The golden apse

The elaborate gold ornamentation of the altar area of Malate Church belies its fortress-like exterior. Since the church is dedicated to Our Lady of the Remedies, it is her image that is prominently displayed behind the altar. But since the Roman Catholic faith is centered around Jesus Christ, He is also represented in the wooden crucifix attached to the stained glass window in the dome of the apse. Behind that golden (what do you call it?) display case is a narrow corridor with steps leading to a small access door where one can reach in through the curtains to touch the image of Nuestra Señora de los Remedios. I remember doing so after attending Masses here with my aunt when I was a child, but I don't know if one can do that at any time or if the door is opened only on certain occasions. I took this photo late in December and the church still had its Christmas decorations. It was dark inside the church but the display case was brightly lit and the noon sun was coming in through the small windows high up the walls—if someone can coach me on how to take good photos in those conditions, I'd really appreciate it! To see the Malate Church's interior from farther up the nave (it has very pretty lamps), visit Anthony's "Inside Malate Church" post in Around Metro Manila. And while you're there, take a look at his other photos. Anthony has a wonderful touch with architectural details and his photos are always a treat to see.

Our Lady of the Remedies

From the 1937 marker on the Malate Church in the City of Manila, imprinted with the seal of the Historical Research and Markers Committee:

This section of the city dates back to 1588. The Titular Patroness of this church is Nuestra Señora de los Remedios, whose statue was brought from Spain in 1624 by Rev. Juan Guevara, O.S.A. The British landed their troops near these shores in 1762 and used the church of Malate for protection for their rear-guard in the capture of Manila. This church was greatly damaged by the earthquake of June 3, 1863 and was rebuilt by Rev. Francisco Cuadrado, O.S.A. The parish has been under the successive administration of the Augustinians, the secular clergy, the Redemptorists, and the Columbans.

Jorge de Leon's gift to Manila

This was my other choice for my March theme day post: one of the stained glass windows in Malate Church depicting Jesus being baptized by John in the Jordan River with the Holy Spirit descending on Him in the form of a dove. I actually like the colors of this photo much better. A dark interior with bright daylight outside brought out the brilliant colors of the stained glass very well. Unfortunately, I do not know anything about Malate Church's windows—who the artist is or when they were created. The only thing I know about this panel is that it was donated by someone named Jorge de Leon, as it says at the bottom.

The Spirit like a dove

THEME DAY: BEST PHOTO OF 2009 • I originally posted this stained glass window on March 3, 2009. It depicts Jesus being baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan River and the Holy Spirit descending upon him from the heavens like a dove. The window is one of many in the historic Malate Church, built anywhere between the late 16th century to the early 18th (I can't find exact information), which is dedicated to Nuestra Señora de los Remedios (Our Lady of the Remedies). I don't really know if it is my best photo of the year, but it was the first time I tried taking a picture of a stained glass window and I was very happy with the result.



The best of the best! We're going to have a wonderful tour around the world today. Click here to view thumbnails for all participants.

1879

Standing on the ground beside the side entrance of the Malate Church was this old bell. It is dedicated to Our Lady of the Remedies and was made by the foundry of Hilario Sunico in January 30 (or 10—I'm not quite sure), 1879. I can't find anything about Fundicion de Hilario Sunico except that they made bells for other churches and cathedrals in the Philippines around this time. I hope this bell gets restored to its tower soon or, at the very least, stored or displayed properly. With so much of the City of Manila's heritage destroyed during WWII, this is no way to treat a historical treasure.

Shared habitat

The Penguin Café Gallery in Malate, Manila (just several blocks away from the Malate Church) derived its name from the owner's large collection of penguins. Here is one decorating a lamp in a corner, with a couple of penguins painted on the window. I don't know if geckos have the same type of habitat, but this twisted one looks happy enough sharing the same space as the penguins.

Find more Odd Shots—or post your own—at Katney's Kaboodle.