A vacation wouldn't be such without any sight seeing. As accustomed by many Filipinos, due to our religious disposition and the country's plentiful hirstorical and religious sites, a trip to at least the nearest or most famous church in town is always included on our travel plans. And because of the unequalled landscape and climate of Baguio City, religious sites are even more interesting.
Our Lady of Atonement Cathedral
Better known as the Baguio Cathedral, this is the biggest Catholic Church in the city and is the center of religious activities. This impressive religious landmark is considered the most visited church in the city due to its location at the heart of Baguio and accessibility from Session Road. It is widely prominent due to its pink exterior and twin bell tower spires.
Our Lady of Atonement Cathedral
Since our vacation in Baguio extends over the weekend, we included hearing a Holy Mass in this esteemed church. It was 7 o'clock in the morning when we got there and the Mass was just starting. Honestly, the church looks smaller inside. Nevertheless, the view inside is breathtaking because of the early morning light shining through the stained-glass windows of the Church.
It is also worth noting that because the church is on top of the hill, it provides a scenic view of downtown Baguio and the lands of Cordillera.
Pink Sisters Convent
This small pink chapel located along Brent Road is popular for religious devotees and visitors due to the serenity and peace you experience when you're inside the chapel. This chapel is where the Holy Spirit Adoration Sisters venerate the Consecrated Host of Jesus Christ and pray all day for the petitions and intentions of the people who visits the area.
Pink Sisters Chapel
It was noon when we got there and the mass is already on-going. Since we've already heard a mass at the Baguio Cathedral, we decided to roam around the area while waiting for the Holy Mass to end. We found ourselves in front of a door with a light and a slot for an intention box at the side. The small light glowed red, which meant the sisters are praying and should not be disturbed. Just beside the door, there was a small room, which was open when we got there, that sells religious items. A girl was inside and she beckoned us in. She gave us envelopes and pieces of paper for us to write our intentions. These intentions were then submitted to a box where the sister will pray for them all day.
When the Mass ended and we finally got inside the chapel, I was speechless. It was bathed in an angelic gold light. We didn't get to see or hear the sisters sing, though.
Inside the Pink Sisters Chapel
Bell Church
One of my most unexpected visit in Baguio was in Bell Church. This quiet and calm place is located at the boundary of Baguio City along the road leading to La Trinidad.
Aside from its breathtaking location, the place is rich with history and culture. It has intricately designed arches and buildings with bells and dragons. There are multiple temples and pagoda around its compound and you cannot help but stare in awe at the beautifully landscaped gardens and fountains brimming with lily pads and flowers.
The walls speak of the rich history of China and the place has Buddhism artifacts spread out.
There was a building inside a compound where we found Chinese children practicing. I'm not really sure what is it they're performing but Borgy believes they were practicing a lion dance.
The place is brimming with flowers, as well. Borgy, whom I dubbed the "flower-photographer", was ecstatic because he kept seeing beautiful flowers around the place. A few of his shots:
During the Chinese New Year and Lantern Festival, the Bell Church will be filled with tourists and Chinese visiting the temples to pray for good fortune and health.
Bell Church Baguio City
Lourdes Grotto
The Lourdes Grotto was the last Catholic shrine we visited on our trip to Baguio. The grotto is a favorite site all year round. It is accessible by climbing the 252 steps from the base of the hill or through a narrow winding road towards the top.
252 steps towards the grotto
At the bottom of the steps, there are vendors selling flowers for offering and candles which you light either at and area at the bottom of the steps or when you reach the top. The colors of the candles have different meanings but I can't remember them anymore, sorry.
As we were climbing the steps, we occasionally looked around and appreciate the panoramic view of Benguet the hill gives its visitors. When we reached the top, Borgy and I lighted our candles and said our silent prayers. But, our serenity was disturbed when a big group of noisy tourists reached the top and started taking pictures everywhere.
Lourdes Grotto
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Despite my aversion to crowds, as evident by my last statement above, I still feel thankful that many Filipinos still visit religious sites and shrines around the country. It's relieving to know that many families hadn't forgotten the spiritual values and appreciation passed down to us by our religious ancestors. It's scary to think that with the larger issues and news constantly barraging us, and the continuous development of lands and buildings everywehre, these sites might soon be targeted and forgotten. I fervently hope not because these sites are what define Filipinos. These religious reminders symbolizes our strength drawn from our faith in belief in a higher power and love for culture.
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