Visiting Mama Mary Shrine in Simala, Sibonga, Cebu City

Our trip to Cebu City was unplanned.  My husband had a two-day seminar somewhere in said city last Thursday and Friday, May 22 and 23 respectively. Since he has no work on Saturday and Sunday, I suggested that me and my mother-in-law will come over during the weekend and he agreed.  We stayed at my sister-in-law's residence at Lapu-Lapu City.

Considering the limited time we had, going to Bohol would be unlikely.  For this reason, my sister-in-law recommended that we visit Mama Mary Shrine in Simala, Sibonga aside from stopping by to spend a short time with their relatives at Minglanilla.  Hence, our visit to Mama Mary Shrine.

The Mama Mary Shrine is located at Simala, Sibonga, Cebu City.  It is a castle-like church preserved by Marian monks.

During our visit, some portions of the church is still under construction.  The outside view of the church is not yet fully painted although as you can see from some of the pictures it seemed like the opposite. 

Walking toward the church was uneasy due to the heat of the sun and the stairs you have to pass through aside from the number of people lining up to attend the mass or simply visit the Mama Mary statue.  When visiting the shrine, it is a must to bring an umbrella or something else to cover yourself against the heat of the sun.

However, upon entering the church, the feeling of anxiousness was transformed. I was relaxed and comfortable even though there is no air conditioner inside the church.

When we were inside, no mass was going on.  What we did was lineup with other people to get a chance to kiss the Mama Mary statue or Birhen ng Simala as they call it.  There are three lines you can choose from.  First is the line where you can kiss the statue, second is the line where two persons can pray together and the third line is allotted for a single person praying to Mama Mary of Simala.

This is where we lined up.

Where people can kiss the statue.  This is where our line is going.

This are the two lines I mentioned.

The experience was unexplainable.  The heat, sweat, thirst and weakness of the body were all worth it.

Here are other photos that were taken during our visit to the shrine.

Read more »

Happy Mother's Day: Our Mother's Day Vacation

First and foremost, I want to greet all mothers out there a happy, happy mother's day.  This day happens only once in a year.  This is the time for daughters and sons to recognize the effort, support, understanding and love that they receive from their mother since conception till birth.  Even though expressing our gratitude to our mothers should not be confined only in today's celebration, still, it will give them great joy if daughters and sons will spend time making this day special for them.

 

Insofar as our celebration for Mother's day is concerned, we had a family vacation.  It was a short vacation that we did not have a sleep over as most vacations should have.  Most of the family members will be working the next day so we only have a few hours to meet and chat. 

We went to Midway Resort, a beach resort located in between the city where we, my husband, brothers and sisters live and the city where my parents are residing.  Ergo, we had to travel from an opposite direction and meet at the resort.  Be that as it may, it was worth it for we get to see and talk with one another.  It seemed that the time was so short.  However, everyone was happy especially our mother which is the most important thing in this day.

Happy mother's day, Mommy!  We thank you and love you always!

I cannot post the pictures yet.  My sister gave me the wrong cord, grrr.

(Photo Update)

My husband was my savior.  He was able to find another cord that fits the camera.  Thanks to him.

Here are some photos of the Midway Beach Resort.

Because of the heat, I did not have the chance to go down near the beach.  Besides, we are busy talking and sharing some stuffs with one another.  Though it only happens in a few hours, it was a great vacation.

Read more »