PILGRIM

Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Manaoag

Our Lady of Manaoag, Parish Church (facade)

Last Feb 28, We went to Our Lady of Manaoag for our pilgrimage and serves as our time to reflect. It's a one day experience and time for us to be with God.

As per said by the admin, call time is 5 am and the departure time is 6 am. Oh my gosh! It's so early and my body clock isn't used to it anymore but yeah I have no choice. So I set my alarm to 4:30 and went to school at 5:30 am. We went inside the bus exactly 6 am and yet we're still waiting for some of our block mates. Finally! After a couple of minutes we are ready for departure. It's past 7 am when we departed UST. It had been a long trip for us that time. I took time enjoying the scenery 'til we had a stop over at NLEX.

Beautiful scenery along NLEX

Here we are. Now at Manaoag, Pangasinan! The excitement feels pounding on my heart. It has been years ago since I went here and I don't recall anything at the moment. 😊😊 We entered the place and was greeted by Our Lady of Manaoag. 

There are so many tourists visiting and strolling also. We lost our track about the activities that must be done that day. Haha. We are not aware that there is still on-going mass for the blessing of religious items we bought there.

We continue strolling and took pictures but it's not really enjoying to go around because the sun isn't friendly that time. Lol. We went to mass after we bought some religious items outside the church. I wonder why they kept nagging us buy their items and they are giving discounted prices. Hmm. I bought just three bracelets for Mama and Papa. We also bought some pasalubong. 

We went to the bus and ate our packed lunch. After which, went inside and listen to the speaker talking  about the “Pilgrimage to Manaoag” the message isn't delivered clearly due to technical difficulties. Well that a downside of the pilgrimage. We cannot create an intimate relationship with God because of the  noise we  are hearing. I can't find the real essence of this. Honestly speaking, I have high expectations for this since I came from a Catholic school for girls. We've been through this also and I can differentiate the preparation for this pilgrimage. You cannot actually find the true meaning why we had this. Based on my evaluation I think it would be better if they will let the students participate and be more involved that time like more of an interaction. My overall experience was good and I had more bonding time with and also I had time to talk to God and pray for my petitions to Our Lady of Manaoag.

We arrived at UST late 7pm due to heavy traffic. We are all hyperactive and had time for videoke. Hahaha. Really had good bonding time with  blockmates I was tired and in need of sleep but nevertheless I had a wonderdul experience.