Hello my dear friends in this community. In this blog, I want to share the solo trip I took to Simala Shrine during my birthday last May.
I have always believed in self love. I enjoy doing things alone because it helps me function on my own and think clearly without distractions. Last May 5, 2025, four days before my birthday, I decided to visit Simala Shrine by myself. I had a lot of free time that day, so I rode a bus from the South Bus Terminal and commuted all the way there with the allowance I had left.
It was my second time visiting the shrine. The first time was when I was still in grade school. I remember I was in grade 6 and the place was not yet renovated. That was one of the reasons I wanted to return. It had been so many years since my last visit and I wanted to see how much it had changed.
When I finally arrived, the view took my breath away. Simala Shrine is one of the most well known and most visited churches in Cebu. It is located in Sibonga, Cebu and was built by the Marian Monks of Eucharistic Adoration. Many people visit it because of their devotion to Mother Mary and because of the stories of answered prayers that became part of the shrine’s history. The architecture looks like a castle and the place feels peaceful even when it is full of visitors.
The line inside was long, which is normal there. People visit even on weekdays to pray and offer their intentions. When I walked in, I saw many religious statues that Cebuanos are devoted to.
After looking around, I went to light a candle for myself. It has always been a practice in my family to light a candle whenever we celebrate our birthdays or whenever we pray for something we hope for. In Bisaya, we call it "managkot".
I stayed there for a while and prayed quietly. I asked for good health and a better life for me and my family. I talked to God and asked Him to take away all my worries. It felt comforting to be there alone, surrounded by people who were also praying in their own way.
That trip reminded me why I value doing things alone. Being there gave me peace and made me feel thankful for another year in my life.