Showing posts with label Cebu City. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cebu City. Show all posts

Saturday, September 08, 2012

Ninos and Marias in Simala, Cebu



Monastery of the Holy Eucharist
Location: Marian Hills, Lindogon, Simala, Sibonga, Southern Cebu, Philippines

Today is Mama Mary's Birthday, so I thought of doing a Travel post in honor of our blessed virgin mother.

Last July, I went to the Monastery of the Holy Eucharist to visit Miraculous Birhen sa Simala in South Cebu. Initially, we were planning to visit Oslob to experience the Whale Sharks. But due to many factors, we weren't able to push through the initial plan. But, to visit Simala one more time, I wouldn't trade it for anything else.

I first heard of the Miraculous Virgin Mary from a friend, who asked for guidance and enlightenment before taking the board exams. For those who didn't know about this, the miraculous image was said to shed tears sometime in the late 90's. Last 2011, we went for a quick detour trip with my friends, and that was my first encounter. The experience was very surreal, enchanting and more like heavenly, it was more like a personal spiritual journey towards you and your God. Well, I guess we need to be mature in some ways and have a connection with GOD. I need to emphasize on GOD, because oftentimes, we've gone astray, lost and confused without him.




 The monastery has been swarmed with thousands of devotees, believers, religious, desperates, and curious individuals from locals to tourists everyday. Upon entering the premises, you will see thousands of letters, petitions, prayers, requests, thanksgiving etc. whom graced the placed and was able to have a personal experience of Mama Mary's great Miracle. Mind you, there were cabinets filled not with just letters but other stuff like clutches, cellphones, calculators and all sorts of random things that prove it as well.




As a Catholic, and was being brought up with catholic values from school and at home, I was able to appreciate the whole experience. For me it was like a spiritual detox, prioritizing the essential things in life by doing good and keeping the FAITH.

Enough of my raves with "Faith", as I share to you my collection of PHOTOGRAPHS of the Many Faces of Sto. Nino and Mama Mary being devoted around the globe. With my keen eye, I cannot let just anything pass me by. Not in my whole existence did I see with my very own eyes, so many images of them. I guess, there are more than a hundred of them. Each beautiful made and dressed. This is also one of main attractions of the said monastery.



Our Lady of Cavodonga (Not shown in photo) with Sto. Nino

Vigen Rocio


Our Lady of Good Success

Our Lady of the Abandoned

Black Sto. Nino

Mainichi Marian no Kegavenaki (Land of the Rising Sun Japan)

Mary Help of Christians

Our Lady of Incarnation (Soul of Mary)

Baby Mary - Nina Maria

Virgen de la Caridad - Our Lady of Charity

Our Lady of  China (Mary not included in the photo) with Sto. Nino
Our Lady of Lourdes
Our Lady of Snow with Sto. Nino

Our Lady of La Sallete

Our Lady of the Candles

Our Lady of Good Health

Our Miraculous Mary that Shed Tears last 1998 and 1999.

But, it doesn't mean that every wish and prayer would be granted, I still do believe that in everything we do in life, we have to earn it to deserve it. 




Friday, January 20, 2012

Cebu City Snapshots


Outside Basilica del Sto. Nino, Cebu City

If I have to cite a favorite city in the Philippines aside from Davao, Cebu is top of my list. I have been visiting Cebu for almost every year. And I thank Cebu Pacific promo flights for this opportunity. Last, Sunday January 15, Cebuanos celebrated the Sinulog Festival .

 I've attended the Sinulog twice already, last 1999 and 2007,  for sure the celebration this year was way bigger and better. The whole experience would not be complete if I won't be able to attend their early morning mass at the Basilica, despite the place being crowded.  Last 2007 was my first time to participate the religious procession, which was graced by many devotees  and pilgrims as they say the holy rosary in the streets of Cebu, which is one of the main events apart form the Grand Sinulog Street Parade.  These two events are to be expected yearly. Being able to participate with these events is something fulfilling, as a Christian myself. Or even not on the religious aspect, since Sto. Nino is very significant in our history as well. Those were just a few of my experiences during Sinulog.

In commemoration of the recent festivity, I have with me some Cebu City snapshots during my trip last year. Better posting late than never. Looking forward to another Cebu adventure this July 2012! Yipee!


The famous Magellan's Cross

Magellan's Cross


Balloon vendors are all over the place :)



Beautiful altar of the Basilica del Sto. Nino



The original building has been preserved, during our visit, the church was still under renovation.



Devotees, tourists and visitors, from all over the Philippines flock in to visit Sto. Nino, people come here all year round.





Cebu Ferries from Lapu-Lapu City to Cebu City. If you commute, this is a very fast and cheaper alternative to go the heart of Cebu City.




Cebu City at Dawn. At Crown Regency Hotel and Towers.


CEBU at Night

Crown Regency Hotel and Towers, the City's tallest structure


At Mountain View, just below the Tops of Cebu


The Terraces at night, Ayala Center Cebu


VIVA PIT SENYOR!

Photo courtesy: www.sinulog.ph






*Photos taken with Lumix LX5