It is when we are broken and weak that God's love, blessings, and kindness make us strong and whole again.
Life lately has been challenging.
Chasing deadlines.
Realizing plans.
Demanding job.
Escalating responsibilities.
These are some of the circumstances that drained my system. They sucked up all the tiniest bits of energy left in me.
Before these things inflict the worst damage on me, I had to address these. I demand to have a complete recharge. I am in my utmost need to take a break, to breathe. As for me, if my spiritual aspect is stable, everything follows.
So, with so much affirmation, I decided, right on that weekend, that I must have a recharge - a spiritual recharge, to be exact.
(This recharge was like hitting more than two birds with one stone.)
First Stop
BLESSED VIRGIN MARY OF SIMALA
Simala, Sibonga, Cebu
I was welcomed by this entire view.
Since I was still a student, Mama Mary has always been my great confidant especially if problems are suffocating me. From taking Licensure Examination for Teachers to passing it on the same year, to applying for a job and getting hired in public school, Mama Mary has never left my side. And until now that life has been offering me, pleasing and unpleasant surprises, there is still the kid in me that needs a motherly and promising caress of security that indirectly says things will be fine.
I stood there for a few minutes.
Said my prayers silently.
And when I ran out of words to say, I remained silent.
Wiped the tears.
Lit a candle.
And now with a lighter heart, bid goodbye to Her.
Random Stop
My partner suggested the idea of visiting one of the most famous waterfalls in Cebu. He noticed I was being drowned by a lot of things lately so, introducing me to something new would somehow help me resuscitate good energy. The kid in me got excited so, I agreed and he brought me to the highest waterfall in Cebu, the MANTAYUPAN FALLS in Barili.
At first glance, you wouldn't think that the place has a hidden beauty. It is just a vast mountain decorated with the greens of trees.
When you enter, you will be welcomed by these vines, hanging over your head,
a number of mini waterfalls,
and a long hanging bridge which made the walk a little exciting and adventurous because as you step, it also swings. My knees were trembling when I had my first few steps.
And after the one minute adventurous walk, ladies and gentlemen... the beautiful, incomparable, and majestic... Mantayupan Falls!
Sugbo-Byahe
Everything looks like a paradise.
The bridge, the falls, the water - what a perfect and spectacular creation!
Mantayupan Falls is nestled at Barangay Campangga, Barili, Cebu.
By public bus: If you're from Cebu City, the bus will take you to Poblacion, Barili. From there, you have to ride a motorcycle for hire or habal-habal to take you to Mantayupan Falls. Fare is approximately Php100.
By private vehicle: Navigate through Google Maps.
Entrance Fee is Php50.
Parking Fee is Php20.
Next Stop
ARCHBISHOP TEOFILO CAMOMOT SHRINE
Barangay Villadolid, Carcar, Cebu.
It is a personal tradition that when I visit Mama Mary in Lindogon, it always has the slightest chance of not visiting Archbishop Teofilo Camomot Shrine too.
Archbishop Teofilo Camomot was born and raised in Carcar, Cebu. He was 74 years old when he died in a road accident. Because of his miracles, the Archdiocese of Cebu has pursued legal documents toward his beatification.
A lot of people flocked here, seeking refuge, asking for physical and emotional healing, praying earnestly, believing and waiting for miracles to happen in their lives too.
A daily mass is celebrated in the shrine.
After a few minutes of silently sharing to him what makes my heart heavy recently, I let go of a sigh, a sigh of relief and hope. The feeling is unexplainable. It is beyond words. With a smile and a recharged spirit, I quickly went back to the vehicle for the next destination.
Last Stop
BASILICA MINORE DEL SANTO NINO and CEBU METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL
Cebu City
My heart is at home in these two churches. They have witnessed my lowest points in life. They have been my shield.
The whole day journey was indeed a boost to my spirituality which I needed the most to keep going.
Saying a silent prayer and lighting a candle commenced this whole day trip.
Thank you for reading. Be safe. Be well. Until the next writing!❤️
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You're a true champion @netswriting! Your first posts on Hive are inspiring and impactful. Keep buzzing!
