Thursday, April 17, 2014

Experiencing renewed faith thru a pilgrimage to Simala Sibonga Cebu






 Figuring out the best way to spend our lenten vacation, wife called up for us to go on another adventure and personal pilgrimage to the world renowned- Miraculous Shrine of the Virgin mother down south at Simala, Sibonga Cebu.

It was a trip that was worth the long wait (approximately 3 hours and one Time magazine issue away) we got to the shrine via V-Hire at One Citylink Terminal (80 Php) which by the way, drove us right at the gate of the church and saved us the 5 kilometer “Habal- Habal” ride from the highway proper.

At the site, we’re met with religious spectacles from just about every corner; we reveled in the minute shrines near the footsteps of the shrine / monastery, climbed up what seemed like a thousand steps up to the museum where we were introduced to precious idols, insignias and other significant artifacts of the Catholic faith. We then went down the serene church and said our thanks,  praises and wrote down our petitions at the courtyard.

After having our fill of faith and savoring the all scenic atmosphere, we then got to the shrine’s picnic grove by the pond where we enjoyed the grub that we brought along. We packed in lots of Picka-pickas of large (and very heart wrenching) pork chicharon packs which we bought at the pit stop at Carcar and potato chips, soft drinks and water bottles.

It was almost dinnertime when we took the strides again for the trip back home. Since it was already night time and the V-Hire shed was already closed, we rode the “Habal-habal” (20 Php) back to the highway and after quite a long walk, took refreshments and had dinner at one of the roadside BBQ stalls that abound the highway.

Finally after an hour of waiting, we got on a half-full bus back to the city for another 3 hour ride (70 Php and very bumpy mind you) and reminisce the day's great journey while hitting the sack. Over all, it was a soul refreshing escapade that's definitely worth a 2 thumbs up and a must try for everyone.   















































2 comments:

  1. thanks for this helpful post CU. will visit this site on my next trip home to cebu. mabuhay!

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  2. Thanks for dropping by bell, glad to help you find cebu's most interesting places. do drop by for more updates ;-)

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