SUMMER is an escape for students.
It is the time of the year where we can skip being forced to stay awake through the night and just stay awake for the good reasons. It is the time for reunions, sleepovers, parties, and adventures. For some, it is the most awaited and anticipated time to relax, to refresh, and to travel.
I am a fan of traveling, of going to new places, of high mountains, and overlooking sceneries, of discovering something new.
Growing up with strict parents, I was not able to have the privilege to wander around with friends or to go about alone. I only get the chance of going far away if I am with my relatives. Then summer 2017 came and my aunt planned to visit Cebu, and this is where all my unforgettable moments happened.
Planning our itinerary was a bit tricky because there were so many plans which we wanted to do in just a span of four days. Then, my brother suggested Simala Parish Church which was introduced to him by his colleague and poof(!) we got interested as we browsed about it.
It got my attention, not because I’m a fan of beautiful sceneries which is obvious because of its location, but because of the stories of the people who went there to pray and have their prayers granted.
Traveling for two hours and a half by bus was literally a pain in the ass but all weariness became nothing after seeing the church, after climbing up its long stairs and entering the place that looks like a castle.
To pray was my main reason why I endured all the exhaustion on our way to Sibonga. I was intrigued as to why this place is so popular to people who wanted to experience a miracle. As I entered the waiting area to be near the Miraculous Image of Mary, I saw the testimonies of the people that were believed to have their prayers answered.
It was all kept in a glass cabinet within the walls of the area. There were pictures, letters, crutches, wheelchairs, eyeglasses and things that were significant to the believers of Mother Mary.
For others it may seem like a waste of time traveling to a far place just to pray, just to believe in the word of mouth or the testimonies from other people. But I do believe that there is no harm in trying.
I made a promise to myself that whether or not my prayers will be answered; I will go back by myself, book a ticket and travel alone.
Because in that place I know I can find peace and for me that is the way best way to spend a perfect summer vacation. (Yvonne C. Masloc, FSUU Intern)