The hauntings of the old building..

There was this olden building in Paniqui, in its dilapidated state..

According to the story of the people, 

the building was used as refugee camp, a lock-up cell in the early days.

People told me of hearing the chained prisoner roam the building on rainy nights.

The olden stairway and large doors added more ghastly feeling. Plus doors slamming.

Some people who went there told of a room painted in rose to red.

But there's no room painted in red.

Only creaking stairs and the screeching noises.

Perhaps it's the chained prisoner looking back at them.

Saipan Beach in San Jose

It was summer time, and thought of things to be done, I asked colleagues to locate us a body of water so we can immersed ourselves and fight the summer heat. Since we visited the Monasterio de Tarlac that day, we explored the terrains of San Jose to look for the beach that is not a beach.

About 15 minutes away from Monasterio de Tarlac, or when you saw a few fruit stands under the shade of the mango trees, the rugged road will lead you to Saipan Beach. From Monasterio de Tarlac, this is on the left side. There are no signs or markers going to the river, but you can ask the locals so they can guide you. Go easy on the road, if you missed the access road to the river and almost in the area of Lubigan Bridge, you retrace the road back and drive about 1 kilometer.

 

Saipan Beach is or I may say the river is wide enough for everyone to enjoy, there are cottages around where you may want to lease. Just bring your slippers so you won't hurt your feet, just a precaution. There is no entrance fee nor any other premiums  unless you use a cottage on your stay. You can use your cars as your "hut", so you don't have to pay anything. Cars can lodge on the dry space of the riverbed. I have not seen a shower room nor a decent toilet, so don't complain, just swim away, play and experience the fun of drenching yourself in the stream.

Click on thumbnails to view larger pictures.

Monasterio de Tarlac

The town of San Jose in Tarlac is home to the Eco-Tourism park of the province and the Monasterio de Tarlac.

 About an hour from Tarlac City, the village of Lubigan in San Jose can be reach mostly by private cars or rented vehicles. 

  The rising terrain make it difficult for a public transportation to bring tourist or passengers to the site, because not all vehicles are capable of going uphill, consequently, it is a "privilege" for one to see the religious community at the high point of the village where the chapel and the relic of the true cross is situated.

  Monasterio de Tarlac is run by the Servants of the Risen Christ Monastic Community. At an altitude of 300 meters above sea level, one can get a bird's eyeview of the plains and the western portion of the province. 

Located at the edge of the hill is the 30 foot Risen Christ statue, likened to that of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Take note that every Thursday the Priory is closed. 

You may call the Monasterio deTarlac Information Office at 0916 2508414 or landline at (045) 4933002

Directions:
From Tarlac City (near San Sebastian Cathedral or Magic Star Mall) , reach for the Ninoy Aquino Blvd. and cross the bridge, then turn left towards Barangay Tibag then trace the Barangay Tibag Road all the way to reach Bgy. San Juan de Valdes. Follow the 36 kilometer outback road to reach Barangay Lubigan. You may also refer to the markers and signs along. Turns are well posted.


Please Click on the thumbnails to see larger picture.

Town Fair

For most provinces in the Philippines, each town Fiesta is celebrated in honor of their Patron Saint or just a festive atmosphere for everyone to celebrate life.

Who wouldn't be delighted of seeing people's happy moods?

The classic rides of Horror Train, Caterpillar, Ferris Wheel, and Carousel, where our grandparents enjoyed when they were young adults and used to accompany us to the town fairs.

And the food stalls now get upgraded too. Before it was all balut, bibingka and soda, now there's kwek kwek, burgers and hotdogs on sticks and oh yes, there's the real Jollibee on mobile.

And remembering the shooting booths where you fire at ducks and win a chippy and lollipop? To a kid, that's already awesome.

Wanna get scared by men in scary masks? Try walking thru these booth. They are live men walking, so girls, don't complain if they have touched you somewhere else. HAHA.

Kippings Dwelling

 Leonor Bauzon Rivera aka Leonor Rivera was Jose Rizal's first love, 

immortalized by Jose Rizal in his "Noli Me Tangere" as Maria Clara.

 Henry Kipping was the railway engineer who married Leonor Rivera. 

According to history, Leonor Rivera's mother, Silvestra Bauzon, 

was against to a "romantic relationship" with Jose Rizal; 

there is also this fact that Leonora's father, Antonio Rivera, 

is a cousin of Francisco Mercado, Jose Rizal's father, 

so come and think of it, for most people, it is the "law"; 

and so Leonora's mother burned every letters of Jose, 

so it won't get in the hands of Leonora during those days. 

This story passed on and propagated up to this very moment.
The Rivera-Kipping family has history on their shoulders needed to be told. 

Back in the house of the Kippings,
the house was turned into a private museum before, 

but now closed for possible reconstruction due to leakages 

during the rainy days, so it's an off limits to all, 

to reopen in unknown date and time 

since reconstruction haven't started yet, 

and yes it still is a private abode to the Kippings.

According to Ms. Caroline Kipping, descendant of Henry and Leonor, 

the original home of the Riveras was put down in the 1950s 

and was replaced by the present standing stone house. 

The mansion is noticeable still and the splendor is overwhelming. 

You would wish you could see more than just the black and white floorings, 

the circular stairs, the balcony, and the remembrance of the 

monumental past hanging on the wall of the house. 

Natural Tarlac

The 139th Founding Anniversary of the Province of Tarlac

Side Trip: Tarlac Province

Victoria

Tarlac Capitol

Ramos

Tarlac City- San Sebastian Cathedral

Gerona- Isdaan

 

San Miguel- Museo de las Fuerzas Armadas

San Miguel- Luisita