9 Fun Facts about Our Lady of Fatima Chapel inside Far Eastern University

Our Lady of Fatima chapel or FEU chapel is located inside the Far Eastern University campus in Manila.

group photo of FEU campus tour by Professor Dennis Maturan last July 6, 2019

It has long been the source of spiritual strength of the academic community since this was blessed and inaugurated in 1957. It is under the titular patronage of Our Lady of Fatima. The chapel houses priceless religious work of art beautifully crafted by some of the country’s national artists and world re-known architect. the chapel is also known for UAAP championship celebration.

religious statues

National artist for literature Nick Joaquin’s memorabilia is also exhibit at the FEU library.

9 Fun Facts about Our Lady of Fatima chapel

9.) Old Site of ROTC Armory  – It was the site of old ROTC armory. It was a project of FEU Student Catholic Action during the incumbency of Mr. Herminio A. Astorga ( 1954-1955) and later on his successor Ms. Amelita Tanseco ( 1955-56) and Mr. Ernesto Rivera ( 1956-57).

Architect Felipe M. Mendoza ( FEU archives)

8.) Architect Felipe M. Mendoza– (May 26, 1917 – April 28, 2000) is a renown Filipino architect, urban planner, writer who partnered with Mr. Gabino de Leon and Mr. Homero Ingles in his early years as architect. Then he established his own architectural firm in 1951.

He designed the chapel in 1955 and two other FEU buildings . It took almost two years before the chapel was completed. Among his notable works also included Batasang Pambansa, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Development Academy of the Philippines, Philippine Veterans Bank, Assumption College , Antipolo, Sandigan Bayan building among others.

7.) International style architecture – This is a type of post modern architectural style which started in 1920’s to 1930’s which is related to post modern architecture. The architectural style flourish after the world war 1 in Netherlands, Germany, France, Sweden and eventually spread in many parts of Europe and United States.  In the Philippines, This style trended in the mid-1950’s up to late 1960’s.

The style is characterized by an emphasis on volume over mass, the use of lightweight, mass-produced, industrial materials, rejection of all ornament and color, repetitive modular forms.

FEU chapel marker

6.) First Lady Luz Banzon Magsaysay and Education Secretary Manuel Lim as  principal sponsors  –  The chapel was inaugurated on December  8, 1957. The blessing was conducted by then Manila Archbishop Rufino J. Santo (who would later become cardinal). The chapel is 62 years-old in 2019.

5.)  Sitting Capacity and Standing Capacity – The chapel can only accommodate between 300 to 350 people at any given time. Which is small compared to the number of students, faculties and employees of the university.  The altar area was elevated by 5 feet so that those standing outside can still see it unobstructed from the Tamaraw Plaza, Independence Plaza, Freedom Park, Activist Plaza. Which a further 300 to 500 people can view the ongoing mass of celebrations outside the chapel.

4.) Talleres Maximo Vicente– Several religious icon found inside the chapel are carved by a well -known religious sculptor santorero Mr. Maximo Vicente from Quiapo district. He was commissioned to make the life-sized statues of Sacred Heart of Jesus, Our Lady of Fatima and Joseph with Jesus in the late 1950’s.

3.) La Pieta by Napoleon Abueva – This was donated by the Maestro Napoleon Abueva to the university in 1999. This was made from fiber glass material and the personal interpretation of the La Pieta in Rome.

FEU chapel interior- the crucified Christ was oil on canvass by Maestro Carlos “Botong” Francisco. and the halo at the center was for the Our Lady of Fatima.

2.) Stations of the Cross and Crucified Christ by Maestro Carlos “Botong” Franciso – The 14 stations of the cross is divided into different sections. The painting was signed on August 1, 1956 by the artist.  The Crucified Christ serves as a focal point of the chapel is made from oil on canvass.

tile mosaic

1.) Our Lady of Fatima tile mosaic by Vicente Manansala–  One of the rare works of Vicente Manasala in glossy blue hues for the facade of the chapel.

How to commute and take public transportation:

1.) From East side of Metro manila : Ride the LRT-2 Station and alight off at Recto Station. From there, look for Jeepneys bound to Morayta ( Nicanor Reyes Sr. street) . Ask the driver to alight you at FEU gate #4.

