For the last two weeks and for the for coming two weeks more my usual weekend ride with "Black Beauty" has been stymied as I have to be serve as driver confidant of my youngest son Dennis who is graduating from high school this school year and has to do his entrance examinations on various universities.
This week I decided to squeeze in a ride no matter what. Schedule for today was at Mapua. I dropped off my son at Mapua at 7:45am then proceeded to Makati Triangle to park the car where I intend to begin my "Visita Iglesia Bike Run" to cover seven (7) churches and be back before 10:30 am expected time of my son to complete his entrance examination.
Church 1 - Ermita Shrine / Nuestra Senora De Guia
The last time I was in this church was exact on August 19, 1973. You might be wondering why I could exactly remember the date. Well, it was when I got married to Hermie (my wife) and it has been 41 years ago. I was only 22 years old then. Here is a photo of my wedding then;
Church 2 - San Agustin Church
A very memorable and sentimental church for me of lately. It was only last May 3rd of this year 2014 when I and my family heard my birthday mass in this church. At that time my eldest son DAX was with us. On 11th May he died leaving me and the whole family in grief which up to today we are still doing our best cope with our misery and loss. Here is a picture taken then;
Church 3 - Manila Cathedral
This church has been has been more or less my educational trip church during my elementary days. Its great to see today that much restoration has been done and the cathedral is in great shape. I have more or less been a sponsor on weddings in this church for eight times.
Church 4 - Malate Shrine / Our Lady of Remedy
When I arrived at this church a wedding was just about to start. I took the opportunity to ask permission from the bride to take photo shots which she readily oblige. The church is undergoing restoration and certainly will be one of the tourist attraction in the area when it is completed.
Church 5 - San Isidro Church
I have not known of this church up to today. It was only when I took Taft Avenue going to Buendia that I notice of this church which also serves as at catholic school. As they say first time visit, special grace to gain.
Church 6 - The Shrine of the Sacred Heart
This church is just around the Kamagong Street area in Makati. I have been to this church a couple of times primarily on a funeral wake as this church has funeral chapels on its sides.
Church 7 - Saint Andrew's Church
This is another memorable church for me. In 1990 when I was just beginning on my own company my office was just next door to this church at Bel Air-2 where we stayed for 5 years or so only to be asked by the Barangay then that the area was non-commercial, however, today its all commercial. Anyways, this church has a lot of memories for me.
From St. Andrew's I proceeded back to Ayala Triangle to complete my Visita Iglesia Bike Route. Seven Churches in 22.73 Km. Something to give meaning sand purpose for a Saturday bike run with my "Black Beauty".
Tomorrow 12Oct14 I will again have to drive my son, this it will be La Salle in Taft Avenue. I am just wondering now, where to take a bike spin. Any suggestion?
