Tag: cebu

Posted in Catholic faith, prayer

Going to Simala Shrine Cebu

Posted on by M Artisans

The Simala Shrine is a Catholic pilgrimage site in Cebu. In my opinion, it is the Cebuano version of Lourdes Grotto in France. We have been in Lourdes and Fatima, Portugal a couple of times pre-pandemic and this local site has the same level of holy experience and devotion.

This sacred place hosts the Our Lady of Lindogon, the local title of the Virgin Mary in Sibonga, Cebu. It was built in 1998 by the Marian Monks of Eucharistic Adoration (MMEA) from Pampanga.

Simala Shrine is believed to be miraculous by devotees of Mama Mary after it is attributed to the healing of those who were afflicted with dengue in 1998.  The image reportedly shed tears first in 1998 and the latest on September 8, 2016. It is quite unique amongst the images of Our Lady, this one wearing pink instead of blue.

It is also famous for its castle-like design, huge infrastructure atop the mountains of Sibonga. The shrine is associated with numerous miracles, with many answered petitions showcased in their musem.

crutches, wheelchairs and objects of those healed and answered

The church dedicated an area (& museum) to store items like crutches and wheelchairs used by devotees who were healed after praying at the Simala Shrine. They also have letters, stories, and photos thanking Mama Mary for her intervention.

There are 4 ways to pray ask for your petitions here in Simala;

  1. Halok (kiss) – halok is Cebuano for kiss, here you will line up and kiss the image of Mama Mary while praying for your requests. You will be asked to take off your shoes as you line up and enter.

2. Pray in the adoration chapel – there’s the beautiful chapel where you can opt to sit or kneel.

3. Pray under her mantle (holy image) – you need to line up again for this one, it’s a symbolic representation of Our Lady being Our Mother and ready to intercede for us.

4. Light a candle – light a candle in the open area outside the chapel for your prayers. You can use color-coded candles based on your intentions.

Here is the list of colors and their specific prayer requests:

  • White – Purity, guidance, or the right path
  • Black – Praying for loved ones who passed away
  • Green – Prosperity or success (financial or business, passing exams)
  • Gold – Healing or good health
  • Orange – Reconciliation with partner/enemy/family
  • Pink – Blessing or forgiveness
  • Yellow – Peace, strength, courage, or hope
  • Red – Love
  • Gray – Deliverance from evil ways/things/spirits
  • Brown – Vocation
  • Blue – Perseverance
  • Violet – Achievement

O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to Thee.

♥️

Posted in motivational

Life after Odette

Posted on by M Artisans

December 16, 2021 was a day we will never forget.

One of the strongest typhoon hit Cebu province and nearby islands. Philippines is no stranger to typhoons, there are about 40 storms passing every year. And Odette has been the most destructive event since 2013 with Yolanda (typhoon Haiyan).

Odette was internationally known as Super typhoon Rai. It brought violent winds that destroy buildings and infrastructures, knocked down posts and uprooted trees. I personally witnessed the strong winds rampaging our compound and we could hear the howling, roof flying and tiles being thrown around.

In my calendar, I marked that day, it was Thursday. We were supposed to close the store in the usual hour – 10pm. But due to the scary weather forecast, we are forced to close by 3pm. I remember clearly that the wind started to become stronger around 5-6pm. The peak was around 7-8pm and electricity was out by 9pm.

I have not seen such catastrophe and it’s like we were brought down to our knees to beg God for mercy. Thankfully, there was minimal damage in our property. But problems persist due to electricity outage. We lived through 6-7 weeks of no light. Water was also scarce, there was long queue in gasoline and water refilling stations everywhere. As if a doomsday scenario, and no this is not an exaggeration.

We witnessed first hand the wrath of Odette and it changed our perspective in life. Due to lack of water, we cherished every drop and bathed using one pail each. Signal was very bad and I wasn’t able to contact my family in Manila for the first 3 days. We lived one day at a time, everything was a challenge including cooking. That prompted me to try intermittent fasting. The inconveniences were too much, many people lost their houses and worst their loved ones.

Still grateful for the people who checked on us and some even offered to send help, I remember them all. My recollection especially during struggles and emotional incidents is at its height. Wishing to repay them someday. Kindness really is contagious.

Months after, and nightmare is almost forgotten but the lessons I’ve learned and the experiences are etched in my memory. I thank the Lord for all of these and for thriving with only our faith as lifeline.

❤

Posted in family, prayer

Miracles do exist

Posted on by M Artisans

After my father passed away, challenging and heavy events unfurled one after another. My in-laws took turns in hospitalization. And it all began when my mom-in-law was prescribed with a sulfa-base medicine that caused her a severe allergic reaction and life-threatening Steven Johnson Syndrome. This doctor who heedlessly gave her the wrong medicine is from a premier hospital here in Cebu, (& to avoid any legal issues) I rather not mention.

