Heading South

November 1 and 2 are high times for us, Filipinos, to visit our loved ones who already passed away. It is when we bring fresh flowers, light candles, and say our prayers for the eternal repose of their souls. But since I’m not a native of Cebu, I am exempted from such tradition 😆 .

So instead of visiting the cemetery, me and my brother, along with my officemates, K and P, went to the Monastery of the Holy Eucharist in Simala, Sibonga which is situated in the Southern part of Cebu. For those of you who are not from Cebu, the monastery is a sanctuary to the religious and many devotees of Mama Mary, and is believed to be miraculous.

Although the ride to Simala took way longer than usual (because of the congested roads – Filipinos have this tendency of traveling by a dozen during holidays), it was all worth the sacrifice of having to ride in a crowded, smelly, and humid bus. In other words, it was a migraine/vomit-inducing ride but we didn’t care as long as we can reach the place safely.

The Monastery of the Holy Eucharist

Upon setting our foot on the monastery, we were enthralled at its magnificence. It was truly an awesome sight. But, of course, we didn’t dare forget that we were there to reflect and not merely for sightseeing (although it’s part of the plan). While inside the monastery, we kinda had this enigmatic feeling or was it just me 😆 . But I’m not kidding! The place has some unseen force which calls/leads one to pray and meditate.

the church's interior

After having said our prayers and took enough shots, we headed back to the town’s center where our lunch was waiting at R’s, our officemate, residence.

Around 4 o’clock, we were ready for our journey not to the city, yet, but to Carcar, the shoe capital of Cebu. I was dizzily ecstatic upon seeing all the shoes on display. And they come really really cheap too. As a result, I bought three pairs of shoes. You can’t blame me! It’s not everyday that I go to Carcar 😆 . And so with less than a 100 bucks in hand, we departed Carcar with a promise to return there soon. 😛 😉

a shoe-aholic's paradise

more pix during our trip:

a sea of travellers

the monastery from afar

wishing well

massive figure of Mama Mary

the monastery's entrance

a look at inside the church

humongous Biggy-Biggy shoes

satisfied travellers

xoxo