The Garden in Basilica Minore del Sto. Nino: The Place of Mudane Stories

in Architecture+Design2 years ago (edited)

IMG_20230221_091825.jpg

GARDEN IN BASILICA MINORE DEL STO. NINO—As I sit here on the corner bench of the Basilica Minore Sto. Nino garden, I can't help but feel a sense of awe and wonder. The wishing fountain in the garden's center, the rushing water in the pond, the gentle rustle of leaves, and the soft glow amidst the playing shadow create a peaceful atmosphere that seems to soothe my soul.

Watching the people around me, I realize this garden is a place of stories. Every person here has a unique story to tell, one filled with pain, happiness, or something in between. And as I sit here, I can't help but feel drawn into their stories, each touching my heart differently.

It's not just the stories themselves that are so compelling, but the way they intersect with the garden's beauty. The trees provide shade for those seeking refuge from the sun's heat, the pond offers a place to reflect and find peace, and the stone walls surrounding us create a sense of safety and comfort.

As I take in the sights and sounds around me, I realize that this garden is a special place. It's a place where people can find solace and hope, connect with others, and find meaning in their lives. And as I sit here on this bench, I feel grateful to be a part of it all.

IMG_20230214_101313.jpg
IMG_20230221_083007.jpg
IMG_20230221_091904.jpg

IMG_20230221_092014.jpg
IMG_20230221_091938_1.jpg
IMG_20230214_101350.jpg

A beautiful space filled with benches, trees, and a serene pond in the center. It was a place where people came to find peace, reflect on their lives, and seek answers to their most profound questions.

Walking through the garden, I noticed a girl sitting in the adoration chapel. She was sobbing uncontrollably, her clothes strewn across the floor. I felt a pang of concern and confusion, unsure what to do.

But before I could even think of approaching her, a police officer appeared at the door, his face etched with concern. He came to the girl and spoke to her in a gentle voice. I couldn't hear what they were saying, but I could see the emotion on his face. It was clear that he was deeply affected by her pain.

IMG_20230221_092158_1.jpg
IMG_20230221_092351.jpg

After a few moments, the officer left, his eyes filled with tears. It was then that I learned the girl's story. Her father was gravely ill, and she had stripped her undergarments, desperately attempting to raise money for his treatment. I sympathized with her plight and silently wished her father a speedy recovery.

As I continued to walk, I saw a little boy wandering around, lost and confused. He was looking for his parents, who had separated from him in the crowded streets. I approached him and asked if he needed help. He nodded, his eyes brimming with tears.

Together, we searched the garden, calling out his parents' names. It felt like an eternity had passed before we found them sitting on a bench by the pond. The boy ran into his mother's arms, tears streaming down his face. I watched as the family embraced, relieved and grateful to be reunited.

Further along the path, I saw a man standing on one knee, a ring box in his hand. He was asking his girlfriend to marry him. The girl was overcome with emotion, tears streaming down her face as she said yes. I smiled at the sight, feeling touched by the simple beauty of the moment.

IMG_20230221_091751.jpg
IMG_20230221_083001.jpg
IMG_20230221_091811.jpg
IMG_20230221_092151.jpg

IMG_20230221_092136.jpg
IMG_20230221_091825.jpg
IMG_20230221_083028.jpg
IMG_20230221_092047.jpg

The garden in Basilica Minore Sto. Nino was full of stories like these, each one unique and touching. It was a place where people could come to find solace and seek refuge from the world's chaos outside. I felt grateful to be here and witness the simple moments of joy and pain filling this space.

As I sat on a bench and watched the world go by, I felt a sense of peace settle over me. The garden was a reminder that life was beautiful, even in its most challenging moments. It was a place to find hope, connect with the people around us, and find a purpose in our lives. I closed my eyes and breathed in the fresh scent of flowers, grateful for this moment of stillness and reflection.

IMG_20230221_092108.jpg
IMG_20230221_092339.jpg

As I prepare to leave the Basilica Minore Sto. Nino garden, I feel a sense of gratitude and peace. The stories that unfolded before my eyes have left a lasting impression on me, reminding me of the beauty and complexity of life.

