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What’s up my dear Hiver’s! I hope everything goes well with you’ll. May we all have a wonderful weekend as we manifest all the good and best things in life.

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Last weekend, my husband and I went to Quiapo Church because it is one of my bucket list as we visit Manila. Well, being honest, I am not that religious type of person but I do respect all religions. The reason why I wanted to visit the church because I wanted to see the statue of Black Nazarene in person and of course to pay respect and offer a prayer.

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I first heard about the Black Nazarene when I was in High School, I saw it on tv specially during it’s celebration every month of January. While seeing it on tv, I could really tell how a lot of people deeply devoted to the Black Nazarene, it is real and authentic faith. They could have different reasons and stories. Some believed it to be a healer and some believed it to be miraculous.

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I am truly amazed by the devotees of the Black Nazarene because I could see how genuine their faith and love. They even risked their lives every procession trying to wipe their towel as they believe that the cloth could absorb the power of the holy object.

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Going back, as we arrived to the church we immediately kneeled down and offer our prayer and after that, we went outside to lit a candle. That was the time when I felt a comfort coming from my surroundings, I can’t even tell where it’s coming from. So I took the moment of silence to pray to God for what my heart truly desires. It was the time when I released all my pain and worries to God, I just simply talked to Him as if I reconnecting the channel I have in Him.

After that, I felt so light, something like all the things that were weighing on me had disappeared. Then I took the chance to take pictures around the church as my memorabilia. As we got home, I went over my phone to check on the photos and that was the time when I realized that I really got nice photos because most of them are stolen shots and it made me feel wonderful as it shows true emotions and the true life of the people there.

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Little did I know that each of us is now busy with our individual lives, making a living, surviving and striving, but we sometimes forget to glance at our surroundings to see how some people are making a living. I do agree that all of us are equal when it comes to effort because we are all doing our best every day to live. But it differs depending on how each individual is living. The weigh is different.

Perhaps this serves as a simple reminder to be grateful for everything we currently have. Since everything is merely a borrowed gift from this world, now is the moment to show others more kindness. I do understand that this may be a challenging one for some, but I want to remind you that nothing in this world belongs to you or me.

I honestly been there, and it truly doesn’t feel good. And yes, it is true that being kind is sometimes hard specially to someone who doesn’t deserve kindness but as what the sayings goes “You cannot do kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson.

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For this one-day journey, I appreciate those people in the picture who work hard and serving God with all their heart. It is an amazing day full of gratitude in my heart as I wander around. As you can see in the pictures, there are a lot of vendors, some are selling sampaguita flowers, some are selling candles with prayer offering, and some are selling novena booklets and statues. They aren’t losing chances but rather full of courage to face the unknown tomorrow.

I could say, that was a wonderful weekend indeed. My heart is full and I really hope I could visit the Black Nazarene Church again soon.

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I hope you had a great time reading. 😊 see you next weekend!