The Philippines Today

Divisoria (Manila’s Sprawling Market Area) The term “Divisoria” refers to the vast market area in North Manila, centered at the Divisoria market in San Nicolas, Manila. The name “Divisoria” was used to refer to the wide street (Azcarraga, or Recto) which were laid down to act as fire breaks and separate flammable Tondo from the … Read more

Traslacion or Feast of the Black Nazarene (Manila’s Great Religious Procession) An annual religious festivity centered on the veneration of the image of the Black Nazarene at Quiapo Church. The feast, which takes place on January 9, commemorates the transfer of the copy of the image of the Black Nazarene from the Recollect church in … Read more

Nuestra Señora de los Desamparados of Santa Ana (La Gobernadora de Manila) The famed Marian image is enshrined at Santa Ana Church. Brought to Manila by Fray Vicente Ingles in 1717. The image was created in 1713 and was a copy of the original image in Valencia, Spain. In 1720, Acting Governor-General Archbishop Francisco dela … Read more

The kalesa is one of several examples of horse-drawn public conveyances from the early days of Manila. The kalesa had two variants, the carromata and the karitela. The carromata had seats facing forward which can carry one to two passengers. The karitela had seats on the side facing each other and can carry up to … Read more

Nuestra Senora de Guia (Oldest Marian Images in the Philippines) Patroness of Ermita, where the image is enshrined. The image was found in 1571 by Spanish soldiers, who saw it being venerated by natives in a shrine made of wood surrounded by pandan leaves. The image is enshrined at Ermita Church where it has survived … Read more