If you checked my introductory blog, I shared how I loved to visit the Shrine. Now, I want to share one of the bravest things I did. It was when I traveled alone to Sibonga, Cebu to visit the Simala Shrine.
The guard took these photos.
It was not my first visit since my first visit to the Shrine was when my cousins invited me to join their travel to the shrine. It was May 2013 when my cousins texted me about the activities of Labor Day and I told them that I had no plan for it. So, they told me to go to the terminal of the v-hire that travels to the southern part of Cebu and when I arrived, I was shocked and happy that they would visit the shrine in Sibonga, Cebu. After visiting the place, I told myself that I would be back soon.
The second visit was after I got a corporate job. I was so blessed that after I graduated, I immediately got the job though it did not align with my finished degree the importance of it was I was able to afford the basic needs while reviewing myself for the board exam. I together with my college friend traveled to the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima giving thanks for the blessings and asking for guidance as we took our incoming board exam. I told myself if I passed, I should return.
It was now my third visit; I was brave at that time deciding to travel to Sibonga alone. Sibonga is part of southern Cebu whereas my town is part of northern Cebu. Traveling to the said place was the complete opposite for me.
I remember the date I traveled alone was December 1, 2015. I cannot forget the date since it was after the result of the board exam. When I saw the list released last November 30, 2015, and my name was on the list, I was so happy and thankful. I immediately informed the secretary of my workstation, that I would not be around since I would go to Sibonga to visit the Shrine.
When I arrived, I did all the necessary things to do when you visited the shrine. The problem was I traveled alone, and no one could take pictures of me while I was in the area. So, being friendly, I asked the guard to capture some pictures and luckily, he accepted my favor.
I also asked one of the visitors to take a picture of me at the landmark of the Shrine which was the figure as you enter the shrine.
The funny thing about my visitation is my workstation discovered that I passed the exam. I never shared with them that I took the exam, the secretary wondered why I visited the shrine and she read the list of passers released and found my name on the list.
Well, overall, I feel fulfilled that I was able to travel alone.
As of now, it was my first and last visit to the Simala Shrine alone since after that I was accompanied by my husband and my family every visit.
We visit the place once a year but there was a year when we missed our visit and I’ll share it in my next post. I hope you’re willing to look forward to it.
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Writer: Maureen S. O.
All photos were captured by my phone.