Simala, Cebu, Philippines

        The shrine dedicated to Mama Mary is slightly out of the way and up a mountain. Buses, cars, vans, motorbikes are all headed in the same direction so the drive will be slow, particularly on Sundays and holy days. In the car park, traders selling food, drinks and tourist items, like holy water are everywhere. But once inside the grounds, the sight is overwhelming. The throngs of people lining up to touch the Blessed Mary inside the cathedral seem endless, so we skipped that and entered the church to sit inside and listen to the mass. we went into the halls and viewed the many prayers and thanks given to Mother Mary for her help in answering prayers and granting miracles. These took the form of cabinets absolutely full of letters, cards, i.e. photos, badges, wheelchairs and crutches etc. The gardens are expansive complete with over-sized statues of The Blessed Mary and the many huge buildings on the mountain makes the whole view quite breathtaking. By then hundreds of pilgrims travel to Sibonga and visit the Simala Church. In the past decade the church was very small but because of non-stop flow of donation by  many pilgrims and by commercializing the Church, it’s structure changed to a very elegant and beautiful Church on the mountainous Sibonga.