Though the city of Naga is accessible by land from Manila, we boarded a plane and got there one hour after a very smooth ride. Known as the "heart of Bicol", it is the region's most populous city and the center of commerce, finance, education, religion and culture. We wasted no time to explore the city.
We rode a jeepney from CWC where we were billeted for a night for about 15 minutes or so. SM Naga was our first stop. We went here with Biggs Diner in mind. Just in time for lunch. Check out my post here .
Of course, when in town one shouldn't miss Naga Metropolitan Cathedral for the world. Why?
The feast of Our Lady of Peñafrancia is celebrated on the third Saturday of September in Naga City, Bicol. The feast day is preceded by a novena, nine days of prayer, in honor of the Virgin. On the first day, the image of the Virgin, a copy of the Madonna in Peñafrancia, Spain, is brought from its shrine to the Naga Cathedral where the novena is held. On the last day, the image is returned to her shrine following the Naga River route. (more about it here ...)
To pay homage, we rode a jeep once more and a tricycle to get to it. Around 10 minutes from SM Naga. We were saddened that on a Sunday it was closed and schedule to re-open by 5 pm for the Sunday mass.
We took solace in taking exterior shots of the magnificent church instead.
My frustration completely diminished when a "magtataho" vendor came into view with my comfort food of all time. We got to talk to him briefly. He's 65 years old and could still carry on his sturdy shoulders those two large aluminum buckets of tofu, caramelized sugar and tapioca pearls! Must be a good exercise!
I hold dear the country side when traveling. Even in long trips like our 7 hour road trip in going to El Nido from Puerto Princesa in Palawan or in any of our numerous Baguio roadtrips, I refused to sleep. I'm most relaxed when I witness myself the road network, the endless greenery, even the "smell" of each place I visit.
I "people watch". I "breath" and cherish every moment of it actually. Each has their own uniqueness. After all, I don't do this everyday in my life.
..::..
*credits: Our Lady of Penafrancia pix
I "people watch". I "breath" and cherish every moment of it actually. Each has their own uniqueness. After all, I don't do this everyday in my life.
..::..
*credits: Our Lady of Penafrancia pix
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4 comments:
That church is gracefully aging! I love old structures. Unfortunately, we weren't able to visit there :( Sana we could go back someday.
hi, Gay!
sorry for the late reply. we're not that lucky too because we weren't able to get inside the church. we hope to come back, too!
an maogmang lugar!...indeed, naguenos are happy people and naga is a beautiful place..sad to say that I am from Cam Sur but I still have no post regarding naga...tnx for posting this one. It gives me a strong desire to feature naga on my blog asap. And its a good timing coz the Feast of Our lady of Penafrancia is past approaching.
Traveling balance,
nice idea! bet that would be a great one coming from a native of the Bicolandia. looking forward! :)
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