2.) If you are coming from the North or South:  Ride the LRT-1 and alight off at Doroteo Jose Station.  From there, look for Jeepneys bound to Morayta. Ask the driver to alight you off at FEU gate #4.

3.) From Novaliches/ Blumentritt / Retiro area: Take a Blumentritt route then take Dimasalang- UST – Padre Campa route.

4.) Fairview area: Take jeepney with Quiapo route or bus , take off at Lerma street. There is an underpass.

Photo courtesy of Mr. Dennis Maturan, a participant of the Balik FEU and UE campus tour

Note: There is a FREE guided tour conducted by the author or FEU tour guides (by special appointment) At least 1 week in advance reservation.

Sources and References:

Personal interview with FEU alumni

Commemorative marker inside the chapel

FEU Paragon – Mr. Conrado L. Venzon IV and Ms. Donna Mae Z. Catangay

 

UAP Makati Chapter Visits Jotun Paint Plant

United Architects of the Philippines ( Makati chapter) members and officers had visited the Jotun Paint Plant located 27 Millennium Drive, Light Industry and Science Park III Barangay Santa Anastacia, Santo Tomas, Batangas province.

Jotun Paint Factory premises ( photo courtesy of Jotun FB page)

The group met in Makati- Greenbelt 1 between 6:30 am to 7:20 am. Traffic was surprisingly light in Makati and the van took the Skyway flyover which made our trip smooth and fast. The group manage to arrive shortly past 8:45 am.

Jotun (Philippines ) Paint Plant

Jotun Paint Factory

safety guidelines and security manual

Security protocol and details were tight. Everyone knows that there were chemical and combustible items within the premises. Our group had a short photo opportunity and briefing was held at the administration building.

briefing area- administration/ canteen area

UAP- Makati Chapter Presidents

The plant tour were attended by former presidents Architect Nanette Segovia, Architect Ludy Gonzales, Architect Victor Limdico, Architect Architect Miko Carandang and the current president Architect Klari Limdico.

Jotun Company Profile

administration building and water tower

Jotun is a Norwegian multinational privately owned paint company incorporated in 1926. Today it has established 40 production facilities, 63 companies and represented in over 100 countries across all continents. Jotun is ranked number 9 among the leading paint companies in the world. The company also hires 9,800 employees from all over the world.

Mr. Roberto Alonzo ( marketing )

Jotun (Philippines) employees, marketing and administration manager were on hand to personally welcome the group. The canteen/ briefing area had been decorated with festive buntings reflecting the fiesta culture of the province.

list of some local companies which Jotun had projects/ customers

In the Philippines, it started through an agent in 1987 then became a branch office of Singapore operation in 2004. Jotun Philippines Inc. became fully operational in 2011 with offices in Sucat, Parañaque and in Mandaue, Cebu.

certificate of recognition, appreciation and awards

In 2013, it made a bold decision to invest in a local production. In 2017 , the company opened its paint plant / factory in Batangas. Currently they also have 11 dealers of their paint nationwide.

Corporate Responsibility and Logo

 Penguin is a unique symbol for Jotun

The company ‘s logo had the same look used all over the world. The Penguin expresses the Jotun values: Loyalty, Care, Respect and Boldness.  It also expresses typical Jotun employees must embodied as: Cheer, Working, Inviting and Happy.

location map ( Jotun Philippines) 

The factory sits on a 7 hectares property, but only 2 hectares are fully utilized.

product familiarization and demonstration

Jotun -Jota Shield Anti fade paint which can reduces surface temperature up to 5 degrees Celsius

surface temperature testing device

safety signage

Safety and security were up to international levels. The company products had several international certification.

seafood sinigang, fried bangus

We got seafood sinigang, fried bangus, chicken inasal, fresh tomato, eggplant ensalada with bagoong, dinuguan and lechon with sauce ( Batangas style) with pineapple juice for lunch.

lechon, dinuguan and lechon sauce

Local Games / Palaro

pabitin

participants enjoyed the pabitin with lots of goodies are tied on a suspended bamboo frame  with lots of chocolates, candies and portable car usb charger as prizes.

hampas palayok

Architect Chris Aquino is blindfolded and was able to hit the traditional earthen clay pot called palayok which is  filled with goodies ( gummy candies,chocolates and kitkat ) the game is popular across the archipelago and is similar to Mexico’s piñata.

