While everyone in Manila troops to some vacation destination for Holy Week, my family and I did what we do every year and stayed home. I love quiet Manila. Nothing is open so there is no traffic and no chaos. We honestly need to have more days like this. Manila could use a break.
Holy Thursday is the day my family usually does Bisita Iglesia. Traditionally, one is supposed to visit 14 churches to symbolize all the stations of the cross. We’re not the most religious of families so while we observe this practice, we go to as many churches as we can. This ends up being around 3-5 churches. Truthfully, we kinda get sidetracked by the food at each Church. It’s part of the fun and makes for great family bonding.
We always make it a point to head to Antipolo Church. Every year we drive by the hundreds of people walking up to the Church as their Panata or sacrifice. It’s 10km from Ortigas through Cainta and up to Antipolo. It looks like a lot of fun. I think next year I’m going to make that walk also. I think it’ll be an awesome adventure.
Outside Antipolo Church
The Altar and crowds inside of the Church
Praying for intercession
Mama Mary
Hordes of people heading to the Church
Lighting Candles
Of course the best part is, after the Church, there’s a TON of food stalls outside.
The Food Market Area
Most of them sell Filipino Delicacies
They give you a Free Taste.. or in their words "Pree Tees"
My mom.. buying suman
There are delicious cooked dishes also. I love Filipino food!!!
YUM. Mami & Coke in the traditional glass bottle
No Filipino Food trip is complete without Balut!
At around 10pm, we head home, happy and full from our Good Thursday. Stay tuned for my post for Good Friday 😀
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That is A LOT of balut!