Codex Gigas "The Devil’s Bible"

March 18, 2009

BEHIND THE CODEX GIGAS

Filled with satanic images and demonic spells, the cursed text, according to legend, sprang from a doomed monk’s pact with the devil. What else do we know about this mysterious Devil’s Bible?

• The Devil’s Bible is so huge that it requires at least two people to carry it.
• Once considered the eighth wonder of the world, the Codex Gigas stretches three feet long and weighs a hundred and sixty-five pounds.
• It is the only book that places the Old and New Testaments alongside violent, holy incantations.
• The Codex Gigas contains one full page – right opposite the devil portrait – of a towering Heavenly City. Although no people can be seen in the Heavenly City, it is a symbol of hope and salvation, a contrast to the portrait of the devil on the opposing page.
• The Codex Gigas includes mystical medical formulas for anything from treating ailments such as fevers and epilepsy to resolving practical problems such as finding a thief.
• The book’s transfer to Prague in 2008 took a year of planning. It was insured for $15.1 million during the transfer.
• The Devil’s Bible has 600 pages, which is 310 parchment leaves, all made from donkey skins.

There is no other manuscript like it. It contains a combination of texts that exist nowhere else. It is a most peculiar, strange, haunting, fascinating, large, bizarre, inexplicable object. And behind it all there’s a diabolical driving force. A single, sinister figure. Satan. Dare you scan its pages?

 

Shopping in Manila

In recent years, the economic resurgence of the City of Manila led to the establishment of some of grandest, biggest, and nicest shopping malls in the Philippines. With its continuously booming economy, these outstanding commercial centers continue to deliver modern convenience, comfort, as well as entertainment to all its valued customers through their excellent facilities. Through the years, these places consistently feature an outstanding lineup of specialty shops, restaurants, as well as cinemas for the pleasure and enjoyment of everyone.

 

SM City Manila

Found along Concepcion at the corners of San Marcelino and Arroceros Streets, SM City Manila offers six floors comprised mainly of specialty shops, restaurant chains, as well as cinemas. In terms of dining, this Manila shopping center features topnotch food service providers like Figaro Coffee Company, Cabalen, and Burger King. In addition to the great-tasting food, many shoppers also visit the place in search for popular fashion boutiques such as Esprit, Fish, and Bayo. For utmost pleasure, relaxation, and enjoyment, they can spend some quality time playing at the beautiful bowling center, or even watch the latest local and foreign films at its hypermodern cinemas.

 

SM San Lazaro

Located at the corners of A. H. Lacson and Felix Huertas Streets within Santa Cruz in Manila, SM San Lazaro features several fine dining establishments like Aristocrat Restaurant, Max’s Restaurant, and Congo Grille. In terms of shopping, consumers will surely have great experiences while purchasing their various needs from excellent fashion boutiques like Guess, Freeway, and Kashiece. For shoppers who want to unwind, they can always watch excellent movies at any of the six state-of-the-art movie houses inside this wonderful shopping center.

Saint Thomas Square

Situated at 1150 Espana Boulevard corner Padre Campa Street within Sampaloc in Manila, Saint Thomas Square is a very convenient place to go shopping as it houses specialty stores like Herbench, HBC, and Kodak Photo Station. After shopping, customers can find some really nice time to relax while dining at popular food chains like Ice Monster and Smokey’s Hotdog. Besides the restaurants and stores, the third floor features an activity center that can hold huge events and gatherings including religious activities.

Robinsons Place Manila

Located at the corners of Adriatico and Pedro Gil Streets within Ermita, Robinsons Place Manila is a luxurious shopping center that offers high quality specialty stores, outstanding dining facilities, as well as entertainment facilities. Inside, shoppers can find high-end fashion boutiques like American Boulevard, Calvin Klein, and Esprit. In the meantime, the place also houses topnotch restaurants like Dencio’s Bar and Grill, Cabalen, and Almon Marina, which serve sumptuous, delectable and delightful meals. After a long tiring day shopping at the mall, consumers can enjoy watching local and foreign films at its very modern movie houses.

Harrison Plaza

Found at the corners of M. Adriatico and A. Mabini Streets in Manila, Harrison Plaza is a simple yet highly famous shopping center that offers a unique kind of shopping experience. People who like to shop for quality products have excellent reasons to visit the place as it features world-class clothing stores like Bench, Penshoppe, and Original Levi’s Store. In addition, they can also find numerous great restaurants all over the mall including Figaro Coffee Company, Ten Noodles Restaurant, and Ilonggo Grill, all of which offer superior dining experience and pleasure. Moreover, people can watch the latest motion pictures at its four wonderful cinemas.

Ever Gotesco Manila

Situated at 1962 C. M. Recto Avenue, Ever Gotesco Manila is another excellent shopping option to consider as it offers topnotch fashion boutiques, restaurants, and other specialty stores. This Manila shopping mall plays home to famous restaurants like Kamay Kainan, Jollibee, and Goldilocks. After enjoying some delicious treats at these premier dining locations, they can now go shopping for affordable clothes and dresses at numerous fashion boutiques including Penshoppe, Pro Specs, and Michael Henry. In addition, the place also features four state-of-the-art cinemas where people can watch their favorite movies.

