Konnichiwa , Annyeonghaseyo, Buen día, Good day hives ! How's everyone I hope you all having a great day, Today I will be sharing my experience in simala church.
Simala Church, also known as the Marian Shrine of Simala, is a popular pilgrimage site in the Philippines. A visit to this church can be a deeply spiritual and culturally enriching experience.
I started my journey to Simala Church early in the morning at 5 o'clock, We took a bath and also ate our breakfast so that we could get in line early since Simala is a crowded place because of the devotees of Mama Mary.
We drove from the City of Naga to Simala for almost an hour. The entire time we were driving, we could see lush greenery all around us, with rare views of the church visible through the trees. The pilgrimage was enriched with a colourful element as vendors lined the path, selling religious objects and local products.
I could see the magnificent Simala Church clearly as I approached the hillside. The sunlight shined on its white exterior design, and the air filled with the scent of scented candles. We had to wait in line to enter the Simala Church. If you visit, you will be amazed by how long this line was and the devotion of the people—despite the intense heat, they remained in line.
The view inside the church was breathtaking. The image of the Virgin Mary, clothed in vibrant colours, occupied the centre of attention. The church was filled with devotees, some kneeling in silent prayer, others singing hymns with heartfelt emotion. The ceremony itself was a lovely blend of faith and culture. Everybody purchasing a candle can choose to offer prayers for guidance, love, or prosperity since each candle has a distinct meaning.
After the service, I went to a peaceful area of the church to myself to think. A feeling of peace and hope was shared by people from various walks of life who were bound together by their faith. It served as an important reminder of how universal human emotions are and how comforting religion can be.
My son does his prayers, he kneels and thanks god for the wonderful life he had, Sometimes kid's prayers are the most genuine prayers you would hear.
We eventually headed outside to look around the church grounds. Following that, we took pictures as we wanted a picture of the three of us. We asked the guard if it would be all right if he took a picture of us, and he happily permitted us to do so. We took pictures of each other as a remembrance.
Additionally, the Simila Church cannot be finished without trying the local food. Food stalls offered a variety of Filipino dishes, from savoury barbeque to chilled buko juice. The flavours were a delightful food exploration from the Philippines, perfectly balancing the spiritual and cultural experience. We also purchased a bracelet with the same design.
I started to descend the mountain as the day came to an end. There was a sense of calm and satisfaction on the return trip. I will remember my visit to Simala Church for a very long time because it had been quite a remarkable event. offering a glimpse into the heart and soul of the Filipino people.
Before heading back home, we visited the nearby beach in Argao, which is free to use. It had clear water as well, but since it was unpaid and had a hut, it didn't matter that there were no trees to shade it from the sun.
We only got a half chicken inasal and a puso (rice wrapped in coconut leaves) for our meal on that day's budget-friendly trip from Simala to Argao, which my son enjoyed.
Someday we will be able to bring our little princess along, but for now, she will stay at home as we merely travel by motorcycle. My son swims under the sun till his skin turns tan. After that, we rent a salbabida (life preserver) and there are a lot of people there, including foreigners at that time.
I truly cherish our family vacation because it allows us to spend quality time together and show our kuya that we love him even though he has a baby sister.
As we got home we immediately played Chloe as our payback because she was unable to join us on a quick trip but surely if she can join us soon she will be the most enjoyed. Someday we time is right for now she will be at home
Also theirs a little guilt since our baby princess was left at home. and after that long day, we went home bringing the peace, quality and enjoyment that happened on that they that we surely treasured. A simple escape.
Hope you also have a quick trip for your loved ones, a simple quick trip that leaves memories.
