Category Archives: Tourism

Top Pilgrimage Sites to Visit in the Philippines During Holy Week

The Philippines is known for its deeply rooted religious traditions, and Holy Week is one of the most important religious observances in the country. During this time, many Filipinos participate in various religious activities such as attending church services, performing traditional rituals, and going on pilgrimages. For those planning to visit the Philippines during Holy Week, here are some of the best places to visit.

Quiapo Church, Manila 

Quiapo Church is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in Manila, especially during Holy Week. The church is home to the Black Nazarene, a life-sized statue of Jesus Christ carrying the cross. Thousands of devotees flock to the church to participate in the annual Traslacion, which honors the Black Nazarene. The Traslacion takes place on January 9th, but Quiapo Church is also a popular destination during Holy Week.

San Fernando, Pampanga 

San Fernando, a city located in the province of Pampanga, is known for its elaborate reenactments of the Passion of Christ. During Holy Week, the city holds a week-long festival called the Lenten Season, which features various activities such as processions, street plays, and crucifixions. The crucifixions are a reenactment of the event where volunteers are tied to a cross for a few minutes to symbolize the suffering of Christ.

Mount Banahaw, Quezon 

Mount Banahaw is a popular pilgrimage site among Catholics in the Philippines. It is considered a sacred mountain and is believed to have healing powers. During Holy Week, many pilgrims climb the mountain to perform traditional rituals such as fasting, praying, and bathing in its streams. However, climbing Mount Banahaw can be challenging, so it is advisable to prepare for the climb and to seek guidance from a local guide.

Our Lady of Penafrancia Basilica, Naga

Our Lady of Penafrancia Basilica is one of the most important religious sites in the Bicol region. It is home to the Our Lady of Penafrancia, a revered statue of the Virgin Mary. During Holy Week, the basilica holds a week-long festival called the Penafrancia Fiesta, which features processions, street plays, and a fluvial parade. The fluvial parade highlights the festival, where the statue of the Virgin Mary is carried on a barge and paraded along the Naga River.

Cebu City 

Cebu City is a popular destination during Holy Week, especially for those who want to witness the grand procession called Sinulog. The Sinulog is a colorful and lively parade that features dancers in elaborate costumes, colorful floats, and traditional music. It is held on the third Sunday of January and is a celebration of the Sto. Niño de Cebu, a statue of the child Jesus.

Guimaras Island 

Guimaras Island is a small island in the Visayas region of the Philippines. It is known for its beautiful beaches, pristine waters, and sweet mangoes. During Holy Week, the island also becomes a popular destination for pilgrims who visit the Trappist Monastery. The monastery is home to a group of monks who produce various products such as cheese, jam, and pastries. Visitors can also attend daily masses, participate in the stations of the cross, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the monastery.

It is worth noting, however, that traveling during Holy Week in the Philippines can be challenging, as many people travel to their hometowns or go on vacation during this time. Therefore, it is advisable to plan your trip, book your accommodations early and expect heavy traffic and crowds in popular destinations.

Additionally, while it is significant to respect and appreciate the religious practices of the locals, it is noteworthy to be mindful of your actions and behavior during your visit. Dress modestly, avoid loud noises and rowdy behavior, and be respectful of the traditions and customs of the locals.

In conclusion, Holy Week in the Philippines is a unique and meaningful experience that offers a glimpse into the country’s rich religious and cultural heritage. Visiting the places mentioned above can provide an immersive and unforgettable experience that combines faith, culture, and natural beauty. Just remember to plan, be respectful, and enjoy the journey.

Historical and Spooky Places in Bataan

Have you been fascinated with spooky places?

I may be reading or watching documentaries about haunted places, but I don’t dare visit one.

But in 2006, we went to see the historical place of Corregidor through the invitation of friends from a pharmaceutical company. To be clear, we did not engage in ghost hunting.

The educational trip, albeit, short gave us the chance to relax from all the busy schedules of covering the health beat.

Sharing here some of the photos from the trip

In the photo were some members of the media and a group of public relations officers. 

Historically, Malinta Tunnel is regarded as one of the most haunted tunnels in the country. 

Today, Malinta Tunnel is the venue of an audio-visual presentation by National Artist Lamberto V. Avellana depicting events of World War II.

Ms. Stargazer encircled the images of what she perceived as ghosts.

The tunnel saw thousands of Japanese soldiers who performed suicide instead of surrendering to the American troops during the Second World War.

These photos don’t mean to scare you. I shared them to commemorate All Souls DayLet’s offer a prayer for the souls of those who perished inside the tunnel.

Despite the eerie feelings brought by the said trip, I would still go back to visit other areas of Corregidor.

How about you, have you had the same eerie experience in your past or recent travels?

Additional info from Wikipedia

Historical Parks Are Now Open to the Public

People who have missed places like the Rizal Park and Intramuros can now visit them only if they qualify under the Inter-Agency Task Force guidelines.

The Rizal Park and other sites in Intramuros welcomed tourists last Sept. 16, as authorities started testing a new quarantine classification system in Metro Manila.

This photo was taken from our last visit to Intramuros in 2013.

The Inter-Agency Task Force guidelines said only visitors from 18 to 65 years old are allowed to enter.

The Department of Tourism said Rizal Park is open from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. with a maximum capacity of 500 visitors. Visitors will be required to accomplish contact tracing forms before entering the park.

“One of the oldest Hispanic stone fortresses in the country. In pre-colonial times, this was the site of Rajah Soliman’s “kuta” or fort. The Spaniards under the term of Governor Gomez Perez Dasmarinaz fortified what was originally stone structures.”(Taken from a flyer handed out at ticket booth.)

Meantime, the Fort Santiago in Intramuros is open from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. every Monday to Friday and from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. The site will have a maximum capacity of 150 people.

The Baluarte de San Diego will be operating daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a maximum capacity of 80 people.

The memorial cross represents the demise of a total of 600 Filipinos inside Forth Santiago during the Second World War. The dungeon served as an execution chamber of political prisoners from the Spanish to Japanese period.

Tourism authorities said an express lane in both Intramuros sites caters to fully vaccinated visitors as perks. It means that they can accomplish the contact tracing form after entering and present it to security personnel before they exit.

Also, Plaza San Luis is open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

To ensure safety, the DOT said mandatory temperature checks and minimum health protocols will be implemented in the tourist sites.

The Rizal Shrine. This is where Dr. Jose Rizal spent his last few days after he was convicted for sedition. At present, “Rizal Shrine serves as a museum where mementos of the hero can be viewed.”

It added that 99% of Intramuros administration workers and 96% of all stationed personnel at the Rizal Park have been fully vaccinated as of Sept. 14.

The historic walled city of Intramuros was cited last year as Asia’s leading tourist attraction by the World Travel Awards.

Credit to cnnphilippines.com for the news story.