Like A Prayer... The Philippines: Pagentry, Cemeteries & Paradise!

Deeply devoted, I was under a spell during my trip to the Philippines and then some! A country deep-rooted with their Roman Catholic faith, I was bound to have more than three reasons to publish a Philippine centred 'Like A Prayer' blog post. From Antipolo's Madonna, a livable 'North Manila Cemetery' to those Palawan waters, I said my prayers! I'm not religious, but like! 

I was in for an absolute treat when I went to Antipolo's own cathedral because those Madonna's were doing it for themselves! I saw Black Jesus baring the cross, he looked how I feel after a night on the sauce, hang on in there J.C! The 'Black Madonna' served up 'Protection Realness' as that ebony charm helped those Spanish galleons span the distance between Acapulco, Mexico to Manila, The Philippines. I was able to see the point under a canopy that displayed the supposed place the apparition had visited that Antipolo sight. Yes, she also goes by the name, 'Our Lady of Antipolo', with the title of 'Patroness of Navigators and Travelers'. That golden and glistening altar housed an elevated view of that mentioned statue, you already know that she was giving out blessings upon blessings. I don't have a religious conviction but my trip was so heavily devoted to seeing churches and sights like this one. Now, don't let me get sidetracked because my favourite Maria moment was about to find me on the upper level of the cathedral in Antipolo, P! 

I had already clocked several statues of a suspiciously Caucasian looking 'Mother of Christ' during my visit to Manila's Intramuros, talking about Manila Cathedral and other venues. I wasn't looking at the 'Mona Lisa' because Antipolo's own image of the 'Virgin Mary' basically had me clicking my fingers in adoration because this shining example served up to the heavens and even higher! Designed with rich golden and blues in mind, I marveled at those simple yet rich settings, she looked ethereal in statue form! Practically floating, I took my time to appreciate that version of the Madonna because her sculpted hair flowed like Aphrodite's own did in that famous painting! It was pure 'Pagentry', I loved the drama of it all because it served so much more than just a religiously symbolic statue! Antipolo's own Madonna commanded her own hype, I fed into that moment with full attention paid like a paid admission fee. Locked away in a 'Baptistery', I was lucky enough to respectfully give props to that version of the Madonna. Serve!

Certain details from my day out in Manila spent along the 'Pasig River' can now be truly revealed. Taking a sense of respect, I now feel like this 'Like A Prayer' stands as a respectful resting place for this 'Cemetary' location. Breaking away from the tourist path, I took a taxi from 'Arroceros Forest Park' to La Loma's own 'Manila North Cemetery'. I had caught this multi-purpose resting place through multiple documentaries, I wanted to visit for myself. Now, the area surrounding the cemetery really put the cat amongst the pigeons but I was prepared for my visit nevertheless. I had clocked already that the grand tombs had been repurposed as dwellings by those who could be classed as 'homeless'. It was evident to see that the the lack of adequate housing in Manila had pushed people to the brink, creating a new kind of refuge as the custodians of a cemetery like this one. I noticed that one man was making iron rails and another person was selling water and snacks from her temporary home. I wanted to see more, I tried so. 

I had to be clever about taking photos, of course I wasn't about to encroach onto someone's already exposed home. I had been warned at the gate not to take any photos but really I knew my reasons for visiting didn't mean any disrespect or harm. I made sure my snaps were of a secluded corner because at the end of the day, the deceased and family members deserved their privacy. I had clocked some videos from clout-hungry V-loggers, I wasn't about to be a low-life traveller, I knew better than that! I made my visit to the cemetery brief because it didn't feel like a place I would benefit hanging around. I did see many people who were going about their business, I had no right to judge their definition of homelessness because we all have our own issues. It was a truly captivating place that I won't ever forget visiting! I wanted to do a good deed, I bought a bottle of water from a seller. When in Rome, they say? La Loma had clocked that I made those Manila moments count! The question is, 'will Manila sort their housing crisis?

I wanted to experience a slice of 'Paradise' during my visit to El Nido in the Philippines, something told me that those views would be heaven-sent! The morning was hectic enough, I was nursing a stinking self-inflicted hangover but knew that I would not be missing out on that pre-booked boat trip for nothing! No way! Making my way to El Nido town in a tricycle was something else, I was not prepared for that full day boat trip whatsoever! I truly needed a miracle and to be honest I wasn't going to get on, I had made my decision the previous night to be a rum monster! Now, I really needed some divine intervention because I was being told that I would need to walk out to the boat, like a tightrope walker it was a sight for sore eyes! I knew that my day on the waters surrounding 'Bacuit Bay' would serve true beauty and then some! Climbing aboard that boat was no mean feat, for certain I wouldn't be moving! 'Mother Nature' brought those views to me! Bluer than blue, those waters shimmered! Kayaking? I don't think! 

The beach from the first stop looked lovely but the journey over to the second location made me feel like I was in some kind of dream-like state. I clocked that the waves were getting choppy, I didn't want those crystal clear waters to play with my time or life! I marveled at those rock formations and secluded beaches from the boat because the view looked sublime from that stationary point. I had been on boat trips before that moment but I had no desire to get into the water, the steps on the boat didn't leave me feeling comfortable. I picked my battles and getting back into that boat numerous times wasn't for me. I really loved the views, I did things how I wanted to do them, it was fine for me. I really needed to pinch myself, I had been afforded the opportunity to see such beauty, it was truly an experience for many reasons. Maybe some heavenly signal chimed in because I chose not to take my second planned boat trip, those waters weren't going to turn me upside down. El Nido served true beauty, nothing would compare to it! 

Blessings Multiplied!

Desperately Seeking Adventure