I Keep Coming Back To Manila :)

I just finished a project! Hooray! :) Before I proceed to the next, let me first share my "Escape to Manila" with Kaye yesterday.

We spent Araw ng Kagitingan church-hopping, food tripping, praying, talking, laughing, walking, and just basking in God's holy presence. :)

We met at LRT Santolan at 9:30am, boarded the train for Recto, and began our long walk along Evangelista in Quiapo. Our first stop was Quiapo Church. I wasn't able to take a photo because there was an ongoing mass. After listening to the priest's homily about how our actions affect others even without our knowledge, we left excitedly assured that our tour guide is no less than God Himself. :)

As we were walking along Carriedo, I noticed that most, if not all, of the DVD sellers along the road were playing the same movie: The Passion of the Christ or The Story of Jesus. And I honor them for never forgetting the One True God who always remembers. :) I thank them too because in their own little ways, they remind us (people who pass by the stalls) of the season of Lent and the call for us to repentance and faith. I figured, they are the ones who literally market Christ! :)

On to our next destination: Sta. Cruz Church.

For a time, it served as my sanctuary. Every after confession at Quiapo Church, I would go to Sta. Cruz Church to spend quiet moments with the Lord. I don't know but there's really something special about this church. And our trip there yesterday was made even more special with the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. :) I was simply in awe staring at the beauty of the Lord's presence. And all I was able to say was, "Thank You Lord!" Instead of saying a litany of supplications, I uttered a litany of thanksgiving having realized how great and faithful God has been. :)

Then we headed to Chinatown via Ongpin. We had our own "Binondo Walking Tour" for free! :D There's just a lot to see, do, and eat in Chinatown. You may grow tired of walking but you would definitely not go hungry! :D

The third church we visited was Binondo Church also known as Minor Basilica of St. Lorenzo Ruiz. What I particularly liked about this church is its pink interiors. :D And it has a beautiful Adoration Chapel too where you can just sit and listen to God's messages.

For lunch, we went to Mr. Ube and there we talked and ate to our heart's content. :)

When it was time for desserts, we went to Ramada Manila Central and availed the Halo-Halo Buffet for Php150. I tell you it's really worth it (sulit!). I feasted on leche flan and ice cream and it was just an amazing treat especially for desserts lovers. According to their tarpaulin, the promo runs daily from 1pm to 6pm until May 31. But it's also better to ask the receptionist before you proceed. :)

The last stop for the day was the most important. If you would remember, I posted about my excitement for April because of this:

Yes, I was there! :) And I just couldn't contain the joy that I felt when at last we got in. It was just unfortunate that my phone has already run out of battery, the reason why I was not able to take photos of the church's inside. But I have photographed everything in my mind along with the vision that one day, I will walk down its aisle and face the altar with the person God has prepared for me. Kilig! ♥

It wasn't my first time to go to the above places but as the song goes, I keep coming back... because simply there's no place like Manila! A lot has changed already and I must admit that I am not really a fan of some of the changes implemented (like allowing jeepneys to pass through Evangelista) but I love how the beautiful churches in Manila continue to remain a strong pillar for the faithful believers.

I keep coming back to Manila because every time I do, I end up getting "fully nourished" - spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically. It simply never fails to enchant me and teach me a lesson or two. :)

Until we meet again, Manila! ♥

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