The Philippine Army Museum

I had a couple of free hours after lunch today and I thought maybe I could drive around and find me a place to shoot. As I was driving thru Fort Bonifacio, I then remembered visiting The Philippine Army Museum last year so I headed there for another look.

Unfortunately though, the museum was closed and under renovation due to a fire that hit an area on the second floor not too long ago. Reopening of the museum is projected for next year.

But all wasn't lost because because right beside the main museum is a whole yard full of tanks and arsenals on display for everyone to see. I had a blast firing my camera away!

I am so not into these military terms and weapons and tanks but these huge cold, metallic killing machines make for interesting photo models. I wish I could tell the names of each one of these but I can't, because I don't know. Some signs were up beside some of the tanks. It would crack my brains though if I try to memorize each one.

This one was a bit easier to remember though... the sign said "Samaritan Ambulance". Now that is something I can understand pretty well.

This was the only gun pointing upwards. My guess is, it is use to take down flying targets; so it is most likely an anti aircraft rifle.

They call this the Howitzer.

(view from behind)


(view from the front)


(and a view right through it)

Miko had a blast posing with it, on it and beside it. She had fun.

As I was leaving the museum, I saw this spectacular view of the vast parade grounds of the camp fronting the Grandstand, and I just had to take the shot.
The Philippine Army Museum is right here in the Metro. Maybe it is not too much for us if we could spare a few minutes of our time to pass by and re-visit our history.

Paco Park

It was 10 and an half years ago when I walked down this very aisle. And visiting it today brought back a lot of pleasant memories of that momentous day of my life when I vowed to spend the rest of my life with my other half.

The rest of the trip was spent exploring the whole park which I didn't get the chance to do back then. For an entrance fee of P5.00, or was it P15, one gets to tour the park freely and leisurely.

There are two circular concrete walls surrounding the park dividing it into a central area and an outer circular lane where the crypts are. These two areas are connected by several archways.

The inner wall is also a walkway which offers a great view of the park below.

We climbed the inner wall and enjoyed the view.

Another spot worth visiting was the burial ground of our three martyred priests, Gomez, Burgos and Zamora.

But the highlight of our trip was the visit to the spot where the remains of our national hero, Jose Rizal, was temporarily interred.

It was a temporary retreat from the maddening hustle and bustle of the city outside.

Hubby and I just wandered around by ourselves appreciating the serenity of the place while we took photos untiringly to our hearts content despite the summer heat.

The Pavilion

I always see this structure on my way home when I pass by C5 Road in Taguig and it has always intrigued me as to what it is. This morning, I got my chance at exploring it.

I was suprised to find out that this was a columbarium, a public place where cremated remains are housed in individual compartments or niches.

Actually, columbariums are now being constructed one after another in the Metro. Apparently, the Catholic Church has already approved of this relatively new practice of cremation. Though for most catholics, I would guess that traditional burial methods are still preferred.

This columbarium is located at the Heritage Park in Fort Bonifacio. Miko was just as excited as I was to check out the place.

This is the focal point of the place, the Main Pavilion, a two-storey structure which houses niches of up to 18 layers.

There are two sets of stairs symmetrically located on each side of the pavilion.

Entering the Main Pavilion, I would guess that this is an adoration area of sorts. All the walls of the the corridors and passageways are lined with niches, some indoors, others outdoors.

There is so much Chinese/Japanese influence in the design and layout of the columbarium as evidenced by this large censer (incense burner) in the center..

There are three gates to the place, each ornately designed as this one.

These little lanterns hang attractively from the ceiling of each of these entrances.

A well maintained and well tended landscaped area makes the whole place even more picturesue.

There is even parking space provided for. Though I would be doubtful if these spaces are ample enough during All Soul's Day.

The places exudes such air of serenity and tranquility fit for a place where we inter the remains of our dearly beloved. Wether columbariums will continue to proliferate in a catholic country like ours and eventually change our tradition, remains to be seen.