Welcome to the Mary month of May! :-)

No other place on earth venerates and recognizes the relevance of one whom we fondly call "Mama Mary" like in the Philippines!
This is a special annual exhibit began by the Museo Valenzuela Foundation and the National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima Parish since 1998.

For the current exhibit there is a showcase of 75 images of the Virgin Mary as lent by churches and other sponsors from across the country
specially for the event. At least one monumental image has even travelled from as far away as New York (the guide didn't specify whether
it was NY, Cubao or NY, USA though)! The exhibit also features what is believed to be the oldest dated Marian painting in the country, and
another image that in the eyes of some seems too provocative for their liking. But you'll have to come visit and see for yourself, though ... ;-)
Truly an educational, rewarding and uplifting experience especially for the uninitiated.

Former Philippine President and current cancer victim Mrs. Corazon C. Aquino, her daughter TV and Movie personality Kris Aquino,
and controversial ZTE-NBN scandal witness Jun Lozada visited the exhibit late in the afternoon on May 13, 2008.

This free exhibit from May 4-18, 2008 coincides with the celebration of the National Shrine's annual church fiesta
(May 13) and even perhaps - fittingly enough - Mothers' Day (celebrated on the 2nd Sunday of May in the Philippines). :-)

As I'm a photographer first and an amateur historian second, I promise to provide more detailed information about each image later on.

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February 2, 1975: "Mary in Philippine Life Today" - A Pastoral Letter on the BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, Manila ( http://www.cbcponline.net/documents/1970s/1975-mahal_na_birhen.html ).