Colored “Human (Form) Candles”

On sale in almost every church (catholic, that is) in Metro Manila are colored candles. There is the ordinary “stick” colored candles and there is also the more interesting “human form” colored candles. I have seen candles of this nature and have heard so much about it, but it was only in Antipolo, just recently, that I have lighted some.

Every color has a corresponding meaning, explained more extensively by Mystical Vision. However, it may vary, locally, though not very significant.

Notable is the “black candle” which symbolizes “conscience” here. Not exactly the same as stated in Mystical Vision but close though.

Try lighting your colored “human candles” sometime…

Car Blessing in Antipolo City

Few months ago, my “couple friends” (names witheld at my instance) acquired their brand new SUV, replacing their 9-year old “pick-up” which was two years older than their (only) daughter (well, for now) when it was finally disposed to its new owner (ouch!). What better way to start the service a (new) car than have it blessed, and where else but at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage in Antipolo City, for obvious reasons.

(The Shrine)

Having your car blessed at the Shrine is very simple. Go there during office hours (at anytime before 4:30 P.M.), proceed to the parish office and request for car blessing services. There is no fixed fee but you will be asked to make a “donation” in money which will be duly receipted. A hundred or two may do, but you can donate more for generosity. A lay minister shall be provided to administer the blessing. You will be asked to start the engine and open the hood of the car, as well as the car doors as soon as the minister goes around the car. To end, owners of the car shall have a special blessing by putting their hands together, palms up, and the lay minister shall recite a prayer while pouring holy water into their palms – to bless those hands that will control the steering wheel perhaps?

(The minister, he guide and the car)

Before we reached the Shrine, some few blocks away, there was this boy (in the picture) making a sign as if he knew that we were going to the Shrine, so we followed him until we were led to the parking area of the Shrine. He did not ask for money as I’ve expected, instead, he requested us to buy some native delicacies at his mother’s store which we did.

(Native Delicacies)

Flamingos and Swans

Why do flamingo’s stand on one foot?

“Flamingos frequently stand on one leg. Being able to curl the leg under the body, American flamingo keeps the foot warm and conserves body heat. Flamingo stand on one leg in both cool and warm environments.”

“A flamingo indicates that a shy but good looking stranger will soon make an entrance into your life.” See it here.

(Flamingos and the black and white swan)

“A swan predicts contentment and may symbolise love that has a strange appearance.” Check it here.

(The black swan)

This is the last entry for MMLDC. Images taken at the same place.

Ducks! What do they mean…

Ducks are symbols of love and romance.

While growing up in the province, I thought ducks are only colored white and brown. I did not know that there are ducks of other colors, shapes and sizes. These images are taken, still, at MMLDC’s Bird Santuary.

According to animal signs, “ducks, along with geese share the same symbolism of transition due to their migratory nature. Ducks are also symbol of honesty, simplicity and resourcefulness.”

“Ducks also represent sensitivity, as they tend to be very sensitive to their surroundings. Also viewed as graceful and agile – particularly in the water, ducks are respected for their beauty and adaptation to nature.”

A Symbol of Fidelity – the Peacock!

At MMLDC’s Bird Sanctuary, they have a white peacock, among ordinary peacocks we know and usually see in zoo’s and in pictures. The white peacock stands out among the rest because of its immaculate color. I was amused because I never thought there was until I saw one.

I found a website dedicated to the mystery behind the gorgeous and magnificient feathers of the peacock and some ancient and religious attributes, symbols and meanings to the peacock’s train. See it here.

According to feng-shui, “Peacocks are a symbol of beauty reminding us to take pleasure in the finer things in life. The Peacock is pure of heart, loyal and faithful to their partners. The male Peacock (sic) goes to great lengths to attract his hearts desire. Display the image of the peacock in the relationship area of your home to symbolize fidelity in your relationship encouraging a lasting and loving partnership.”

Venue for learning and more…

The Meralco Management and Leadership Development Center(MMLDC), located along Sumulong Highway in Antipolo City, opened its doors to the public for corporate training seminars five years ago. Today, it has expanded its service to social functions which includes but not limited to weddings, debuts and baptismals.

(One of several shuttels of the same kind)

Before it was acquired by Meralco in 1999, the 9-hectare property used to be a private residence and orchard of a local resident and the terrain is barely untouched notwitstanding construction of several buildings after acquisition, to host and suit the needs of clients, according to a news article.

(Lobby of the Residence Hall
where walls are adorned with black and white blown-up images
of “old” Meralco in Manila and Ortigas; old Meralco ads,
including the old Manila tranvia which captured my interest.
I never thought that there existed such a thing in Manila!)

Aside from being promoted for learning and functions, it has several other attractions such as the bird sanctuary, which I spent most time taking images that I will share in my next posts.

By the way, when I was there, a member of “The Platters” was also there to sing in a wedding reception. Some employees wanted their pictures to be taken but there was no available camera, so I obliged. I hope they will one time find their way to this site to check out their photo.

To know more about MMLDC, check their website here.