ULOG 011: My first wander in Simala Shrine, Sibonga,
"The Castle Church or the Monastery of the Holy Eucharist "
Howdy mates!
Ever since, Philippines has always been on the people's lists who'd love to travel and explore the world. There are a lot of beaches, resorts, mountain tops, waterfalls, and a lot more that can be found here.
One of the places in the Philippines is called Cebu (where I live). Its rich in beautiful beaches and resorts too but there's one place in cebu that is very remarkable to people.
Yes! The castle church of cebu...
Simala Shrine in Sibonga
Your visit in cebu wouldnt be perfect if you ain't able to visit Simala, they say. Well, i think that's a bit right. Not just because of the beautiful views, but if you are a Roman Catholic this is indeed the best place for you to pray. This is also where a miraculous Virgin Mary is located.
So now, how I wander around the castle church and how it mesmerized me for the very first time.
Going to Simala from my place is indeed tiring due to a very long land journey thats why i hadn't thought about going to that place ever since. Yes, I just had like 3 long rides in order to get there. Firstly, was riding a jeepney to the terminal, and then rode a bus and lastly my last trip was through a tricycle. It took us almost 5 hours just to get there (im wit my gf's family though).
After riding a tricycle, a short walk was done until reaching the main entrance.
Main entrance
Stairway to the church
Upon entering the gate, there's also a long stairway wt more or less 50 steps that you need to climb in order to reach the church.
From the stairway, I already saw how amazing the church is! Its big, full of greens too, it really looked like a castle.
Until i reached the first tower and the view became even more fascinating.
The first tower
View below
And as i went closer and closer, everything i saw were really mesmerizing
Closer view
The corridor
Guardian angel statues
And when I looked back it was quite a long hot walk indeed. There were also a lot of people falling in line enduring the heat from the sun just to get inside the church.
Long way to the Shrine
There's also a way down to the lower part of the church where there are a lot of greens and a pond.
Way down to the greens
And after the long line and a bit long walks, at last we were able to get closer to the shrine.
Closer to the entrance of the shrine
When we arrived inside the shrine, everyone was very busy and solemnly praying, some are lighting candles and offered prayers, and some were falling in line in order to kiss and pray to the Miraculous Virgin Mary (Roman Catholics practice).
People solemnly praying
Before falling in line, we lighted some candles and offered a prayer for more blessings to come and thank the Almighty Father for the things he've given to us.
Lighted candles for offered prayers
And then we fell in line in order to see and kiss the Virgin Mary. I wasn't able to take pictures since people were very serious and silent at that time and of course its quite embarrassing lol
So after then, we roamed around and visit the little museum inside the shrine. There were relic models, statues, paintings, and other religious stuff.
Little exhibit
We also went to the petition place, wherein you can right down your prayers and place it inside the respected petition boxes.
Petition corner
Righy after the petition corner, we then went to the balcony and saw how beautiful the place is.
beautiful!
And after another roam, we then went home and experienced the 5-hour long travel again.
The entrance to the lower part of the shrine
blue flag
Thats my girl! 💕
Thanks for spending your time! Peace y'all!
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Wowww thank youuuuu 😊😊
So cool my dear friend. I loved the colors
Thanks man! 😁
Amazing post, flowaaaars <3 The text is flowing nicely and I was able to follow you around as I read this post <3 The photos are really pretty too, and quite personal and well taken <3 Gorgeous post~
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