Holy Land trip 2013: The Western Wall

Isaiah 56:7

“ Even them I will bring to My holy mountain,
And make them joyful in My house of prayer.
Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices
Will be accepted on My altar;
For My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations.”

THE DIVINE PRESENCE NEVER MOVES FROM THE WESTERN WALL

Me and the Wailing Wall at the back I was excited and ready to talk to God!

The Western Wall is a holy place for the Jews. It is located in Jerusalem, a city in the modern day country of Israel. Today, Jews from all over the world go to pray at the Western Wall. Many pray for peace, in a land that has seen many wars.

The Western Wall is all that is left of a great Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. The first Temple was build about 3,000 years ago by the Jewish king, Solomon. For over a thousand years, the Temple was the place where the Jews went to worship. Twice, it was attacked and pulled down, but each time it was rebuilt. The Western Wall was one of the outer walls of the last Temple.

After it had been built for the third time, the Temple was finally destroyed by the Romans. It was never rebuilt.

Jerusalem is a holy city for three religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Jerusalem is important for Jews, Christians and Muslims. Christians believe that Jesus Christ died there on the cross and rose again from the dead and went to heaven. For Muslims, Jerusalem is a holy place too. They believe that the prophet Muhammad travelled there. He made a miraculous journey from a place called Mecca. They believed that he was lifted up to heaven from Mount Moriah.

People of many different religions have lived in and around Jerusalem. Other people moved in and their families later became the Palestinians.

Children also came to sing songs and pray!

Today, the Western Wall is also called “Wailing Wall”. Many Jews made a holy journey or pilgrimage to the Wailing Wall. They cried at the destruction of the Temple and prayed for a time when Jews could worship freely there. Now, the Wall is treated as a great open-air synagogue.

Jewish men are praying at the Wailing Wall.

Women pray in a separate area next to them.

If you look closely at the Wall, pieces of paper are folded and tucked into the cracks between the huge stones. When people visit the Wall, many Jewish people or tourists write down prayers and wishes. They slip them into the Wall, hoping that their prayers will reach God especially quickly from there.

That’s me praying to God. I cannot control myself as tears flowed down my face. I cried a lot that day (good thing I was wearing shades!). Why? Because I was very thankful that God sent His Son, Jesus on Earth to die for us in order to save us from our sins. Because of Christ, we have HOPE and a New Life. Without Him, our life would be meaningless and worthless.

I was also blessed and thankful to be able to travel all the way to HOLY LAND and happily declare

“I HAVE WALKED WHERE MY JESUS WALKED.” <3 

When departing, the custom is to walk backwards away from the Wall.

Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah services are also held at the Western wall. When Jewish boys are 13 they can become Bar Mitzvah, and when girls are 12 or 13 they can become Bat Mitzvah. It means the boy or girl is starting to become an adult. This is a very special and exciting time for the whole family. Sadly, I wasn’t able to witness these services that day. Hmmm.. maybe in the future!

Above the Wailing Wall, you can see a beautiful golden dome. It is part of a Muslim place of worship called the Dome of the Rock, built on Mount Moriah. It is a reminder that Jerusalem is a holy city for people of several religions.

Some important reminders when visiting the Western or Wailing Wall:

Please respect the sanctity of the site. Wear appropriate head covering especially for men. Make sure you are dressed modestly. Refrain from conversion or other disturbances to worshippers. During Sabbath and other Jewish festivals: smoking, photography and cellphone use are strictly forbidden.

<3

Photography by ME: SarahMay Tanhuanco

New post will be up soon: The Wailing Wall

Photography by: Sarah May Tanhuanco (me)

Holy Land trip 2013: Church of the Nativity

 I was privileged to visit Bethlehem which in Hebrew means “House of bread”, it has many biblical associations reflecting a tranquil, pastoral existence. As its name signifies, in antiquity the district was known for its fertility and for the cultivation of its fields and terraces.  But the event which took place here and transformed the course of history was that “Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea”. 

In the New Testament, Luke 2:7 it said, “And she (Mary) brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” Over this cave-like manger, traditionally Jesus’ birthplace, arose the Basilica of the Nativity.

