It is when we are broken and weak that God's love, blessings, and kindness make us strong and whole again.
Life lately has been challenging.
Chasing deadlines.
Realizing plans.
Demanding job.
Escalating responsibilities.
These are some of the circumstances that drained my system. They sucked up all the tiniest bits of energy left in me.
Before these things inflict the worst damage on me, I had to address these. I demand to have a complete recharge. I am in my utmost need to take a break, to breathe. As for me, if my spiritual aspect is stable, everything follows.
So, with so much affirmation, I decided, right on that weekend, that I must have a recharge - a spiritual recharge, to be exact.
(This recharge was like hitting more than two birds with one stone.)
First Stop
BLESSED VIRGIN MARY OF SIMALA
Simala, Sibonga, Cebu
I was welcomed by this entire view.
Since I was still a student, Mama Mary has always been my great confidant especially if problems are suffocating me. From taking Licensure Examination for Teachers to passing it on the same year, to applying for a job and getting hired in public school, Mama Mary has never left my side. And until now that life has been offering me, pleasing and unpleasant surprises, there is still the kid in me that needs a motherly and promising caress of security that indirectly says things will be fine.
I stood there for a few minutes.
Said my prayers silently.
And when I ran out of words to say, I remained silent.
Wiped the tears.
Lit a candle.
And now with a lighter heart, bid goodbye to Her.
Random Stop
My partner suggested the idea of visiting one of the most famous waterfalls in Cebu. He noticed I was being drowned by a lot of things lately so, introducing me to something new would somehow help me resuscitate good energy. The kid in me got excited so, I agreed and he brought me to the highest waterfall in Cebu, the MANTAYUPAN FALLS in Barili.
At first glance, you wouldn't think that the place has a hidden beauty. It is just a vast mountain decorated with the greens of trees.
When you enter, you will be welcomed by these vines, hanging over your head,
a number of mini waterfalls,
and a long hanging bridge which made the walk a little exciting and adventurous because as you step, it also swings. My knees were trembling when I had my first few steps.
And after the one minute adventurous walk, ladies and gentlemen... the beautiful, incomparable, and majestic... Mantayupan Falls!
This photo is grabbed from
Sugbo-Byahe
Everything looks like a paradise.
The bridge, the falls, the water - what a perfect and spectacular creation!
Mantayupan Falls is nestled at Barangay Campangga, Barili, Cebu.
By public bus: If you're from Cebu City, the bus will take you to Poblacion, Barili. From there, you have to ride a motorcycle for hire or habal-habal to take you to Mantayupan Falls. Fare is approximately Php100.
By private vehicle: Navigate through Google Maps.
Entrance Fee is Php50.
Parking Fee is Php20.
Next Stop
ARCHBISHOP TEOFILO CAMOMOT SHRINE
Barangay Villadolid, Carcar, Cebu.
It is a personal tradition that when I visit Mama Mary in Lindogon, it always has the slightest chance of not visiting Archbishop Teofilo Camomot Shrine too.
Archbishop Teofilo Camomot was born and raised in Carcar, Cebu. He was 74 years old when he died in a road accident. Because of his miracles, the Archdiocese of Cebu has pursued legal documents toward his beatification.
A lot of people flocked here, seeking refuge, asking for physical and emotional healing, praying earnestly, believing and waiting for miracles to happen in their lives too.
A daily mass is celebrated in the shrine.
After a few minutes of silently sharing to him what makes my heart heavy recently, I let go of a sigh, a sigh of relief and hope. The feeling is unexplainable. It is beyond words. With a smile and a recharged spirit, I quickly went back to the vehicle for the next destination.
Last Stop
BASILICA MINORE DEL SANTO NINO and CEBU METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL
Cebu City
My heart is at home in these two churches. They have witnessed my lowest points in life. They have been my shield.
The whole day journey was indeed a boost to my spirituality which I needed the most to keep going.
Saying a silent prayer and lighting a candle commenced this whole day trip.
Thank you for reading. Be safe. Be well. Until the next writing!鉂わ笍