UAP-Makati chapter

UAP -Makati chapter officers and members pose for a souvenir shot, Mount Makiling serves as a backdrop for the group.

painting

Some of the participants were able to test their paints and learned some interesting tips on how to paint a wall surface.

UAP Makati chapter -group photo

The group enjoyed the plant tour, trivia games, food, product selection and traditional games prepared by Jotun Philippines.

Note: I would to “Thank” Architect Miko Carandang, Architect Klari Limdico members of UAP Makati Chapter and Jotun Philippines for the warm hospitality and accommodation.

 

Summer Travel and Outdoor Activities with Swish

 

Summer is around the corner , With the upcoming long vacation , summer get-together and outdoor activities. One must never forget the essential things that are needed .

Aside from cash and  food, The most important items that are needed for travel are personal care products like  hand-sanitizer,  soap, shampoo , deodorant,  toothbrush , toothpaste and SWISH Mouthwash or Swish Breath Spray !

breath spray

Staying fresh all day  . SWISH Mouthwash is used at home while Swish Breath Spray is used by people on the go !

Unlike other mouthwash in the market, Swish Mouthwash and Swish Breath Spray does not have the  tingle feeling cause by Alcohol and other chemicals  .  Powered by Surefresh Technology that kills bad breath causing  bacteria , plaque , gingivitis .

Note: There is a more convenient way of ordering from Unilab , for just Php 1,000 worth of Swish Mouthwash and Swish Mouth Spray one can avail for FREE delivery straight to their doorstep ! Promo period is from March 1 to June 30, 2014. Visit citydelivery.ph for more information.

          Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SwishPhilippines

Website: http://www.unilab.com.ph/consumers/products/swish-mouthwash-arctic-chill-liquid/

MegaBalikbayan and International Travel Expo 2013

SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia- Pasay City-Philippines

ceremonial ribbon cutting

The Philippines gaining global recognition, but all roads at this early seem to lead to the SMX Convention Center , Pasay City for an International Travel Festival scheduled from December 10-11, 2013 .

mascots served as a goodwill ambassador to the guests

The two day exposition got a full swing when some of the top industry players , resort owners, travel and tour companies, remittance centers, banking and financial institution are house into one big exposition.

        COOP and BAC -Pasay City

This exhibit promotes urban gardening in Pasay City. The cooperative also promotes organic and herbal plants .  It is good to know that the Pasay City government had an environmental program which helps their residents  . Since vacant spaces is scare in Pasay, They are also promoting vertical gardening .

  herbal plants such as mint, pandan, mayana, variegated oregano , spring onions are planted in a vertical garden setting

And International Travel   Festival is certain to emerge, with worldwide service provider Amadeus and the British, Turkish and European chambers of commerce setting the pace for the influx of other Manila and foreign-based global exhibitors in the event.

Ms. Mitch Ballesteros , Ms. Marissa Del Mar ( Buhay OFW program host) and Senator Grace Poe Llamanzares

One of the event highlights is the OPRA awards . An award which gives recognition to outstanding Overseas Filipino Workers in several fields from community projects, entrepreneurship , ethics.

Ms. Vina Morales

Ms. Vina Morales is the business owner of  Ystilo  Salon

Website: http://www.ystilosalon.com/

L-R Ms. Mitch Ballesteros, Ms. Vina Morales , Senator Grace Poe Llamazares, Ms. Marissa Del Mar and Ms. Lolly Acosta

Dr. Rodante R. Parutan ( Municipal Health Officer of Pandi, Bulacan ) Ms. Angelica Ligas  – OBRA award for Work Ethics

Mr. Norberto Cajada and Ms. Josephine Cajada

She arrived in Hong Kong in 1982 and she joined the Wednesday Catholic group in 1984 .  She is this year’s recipient of ” Outstanding Community Builder “

winners of the award

OBRA award stand for Outsanding OFW and Balikbayan Reputation Award. The award started in 2009 on on its fifth year.

