Recently in France Category

By Inquirer MANILA, Philippines--It is inevitable to feel homesick to some degree when traveling to unfamiliar places abroad. Fortunately for Filipinos in Paris, there’s a place that offers a touch of home, thanks to a young Filipina who has settled in this City of Lights. Dita Moraga, herself initially overwhelmed by the vastness of Europe, has found her heart and home in Hotel Gavarni in Paris, which is managed by husband Xavier Moraga. The couple met at the altar way before they tied the knot: Xavier was choirmaster, the Dumaguete lass the choir’s soloist. The two exchanged vows at the Saint-Germain-l’Auxerrois Church, where NBA champion Tony Parker and “Desperate Housewives’” star Eva Longoria recently got hitched. Cultural differences posed no problem to the Moragas’ union, thanks largely to Dita being well-traveled. Before she lived in Paris, she had stayed in Chicago for four years and in Holland for a year. “I can easily adapt to my surroundings,” says Dita, who now has two beautiful daughters with Xavier. Although she’s grown accustomed to the European lifestyle, Dita admits that she looks forward to her yearly visits to the Philippines and to the warm embrace of family and friends. The sense of family is present as well in her work as hotel gouvernante, says Dita. “More than just a team, our staff works as a family helping each other out.” Agrees longtime employee Luisito Navarro: “I’m not afraid to be under French supervision because they are very understanding. I was initially scared because I did not speak French and did not have legal papers. But now everything’s fine. I’ve acquired a residence card and raised my family here. I’ve brushed up on my French and have a good job.” Most of all, he adds, he feels really proud when guests compliment him on the hotel’s cleanliness and good service. Adds Eusebio Juyad: “Yes, regular guests treat us like family or friends… The French never fail to greet us or express their gratitude with a ‘merci beaucoup.’ ” For their part, the Filipino staff never fails to smile, observes Dita. “The workload can get exhausting, but it is normal,” she says. And Filipinos, despite adversity, always have something to smile about, she adds. Dita herself has a lot to smile about, most of them having to do with being part of a well-managed hotel. Conveniently located just steps away from the Eiffel Tower, Hotel Gavarni, which was originally built in 1907, was completely refurbished in 2001 but has retained its original red brick façade, stylish iron cast window bars and Art Nouveau touches. It now has 21 rooms with four luxury suites, each of them with a distinct theme. Modern amenities like a massage shower and Jacuzzi, Wi-Fi DSL, a flat screen LCD TV, satellite channels and a DVD player make each room a contemporary haven with world-class services to match. The result is a comforting mix of French sophistication and Filipino affection, a welcoming abode indeed for travelers who long for adventure while pining for the familiar. Hotel Gavarni is at 5 rue Gavarni 75116 Paris. Philip Abadicio

By Maria R.M. Sison Inquirer MANILA, Philippines--“All things are possible to the one who believes, there is no doubt about it,” said Blessed Guerric of Igny. From late April to early May, my parents and I joined other participants from the Saint Bernard Parish in Los Angeles, California for a 14-day pilgrimage to Marian sites in Fatima, Portugal; Lourdes, France; and Spain. This would be the last pilgrimage for my dad; he soon became bedridden. My mom’s physical health is also on the decline; her ability to walk is restricted. But they both have faith that is constant and unwavering – I have no doubt that it was what made the pilgrimage possible for my 87- year old father and soon-to-be-80 mother. The eve before our departure, we were treated to a fabulous dinner with wine and flamenco entertainment. Nasmiah, our main tour guide who is tri-lingual, shared valuable information on the cultural, social and economic heritage of Spain. She christened our group after three of our priorities: pit stops, shopping and food. Fatima, Portugal We were very excited as my mom, some members of our tour group and I were here for the first time. After breakfast, we got in the big green-and-white bus named “Julia.” We passed by the original house of the three shepherd children Our Blessed Mother appeared to on May 1917. The siblings Francisco and Jacinta Marto were then 8 and 6, respectively. Their cousin Lucia de Jesus was 9. We briefly saw a few of the relatives of these three visionaries. Rev. Gerald McSorley and Rev. Msgr. Patrick McNulty, pastor and pastor emeritus, were part of our group. They celebrated Masses, said prayers and blessed the gifts and souvenirs purchased throughout the trip. In the evening, we joined a candlelight procession. Braga and Santiago de Compostella, Spain The next day, we proceeded north to Braga, seat of the Primate of All Spain in medieval times. When I saw the remains of a tower structure, it entered my mind that the horse-riding Crusaders for the Christian faith could have passed this way. Upon arriving in Santiago de Compostella, the group viewed the Shrine of Saint James the Great, brother of the evangelist John. His tomb was moved here after his martyrdom, and the Cathedral, one of the popular pilgrimage spots, was founded and built on this site. The July 25 issue of the Magnificat says Saint James was present at most of the miracles performed by Christ, and that he was put to death by Herod around 42-44 AD, making him one of the first martyrs after Christ. Just as important as filling the soul is filling the body. The staple meal consisted of chicken, potatoes, bread and wine throughout our trip. Thankfully, my father speaks fluent Spanish and could be trusted to make suggestions on where to eat. (He has a special fondness for Spain; in his younger years, he trained here as a chemist making soaps and perfumes.) We ate tasty crabs and seafood with gusto at one seafood place he recommended. After filling ourselves, we found out that it was only the first course! The food servers were waiting for us to finish before they served another course of fish and rice in good-sized portions. We had a hearty laugh over that. Yummy goodies were available at corner shops. A particular favorite was a yema-like pastry. Next in Leon, we admiringly gazed at the architecture of the Gothic Cathedral in this capital of Christian Spain at the start of the Re-conquest. Light streamed through the cathedral and the interplay of light and color was grand. Then we went to Burgos whose most famous resident was El Cid, the national hero who was legendary for his chivalry. It was a privilege to visit the convent in Pontevedra where Lucia, the Fatima seer who became a nun, was graced with more apparitions by Our Lady, who asked that the first Saturday of every month be reserved for Our Lady of the Rosary. We were told that piles of letters and requests for healing and other intentions were brought to Lucia, to be included in her prayers or for her just to touch. This is a shining example of the power of faith. Your faith has made you well, said Christ to those he gives health of body or soul, Blessed Guerric had reflected. On our drive to the Spanish-French border, we saw lush greenery and sheep grazing in the pastures, calming and relaxing scenes. Our companions from different places, ages 30-84, sang along the way. All were filled with faith and compassion, willingly helping my parents and other senior members when needed. We also visited the monastery in Tolosa where St. Ignatius de Loyola was born. Lourdes, France Lourdes is one of the most visited sites worldwide. In the evening, the group joined the candlelight procession. A steady stream of people converged in the underground chapel where benediction for the sick was given. Lourdes is meant to be experienced. Describing it in words falls short of the immense goodwill it generates. The staff reportedly number in the hundreds; volunteers helping out are in the thousands. A trip to Lourdes is not complete without visiting the grotto. The lame who had been miraculously cured hung their crutches near the grotto. Another must-see site is the miraculous bath. My fellow pilgrims reported feeling lighter, refreshed after a dip. We went on a walking tour of the sanctuaries, including the local mill and the Body Mill, where Our Lady of Fatima appeared to Saint Bernadette. She had a rosary with six decades of beads instead of the usual five, said our guide. Then we attended a private Mass celebrated in the Basilica’s crypt. We all agreed that the opportunity to visit these places is a renewal of faith and walking through these solemn, religious and history-filled places, one of life’s rare and pleasant miracles. My father has had three transient ischemic attacks and multiple cerebral strokes that have led to his unsteady gait, diminished strength and sensation. We brought along a walker for him to use – our Spanish-speaking driver christened it taca taca and it became a marker of the whole pilgrimage. Doubts surfaced on whether my dad could participate in the long walks. But being a man with deep devotion to the Blessed Mother and Saint Joseph, he was so determined to finish the pilgrimage that all doubts were erased on whether he could endure all the walking. I had to assist both Mom and Dad, who both had difficulty walking. Sometimes Dad would lose his balance from stepping on the back of one shoe. I would carefully straighten the back of his shoes so he would not trip, recalling the words of John the Baptist who said he wasn’t fit to tie the sandal straps of the One who was to come. It was truly God’s grace that my dad celebrated his 87th birthday in Lourdes, France and Spain, two special places with deep devotion to the Blessed Mother. That my soon-to-be-80 mom and I were traveling with him was providential. Zaragoza, Montserrat, Toledo, Barcelona Our Lady of the Pillar, one of the world’s largest Marian shrines, can be found in Zaragoza, Spain. She is the patroness of all Hispanic nations. This was a site Our Lady visited before her Assumption, according to our guide. When St. James was evangelizing Spain, she was said to have appeared on a pillar. This pillar has been conserved and is said to emit a special fragrance. In Montserrat we made our way to the Benedictine Shrine of the Cherished Black Madonna, said to have been carved by the evangelist Saint Luke. We found exquisite handmade jewelry in Toledo. It’s anyone’s guess if the expression “Holy Toledo” by Robin, Batman’s ward, has some connection to this place. Next was a visit to Barcelona, the site of the 1992 Olympics where we passed by the athletes’ living quarters. We went to two places: the Antonio Gaudi Parc Guell and Church of the Holy Family. The Parc was meant to showcase Gaudi’s ideas on town planning. But he died before its completion. What we found was a parking entrance, two houses, a covered walkway and a long seat. The restoration of these structures has been limited since Gaudi did not leave any plans. He was however able to do the crypt and the Nativity facade. Madrid We took a morning flight to Madrid where the group visited the Prado Museum with its many cultural treasures. Then we proceeded to Avila where we visited the quarters of Santa Teresa. An interesting story - once while she was praying, a man asked her who she was. “I am Teresa of Avila,” she said. Then she asked the stranger the same question, and he replied: “I am Jesus of Teresa.” Through a pillar, a grotto, a relic or even the course of our daily routines, Our Lord and Lady continue to invite and call out to us, “Be it done unto you according to your faith.”