In the fourth century, Emperor Constantine constructed a large church, piercing a hole in the cave roof for the faithful to look down into the holy place, then erecting an octagonal altar over it. Around two hundred years later, Emperor Justinian rebuilt the Basilica much as it is seen today, and put up a mosaic pediment of the Magi in Persian dress. In 614, the Persians destroyed almost all churches in Palestine. But this church was spared because of the mosaic scene of the Nativity with the Magi in Persian dress. Thus, the Church of the Nativity is the oldest church in the Holy Land, and probably also of the world!

The Door of Humility. Main entrance to the church.

The entrance to the Basilica of the Nativity was low and small to allow for easy defense and to prevent intruders on their horses from entering the church. 

The pillars inside the church The interiors of the church Cute little girls posing in front. Their moms caught us taking photos of them, so they asked their daughters to look at us and smile! Sweet!  

On top of the entrance to the Grotto showed the carved image of Mary and Baby Jesus with Joseph below.

The crowded entrance to the Grotto of the Nativity. 

I patiently waited even if I’m almost squished by these people. LOL. XD

Almost there!

Two entrances lead to the cave which has a rectangular shape (35 feet by 10 feet). But now, one is used for entrance and the other for exit.

 I was able to have a SOLO photo without anyone blocking it. Thanks to my friend, Yvette for taking this!

Thank you God for sending Your beloved Son, Jesus Christ here on Earth to save us from our sins! <3

The Grotto of the Nativity, is where a silver star overlies the spot that marks the traditional spot believed to be the birthplace of Jesus. It bears the Latin inscription “Hic de virgine Maria Jesus Christus natus est -1717”- meaning: “Here Jesus Christ was born of the Virgin Mary -1717.” 

The altar above the Grotto of the Nativity.

Constantine’s 4th century mosaic floor rediscovered in 1934.

These lovely girls holding their camera came up to me,  I saw them and asked, “Do you want me to take your photos?” They said, “No. We want to take photos with you.” So here’s our photo in my camera (plus on theirs too). These girls were having their educational field trip in Israel. I forgot the name of their school because it was so hard to pronounce.

Where was it found in the Bible?

Check out: Luke 2: 4-7 

New King James Version (NKJV)

⁴ Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David,

⁵ to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.

⁶ So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered.

 ⁷ And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

TRIVIA: IN 2012, THE CHURCH COMPLEX BECAME THE FIRST PALESTINIAN SITE TO BE LISTED AS A WORLD HERITAGE SITE BY THE WORLD HERITAGE COMMITTEE AT ITS 36TH SESSION ON 29 JUNE. IT HAS ALSO BEEN PLACED ON THE LIST OF WORLD HERITAGE IN DANGER AS IT IS SUFFERING FROM DAMAGES DUE TO WATER LEAKS.

Photography by ME: Sarah May Tanhuanco

Additional sources: The Holy Land – Palphot.

I’m back!

Hello everyone! Salam Alaikum!  :D

It’s been months that I haven’t posted here. It’s because, I was completing all my Graduate School requirements which I submitted last March 30, 2013. THANK YOU GOD.

And then, the biggest thing happened this April 2013! I was blessed to have the opportunity to travel to HOLY LAND, Egypt and Dubai!!!! The schedule was quite hectic.. okay very hectic, but I’m not complaining.. I’m living one of my dreams! Praise God for these travels! <3

I can’t wait to share to you all my travel tips, experiences and photos! So stay tuned!

 

Lovelots,

Sarah

 

Finding comfort food at Romulo Cafe

Enjoying lunch with my family and relatives is always the best! We chose to eat at Romulo Cafe located at 148 Jupiter Street (corner Comet, a block from Reposo) Bel-Air Village, Makati City. 

A little introduction taken from romulocafe.com:

The late Carlos P. Romulo was an important figure in international diplomacy. His career as a public servant included seventeen years as secretary of foreign affairs and ten years as the Philippines’ ambassador to the United States. In World War II he was aide-de-camp to General Douglas MacArthur. As a journalist he won the Pulitzer Prize in 1942. Referred to by his colleagues as “Mr. United Nations,” he was elected president of the United Nations General Assembly in 1949. By the time he died in 1985, “The General,” as he was widely known, had received well over a hundred awards and decorations as well as more than sixty honorary degrees from universities all over the world. www.carlospromulo.org

The people behind this restaurant were the grandchildren. Written on their website www.romulocafe.com : Their goal is simple—to honor our grandparents, and to serve delicious food people really eat: the food we call comfort food.

