12/29/25
If you told me 48 hours ago na magiging ganito ka-intense ang Day 6 ko, baka hiniling ko na lang na maging display sa SM Baguio. Pero here I am, heart full and bags even fuller.
Let’s recap this wild morning. I woke up at 4:00 AM in Baler. My tour guide… na hanggang ngayon hindi ko pa rin alam ang pangalan pero kilalang-kilala ako… was already there. We took a selfie (syempre, for the plot!) and he helped me lug my mountains of pasalubong to the terminal. MVP si Tatay, kahit anonymous siya sa contacts ko. 😂
Then came the 6-hour bus marathon to Urdaneta. I arrived at 1:30 PM, did a quick leg stretch sa SM City Urdaneta Central and then headed straight to Manaoag.
The struggle was real… No coffee, no breakfast. My only fuel? Tatlong pirasong suman na nabili ko sa terminal for ₱10 each. Masarap sana i-pair sa black coffee but alas, tubig-tubig lang muna!
But everything changed at 2:00 PM. Habang palapit ako sa Manaoag Church, I couldn’t help but smile widely. When I finally stood in front of the Basilica, my heart was literally crying. 😭 After crossing provinces… from the giant refrigerator weather of Baguio to the waves of Baler..nandito na ako.
I made a simple prayer… Thanksgiving, asking for forgiveness and a sincere sorry kung bakit ngayon lang ako nakadalaw eh matagal ko na 'tong pinangako kay Mother Mary.
My Manaoag Highlights:
1. The Candle Gallery - I love that they have the long stick candles here. Unlike other churches na puro circular tea lights, there’s something special about lighting a long candle for your intentions.
2. The Museum - Sobrang ganda sa loob! I saw the different gowns used by the Virgin Mary, the relics, jewelry and more. Strictly no photos/videos allowed, so I just memorized every detail. It felt so sacred.
3. The Rosary - I went to the religious section because I wanted a rosary that really came from this place. I bought two unique ones as a pabaon for my trip back to Cebu.
Since I arrived today and I’m planning to go back to the church tomorrow morning before I travel to Manila…technically, 2nd visit ko na yun diba? Hehehe. From 1st timer today to suki tomorrow!
Before I head back to Cebu, fulfilling this promise feels like the best pasalubong I could ever give myself. Heart is full, spirit is recharged.
