Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Church of the Primacy of Saint Peter, Tabgha Israel





Just near the Multiplication Church of the Loaves and Fish is the Primacy of Peter’s Church, also in Tabgha Israel. The church is small and built out of gray rocks and stone and has a tower on its corner.

On the side of the Church is where you can find the steps made of rocks, which as also known as the Thrones of Jesus’ Apostles. On these steps is where Jesus was said to have stood to look over the sea.

Built by the Franciscan order, the chapel is situated on the northern shores of the Kineret or the Sea of Galilee.

From the very shores by the chapel, I collected a few stones or pebbles hoping to own a part of Biblical history, overwhelmed by the belief that these were once touched by the feet of Jesus and his disciples.

The story has been told about Jesus appearing on this site to His disciples. Peter and other disciples were fishing on the Sea of Galilee without luck, until Jesus appeared and told them to cast the nets. The disciples did and were finally able to have a great catch.

Jesus and his disciples then had fish breakfast, and it was also here when Jesus uttered the words “Feed my Sheep” thrice as a commandment to Peter. This was the establishment of the Primacy of Peter, with him becoming the first Pope.
 
posted by Ernest-jr at 7:46 PM | Permalink | 0 comments
Saturday, June 09, 2007
Edmund Bendijo: Filipino Painter in Israel




In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between the Republic of the Philippines and the State of Israel, a Philippine art exhibit is now being staged through the efforts of the Philippine Embassy at the Enav Cultural Center Tel Aviv, Israel featuring the works of Filipino painter Edmund Bendijo.

Bendijo earned initial recognition as an artist in France when he won the “Grand Prix Internationales d’artes de la Ville de Nice.” He is currently a much sought after painter in Paris, with art collectors, connoisseurs and galleries literally knocking at his door just to avail of his works and services. Many of his works are seen in major galleries in France.

Interestingly, Bendijo is not an Arts graduate but instead has a degree in Economics. His fascination in the French language early on prodded him to go to Paris to learn it. Here he discovered his innate talent in painting and ended up studying at the “Ecole de Beaux-Arts de Valenciennes where he flourished as a painter extraordinaire.

The style of Bendijo’s paintings borders that of abstract and figurative art. However, Bendijo is quick to explain that his art is mainly a product of his personal experiences interpreted in bright colors and asymmetrical shapes and forms.

You may have a glimpse of Edmund Bendijo’s paintings at the Enav Cultural Center exhibit in Tel Aviv, Israel which will end on June 13th 2007.
 
posted by Ernest-jr at 5:17 AM | Permalink | 0 comments
Friday, June 08, 2007
My Casual Thoughts on Israel's Clean Houses, Dirty Cars
“Yofi, nice place!” My Israeli friend exclaimed upon visiting my spic-and-span flat. Israelis just love clean houses. And they have the penchant for keeping every corner of their houses squeaky clean to the point of regularly hiring part time house cleaners. Such cleaners consume hours on dusting, vacuuming and cleaning the floors with sponjas until these mopping cloths turn gray with floor grime and dirt.

The typical Israeli dirty kitchen cabinet contains all sorts of cleaning solutions such as 00 (or muriatic acid), Economica (a general cleaning fluid), and the Windolin (for the mirrors and glass panes).

Of course, they are only effective when complemented with the various cleaning gadgets and implements such as the vacuum cleaner, the squeegees and brooms. As it is, the Israelis are dead serious when it comes to maintaining so very, almost divinely clean abode.

Still, I just find it odd that while they are willing to do so much (and definitely pay so much) for their houses, they can’t do the same for their cars. The following might be some words of exaggeration, but I have yet to see a day go by without encountering a dirty, dusty and unkempt car.

It seems that in Israel a typical car is not without the scratches and dents on its sides – in fact I’ve seen some passed by me really having misshapen appearances just short of being grotesque.

Is there really no big-time fascination here in Israel about cars? Perhaps, the car’s importance is recognized but it is not a be all and end all for the Israelis, as far as going around town is concerned. Surely, they would love to take the sherut and autobus anytime.

Why not get a cleaner for the car? If Israelis can shell out hundreds of shekels just to maintain their houses, I am sure they can spare a little more for an hour of car washing. Perhaps it is the Israeli culture of being indifferent when it comes to their cars.

Or maybe it is because of the fact that their cars just get dirtied anyway by the khamsin or sandstorm that is a regular natural occurrence in Israel, deeming it quite impossible to maintain even just a decently clean vehicle.

Once I saw one really nice car approaching– a sleek, devoid-of-dust and shiny black car. I was ready to marvel at this Israeli car until I said oops...diplomatic.
 
posted by Ernest-jr at 12:31 AM | Permalink | 2 comments
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Church of Heptapegon, Tabgha Israel
Church of Heptapegon, Tabgha Israel

Ancient press at the church courtyard

One of the many bird nests found on the
wooden beams of the Church's ceilings
The altar of the Church of Heptapegon is built over the stone where
the Miracle of Multiplication occurred
The mosaic representation of the bread and fish

Just near Tiberias and Capernaum of Israel and the Northern part of the Sea of Galilee is Tabgha (also known as the Heptapegon or Seven Springs). In Tabgha is where you can find the Byzantine-style Church of Heptapegon, said to be the site of the Miracle of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fish.

During our visit to the church, I immediately noticed the dominance of exquisite mosaic art as its main ornament. In the middle of the church is found the stone, upon which is where Jesus Christ was said to have performed the miracle of feeding the five thousand people with the loaves of bread and fish. In front of the rock is the mosaic representation of the bread and fish.

The church is currently under the administration of the Benedictine Order. It is one of the Christian sites in Israel which has the greatest number of pilgrims.

 
posted by Ernest-jr at 10:11 AM | Permalink | 0 comments
Friday, June 01, 2007
Trappist Monastery, Latrun Israel





After our Armored Corps tour, we made a stop at the Trappist Monastery. Its building is quite impressive, but I am more impressed with the nice gardens and orchards surrounding it. The Trappist Monastery is run by Cistercian monks, who are said to be a strictly austere group of monks. They are known to live simply, having a vow of silence.

The monks earn their living by growing grapes which are used as part of Israel’s wine production. The monks are also known for their olive oil products, which are on sale at a shop within the premises of the monastery.

Originally the location of the present monastery only has the Maccabee Guest House which was built by a Christian. The Trappist Monastery was built when he sold it to the monks who were among the first guests of the Maccabbee house and decided to stay in the place.

From the Trappist Monastery, you can have a clear view of the Mini Israel and the Armored Corps.
 
posted by Ernest-jr at 4:18 AM | Permalink | 0 comments