Stations of Grace: A Personal Visita Iglesia Itinerary

This year, I'm doing the Visita Iglesia—the traditional Holy Week practice of visiting seven churches, typically accompanied by praying the Stations of the Cross. While this devotion is often done in groups, I'm setting out on a solo pilgrimage, following an itinerary I’ve carefully planned to finish before lunchtime.

To make things more meaningful, I’ve chosen to also visit some Jubilee Churches—starting from the farthest one and gradually making my way back home to Cainta. At each church, I’ll be praying two Stations, completing all fourteen by the end of the journey.

Here’s the route I took:

1. Immaculate Conception Cathedral (Cubao, Quezon City)
A Jubilee Church under the Diocese of Cubao.
From LRT-2 Marikina Station, transfer to Araneta Center-Cubao. Exit north and ride a jeep bound for Quiapo or España. Get off at New York Avenue, then cross to Vancouver Street—the cathedral is just there.
Fun fact: This is where celebrity couple Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera tied the knot in 2014.

2. Diocesan Shrine of St. Joseph the Worker (Project 2, Quezon City)
Another Jubilee Church within the Diocese of Cubao.
It’s conveniently located right beside LRT-2 Anonas Station, making it one of the easiest stops on this route.

3. Real Monasterio de Sta. Clara de Manila (Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City)

A peaceful monastery known for its tradition of offering eggs in prayer petitions.
You can get here by riding a jeep from Cubao bound for Marikina, or take the LRT-2 to Katipunan Station.

4. St. Therese of the Child Jesus Parish (Mayamot, Antipolo City)
Back within the Diocese of Antipolo, this is one of the Jubilee churches nearest to me.
A quiet and reflective stop before heading further into the heart of Antipolo.

5. Diocesan Shrine of Padre Pio of Pietrelcina (Antipolo City)

From LRT-2 Antipolo Station, ride a jeep or minibus toward Antipolo Cathedral. You’ll find this church on the right side, just past College of San Benildo and before Fatima University.

The shrine holds a blood relic of Padre Pio, which is exposed for veneration in the basement chapel. It’s a quiet, sacred space where you can spend a few moments in prayer and reflection. There's also a unique honesty store in the same area—no cashier, just a selection of religious items and designated boxes where you can drop your payment. It’s a beautiful reminder that trust and faith go hand in hand.

6. St. John Mary Vianney Parish (Antipolo City)

Located along the Marikina-Infanta Highway heading toward Cogeo, this parish is just across from SM City Antipolo Downtown. A good spot to rest and refresh, too.

7. Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of the Abandoned (Marikina City)
The final stop—a Jubilee Church in Marikina. A fitting end to the journey, as I reflect on the Passion of Christ and wrap up my Visita Iglesia.

This quiet solo pilgrimage reminded me that faith journeys don't always have to be grand or crowded—they can be intimate, personal, and just as spiritually fulfilling. Walking from one church to another, praying the Stations along the way, offered me not just a chance to reflect on Christ’s passion, but also to encounter moments of peace amid the city’s bustle.

If you're planning your own Visita Iglesia, consider choosing churches that are meaningful to you, and don’t rush the journey. Let every stop be a pause to pray, breathe, and reconnect with the reason behind the season.

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Manuel Baldemor’s Kuwaresma Opens at The Manila Hotel’s Art Gallery

The Manila Hotel held the opening reception for Kuwaresma, a solo exhibit by acclaimed Filipino painter, sculptor, writer, and book illustrator Manuel Baldemor, on 13 April 2025, Palm Sunday, at the hotel’s Art Gallery. Kuwaresma presents a contemplative visual journey through the sacred season of Lent.

Manuel Baldemor, known for his signature distinctive fusion of folk art, religious imagery, and cultural narratives, explores the solemnity and symbolism of Holy Week in this 38-piece collection. Kuwaresma, which means Lent in Spanish, captures the spirit of the 40-day period of prayer, fasting, abstinence, and reflection—echoing Christ’s retreat in the desert.

