalene Parish Church in Hinigaran, Negros Occidental, was originally established in 1848 when Spanish missionaries arrived in the area, notably Augustinian priest Father Jose Maria Pavon. Father Pavon began by constructing a makeshift church using nipa, a local palm that grows abundantly in the swampy areas surrounding Hinigaran.
Vat That Khao in Vientiane
Vat That Khao, also known as Wat That Khao, is a serene Buddhist temple in Vientiane, Laos, located across from the Royal Park and Don Chan Palace on Fa Ngum Quay. It lies near prominent landmarks such as Vat Phiavat, Vat Si Meuang, and the King Sisavang Vong Monument. Most notably, it is nestled beside the revered Vat That Luang, Laos’ most sacred site, which houses a relic believed to be Buddha’s breastbone, dating back to 300 BC.
Pha That Luang
Pha That Luang, the “Great Stupa,” stands as the most revered religious site and a national symbol in Vientiane, the capital of Laos. Originally built in 1566 CE on the site of a 13th-century Khmer temple, it was constructed to enshrine a relic of the Buddha. Over the centuries, the stupa has faced destruction and reconstruction multiple times due to wars and invasions, yet it remains a powerful symbol of the Lao people’s resilience and cultural identity.
The Black Stupa in Vientiane
That Dam, also known as the Black Stupa, is a 16th-century Buddhist stupa located on a tranquil roundabout in central Vientiane, near Talat Sao (the morning market) and the American Embassy. According to local legend, the stupa was once protected by a seven-headed water serpent, or Naga, and was covered in pure gold. However, during the Siamese-Laotian War in the late 1820s, the gold was looted and taken to Siam (modern-day Thailand), leaving behind the dark, weathered structure seen today.
Patuxai in Laos
The Patuxai, also known as the Victory Gate or Gate of Triumph, is a war monument in downtown Vientiane, Laos, constructed between 1957 and 1968. Initially called the Anousavary or Anosavari Monument, it was dedicated to Laotian soldiers who fought in World War II and the independence war against France in 1949. The French referred to it as the “Monument Aux Morts.” The name “Patuxai” comes from the Laotian words “Patuu” (door or gateway) and “Xai,” derived from the Sanskrit “Jaya,” meaning victory.
Who is King Chao Anouvong?
In 2010, the Chao Anouvong Statue was erected in Vientiane’s Chao Anouvong Park to commemorate the 450th anniversary of the city’s founding. The statue faces the Mekong River, symbolizing his enduring legacy and serving as a focal point of national pride near the vibrant Vientiane Night Market.
Visiting Vientiane
Vientiane, the capital and largest city of Laos, has a charm that feels more like a city in the rural areas of the Philippines when compared to major Philippine cities. It is situated along the banks of the Mekong River, right at the border with Thailand.
Divine Mercy Shrine in Marilao
The National Shrine and Parish of the Divine Mercy is under the jurisdiction of the Diocese of Malolos and was elevated to the status of a National Shrine by Archbishop Orlando Quevedo of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines. The very first Mass at the site was held on February 2, 1992, during the Feast of the Presentation, marking the beginning of its role as a center for Divine Mercy devotion in the Philippines.
One Piece 25th Anniversary at SM North EDSA
The centerpiece of the Animezing North: One Piece 25th event is the gigantic Luffy Gear 5 balloon. Gear 5 is the awakened form of the Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika, enhancing Luffy’s rubbery body and granting him the power to manipulate and transform his surroundings. Luffy unlocked this ability during his final battle with Kaidou on Onigashima.
The Shrine of the First Korean Saint in Bocaue, Bulacan
St. Andrew Kim Taegon was the first Korean Catholic priest and is the patron saint of Korean clergy. He studied as a seminarian in Lolomboy, Bocaue, Bulacan, which is now the site of his shrine. In 1846, at the age of 25, he was tortured and beheaded near the Han River in Seoul.
Buying Pastries at Baker’s Hill, Palawan
Baker’s Hill, as the name suggests, began as a simple bakery with a small park. Over time, it transformed into a popular tourist attraction known for its unique architecture and vibrant, life-sized statues of beloved cartoon characters. Visitors are drawn to its charming atmosphere, making it an ideal spot to buy souvenirs and sweet delicacies to take home.
Amoj In Wanderland 