History of Christianity in the Philippines through the ‘Magellan’ song of Boholano Yoyoy Villame 

ATTY. DENNIS GORECHO 03/20/2024

March 16 is a significant date in history of Christianity in the Philippines — it was in 1521 when Ferdinand Magellan arrived in the Philippines while it was in 1565, or 44 years later, when the Legazpi-Sikatuna…

Gaza war: Sombre Christmas in the Holy Land

12/25/2023

Bethlehem, Palestinian Territories—Sadness over the war in Gaza subdued the holiday cheer in Bethlehem on Christmas Eve, when the biblical town would usually be decked out in festive finery. There was no revelry on Sunday, with few worshippers…

LOOK: Holy Week in Bantayan: Solemn, not fiesta

Morexette Marie B. Erram 04/08/2023

BANTAYAN, Philippines — Like most Catholics around the globe, folks in Bantayan town in Bantayan Island, Cebu observe the Holy Week in solemnity, contrary to a popular misconception that locals here celebrate it like it’s a fiesta.…

The devil in Philippine life

Ambeth R. Ocampo - @inquirerdotnet 10/29/2021

What does the devil look like? For me, he is an adult male with horns and bat-like wings. As a child, I was terrified of illustrations of the devil and hell in a pre-Vatican II catechism owned…

Elcano arrival in Cebu: A commemoration of circumnavigation, not celebration of Spanish conquest

Delta Dyrecka Letigio 03/20/2021

CEBU CITY, Philippines — The Spanish naval training ship, Juan Sebastian Elcano has arrived to visit Cebu City in a Goodwill Port Call in commemoration of the Quincentennial celebrations of the arrival of Christianity in Cebu City.…

500 years of Christianity and the  ships of faith

ATTY. DENNIS GORECHO 03/16/2021

My early grasp of the history of Christianity in the Philippines at a young age perhaps can be traced to the “Magellan” parody song of fellow Boholano Yoyoy Villame. “On March 16, 1521. When Philippines was discovered…

Pope Francis to preside Mass for 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines

Daphne Galvez 03/04/2021

MANILA, Philippines — Pope Francis will lead the Filipino community in Italy to celebrate 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said Wednesday. The CBCP, quoting Fr. Ricky Gente…

Kaplag celebration goes online, too

Morexette Marie B. Erram 04/24/2020

CEBU CITY, Philippines – The Roman Catholic church in Cebu will proceed with an online celebration of the 455th Anniversary of Kaplag for the image of Snr. Sto. Niño as the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) here is…

These historical Cebu churches stay remarkable over time

Rhobie Alburo Ruaya 04/10/2020

As the cradle of Christianity in the Philippines, Cebu is home to some of the most remarkable and historic churches. Cebu’s heritage churches offer a glimpse of the country’s colorful past with stunning life-sized statues, awesome stonework,…

Papal Nuncio to Santo Niño devotees: Be childlike but be an adult in faith

Rosalie O. Abatayo 11/13/2019

  CEBU CITY, Philippines — Archbishop Gabriele Giordano Caccia, the Papal Nuncio to the Philippines, has encouraged Santo Niño devotees to be kind and innocent like a child, but to live their faith like an adult. This…

In Photos: Santo Niño @ 500 launch

Gerard Vincent Francisco 11/13/2019

CEBU CITY, Philippines – Archbishop Gabriele Giordano Caccia, Papal Nuncio to the Philippines, presided the concelebrated Mass this afternoon, November 13, 2019, to formally open the celebration of the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines. The…

Pomarejos: 2K people now at Basilica for 500 year celebrations of arrival of Santo Niño

Alven Marie A. Timtim 11/13/2019

CEBU CITY, Philippines — At least 2,000 people are estimated to be inside the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño as of 4 p.m. for the start 500 year celebrations of the arrival of Christianity in the country…

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