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Why some Filipinos engage in self-flagellation not sanctioned by the Catholic Church
By Oliver Demano Exclusive to TFLA Pampanga, Philippines — Every Holy Week , all roads lead to this town north of Metro Manila to witness the Philippine’s long tradition of “Semana Santa” or Holy Week. Aside from native food which Pampanga is well known for, the province is also popular for its Holy Week’s sacred […]
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How my family welcomed Pope Francis in our hearts
By Oliver Demano, TFLA correspondent in Manila My family and I booked a hotel two months before the Pope’s Visit near the area of Quirino Grandstand in the famous Luneta or Rizal Park to ensure our attendance to his celebration of the Holy Mass on January 18. On the night before the spiritual event, my […]
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The phenomenon of ‘Translacion ng Nazareno’: A first person account
By Oliver Demano The FilAm L.A. Exclusive Editor’s note: January 9 in Manila is one of the most well-known and largest religious celebrations in Manila where millions of devotees to the Black Nazarene, an ebony-colored statue of Jesus Christ carrying the Cross, flock around the streets of Quiapo in several mile-long procession. This annual procession, […]
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Thoughts on Jan. 15 papal visit: Will PHL bishops fall in line as Pope cleans up the Church?
By Ludy Astraquillo Ongkeko, Ph.D. Dateline Manila. With but a few days shortly after my homeland arrival had taken place, during the last days of November 2014, queries arose: “Aren’t you fortunate that you will be covering Pope Francis’s visit?” How I wish I could have answered positively in line with their caring views! Another […]
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Consulate officials attend Peñafrancia Festival at Lincoln Park
The 2014 Peňafrancia Festival is held to celebrate the feast day honoring Our Lady of Peňafrancia in the month of September by the United Bicolandia of Los Angeles (UCBLA), the umbrella organization of Bicolanos from Southern California. Consul General Leo Herrera-Lim and Madame Fides Herrera-Lim graced the event together with officers and staff from the […]
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Razed by fire, San Diego church rebuilt on community’s faith and a UP alum’s efforts
By Cecile Caguingin Ochoa On May 24, Pastor Alexander Achacoso, a University of the Philippines alumnus, led his visiting fraternity buddies in dedicating a commemorative fountain, part of the cosmetic phase of the church rebuilding after fire wrought damages day after Christmas two years ago. The cost of the damage was estimated at $500,000 which […]
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Consul General Leo Herrera-Lim graces L.A. Santracruzan
The officers and staff of the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles attended the 10th Archdiocesan Filipino Marian Celebration of the Santacruzan held on May 11 at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in downtown Los Angeles. Rev. Alex Aclan of Los Angeles led the Eucharistic celebration with the auxiliary bishops and clerics […]
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What to ‘give up’ for Lent
By Cecile Caguingin-Ochoa The Season of sacrifice is upon the 1.2 billion Catholics in the world in the remaining 37 days or so. Starting from receiving ash on their foreheads on Ash Wednesday, the faithful once more begins the pilgrimage from Lent, a 40-day season of self-examination, fasting and penance in preparation for Easter Day […]
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How the Simbang Gabi unites generations of Filipinos, diverse parishes in San Fernando Valley
By Lawrence C. Ochoa Many Filipino expatriates bring with them cherished Christmas memories from home by celebrating Simbang Gabi, popularly known as “midnight mass” or “mass at dawn.” The archdiocese of Los Angeles ushered in this important tradition by supporting local parishes as they simultaneously hold Simbang Gabi every day from December 15 throughout the […]