August 12, 2009

The eye of the storm

In the center of all the Greenbelt malls is the park that gives the area its name. Within the park, surrounded by hundreds of shops and restaurants, is the little Greenbelt Chapel. It was built in 1983 and many of its design elements were created by noted glass sculptor Ramon Orlina. I hope I can visit it soon to take photos, but for now, we have to end our short Ayala Commercial Center walk. And I leave you with an image that is very representative of today's Manileño—a religious center amidst all the commercialism and consumerism of the city. I find it both ironic and hopeful.

Greenbelt Chapel

23 comments:

Don and Krise said...

It's beautiful. An oasis in the middle of all the hustle and bustle. I especially like the lighting there. Thank you for the tour Hilda.

James said...

Wow, that looks really nice.

Lowell said...

I hope your hope is not misplaced...but whatever, this is one heck of a photograph. Just super...it catches perfectly the beautiful ambiance of the religious center.

Clueless in Boston said...

Very nice little oasis.

George said...

What a beautiful, peaceful scene. It seems strange to be in the middle of a busy commercial district.

Reena said...

this is nice. my friends and i had our photos taken there. kakahiya nga eh. hehe

GreensboroDailyPhoto said...

Looks so totally tranquil. My friend called from Japan and said the island rocked from an earthquake and that typhoon season is upon Asia. I hope you stay safe! With your title, the eye of the storm, that's what I thought you'd be blogging about!

Dina said...

It is so beautiful. I'm glad the people saw fit to offer some spiritual food in the middle of the consumer area.
It sort of reminds me of the meditation room or chapel that airports offer. A good place to stop and slow down for a short time in the midst of the hustle and bustle.

Mirela said...

It's a wonderful idea, such a relaxing place in the middle of shopping rush!

Olivier said...

les centres commerciaux sont maintenant comme des petites villes : la boulangerie, le café et l'église.
shopping centres are now as small cities: the bakery, coffee and the church.

VP said...

This is the first time a see a chapel inside a mall, and this beautiful park is the perfect setting for it.

Cezar and Léia said...

It's so wonderful to know people are looking for their spiritual face and take caring about it!Fabulous angle for this picture!You have a great camera! ;)
Léia

Layrayski said...

Haha exactly Hilda.

MurciaDailyPhoto said...

I like so much how you frame your photo. It's a lovely shot.
I want to thank your outpouring of support on my blog last August 7th.

Paty said...

it looks like a very beautiful place!

Lois said...

Just looking at this picture relaxes me! I love the little pathway lights. It's beautiful!

Elaine Yim said...

This is certainly a great concept to have in a busy area. I love the green feel.

Halcyon said...

This is lovely! You certainly won't see any chapels in the middle of the mall in the US.

Copenhagen said...

It`s a nice place.

Jerez Sherry said...

Cool place,, very inviting!

escape said...

that's the advantage of people working in makati. it's accessibility that makes it nice as well considering that it's really in a nice location.

Unknown said...

The place looks magical! Fantastic indeed!

Anonymous said...

Very romantic garden!