The exhibit highlights Baldemor’s vibrant palette, intricate detailing, and deeply symbolic compositions that bring Filipino religious rituals and traditions vividly to life.

“As a painter and sculptor, I want to capture the essence of Filipino life and traditions, especially Holy Week,” shared Baldemor. “Kuwaresma is a culmination of my fascination with Lenten folk rituals, particularly the Nazareno procession, whose devotion continues to humble and inspire me.”

Manuel Baldemor

Among the distinguished guests who attended the exhibit opening were Atty. Jose D. Lina, Jr., president of The Manila Hotel; Marvin Kim Tan, vice president for sales and marketing of The Manila Hotel; Dr. Elba S. Cruz, exhibit curator; Virgilio Almario, also known as Rio Alma, national artist of the Philippines; and Cecile Guidote-Alvarez, founder of the Philippine Educational Theatre Association (PETA).

Atty. Joey Lina, President of The Manila Hotel

Kuwaresma is on display at The Manila Hotel’s Art Gallery until April 30, 2025. Admission is free. For interested buyers, email r.lo@themanilahotel.com.

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A Soulful Encounter at Morong’s Pabasang Bayan – A Tourist’s Reflection

Today, I experienced something truly special—something that felt less like a tourist stop and more like being lovingly welcomed into the soul of a community. I found myself in Morong, Rizal, attending the 25th Pabasang Bayan, a profound celebration of faith, tradition, and artistry held at the Ynares Gymnasium in Brgy. San Juan.

I arrived not fully knowing what to expect. But from the moment I stepped into the venue, I was captivated by the sight of life-sized images depicting various biblical scenes displayed throughout the gymnasium. Each image is lovingly cared for by local camareros, families who treat these saintly figures not just as religious icons, but as treasured heirlooms passed down through generations.

The event is presented by the St. Jerome Parish and organized by the local group Recamadero, who clearly poured heart and soul into every detail—especially the scenes depicting the Passion of Christ.

As a traveler, I often seek experiences that are “off the beaten path,” and today, I found a true gem. Not just because of its spiritual and cultural richness, but because of the way it reminded me of the power of community, heritage, and shared belief.

If you ever find yourself in the Philippines during Holy Week or the Easter season, make time for Morong, Rizal. Witness the Pabasang Bayan—not just with your eyes, but with your heart. The exhibit runs until tomorrow, April 13, and many of these sacred images will also join the Holy Week processions, especially on Good Friday.

Tips for Fellow Travelers:

• Respect the solemnity of the event – Dress modestly and keep conversations soft; this is a deeply spiritual occasion for many.

• Engage with the locals – They're incredibly warm and always eager to share the stories and meaning behind the traditions.

• Follow their official page – Check out Recamadero.MorongRizal on Facebook for updates, event details, and a deeper dive into its history.

Until next time, Morong. Salamat sa isang makabuluhang karanasan. 💛

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A meaningful Lent and joyful Easter at The Manila Hotel

The Manila Hotel revives pre-pandemic traditions in observance of Lent and to celebrate Easter. With an array of activities for its staycation, dining, and walk-in guests, and even those staying at home, the iconic hotel gives city folk and those who prefer to stay in Metro Manila options for the coming week.

Visita Iglesia 2022
Lenten tradition of Visita Iglesia is a time to commemorate and solemnly celebrate Christ’s passion in prayer and sacrifice. With a stay at the hotel on April 13 and 14, 2022 for a minimum deluxe room rate of only P7,000 nett and suite room rate of only P10,000 nett, guests can register 2 adults and 2 children 12 years old and below to join the Visita Iglesia tour. Walk-in rate for adults is P1,500 nett and 50% off on walk-in rate for children 5 to 12 years old.

Stopping at seven churches, namely:

• Manila Cathedral
• San Agustin Church
• St. Vincent de Paul Church
• Pope Pius XII Church
• St. Pancratius Church
• Malate Catholic Church
• Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Guidance

The tour includes round-trip shuttle service, in-vehicle guides, bottled water, and a scheduled snack stop at Marcelino Street Café at The Manila Prince Hotel.