Into the bustling streets outside, I carry the memories of the girl who strips out her clothes to escape her depression. The police officer sought help for his ailing father and wept for her pain. The little boy who found his family, and the man who asked his girlfriend to be his wife. These stories will stay with me, a testament to the power of hope and the resilience of humanity.

I look back at the garden one last time, grateful for the moments of stillness and reflection it provided. It's a reminder that even amid chaos and uncertainty, there are places where we can find peace and connection. And as I walk away, I carry a renewed sense of purpose and gratitude, ready to face whatever the world may bring.


AUTHOR'S NOTE: The Place We Find Ourselves is a series blog about how we find ourselves in the places we been, the heritage and culture tha forms us, and everything in between. Missed the previous post? Check out Archdiocesan Museum of Cebu: The Place That Witness Faith

All photos are from the author. The stories are real, but I did put some fictious details to make it more appealing.

Sort:  


The rewards earned on this comment will go directly to the people( @juecoree ) sharing the post on Twitter as long as they are registered with @poshtoken. Sign up at https://hiveposh.com.

Daily Travel Digest #1798.



Become part of our travel community:

Hiya, @ybanezkim26 here, just swinging by to let you know that this post made it into our Honorable Mentions in Your post has been manually curated by the @pinmapple team. If you like what we're doing, please drop by to check out all the rest of today's great posts and consider supporting other authors like yourself and us so we can keep the project going!

Hi @ybanezkim26 and the @pinmapple team! I appreciate the support, feature and curation. Thank you!

You're welcome!

Congratulations, your post has been added to Pinmapple! 🎉🥳🍍

Did you know you have your own profile map?
And every post has their own map too!

Want to have your post on the map too?

  • Go to Pinmapple
  • Click the get code button
  • Click on the map where your post should be (zoom in if needed)
  • Copy and paste the generated code in your post (Hive only)
  • Congrats, your post is now on the map!

Meditative environment! However, the previous design of this specific space wasn't as serene and beautiful as it is today because this spot within the church used to be the candle offering area where lots of parishioners would gather, making the atmosphere distracting and busy. I'm glad they've shifted the lighting of candles outside the main basilica right next to the pilgrim center. 👍

This sacred garden is truly an example of historic colonial architecture, one of Cebu's beloved heritage landmarks! 😊

I'm glad too. They transformed the candle offering place to a garden. Making the space more serene. I remember the candle offering was noisy and chaotic due to small space with a lot of people in it. And, It's one of the heritage landmark.

!PIZZA

I really love how you capture the Photos. it really gave feeling to it, and the place looked well preserved.

It is preserve well. Thank you! I appreciate the compliment.

🍕 PIZZA !

I gifted $PIZZA slices here:
(1/5) @juecoree tipped @storiesoferne (x1)

Please vote for pizza.witness!

Shaded by trees and with monumental sculptures, this place is sure to bring peace and tranquility to the mind. Buildings with some mysterious surroundings sometimes bring surprise to the mind. However, the knowledge we gained from your visit to this culturally valuable place with unique architectural elements is priceless.

It does bring peace and tranquility. It's a place to visit if I need to think, Thank you for appreciate what the post contributed to the community.

It's a very beautiful garden, just looking at the place makes me feel like I'm going back in time, because the design and architecture are truly classic. I like your post

As I experience the place, it brings nostalgia. Thank you for appreciate the post.

You're welcome

Wow, this ratifies what I just wrote to you in the previous comment. You are a lover and great appreciator of architecture. Beyond that, the images are stunning. I am pleasantly impressed by your work, I love that you transmit passion through your post and in Hive I have seen a lot about your country, for me it is a dream to know so many natural and architectural beauties...

I apreciate the build or natural world. It tells a story of what makes us human and how we trancend. I appreciate the kind words and appreciation to my content. Thank you!

 2 years ago  

Curated Content Catalog and was awarded RUNNER-UP in Architecture Anthology™ 17. More power!Congratulations @juecoree! We are delighted to inform you that your outstanding publication was specially selected to be part of our

AA CURATION BANNER - RUNNER-UP.jpg

Thank you for subscribing to Architecture+Design, an OCD incubated community on the Hive Blockchain.

It is always my pleasure to share content in the community. Also, thank you for this selection, feature on the anthology, and support.

 2 years ago  

With tremendous pleasure dear @juecoree. Keep up the exceptional publications! 😀