Manila General Tourist Information

Manila has been attracting and receiving foreign visitors even before the Spaniards started occupying the country in 1565. Then and now, touring Manila has never failed to amaze visitors with the city’s native charm and its many uncommon sights.

What are Tourists Up Against?

Manila was mostly formed by alluvial deposits that collected along the Pasig River for centuries. From swamps abundant with mangrove plants called “Nilad” this coastal area that embraces Manila Bay has grown to the 16-district cosmopolitan city that it is today, the second largest city in the Philippines with some 1.6 million people. Touring Manila, the Philippine capital city of 38.3 square-kilometer land area, takes at least 2 to 3 days to relish.

 

 

 

 

Intramuros

Tourists often start with the walled city of Intramuros. Built in the 16th century as a Spanish premier community and a bulwark of several forts (like Fort Santiago) south of the Pasig River, the place has been preserved and developed as a major tourist destination today to appreciate Spanish colonial Architecture in the country. Touring Manila by first visiting Intramuros, tourists see what the original Manila was like. At least 10 religious edifices like the Manila Cathedral, San Agustin Church, Sto. Domingo Church, and Convento de Sta. Clara, among others, can be visited, as well as schools and other old buildings.

Historic Places Outside Intramuros

Then, after seeing Intramuros, stepping out of the Walled City is like going past centuries of history in fast-forward and then suddenly walking right amid the bustling modern city. However, as tourists start touring Manila, while seeing the cityscape dotted with modern buildings, transport facilities, and thriving commercial areas, they will still get doses of the past now and then. Passing by Luneta Park and seeing the old “Bagumbayan” where Rizal, the national hero, was shot by musketry, would recount to them the past again. The same with the old Luneta Theater on T.M. Kalaw Street, Malate Church, City Hall, the Senate and Tourism buildings, and many others.

 

 

 

Roxas Boulevard

The stretch of Roxas Boulevard from the Luneta Grand Stand to the coastal road to Cavite is lined up with tourist spots and hotels. Touring Manila along this path allows visitors to get glimpses of the Children’s Museum, the stately U.S. Embassy, the navy Club and the Philippine Navy Headquarters, sunny Board Walk, adventurous Ocean Park, the Cultural Center Complex, fun-filled Star City, Central Bank, and rows of posh and elegant tourist hotels and restaurants.

 

Luneta and Other Areas

 

Imposing government buildings styled with colonial architecture are seen in the Luneta and Lawton areas, like the Senate and Tourism buildings, the post office, city hall, Metropolitan Theater, and national museum. As they stroll Luneta Park, tourists are treated with giant bust statues of different datus or pre-Hispanic local chieftains who ruled the land. Adjacent to this location is the Rizal Amphitheater, the exact spot where Jose Rizal was said to have been shot.

 

 

 

 

 

Quiapo Church

For a real feel of the daily Manila life, tourists should check out the Plaza Miranda area where the old Quiapo Church stands. The church is surrounded by adjoining booths where local fortune tellers and cultic herbalists do their trade, while a stone’s throw away, on Carriedo Street, are flea market stalls or “tiangge” where shirts and accessories are cheap. Touring Manila is never complete without experiencing rubbing elbows with the masses of people crowding these places for a really cheap buy, and for sellers, a bounty of profits.

Divisoria

Divisoria is the Mother of all Flea Markets, not only in Manila, but also in the whole island of Luzon. Located in Binondo where China Town in Manila is also situated, Divisoria is popular for getting the cheapest deal possible. Touring Manila is more fun when shopping can derive more items for fewer pesos. Thus, the final and ultimate tour destination in Manila is often in Divisoria.

 

 

 

Manila Education

As a prime and industrialized city in the Philippines, Manila is popular for its highly outstanding colleges and universities that offer excellent quality education as well as affordable tuition fees. Because of the presence of these educational institutions, most students from the other regions of the country travel to the city to enroll in the prestigious universities of the city. With extensive research programs and world-class curriculums, these colleges and universities also accept foreign students in search for outstanding academic performance.

University of the Philippines-Manila

Situated along Padre Faura and Pedro Gil Streets in the City of Manila, University of the Philippines-Manila is one of the leading educational institutions in the country, which specializes in Health Sciences. To accommodate the diverse interests and levels of students, the University offers 33 courses for graduate students as well as 25 courses for undergraduate students. Some of the outstanding courses available within this school of higher education are Bachelor of Science in Public Health, Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy, and Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry. Aside from the excellent Health Sciences courses that it continuously provides throughout the years, it also allows medical and nursing students to do their internship programs at Philippine General Hospital.

De La Salle University-Manila

Located at 2401 Taft Avenue in the City of Manila, De La Salle University-Manila is another premier educational institution in the country that offers highly outstanding academic programs. Even if the tuition fee in this University is higher than other tertiary schools in the city, it always ensures high quality education to all its students. Three of the most popular undergraduate programs available within this institution are Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Bachelor of Arts in International Studies, as well as Bachelor of Arts Major in Literature. To accommodate excellent graduate students, it also opens several graduate programs like Master of Science in Chemical Engineering, Master of Science in Industrial Engineering, and Master of Arts in Counseling.

Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila

Found inside Intramuros in the beautiful City of Manila, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila is one of the leading and prime public universities in the country today. To promote high quality education, this educational institution establishes outstanding research divisions, which include the Center for Women Studies, the Center for Culture and Mass Media, as well as the Center for Continuing Medical Education. Additionally, the University is also famous for its excellent undergraduate programs such as Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy, Bachelor of Science in Urban Planning and Development, and Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication.

Mapua Institute of Technology

Located along Muralla Street within Intramuros in the City of Manila, Mapua Institute of Technology is one of the topnotch colleges in the country that offers excellent and high quality courses while specializing on the field of Engineering. Some of the other outstanding undergraduate courses that this educational institution offers include Bachelor of Science in Biological Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, and Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. Since the administration of the institution implements a quarter semester-style of learning, many college students like to enroll at this place for it allows them to take normal four-year courses within a span of only two years.

Philippine Christian University

Situated along Taft Avenue at the corner of Pedro Gil Street in the City of Manila, Philippine Christian University is another outstanding and highly competent educational institution in the country today. With the aim of promoting competent learning and academic excellence, this place offers topnotch undergraduate programs that help students excel in various important fields. Some of the excellent undergraduate programs inside this premier University are Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering, as well as Bachelor of Science in Accountancy. Consequently, many students really love to study in this educational institution because of its highly inexpensive tuition fees.

 

 

Manila Beaches

What are the beaches nearest Manila worth dipping into unlike the Bay along Roxas Boulevard in Manila which is good only for viewing a charming sunset? Here are some options.

Cavite Area

The first natural option will be beaches along the coast of Cavite. Cavite, just 30 kilometers from Manila, is accessible through the Coastal Road. Tourists can get to the first Cavite town, Bacoor, in 20 minutes from the Luneta Park. Cavite beaches nearest Manila would be those along coastal towns like Naic and Ternate which face the South China Sea and Corregidor in Bataan.

Puerto Azul, Cavite

Puerto Azul is a tourist beach spot in Ternate, Cavite. The Puerto Azul Beach Resort in Barangay Sapang is among beaches nearest Manila. It also has a sprawling 9-hole golf course and is just about 90 minutes away from Manila by car travel. At this place tourists are also treated to flowery bushes, dreamy hills, sandy beachfronts, and of course, lots of fresh seafood. Being adjacent to Manila, beach resort and hotel amenities in the area are mostly updated with modernity and transportation and communication facilities readily available.

Marbella Marina, Cavite

This seaside resort is located in Ternate, Cavite, about 2 hours or less from Manila. This resort has stylish rooms elegantly furnished and affords different water activities like aqua sports, snorkeling, and other beach games. Though well maintained, this is among public beaches nearest Manila. It is ideal for bathers and vacationers looking for a real good time outside Manila yet not so distant from it.

Caylabne Bay, Cavite

Caylabne Bay Resort in Ternate, Cavite is among posh and classy beaches nearest Manila. This beachfront affords a Spanish-Mediterranean ambiance and a seeming far-flung hideaway from Manila, though the place is really easily accessible to it. The lush forested surroundings give one a feeling of being secluded in a paradise island. Beach games and water sports are also possible here and vacationers are given a luring option of staying in this resort for a few days.

Cavite Beaches in Naic, Bacoor, and Kawit

Cavite Coastal towns like Naic, Bacoor, and Kawit mostly have rocky beachfronts already lacking the pristine qualities of tourist beaches. Nonetheless, local bathers mostly from Manila with tight budgets still frequent Cavite beaches nearest Manila like Lido Beach and Miramar along the said coastal towns. Native huts with bamboo tables and benches are rented out. There are also makeshift shower areas and comfort rooms available for a fee. Manual deep wells dot the area. Seashells like mussels and other sea mollusks are sold at these beaches which bathers grill fresh on coals.

Corregidor Area

Another place providing beaches nearest Manila is Corregidor Island in Bataan. Also surrounded by waters of the Manila Bay and South Chine Sea like the coasts of Cavite, Corregidor is currently under the management of Cavite City. It is just some 48 kilometers from Manila and accessible from it via fast hydrofoil sea vessels regularly plying the route for tourists from Roxas Boulevard in Manila. All around this tadpole-shaped island are beach spots, like Breakwater Point, Geary Point, Searchlight Point, and Wheeler Point.

Bataan Area

Finally, another possible place with beaches nearest Manila is Bataan. From Manila it only takes 40 minutes to Mariveles, the capital of the province. Bataan has Sun Moon and Castle’s Beach Resorts in Bagac and Villa Milagrosa Beach, Gold Coast Beach, and Manager’s Place Beach Resorts in Morong, among other places in Bataan. Worthy of mention is Montemar Beach Club in Bagac, Bataan. This beach resort took the initiative to spearhead eco-tourism in the province and is now a popular turtle haven.

A quick getaway from Manila to the nearest beach hideaway is possible with beaches nearest Manila.