Registration for the Visita Iglesia guided tour is coursed through the hotel’s Front Desk/Reception upon room booking or for walk-in guests. For inquiries and reservation please call 85270011 or email resvn@themanilahotel.com.

A Bear-y Happy Easter
The popular Easter Egg Hunt is back this year. The Manila Hotel’s in-house guests and those having Easter lunch at Café Ilang-Ilang can register their kids 12 years old and below for the hotel’s Easter activity at the Fiesta Pavilion on April 17, 2022.

Let your kids complete the activities listed in our “A Bear-y Happy Easter” Kiddie Passport on this super fun Easter quest. Let them experience the thrill of finding Easter Eggs at our play area, and even win exciting prizes from the eggs find! Let them join activities like Arts & Crafts, Groovebeats Kiddie Dance workshop, and kiddie ballet; and watch a magic show. The whole family can also get one photo for free at the Family Easter Photo Booth.

To join the Easter Kid Activities, every P5,000 worth of single receipt food bill in Café Ilang-Ilang on Easter Sunday lunch entitles a guest to one (1) complimentary pass (good for one kid with one adult). Additional kid walk-in rate is at P1,500 nett (for one kid with one adult). Discounts are not applicable to the walk-in rate.

For a room bundled with 2 complimentary passes (1 child and 1 adult each pass) to the Easter event, rates start at only P6,000 nett for a deluxe room, which accommodates 2 adults and 2 children ages 12 and below. Overnight package is inclusive of buffet breakfast (for two adults), use of swimming pool and gym facilities.

The Manila Hotel’s A Bear-y Happy Easter event is co-presented by Little Georgia Academy with Kinder City.

Participating major sponsors are Make Believe Productions, Wonder Lab, Royal Artisans, Baby Fourth’s Couture, Star Baby Toy Store, Rhyme Lab Learning Center, S’mores Kit PH and Museo Pambata. Minor sponsors are Absolute Sales, DBE Fruits Trading (distributor of DOLE Fruits), ESV International Corporation, Globalinens Worldwide, Inc., RGL33 Fruits & Vegetable Dealer, SLC Agri Farm Ventures, Inc., Trisha’s Cakes and Pastries, and Werdenberg International.

For more information and reservation, please call 85270011 or email resvn@themanilahotel.com for room bookings, and restaurantrsvn@themanilahotel.com for dining reservations.

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PAUL APOSTLE OF CHRIST movie review

30 years following the death and resurrection of Christ, Emperor Nero of Rome has sent off Roman soldiers to capture Christians most especially the apostles to stop the spread of Christianity throughout the land. Saul, now known Paul, was captured and in an attempt to be rescued by Luke, a movie is chronicled on Paul's wisdom and teachings on love and Christianity.

Paul, Apostle of Christ gives us a chapter on the Book of Acts in the New Testament. Under the reign of Emperor Nero of Rome, we see the brutal and heartless treatment of the empire to those who profess their faith in Christ. It is amazing to hear familiar verses like 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 as Luke and Paul talk in prison.

The drama might be lengthy but it is full of lessons that you can use in life. Understanding that the path to heaven is a difficult way but we believe that there's light at the end of darkness. Following the ways of Jesus, we will be experiencing suffering before we see His glory.

This film stars Jim Caviezel as Luke, gaining his popularity in faith-based films following The Passion of the Christ, French actor Olivier Martinez as Mauritius Gallas and Game of Thrones, Alumnus James Faulkner in the titular role.

Paul, Apostle of Christ is an SM Cinema exclusive movie. Starting March 23, experience the love of God and learn the Gospel in SM Cinema Director's Club that is equipped with cozy and state-of-the-art La-Z Boy chairs for everyone. Know screening schedules and reserve seats at www.smcinema.com for better cinema experience.

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