Thank you @hivebuzz ☺️
Very cool and colorful church. Great destination place for tourist
Upvoted 100% with the HP delegation from Hive Birthday event
Thank you so much! You're right. A lot of tourists keep visiting this church.☺️
Thanks for dropping by.☺️
May falls pla malapit jan. Sayang. D ko alam nung pinuntahan ko to
Sinadya talaga namin daanan ang falls maam☺️
Punta ka ulit☺️
You had a wonderful journey for a day madam! With that trip, I may be exhausted after. Hehe
In fairness madam, I felt light gyud! Mura kog naibtan og tunok after the visit. Sitting on the passenger side the entire trip, listening to music at the same talking about things, feels great. Mura kog prinsesa nga walay palasyo. HAHAHHAHAHA
wa pa jud ko kavisit aning Mantayupan falls ay.
Please do maam. For sure, you'll enjoy gyud. You will fall in love with its beauty.
Puhon2 :D
Dalha ang love of your life maam. Hehe
wa pa ni kaadtog Cebu. sa Palawan ra mi. puhon lang jud. hehe
Itour na og Cebu maam. Mahigam na. Hehe
hehe puhon!
Your trip to Barili's Mantayupan Falls and the Blessed Virgin Mary of Simala seems amazing, wow! seeing the Mantayupan Falls' breathtaking natural beauty and the Blessed Virgin Mary of Simala's spiritual importance is astounding. I enjoy the historical and cultural background you provided. Your images are stunning and perfectly reflect the spirit of these amazing places. We appreciate you sharing your journey with us. 🧡
Ohhh thank you for your kind words.☺️ Means a lot.
The trip was indeed memorable. It made me realize the importance of things. A spirital connection being strengthened and a discovery of nature's beauty in one!
Thanks also for dropping by!
That was a wonderful trip. With this sharing for sure you enjoyed a lot. It's fulfilling visiting the Simala Shrine of Mama Mary and silently talking your prayers.
True maam! My heart felt light. It felt like what I have been carrying alone for so long have been lifted. These were the moments I cannot describe in words.
Thank you for dropping by maam.☺️
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Thank you so much @pinmapple and @choogirl ☺️
It takes courage to acknowledge when you need a break and to take steps towards recharging yourself, and you have done just that. You have sought spiritual solace, and visited places of significance to you. It is wonderful that you have found comfort in Mama Mary, and that you have a partner who is supportive of you. Your visit to Mantayupan Falls sounds like it was a much-needed respite, and the Archbishop Teofilo Camomot Shrine was a fitting end to your journey. Remember that taking care of yourself is vital, and you have taken a step towards that. Keep moving forward and always take time for self-care.
Ohhhh, thank you for these kind words.☺️ I couldn't agree more. In these trying times, it feels good to know that there are certain individuals we can turn to. And I do agree, self-care should be given importance.
Thank you for dropping by. Have a nice day!
This was a well deserved journey and I'm glad that at the end of the journey, you got a spirituality boost.
The waterfalls really looks heavenly and the scenery is just beautiful. Good thing you embarked on the journey.
This is a must needed trip.
True. The waterfalls looks spectacular especially seeing it in my naked eye.
Thank you for the kind words and for stopping by.☺️
It's always my pleasure. I'm happy you had a good time✨
Karon ra ko kahibaw nindot jud diay kaau ang cebu. All I I know man gud kay syudad heheh. Ug syudad ra man pod ahung nasuruyan diha sa cebu 😆. What a day you had mam! Truely when the spirit is full. Everything follows.
Cebu has a lot to offer gyud maam. Naay daghang nindot nga spots nga kasuruyan, either for unwinding or faith strengthening.☺️ Cebu is a good place to venture and explore. Dili kamahayan.☺️
Thanks for dropping by maam.🤗
We all go through tough times sometimes. Sometimes I can feel restless for no reason.
In these cases, it's best to go outside.
You have found a very good method.
I love waterfalls. your tour full of natural wonders and spirituality was impressive.
thanks.
Thank you so muuuucch!☺️ When things get rough and tough, I absolutely know where to go and who to talk to. Thank you for liking this blog. Means a lot. Have a nice day!☺️