In my thirteen years here in Cebu, I haven’t been to Simala. Heard of it? Sure. I mean, who hasn’t? It has become a tourist attraction, even the non-believers. Each to his own yeah?
My parents were able to visit before I did and they live in a different island and only come to Cebu to visit me and my sister. So the next time they visited Simala along with my aunts from Tacloban and Manila, I opted to go right after my shift and in the middle of a work weak. (I know, suicidal). *the things we do for family*
Despite being the camera girl, so my family would have photos of themselves when they were there and stuff to post on facebook, the visit was worth it. Fatigue was a consequence I was prepared for so I have no rants about that. =) Even with the heat, and the bloody stairs and my father’s constant teasing that I need to lose weight. (Teasing aside I actually need to).
Looking at the numerous statues and religious images can be beautiful, daunting, scary…and if you were me? Slightly jaded and a pragmatist, you’d think that the opulence of the place and the reconstructions being done was over-rated and an economic boost, for the faithful. (There goes my sarcasm). However, despite my personal grievances with the church, I still believe in God…and it too is humbling. To have people from different walks of life visit, because of their faith…their need and their prayers…you feel…empathy. My family was there to pray for souls we have lost along the years, and souls we wish not to lose just yet.
So stumping on hypocrisy and turning off my anger, I prayed.
For friends, for family and for anyone who has lost hope. I prayed.
Although the highlight there, was this one dog that sang along with Ave Maria. Priceless.
My parents were able to visit before I did and they live in a different island and only come to Cebu to visit me and my sister. So the next time they visited Simala along with my aunts from Tacloban and Manila, I opted to go right after my shift and in the middle of a work weak. (I know, suicidal). *the things we do for family*
Despite being the camera girl, so my family would have photos of themselves when they were there and stuff to post on facebook, the visit was worth it. Fatigue was a consequence I was prepared for so I have no rants about that. =) Even with the heat, and the bloody stairs and my father’s constant teasing that I need to lose weight. (Teasing aside I actually need to).
Looking at the numerous statues and religious images can be beautiful, daunting, scary…and if you were me? Slightly jaded and a pragmatist, you’d think that the opulence of the place and the reconstructions being done was over-rated and an economic boost, for the faithful. (There goes my sarcasm). However, despite my personal grievances with the church, I still believe in God…and it too is humbling. To have people from different walks of life visit, because of their faith…their need and their prayers…you feel…empathy. My family was there to pray for souls we have lost along the years, and souls we wish not to lose just yet.
So stumping on hypocrisy and turning off my anger, I prayed.
For friends, for family and for anyone who has lost hope. I prayed.
Although the highlight there, was this one dog that sang along with Ave Maria. Priceless.
