Diocesan Shrine of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist and Grace

On a hilltop overlooking the blessed town of Sta. Maria,

a humble house of prayer is perched.

Filled with people whose hearts are anticipating healing and miracles,

it has unquestionably turned into a sanctuary of faith.

Celebrating faith and the promises of Mary,

devotees come together to give praise.

As we all eagerly wait for the miracles to happen,

our hearts were filled with unending grace.

Rain poured hard the moment the mass ended

and we knew it was a part of it all.

When petals were showered upon her timeless beauty,

it was a wonder that it glittered with gold.

Healing happened, faith was restored - 

people began believing.

Through the touch of a man, the Mother conveyed

her love that has no ending.

Images appeared in simple rose petals,

marking the second manifestation.

Then shutters echoed through the loudness of the place,

relieving all forms of hesitation.

photo from Jay Roberto

Was it magic or a miracle?

I'd rather think it was a gift.

The moment we captured the beauty of our Mother,

I felt like having climbed a mountain so steep.

How it happened, we can only ask God.

Though the answers lie within our very hearts.

The Mother had blessed us with her manifestations,

if that won't convince people, I don't know what else would.

The Diocesan Shrine of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist and Grace is in Brgy. San Vicente, Sta. Maria, Bulacan. It was built in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary by Bro. Carmelo Cortez, a healer and visionary of the Blessed Virgin Mary. According to him, the Mother appeared and endowed him with this immaculate gift when he was 21 years old. In return, she asked for the return of people to the Catholic faith, for the Catholics to receive the Holy Communion, and for every laity to pray for the priests.

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Undas 2014

Way way before Halloween parties were adopted in the Philippine culture from the westerners,

the Filipinos had been known for the tradition of visiting their departed loved ones in the cemetery every November 1st.

Although technically the day for the saints, we visit the graves of our dead to pay homage to them.

Cafe+, Plaridel

Pausing to breathe,we craved for rest.

The goal to fill ourselves with satisfying grace arouse.

Though a little off track, we then decided to visit

What probably is a prime epitome of comfort and luxury.

Parish of St. Augustine, Baliuag

I trampled on the fear of distance -

Stepping out of my comfort zone.

But as I laid eyes on my destination,

Dread vanished at once.

For I have seen beauty beyond words,

Adorned by the charming stories of the past

My mouth hung open as I stared at this treasure,

My heart was swelling with pride.

I have seen corners not everyone could see - 

and to be honest, it stunned me.

The alluring charm that sweeps me off my feet,

I could never, ever forget.

It was all beauty ingrained by hundred years of existence

Everything just speaks to me like an ancient friend

But in the midst of all these enchanting antiquity,

I have realized that religion is never about this kind of luxury...

The Parish of St. Augustine is one of the oldest churches in Bulacan. It is located in Baliuag, Bulacan, in a place they call 'kabayanan'. But from what I know, only the floors, convent and part of the facade's walls are original. All other parts are actually parts of the reconstructions conducted throughout the years.

A beautiful heritage site of the province, it is currently under the religious leadership of Msgr. Andres Valera.

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Bisita ng Lawa, Obando

A relatively new structure built over an older one,

To avoid submergence, that is never avoidable.

A normal-looking home of one’s faith -

With a basement so inexplicably cold.

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St. Andrew Kim Taegon, Lolomboy, Bocaue

I submit myself to splendor and grace

As I found my immaculate sanctuary.

My soul basks on a wonderful paradise - 

the closest thing I can get to my dreams of a lifetime

A charm so enthralling, rippling through what I am,

like the placid river it used to be.

My mind sets off to an indescribable peace,

my heart feels greatly at ease.

The place is an escape from my frustrating reality,

a symbol of that hope, which I badly need.

Prayers leading to miracles, faith proving its worth.

It's just a matter of knowing what you're believing in.

I was once lost but have found my way back.

It's a mystery, how I did... really.

But like the flowers that bloom in this paradise,

I must have been well taken care of by my Gardener.

And prepared me for harvest.

The Shrine of St. Andrew Kim Taegon can be found at Lolomboy, Bocaue, near the Parish of Sto. Cristo-Kim Taegon. It occupies a piece of land owned by the Dominicans, and is currently run by Korean nuns. The whole shrine is still under construction, yet the beauty is already obvious. Sr. Joanna made the plans clear to me when I was there, and my heart couldn't help but flatter as I thought of the truth that a part of my dream is within reach.

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St. Michael the Archangel Parish, San Miguel

It was an end to end travel for us that Sunday morning.

Our destination - one of the oldest churches in Bulacan.

Although it doesn't seem so, its history is supported by the immortality of its surrounding.

This is the Parish of St. Michael the Archangel in San Miguel, Bulacan.

As the dead lies in the middle, I take memories -

observing people who cares, and people who don't.

And as the dead lies in the middle - families and friends mourning,

solace was found by someone must have felt like dying everyday.

The Parish of St. Michael the Archangel in San Miguel, Bulacan is located two and half hours away from Meycauayan. It is an interesting church, which history I am yet to discover, tucked close to some of the most important historical tourist attractions in Bulacan like Biak-na-Bato, Tecson House, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site Madlum Caves and River.

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