A Blessing for Advent

Advent wreath is the centerpiece in this Sunday's altar adornments. 

You believe that the Son of God once came to us;

you look for Him to come again.

May His coming bring you the light of His holiness

and free you with His blessing.

R. Amen!

May God make you steadfast in faith,

joyful in hope, and untiring in love

all the days of your life.

R. Amen!

You rejoice that our Redeemer

came to live with us as man.

When He comes again in glory,

may He reward you with endless life.

R. Amen!

May almighty God bless you,

the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit.

R. Amen!

(Source: www.catholicdoors.com)

Elegant floral arrangement accented the altar dais. 

Advent wreath is a meaningful Christmas symbol.

Photos: Alma P. Gamil


Note: All photos were taken at Saint James the Greater Parish in Bulusan, Sorsogon on November 30, 2014

On the Beach at Dusk

Dancalan Beach Resort, Bulusan, November 2014

Dancalan Beach Resort hall near the entrance is videoke heaven at night. (Bulusan, 2014).

Cottages dot the resort area (Dancalan Beach Resort, Bulusan)

The recent spike of visitors in Dancalan beach is a welcome development in Bulusan. Beach activities are noticeable along this area aside from the usual beach swim. Some resort establishments in the vicinity are now serving meals from breakfast to dinner.

If however you are not the videoke singing type, stay clear from the beach hall area and find a spot where you can be more comfortable away from the karaoke sound. The stretch of the beach is long in this coast.

Photos: Alma P. Gamil

Bulusan, Sorsogon, Philippines

Pastel sky

Pastel sky (Bulusan, 2014)

Bulusan in black and white

Seascape, Mabuhay, Bulusan

Seascape, Dancalan, Bulusan

Seascape, Sabang, Bulusan

Seascape, Riroan, Bulusan

Bulusan Volcano viewed from Dancalan, Bulusan

Photos: Alma P. Gamil

Bulusan, Sorsogon, Philippines

Postcards from the village (2)

Rice field view along the road somewhere between the villages of Porog and Dancalan near harvest time.

Seascape as viewed from Taisan Bridge in the village of San Vicente

A child lighting a candle during the First Friday devotion of offering lighted candles the locals call Pailaw in San Vicente church in the village of Buhang.

Devotees to San Vicente praying the novena to the saint during the Primer Biyernes (First Friday) in San Vicente church.

San Vicente, the village saint of Buhang

Photos: Alma P. Gamil
Bulusan, Sorsogon

Farewell, Menan Frayna

Farewell, Menan Frayna. Dios Mabalos!

May God reward you for your good deeds and commendable contribution for a better Bulusan.

A song for a farmer's death in San Jose

How many ears must one man have before he can hear people cry? Yes, and how many deaths will it take 'til he knows that too many people have died? - Bob Dylan, Blowin' In The Wind

Blowin' In The Wind by Bob Dylan

How many roads must a man walk down

Before you call him a man?

Yes, ’n’ how many seas must a white dove sail

Before she sleeps in the sand?

Yes, ’n’ how many times must the cannonballs fly

Before they’re forever banned?

The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind

The answer is blowin’ in the wind

How many years can a mountain exist

Before it’s washed to the sea?

Yes, ’n’ how many years can some people exist

Before they’re allowed to be free?

Yes, ’n’ how many times can a man turn his head

Pretending he just doesn’t see?

The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind

The answer is blowin’ in the wind

How many times must a man look up

Before he can see the sky?

Yes, ’n’ how many ears must one man have

Before he can hear people cry?

Yes, ’n’ how many deaths will it take till he knows

That too many people have died?

The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind

The answer is blowin’ in the wind

See also:

http://bulusanruralvagabond.wordpress.com/2014/09/22/echoes-from-the-mountains/

Photo: Alma P. Gamil
Bulusan, Sorsogon