Several weeks ago, I made my first Manila visit for 2018. It was a business trip though but somehow I was lucky enough to be given the time to spend a day roaming around the mega city.
We were checked in at a place in Parañaque and upon a quick research, the best place to visit is the church in the Baclaran area. Good thing it was just a couple of blocks from the place we are staying.
So I grabbed my backpack and headed to Baclaran.
The Redemptorist Church or locally known as the Baclaran Church is considered as the National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help. The shrine which serves as the headquarters of the Redemptorist priests is considered as the largest Marian churches in the country. The shrine houses some of the most revered images of the Mary, the Mother of Perpetual Help.
In 1981, during the visit of the Blessed Pope John Paul II, the shrine has been graced and blessed by His Imminence.
Here are some photos taken inside the church premises.
Another attraction that is noticeable inside the complex are the love locks. This has been an added attraction because its not just parishioners who can leave something to Mama Mary, may it be prayers or secrets but to visiting tourists as well.
The area where you can place these locks is just beside the church and sellers are just outside the church complex.
Though my visit in Baclaran was just a quick, I learned a lot from that short span of time. One thing is certain though, I will surely come back and spend more time getting to know more of the colorful and rich history of the Baclaran church.