A Quick Visit To Simala Shrine

The weekend is the perfect time to relax and bond with family, and we found no better way to enjoy it than to have a quick visit at Simala Shrine.

Since we are now residing in Tuburan since I got my teaching item at Tuburan National High School, We decided to have a quick drive with our motorcycle heading towards Simala in a more scenic route, not the usual way we are used to pass by. From Tuburan, we will pass by the towns of Asturias, Balamban, Toledo, Pinamungajan, Aloguinsan, Mantalongon, Carcar and then Sibonga , where the Simala shrine is located.

After driving from the town of Tuburan, then Asturias, Balamban, and then Toledo, we decided to have breakfast at one of the famous fast food chains here in the Philippines. It's gonna be a long drive and we have to have enough energy to get through the entire drive.

During travels, especially in places where it is my first time to be into,
I make sure to eat at places I trust like fastfood chains to avoid getting food-poisoned. It is our first time traveling to Simala Shrine Sibonga in this route. Commonly, we travel north and this is an unusual route for us.

The winds caught our attention as the waves struck so hard at Pinamungajan's famous spot by the beach. We took some photos and enjoyed the breeze. After taking some photographs, we then headed to our destination.

When we reached the road that leads to the towns Carcar and Barili, it rained. So we took out our raincoats and continued with our travel but made sure to drive cautiously.

Ever since I started teaching, I made sure to spend time for travel during the weekend, it is a way to relax and regain the energy I lost the entire week.

MW JOSE ABAD SANTOS OBELISK MARKER (4HHX+7PR, CARCAR, BARILI ROAD, CARCAR CITY,CEBU)

SWEET CORN AND SNACKS ALONG CARCAR ROAD

After taking a photograph at the obelisk, we saw some vendors selling sweetcorn, coconut juice and so much more. My son loves to eat sweet corn so he could not say not when he saw it. It was a good stop to stretch. We are almost there, just a few kilometers away from Sibonga.

From sandals, dry goods, and so many more, Carcar delicacies and specialties are famous all-over the country.

The most famous is the Lechon Sa Carcar which is a roasted whole pig, in which the town is known for.

Carcar is also known for their chicharon or pork skin cracklings, the ampao or rice crispies, the bocao or candied coconut strips, which can be bought at these stalls when we passed by Carcar market.

We are looking around to check which restaurant to dine in to find the best-tasting lechon. There are a lot of options here and you will surely get confused which to choose.

Passing by Carcar is incomplete without trying out their famous lechon. We stopped by for lunch before we headed to Sibonga. The lechon here is ₱800.00 per kilogram. We ordered half and some cow soup.

SIMALA SHRINE - SIBONGA, CEBU, PHILIPPINES

Nestled in the hills of Sibonga, Cebu, the Simala Shrine is a pilgrim place. It was constructed by the Marian Monks Of Eucharistic Adoration in 1998. This has been home to not just Cebuanos but Filipinos all-over the country who came to visit for prayer, healing and devotion.

I have been here a lot of times and all of my prayers and wishes has been granted by the miraculous Mama Mary of Simala Shrine located in Sibonga, Cebu City, Philippines.

Last time I prayed here was to pass the Licensure Examination For Professional Teachers, which I did on my first take and now, I came back as an employee of the Department of Education. So much thanksgiving to be offered indeed. It is a great experience to bring my son here also which is his first time to visit.

We bought some religious artifacts and some rosary bracelets which had a lot of options to choose from. My son chose the bracelet he wanted.

We also lit some candles. Here at Simala Shrine, the candles have symbolisms.

• Orange Candle - stands for reconciliation between sweethearts, wife, husband or enemies.

• White Candle - represents purity, peace and the fulfillment of prayers.

• Violet Candle - symbolizes achievements, plans in life, journeys, voyages, struggles and endeavors.

• Red Candle - symbolizes love, passion and courage.

• Gold Candle - represents healing, good health, recovery, spirituality and family tree.

• Yellow Candle - Represents guidance, wisdom, and enlightenment.

• Green Candle - stands for prosperity, success and good health.

• Blue Candle - symbolizes hope, forgiveness and reconciliation.

• Purple Candle - stands for spiritual growth and deep reflection.

• Pink Candle - represents gratitude and joy.

It was such a joyous weekend at Simala Shrine and we offered our prayers and thanksgiving. Hopefully we could visit here again soon.

Have a blessed weekend everyone! Ciao!