Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium

The Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium was inaugurated on March 2, 2009 during the administration of Governor Jonjon R. Mendoza and Vice Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado. Located to the right of the Capitol building, the gymnasium was constructed as part of efforts to showcase the beauty and achievements of Bulakenyos. According to the inaugural marker installed on a wall at the building's left portion, the gymnasium is aimed at providing a center of sports, arts, and culture in the province.

Floods in Bulacan

Heavy monsoon rain affected the island of Luzon and western Visayas for at least two days starting August 7, 2012. The resulting floods render led to suspension of classes and work in many areas. Our place started to get flooded on the early hours of August 8.

In a span of about three hours, the flood level inside our house went from half an inch to six inches

                    

Water level at 12:47 a.m., August 8

Water level at 03:53 a.m., August 8

Exactly eight hours later, at 1:53 p.m., the water level reached the 13-inch mark: 

  

Living room

Bedroom

Entryway to the toilet and bathroom

Kitchen

The roads become passable to transportation on the morning of August 10.  This was how the flood levels outside looked from a tricycle:

A tricycle passing along a road in Barangay Longos, Calumpit town

The next day, August 11, the water finally disappeared.  We were very thankful about that. Whole-day house cleanup was our immediate plan of action.

Inside the Malolos Cathedral

In my June 12 post, I discussed the historic Malolos Cathedral.  Some of our friends have been wondering how does the Cathedral's interiors look like.  Following are some snippets:

Malolos Sports and Convention Center: Venue of the PBB Teen Edition 4 Big Night

Tonight, the Malolos Sports & Convention Center will witness a star-studded event: the Big Night of the ABS-CBN reality program Pinoy Big Brother: Teen Edition 4.

Last night, yours truly went there. Hectic preparations were being conducted by the people behind the TV program.  Security constraints prevented me from entering the building, which was inaugurated in June 2010.  Yours truly was only able to take pictures from the outside:

The Malolos Cathedral

In commemoration of the 114^th anniversary of the independence of the Philippine Republic today, I will share some pictures of a prominent historical site in the City of Malolos in the province of Bulacan, the Basilica Minore of Immaculate Conception, more popularly known as the Malolos Cathedral.

The cathedral (then known as the Malolos Church) served as the Presidential Palace of President Emilio Aguinaldo during the First Philippine Republic from September 15,1898 to March 31,1899.  The convent of the church was used by Aguinaldo as his Office.

This is how the Malolos Cathedral and its vicinity look nowadays:

Barasoain Church: Cradle of the Republic

The 114^th anniversary of the independence of the Philippine Republic is being celebrated today. Considering that Malolos was the seat of this Republic, I will be sharing some pictures of the historical shrine Barasoain Church.

The First Philippine Congress convened there on September 15, 1898.  The church also saw the drafting of the Malolos Constitution from September 29, 1898 to January 21, 1899.  The First Philippine Republic was inaugurated there on January 23, 1899. Barasoain Church was declared a National Shrine by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 260 on August 1, 1973.

Notebooks from the Bulacan Provincial Capitol

Its back-to-school time for millions of students in the Philippines, and the search for school supplies will become more intense for students and parents alike. In the province of Bulacan, however, the search for notebooks will be apparently lessened for those studying in public schools.

The front cover of the notebooks to be distributed bear the image of provincial governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado and vice governor Daniel R. Fernando.  The Tagalog phrase "Lalawigan Ko'y Ikaw, Lingkod Mo Ako" roughly translates to English as "My Province  is You, Your Servant is I."

Shopping at the Public Market

Going to the public market  (palengke) in the city of Malolos, Bulacan is a chore that I enjoy because of the curious offerings seldom available in supermarkets. Sundays are shopping days at the palengke. Following are some pocket-friendly items that I bought there: