Pueblo Amante de Maria

          When we think of Manila, we somehow incorporate it with malls, big buildings and establishments, traffic and pollution. But have you thought of going to Manila finding old establishments that was built during the Spanish period? Well if I am asked, yes I often think of it. One of  the destinations I've listed in my bucket list is to go to Intramuros, Luneta Park and other historical landmarks in Manila, because I haven't been there yet. I've been to Manila a lot of times already but I have not yet been to this famous landmarks, and last Sunday, December 4, I've been to Intramuros, and it was wonderful. 

                The reason why I went to Intramuros is because of one sole reason and that is to witness and be part of the 37th Intramuros Grand Marian Procession. Well festivals and fiestas can be a part of traveling because why would someone go to a certain place when there is nothing held special and worth seeing, right?

               The 37th Intramuros Grand Marian Procession or IGMP as other calls it, is one of the biggest Marian event in the Philippines. This is because delegates and Marian devotees from different parts of the Philippines took part in this said event. 

The Immaculate Concepcion of Manila Cathedral

            The Intramuros Grand Marian Procession is already on its 37th year, it started way back 1979. The procession is always organized by the Cofradia dela Inmaculada Concepcion and the Intramuros Administration and with the help of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The event is always held every first sunday of December every year.

          Since its my first time to go to Intramuros, I basically have little knowledge how to get there. First, is you will ride a bus bound to LRT, the fare costs around 72 pesos from Calamba then once you reach LRT, ride a jeepney with a signage of Luneta, Kalaw, the fare is 12 pesos, the jeep will pass along Taft wherein you will see different colleges and universities such as PWU, La Salle, Philippine Science High School, Colegio de Sta. Isabel and other known schools during the past. Ask the jeep to stop by the Andres Bonifacio monument, from their you will walk few meters and you are in Intramuros already. 

Intramuros welcome arch

             Inside Intramuros are famed schools such as Lyceum of the Philippines- Manila, Colegio de San Juan de Letran- Manila and Mapua. You will also see markers as you wend your way to the cathedral, markers which says what building was situated there during the Spanish era. I asked people on which way is the cathedral they said, "sundan niyo lang po yun pader", then that is what I did, and in no time I saw the cathedral's dome and I attended the mass. 

Lyceum of the Philippines University- Manila

Colegio de San Juan de Letran- Manila

The 2 pm mass which was presided
 by the Bishop of the Diocese of San Pablo

             After the mass was the procession that starts at around 4 o' clock in the afternoon which includes different Marian images privately and parish owned which came from different parts of the country. The total of images that participated was 112, and the route of the 3 kilometer procession is around the walled city itself.

             "Pueblo Amante de Maria" as they say if translated in Filipino, "Ang bayan na sumisinta kay Maria", this event just proves that most Filipinos are devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary and through this event they can show her how much they love her. Intramuros serves as the sanctuary of the Immaculate Conception that's why the procession is held there every year.

Manila Metropolitan Cathedral|
 Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Concepcion

             The Manila Cathedral according to history was destroyed several times due to bombings during World War II, strong earthquakes that hit it, that make it turn to rubble, and fires during the past. The church structure was rebuild and change for three times, making it stronger and transforming its structure in order to stand the test of time. Although the structure was changed, some features of the cathedral remains the same. Manila Cathedral was also closed to the public for several years because of cracks that was seen in some parts of the church. 

                 The following Marian images are the ones that caught most of the attention of those who are watching;

       

Santa Ana de Hagonoy| 

National Shrine of Saint Anne| Hagonoy, Bulacan

Our Lady of Assumption|
Bulakan, Bulacan| This year is its
 first apperance in the said procession.

Nuestra Senora de Porta Vaga|
San Roque Parish| Cavite 

Nuestra Senora dela O|
Our Lady's Nativity Parish|
Pangil, Laguna

Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary
 La Naval de Manila| Santo Domingo Church
| Quezon City

Our Lady of Charity| San Agustin Parish|
Bantay, Ilocos Sur| This year is its
 first apperance in the said procession.

Nuestra Senora de los Dolores de Turumba| San Pedro de Alcantara Parish|
 Pakil, Laguna| The image has been joining the IGMP for 19 years already
 and it has the biggest delegation every year. 

Nuestra Senora de los Remedios de Pampanga|
 Archdiocesian Shrine of San Fernando| Pampanga

Nuestra Senora Divina Pastora|
Three Kings Parish| Gapan, Nueva Ecija

                All in all my first experience going to Intramuros is a memorable one, sadly I have not given the time to explore the other parts of the walled city, if given a chance to go back here, I will surely explore this place and write a follow up about Intramuros and its history. This just proves that Manila is still travel worth for those who wants to relive the past, Manila isn't all that bad and I can't wait to go back here.


Photos used are all mine. (Jerus Ladanga)