Mortality rate is high for this medicine-induced illness especially for patients above 80. 

After a week of inadequate care & nightmare in that hospital, we transferred her to Chong Hua. Praying so hard for me to find great doctors for mom, gracefully I was heard. A few weeks after she was discharged.

My father-in-law was also admitted last month. His ailment worsen by various complications. We started with 2 doctors until they reached 10-11 specialists, including surgeons who did the central line (intra-jugular line) and pulmonary support system.

I promised my husband Erik, that I would not stop until his dad gets out of critical condition. And to do everything I could to save his life, see him get well. Because these are the things I was unable to do with my dad. Things happened so quickly that when my dad entered ER his heart was beating faintly. I wasn’t given a chance to say goodbye nor to do anything and that devastated me. His death changed me. Remembering so clearly the pain of losing a father, that even up to this day I have not fully recovered.

So with Erik’s Dad (my in-law) it was exasperating and emotionally draining, praying fervently with every procedure, every transfer from ICCU to ICU. Dealt each struggle from carbon dioxide psychosis to finding blood for his transfusion.

Like mom, we could have lost him… But God with His divine healing powers intervened.

Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. – James 5: 14-15

“Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road. – Mark 10:52

Paying tribute to the following heroes who saved my in laws and whom God used to manifest His glory and healing grace (in no particular order);

Thank you to all nurses and aids in the 10th floor and ICU. And for all those I may have missed posting, may God bless you in return for your kindness and help.

“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, I am in their midst.” – Matthew 18:20

Many thanks to all who have prayed & offered masses for my in-laws. The private nurses and caregivers I hired and God used as well to save their lives.

These miracles I proclaim today is for all to know God’s unfathomable love and mercy.

All glory to God Almighty!

 

with love,

mitch.e

 

Posted in festival, travel

Sinulog 2018 Highlights

Posted on by M Artisans

As promised I’m sharing snippets from the recent Sinulog. Though my photos and video clips are not post worthy, luckily there’s Sinulog Foundation Inc. that gave us front-row-seat feels from the festival. Latter photos are mine 🙂

Pit Senyor!

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Posted in holiday, Sinulog

Sinulog – Pit Senyor!

Posted on by M Artisans

Sinulog is by far the grandest festival I’ve ever experienced in the Philippines. It is an annual cultural and religious festival held every 3rd week (Sunday) of January.

Aside from its religious significance, Sinulog is also famous for street parties and the grand street parade that practically lasts the whole day.

“Sinulog” coined from the Cebuano word – Sulog which means “like water current” that describes its forward-backward steps. According to historical accounts, the first Sinulog dance was danced by Hara Humamay (Rajah Humabon’s wife). It was when they received the Sacred Image of Child Jesus (Sto. Nino) – a gift from the explorer Ferdinand Magellan – that the queen danced in joy with the other natives following her. 

I will post some photos I’ll be taking this Sunday – the day of Sinulog itself. 

 

Here are the route maps of Sinulog to guide our festival goers;

Image result for sinulog 2018 route maps
Image from sinulog.ph

 

Image result for sinulog 2018 route maps
Image from sinulog.ph

 

Image result for sinulog 2018 route maps
Image from sinulog.ph

 

Viva – Pit Senior!

m.e

 

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Sinulog PHOTO.jpg

 

Posted in Catholic faith, Our Lady of Guadalupe de Cebu

Our Lady of Guadalupe de Cebu

Posted on by M Artisans

Cebu has their version of Our Lady of Guadalupe, when a town named Guadalupe was plagued with cholera and miraculously healed because of their strong devotion to Mary. Here’s the prayer sent out from the parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe de Cebu.

Prayer to Our Lady of Guadalupe de Cebu

O Virgin of Guadalupe de Cebu, our Mother, look upon us now and turn to us your merciful eyes.

Without ceasing we sought refuge in you and without ceasing you have showed yourself truly as our Mother.

Years ago the bishop of Cebu sought refuge in you during the cholera pestilence and when your image was brought out in procession,

the pestilence ceased.

Now, once more, together with our bishops and priests,

we seek your protection from all dangers and evil we are facing today,

especially the forces that seek you undermine the integrity and dignity

of marriage and family.

O Mary, cover us and protect us.

O beloved patroness, keep far away from us all evil.

Once more, show yourself a Mother to us,

O gentle, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary of Guadalupe of Cebu

Queen and Principal Patroness of Cebu.

Amen.

 

Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be… (3x)

Our Lady of Guadalupe… pray for us