May your coffee be strong, and your day be beautiful! Good day, Hives! It's me again, Ace26, your Gwapo (handsome) blogger from the Philippines.
Among the most fun things about planning a vacation is planning your day trip! A good day trip refreshes your travel palate, giving you a change of scene and pace. Not only can you experience something new, but a good day trip will also have you returning to your main destination reinvigorated for exploring.
Join me on our Day trip to Simala Shrine together with my daughter and @helianthus-chloe, @honeylhen1995 and his husband.
We left home around 9 in the morning. We took the road to Mt.Magdok since there were a lot of unnecessary situations we experienced on the national highway Anyway, I liked the way we did because while driving, I found the way we took peacefully.
From the top of Mt.Magdok, you will see the scenic view of the mountain that meets the sky and the blue sea of Naga Cebu. Did you also find Nature as a therapy for the soul and your eyes?
First Stop Carcar City
Carcar City is known for their best lechons and chicharron, but since we are on a tight budget, we just eat at the food court. their place is so clean anyway, thanks to @honeylhen1995 for a free lunch ☺️.
Do you find it taking a long road trip by motorcycle interesting or by car?
Second Stop Sibonga City
What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear Sibonga Cebu?
Sibonga Cebu is best known for the Marist Monastery of the Holy Eucharist and a church called Simala Miraculous Mama Mary. It is located in Brgy Lindogon Sibonga Cebu.
Simala Miraculous Mama Mary is a place where catholic devotees come to pray for healing, guidance and protection.
When you arrive at Simala Shrine vendor will approach you to buy some roses to offer to Mama Mary.
What's Inside?
This Shrine is the primary structure where the saints inhabit. It is perhaps called an "altar" where Mama Mary is located. Other religious structures can also be seen that were carefully set and positioned.
Moreover, you will also witness the testimonies of those devotees that their prayers have been granted; some of the devotees donate their valuable things to Simala Shrine. Some of this is pencil, wheelchairs, neck bracelets and many more.
If you like to Halok (kiss) to Mama Mary, you should have to fall in line, but first, you have to take off your shoes before entering the line.
While we were on the line, I saw the chandelier that we installed together with my workmate. I was blessed that we were the ones that they hired to install the chandelier of Simala Shrine.
They will give you a few seconds to halok (kiss) the Mama Mary statue so that they can accommodate more devotees. After that, you can choose whether you are going to kneel down on the chair or just stand in front of the Mama Mary statue to continue your Prayer.
You can also write a prayer petition and drop it in the petition box.
Simala Shrine Colored Candles
Simala Shrine also sells Colored Candles, The colors of the candles have their corresponding meanings such as White for Purity, Enlightenment, Guidance and the Right Path;
GOLD Healing (Good Health, Recovery, Spiritual, Family Tree);
GREEN Prosperity/ Success (Exam, Study, Financial, Business);
BLUE Perseverance (Employment, Career, Assignment, Promotion);
VIOLET Achievement (Plans in life, Struggles, Endeavors, Journey, Voyage);
RED Love (Unity, Friendship, Engagement, Family);
Yellow Peace (Courage, Strength, Hope);
ORANGE Reconciliation (Sweetheart, Wife, Husband, Enemy, Family);
PINK Thanksgiving/Happiness/Joy (Spiritual, Physical);
GRAY Deliverance (Bad Ways, Things, Spirits;
CREAM Conversion/Faith (Children, Household Couples)
Most of the people who lit candles chose the coloured ones. But I have not seen someone light a black candle.
The candle vendor said that the black ones serve as an appeal to the conscience of those who badly hate you or otherwise.
As a matter of faith, God is still powerful and can overpower earthly practices and tendencies.
Lighting candles to wish for the good of others and oneself might be a great idea coupled with sincere prayers to God.
Remember that you are a visitor, We also need to Respect and follow the rules of the Simala Shrine because the place is sacred to the devotees and this is a place of prayer, meditation, and communication with God.
Anyway, the best time to visit the Simala Shrine is on Weekdays because there are fewer visitors, and you don't have to get into the line outside the Shrine.
And That's all for today; thank you for reading up until the end ☺️, also feel free to leave a message in the comment section and don't forget to support me by reblogging and upvoting this blog.
Maraming Salamat po ☺️👋