I am

Made by sculptor Juan Sajid Imao, seven of the eight bronze panels on the doors of the Ateneo de Manila High School's St. Stanislaus Kostka Chapel represent the seven "I am" statements of Jesus in the Gospel of St. John:

• I am the bread of life.
• I am the light of the world.
• I am the door of the sheep.
• I am the good shepherd.
• I am the resurrection and the life.
• I am the way, the truth, and the life.
• I am the true vine.

The eighth panel, upper right in the first photo, contains the letters IHS, a monogram of the name of Jesus Christ.

Sacred shores

Standing beside the Filipino-Korean Soldier Monument at the Rizal Park is another sculpture created by Filipino artist Juan Sajid Imao. It is titled "Soul Waves" and the plaque in front of it reads in part:

The sculptural waves symbolize Korea and the Philippines' sacred shores which we protected against all forms of oppression. For indeed, our common sacred shore is our love for freedom.

Both sculptures were installed during the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea on September 6, 2010.

Brothers in arms

Installed on the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Korea and the Philippines on September 6 of this year, the Filipino-Korean Soldier Monument at the Rizal Park was created by Filipino sculptor Juan Sajid Imao. The text on the plaque in front of the fenced area where it stands reads:

A fitting tribute to the Filipino soldiers who fought side by side with the Korean soldiers during the Korean War (1950–1953). About 7,500 combat troops known as the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea or PEFTOK, the 4th largest force under the United Nations Command, were sent to defend South Korea from a communist invasion by North Korea. The monument shows two Filipino soldiers helping a wounded Korean comrade to symbolize the greatness of the Filipino spirit despite the war and the special camaraderie shared by the two nations.

See what's reflecting what at James' Weekend Reflections.

Legacy of resistance

Lapu-Lapu, a Datu of the island of Mactan in the Visayas, is considered the first Philippine national hero for having resisted Spanish colonization back in the 16th century. This statue of him in the Rizal Park, sculpted by Juan Sajid Imao who also created the Filipino-Korean Soldier Monument, stands between the Museum of the Filipino People and the Department of Tourism. He is looking directly towards the monument of that other premier Philippine national hero, Jose Rizal, after whom the park is named.

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Reminding all CDP bloggers: our theme for December 1 is Time, and going back to community tradition, that of January 1 is Best Photo of 2010. The February theme poll is up too and will remain active until the end of December. Don't forget to vote!