ST. PIO OF PIETRELCINA and the Filipino pilgrims

Trailer of "Into The Light"

My second European trip became possible because of "work."  We were to shoot a documentary about the relationship of St. Pio to the Filipino pilgrims.  I first "met" St Pio at Greenbelt Chapel, a high-end commercial mall surrounded by classy restaurants and expensive shops.  He was in front of the altar, bust-sized, wearing a brown clothing being a Capuchin.  I didn't take him seriously because he looked funny to me.  Why would I pray to a statue who doesn't look like a saint? I kept on laughing inside the chapel.  My friend who played St. Pio in a theatrical play explained that the beloved saint was a bi-locator.  He can be seen at many places at the same time.  He knows all your sins even if you haven't confessed it and he bore Jesus' stigmata.

One afternoon, I got a phone call asking if I'm available to shoot a documentary on St. Pio at his hometown in San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy.  I didn't have second thoughts.  I said 'YES!' right away.

Behind-the-scenes interview with the Hospital Director 

Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, a hospital built by St. Pio

A Filipino pilgrim is in deep prayer.

Ms. Boots Anson Roa is an acclaimed actress and devotee of St. Pio. She is the host of the documentary.

After making the documentary, I became to know St. Pio intimately and we are now best friends! Hahaha.  I do not make fun of him anymore. I am in awe with his generosity and service to humanity.  He always listens.  I count on him every time my life is being tested and he delivers.

The Best-Preserved Pantheon

M·AGRIPPA·L·F·COS·TERTIVM·FECIT stands for 'Marcus Agrippa, Lucii filius, consul tertium fecit' which translates to "'Marcus Agrippa, son ofLucius, Consul for the third time, built this"

While walking along the Piazza della Rotonda, I saw a huge building with magnificent marble columns---a brave reminder of the great Roman Empire!  The impressive Pantheon was built 1800 years ago originally as a temple for all the gods.  It is one of the best-preserved historical buildings I have ever encountered.

The Portico's 16 huge, 60-ton columns (1.5 meter in diameter) came all they way from Egypt, quarried and transported via barges and vessels.  

"Emperor Hadrian was responsible for rebuilding the Pantheon on the site of Agrippa's original temple."

While inside, I got lucky when a boy's choir with angelic voices performed right before my eyes.   

 

The Pantheon houses the tombs of popular Renaissance artist Raphael and several Italian Kings like Victor Emanuel II.

Victor Emanuel II was the King of Italy, a title he held until his death in 1878. The Italians gave him the epithet Father of the Fatherland (Padre della Patria).

Victor Emanuel II unified Italy.

Outside of the Pantheon is the Plazza della Rotonda where tourists do some photo-ops in this crowded square. 

I have always been a vanguard of preservation.  Cultural heritage is a national treasure.  We should always remember our history, share them to the world and learn from it just like the Romans did.

Gelato @ Trevi Fountain

A very nice weather welcomed us at the Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy.  There were a lot of coins in this world-famous fountain and I wanted to be "in" so I also threw some for prosperity and good wishes.  They say there are about 3,000 Euros being thrown everyday.  "A traditional legend holds that if visitors throw a coin into the fountain, they are ensured a return to Rome." Well, I wish to return to Rome with a "special someone" if God permits :)

This Baroque-style fountain was featured in memorable movies from my favorite director Federico Fellini's "La Dolce Vita" to the beautiful and regal Audrey Hepburn in "Roman Holiday." 

My most happy and fulfilling discovery was getting a gelato (ice cream) a few steps from the Trevi Fountain.  It was the BEST gelato I have ever tasted in my existence.  It was a last-minute decision and I am glad I dragged my feet to the ice cream parlor. Above is my gelato with the Trevi Fountain as background.  If you can see me, my smile was from ear to ear.  In Wikipedia, it says: "The history of gelato dates back to frozen desserts served in ancient Rome and Egypt made from snow and ice brought down from mountaintops and preserved below ground."  So if you want to taste the best gelato in the world, it is in Italy---right in front of the Trevi Fountain!