Binasuan

after the awarding ceremonies , a cultural presentation was performed

Alicafe Booth–  Mr. Christopher Emmanuel P. Bamba  ( marketing manager) , Ms. Shiela Marie Caspe, Ms. Marivic Decena and Ms. Mary Ann Lira

Alicafe is one of the new players in the local coffee market. Their booth gave interesting coffee samples and  in- house promo for the 2-day period. With every Php 200 single purchase , comes with 1 FREE coffee mug .  Their products is available in all leading supermarket chains nationwide.

Website: http://www.ultrabgl.com

Jumping clay

Unlike other clay in the market, This clay had no toxic effects and had no odor. It can be easily molded into various forms from animals, people and cartoon characters.

Address: Unit 517 Sofia Towers Condominium , 85 Don Alejandro Roces Avenue . Brgy Laging Handa , Quezon City

Note: My heartfelt ” Thanks” to Mr. Orly Ballesteros and Ex- LINK Event Management

EXLINK Event Management : http://www.exlinkevents.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/exlinkevents

FREE Postal Heritage Tours

FREE Postal & Metropolitan Theater Heritage Tours

Filipinas Stamp Collectors’ Club in cooperation with Philpost, Museo ng Maynila , Intramuros Administration, National Press Club , Winners Foundation , Department of Education cordially invites everyone to an afternoon of fun ,travel , unravel stories ,nature tripping, mysteries and ghost sightings behind some of the city’s most historical buildings, wilderness areas and sites! Photography is allowed!

The FREE tour is scheduled on November 20 , 2011,third Sunday of the month. This will also coincide the club’s monthly meeting and “National Stamp Collecting Month  ” . To those who are interested in coming to the tour, Pre-Registration is until November 18, 2011 . Next schedule of tours are December 18 , 2011. Pre-Registration is a must for these FREE Guided tours.

Here are the contact numbers:

Mrs.Josie Tiongson – Cura – ( 0917-9800708 / 735-5001 )
Monday to Saturday 1pm to 5pm only
Ms. Nena De Guzman – ( 527-00 -96) Postal Museum and Library
Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm only for parking instruction.
Mr.Lawrence Chan – ( 0919-3901671) Email:L_rence_2003@yahoo.com.

We had a special arrangement with the Post Office to held meetings and even parking space is allotted to those attending.

A short lecture/discussion about stamps other collectibles and object of art will be held simultaneously which starts at 1:30 PM at the Library.

You can sign-up for the FREE POSTAL HERITAGE AND Metropolitan Theater TOUR just by giving your name(s) and contact number(s) before November 10, 2011. The contact numbers are needed , in case of any sudden schedule changes on the date of the tour.

Meeting Place: Liwasang Bonifacio fountain area
Assembly Time : 12:30PM to 1PM
Date: November 20, 2011 – Sunday
Itinerary : Arroceros Forest Park, Aduana, Puerta Isabel 2 Gate and Monument, Plaza Mexico, Plaza Roma, Manila Cathedral, Postal Museum and Library, Liwasang Bonifacio, Metropolitan theater, National Press Club grounds .

Itinerary:

Arroceros Forest Park – is one of the last remaining forest park in Manila

Metropolitan Theater is an art deco building architecture designed by brothers Juan and Arcadio Arellano built in 1931.

Manila Main Post Office – is a neo-classical building designed and executed by Mr. Juan Arellano, Tomas Mapua and Ralph Daune.

Puerta Isabel 2 Gate – was built in 1861 and was the last gate in Intramuros to be opened for public use.

Monumento del Reina Isabel 2 – The monument was first installed in 1855 in the old Plaza Arroceros (present day Liwasang Bonifacio ) after her ouster. The statute was ordered to be destroyed by the Ayuntamiento de Manila , however Senor Barreto a royal sympathizer hid the statute and the statute was installed in Plaza Ermita in Front of Malate Church( present day Plaza Rajah Soliman)before a powerful Typhoon Patsy ( aka Yoling ) toppled the statute in 1970. The present statute was relocated to the present site in 1975.

National Press Club grounds– The main building was designed by well-known architect Mr. Angel Nakpil in an earthquake style in the 1960’s with interesting Merlion mosaic and see through glass staircase .

Plaza Mexico– This small plaza is located adjacent to the old Intendencia de Manila site of the old Manila galleon trade port. Old letters and goods are dock in this area.