Visita Iglesia and a wonderful Holy Week vacation (Day 3)

Yesterday we had our breakfast served at the room. This time we take it at the restrant downstairs. The restaurant that serves the hotel and nearby areas is called Mei Wei Chinese Kitchen. It serves good food at good prices. It has food for all kidns of budget and you don't need to worry about the taste. It is good and served by well trained staff.

This is our room at the second floor. It  has a nice view outside and is comfy inside.

After breakfast we go to a nearby Church. It is just 30 minutes always on foot but that is hard when your feet are killing you. Nevertheless we made it. I have heard many good things about this Church for a long time.

The first Church on the third day is the Shrine of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus. It's massive and is evident when you are at the airport on your way to another country.

But like many Churches that are big and massive. It is just like that big and massive. The stained glasses are also cheap and not that pretty.

Shrine of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus
Address: 20 Newport Blvd, 183, Pasay, 1309 Metro Manila
Phone: (02) 853 6279

We went back to the hotel because we wanted to take a rest and prepare for the Easter Vigil and Salubong later at our Parish in Makati. I can't tolerate having a mass in other Churches because usually the choir can't sing.

We had lunch and it was amazing. They are all comfort foods and the restaurant indeed served us amazing food.

We tried the Church at MOA another big Church. This is the Shrine of Jesus the Way, the Truth and the Life. What a long name! They need a change name.The Church seems to be always closed for some weird reasons and even today.

Shrine of Jesus the Way, the Truth and the Life
Address: Seaside Boulevard North, Pasay, Metro Manila
Phone: (02) 556 6175

We lingered a bit at MOA and the mall is suprisingly in the mood for Easter despite it still being Holy week. That is way too early people for the party.

Anyways, when it was quite dark we decided to get to my Church. Before going to our Church we had another chance to see another Church. This is Our Lady Of Fatima in Makati. They were already gearing up for the Easter vigil but I rather not have it in this small Church.

Our Lady of Fatima Parish
Address: 1120 Gen. M. Capinpin, Makati, Metro Manila
Phone: (02) 751 5721

For the highlight of the day we head to San Ildefonso Parish. The Blessing of the Fire started at 9:00 PM. The priests proclaims Jesus is the light.

Most of the mass is in darkness and there are tons of readings. But our Church goes further by singing all of the psalms.

When the Alleluia is sung all of the lights turn on. There is singing and dancing. Despite my long absence in Church the songs have not changed. The choir and the Rondalla did well in providing decent music.

Some children did some acting for the readings.

The Easter Vigil ends with Handel's Alleluia.

A few minutes afterwards the Salubong starts.

Salubong means something like the meeting. It is a tradion where Jesus meets Mary after the Resurrection. Mary's viel of mourning is removed by an angel. And the rest of the angels will sing the Regina Coeli.

San Ildefonso Parish Church
Address: A. Arnaiz Ave, Makati, Metro Manila
Phone: (02) 843 7351

Afterwards we headback late to the Asiatel Hotel for some rest. It will be also our last night to stay in an airconditioned room and tomorrow is just like any other day.

Asiatel Hotel is a wonderful place away from the hustle and bustle of the Baclaran area. It is cean and decent. And it has a great staff under its employ. Do check them out!

Asiatel Airport Hotel
Address:Aurora formerly Tramo Road, cor. Andrews, Aurora Blvd, Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Near Resorts World Manila, NAIA Terminal 3.
Contact numbers are: (02) 833-2136, 0922-283-7339, 0977-328-3313, 0921-680-9738