Escapade to Mama Mary of Simala

Have you ever heard the miraculous image of MAMA Mary of Simala? Have you ever tried to visit the place? Do you have some petitions? or a thanks giving for all the answered prayer? Do you have an idea as to where to go this coming Holy Week for repentance?

Last April 4, 2009. My whole family went to Simala, Lindongon,Sibonga to visit the miraculous MAMA MARY. It was our first time to visit the said place except my uncle (who happened to be the driver that time). We brought along with us a cooler which was full of ice cubes and water; rice cooker (of course with rice) and pork adobo. It took us about 1 hour since we just lived at Minglanilla.

Before we reached to Sibonga proper, there were some landmarks that you may come across. These were “the APO CEMENT in NAGA and the rotunda of Carcar, (known for their pork chicharon and ampao).After CARCAR, is the town of SIBONGA. The Simala, Lindongon is quite far from the town itself. Until such you could read at the right side of the road (if you came from Cebu City) a sign board “THIS WAY TO SIMALA” Sanctuary of Mother Mary. From that area, you still have to drive 5 kilometers away. Quite far isn’t it? If you are riding on a minibus (I would not recommend you to rode this kind of PUJ, because of the recent accident) or CERES BUS. You have to disembark in this area. There are tricycles that you could ride on going to Lindongon. If you are riding with your own car (which is more convenient) there are parking spaces available near the entrance of the Sanctuary. Be careful of those people who just simply say, “no more space available down there” However, if it is 13^th day of the month, you have to secure a space to park for there are thousands of people will be coming over. You don’t have to worry about the road for it was being asphalted. Though there is a minor part which needs some repair.

As of now, I will it up here for the moment, because I have to compute the grades. The have to meet the deadline by Monday.