OUR LADY OF LOURDES GROTTO

Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto is a good place for many tourists and pilgrims to be solemn and ponder over their life. Located at Barangay Graceville, San Jose del Monte City, the church offers a lot of things that will bring spiritual satisfaction to anyone who visits.

For many Filipinos, it has been a devotion to visit the grotto during Holy Week. They believe that the water from the “miracle spring” can heal some diseases and wash away sins if you offer prayers to Our Lady of Lourdes.

Sacrifice Through the Our Lady of Lourdes

During Holy Week, it has been a tradition of many devotees coming from distant provinces, to walk from home up to the Lourdes Grotto, popularly known as “Alay Lakad”. It is a great sacrifice and burden in their part, but it is their way of giving honor to the suffering made by Jesus Christ.

Reaching the grotto after a long journey is like a breath of fresh air. The feeling is uplifting and refreshing. It's like someone is taking a heavy baggage from your shoulders. People believe the Alay Lakad can cleanse your soul and rejuvenate your spirits.

Trivia

The Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine in France is known for the apparent healing properties of the spring water. The place appeared in the 18 apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary to a poor 14-year-old girl, Bernadette Soubiroux, starting from February 11 to July 16, 1858.

Travel

From Manila, you can go to San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, by riding a bus bound for Sapang Palay. Santrans buses will take you directly to San Jose del Monte. From the city, there are available jeepneys that will bring you to the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto.

ANILAO, BATANGAS BONDING

Batangas is one of the famous places to have fun at the beach and the only thing to make that even better is to stay in a place that makes the vacation so much more exciting. Anilao is the lovely province of batangas. anilao batangas is one of the target place tourist spot of local or foreigner. anilao batangas is one of a 
popular with divers and snorkelers. and also my experience is bonding with my relatives and the to relax.

SUNSET AT THE BEACH

APUNG IRU FIESTA

Apung Iru Fluvial Festival is an annual celebration held in Apalit, Pampanga every June 28-30. It is also the feast day of the town's Patron, St. Peter. The local term “Apung Iru” refers to the image of St. Peter. 

Every year, devotees in the town of Apalit holds a colorful fluvial procession or Apung Iru Fluvial Parade. It is the most awaited activity of the celebration.

On its first day (June 28), the holy image was transferred through a fluvial procession from Capalangan to Apalit Parish Church in a colorful and decorated float. While the float was traveling with other boats along the Pampanga River, devotees were praying and singing religious hymns. The image had stayed in Apalit Church until the last day of the feast (June 30) and returned to its original shrine at Capalangan with same process and river routes.

During the recurrence, thousands of people gathered along the riverbanks waiting the comeback of the floats with the Holy image.

Dousing of water, waving of flowers and dancing the traditional dance called “Kuraldal” as the pagoda carrying the image of Apung Iru passes by are some of the traditional ways to welcome the town’s Patron.

A colorfully decorated mini pagoda made by the local people was used to carry the image of St. Peter going back to the church.

Devotees and locals celebrate the event as an offering of gratitude. It has been a part of the town's culture and tradition.

A variety of events and activities were held during the celebration, such as trade fair, pageants, local competitions and cultural shows.

apung iru fiesta