Pilgrimage: A Voyage of Faith

TOP 10 CHURCHES AND SHRINES IN PHILIPPINES 

Filipinos are known to be hospitable but aside from that, we are also devoted to whom we worship and even has various beliefs during religious events. Catholics likes to visit religious sites or destination during the country's most extensive national holidays, Holy Week. While taking advantage of the long holiday to unwind, here are top places to visit and contemplate what Christ gave up for humankind duirng this Holy Week. 

Monasterio De Tarlac

The True Cross of Jesus
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Monasterio de Tarlac, the most renowned Relic of the Real Cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified and died. It was built so that monks may live there as hermits. It now serves as a well-liked Catholic place of worship. As with parking, there will be an entrance fee of 50 pesos. 

Quezon Province

Kamay ni Hesus Shrine
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An ideal time to visit Kamay ni Hesus Shrine located in Lucban at the foot of Mount Banahaw. It is a 300-step Stairway to Heaven, which leads to the base of the well-known 50-foot figure of Jesus Christ one of the most popular tourist destinations in Quezon province with an estimated three million devotees during Holy Week.

Bataan

Shrine of Valor
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Mount Samat is one of the tourist attractions in Bataan that you can visit during Holy Week. The Shrine of Valor, a memorial cross honoring the valor of American and Filipino soldiers in World War II, serves as the culmination of the Mount Samat pilgrimage trek, which begins at the foot of the mountain.

Metro Manila

Manila Cathedral
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While the typical plans are away from Metro Manila's hectic pace, people who are unable to make travel plans can always choose to stay in the city. There are several old churches that are worth visiting, including the Quiapo Church and the Manila Cathedral.

Ilo-ilo

Miag-ao Church
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A home to several centuries-old churches, Ilo-ilo is another excellent location for Holy Week with its worth visiting nearby churches for Visita Iglesia and also to observe and appreciate the architecture such as The Jaro Cathedral, Molo Church, Miag-ao Church, and Guimbal Church.

La Union

San Juan, La Union
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Choosing between church destination and beach destination for Holy Week? Why not go to La Union province as it has both which makes it a perfect destination for those who does religious activities and wants to enjoy the summer heat at the same time.

Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte

San Agustin Church of Paoay, Ilocos Norte
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Due to its stunning natural surroundings and century-old churches such as San Agusin church, the provinces of Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur are a highly demand vacation spots during Holy Week. Filipinos travel widely to be impressed by the structures' historic beauty.

Hundred Islands, Pangasinan

Statue of Jesus Christ in Hundred Islands
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Due to its abundance of churches, Pangasinan is a well-known destination for pilgrims who come from all over the nation to observe Visita Iglesia during Holy Week. with 263-step staircase, Hundred Islands features the 55 foot tall statue of Christ. While in the destination you may also check out the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Manaoag, the sought-after place of worship. Devotees believe it to be miraculous.

Marinduque

Moriones Festival
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The famous dramatization of the Legend of Longinus, the Moriones Festival, is held in Marinduque during Holy Week. The Legend of Longinus tells the tale of a blind Roman Centurion who was able to pierce the body of Christ on the cross and had the blood of Christ restore his sight.

Pampanga

Pampanga Holy Week Crucifixion
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Holy Week destination list would not be complete without Pampanga. The province is kind of a religious paradise itself with a ton of year-round accessible churches and ancient sites. Visitors can see a small group of followers acting out Christ's crucifixion as an act of penance.