Comfort food indeed!!! Check out what we ordered! Spell S-A-T-I-S-F-I-E-D! <3

Crispy Squid deep-fried crispy squid with a chili-honey-garlic glaze   P200

Tinapa Roll shredded tinapa with red eggs and tomatoes in a lumpia wrapper   P145

Halaan Soup clam soup   P160Tito Greg’s Kare-Kare oxtail and tripe stew in a peanut-based sauce, served with steamed vegetables and our house bagoong   P450Lola Felisa’s Crispy All-Vegetable Canton crispy canton topped with sautéed vegetables   P180

Garlic Rice  P55

Lola Virginia’s Chicken Relleno (half chicken) roasted chicken stuffed with ground pork, raisins, chorizo, and peas   P615

Ginataang Sigarillas with Tinapa winged beans cooked in coconut milk and topped with smoked tinapa   P180

 Lengua ox tongue stewed in red wine sauce   P275

Boneless Crispy Pata Binagoongan deboned crispy pata served with eggplant-and-tomato bagoong sauce   P650

Photography by: Sarah May Tanhuanco 

A blessed 2013!!! Hurray!!!

Happy New Year!!! Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and future.” Let’s continue to be a light and share God’s love to others!! God loves us so much!

Just wondering?

Gotcha! Oh my! Is he really? When I visited The Louvre, I saw this man picking the wishing coins. Tell me, dear friends.. is this allowed? Is he stealing the coins or assigned to collect them? Hmmmm.. Tourists were staring at him all the time. haha

Surprise Birthday Gift!!!

Hello friends!!! It’s been a while, but still thanks for visiting my photoblog everyday! I just wanted to share that I received one of the BEST birthday gift ever…eeeeekkk so excited! (will diverge into details next time..) Truly God is really gracious to me and blesses me A LOT. THANK YOU for this opportunity! Another dream come true  

<3 lots, Sarah 

Holiday Jewels by Audrey's

Reblogged from i travel with my heart:

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A selection of Audrey's mini cakes consisting of carrot cake, strawberries and cream cake, blueberry streusel cake and cappuccino cheesecake.

Carrot Cake - a carrot cake topped with cream cheese frosting

Blueberry Streusel Cake -a butter swirled with blueberries and topped with streusel crumbs

Strawberries and Cream Cake - a moist strawberry cake topped with strawberry cream cheese frosting

Cappuccino Cheesecake  - a cheesecake with a taste of cappuccino coffee on an oreo cookie base…

Read more… 7 more words

NoNomnomnom Christmas cakes!!:-)

The University of Santo Tomas in LOMO

The moment I step my foot on the University of Santo Tomas ground ( P. Noval gate), memories came rushing back. I was experiencing mixed emotions and feelings! I’ve been walking on this ground for 4 years of my college life! *kiss ground* LOL. The last time I was here was like 2 years ago, when I requested for my transcript needed for graduate school. Oh, UST! I miss you so much!!! Thanks for the good memories!  

Anyway, my graduate school needed my college transcript again, so I went to the Main building to request for another transcript. Visitors needed to sign on the logbook and leave their I.D’s. After signing on the logbook, Manong guard looked at me, and said, “Alumni ka ba? Cge pasok ka na.” (You’re an alumni right? Go right in.) I felt like a VIP right then and there. HAHA. The process was kind of fast, they looked for my file and told me to return next week to claim it. I don’t need to pay anything because this was my second time already.

Took some photos of the main building. Will be back next week, hoping to visit my professors too

The UST Open Field. Saw the HUGE Christmas Tree being decorated, they’re getting ready for the yearly much awaited PASKUHAN! *excited*

See you all fellow THOMASIANS!  

All photos taken by YOURS TRULY.

Using Samsung Galaxy Y Duos. (not bad, 3MP. HAHA)