TOP 10 MOST VISITED RELIGIOUS PILGRIMAGE/LENTEN SEASON IN THE PHILIPPINES

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 TOP 10 MOST VISITED RELIGIOUS PILGRIMAGE IN THE PHILIPPINES

One of the Lenten Season Destinations/religious events in the Philippines is Semana Santa or Holy Week. It shows all Catholics their prayers, sacrifice, and celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is also by showing their faith, gratitude and passion for this week, Holy week means some malls are closed, schools are on vacation, and some jobs are considered as non-working holiday in Holy week.

Here are the Top 10 most visited religious pilgrimage in the Philippines and may be added to your to go destinations to visit during Lenten Season.

10. SAN AGUSTIN CHURCH, MANILA

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A Roman Catholic church called San Agustin Church, also called the Immaculate Conception Parish, is situated in Manila's Intramuros neighborhood. The church is reputed to be the nation's oldest stone-built structure. After enduring two fires, multiple earthquakes, and a global war that nearly completely leveled Intramuros, San Agustin Church is still standing strong. It is open during Holy week from Wednesday to Sunday but closed during Monday and Tuesday.

9. SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH, SAN JUAN LA UNION

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Be transported back in time by the convent and church of San Juan, with its magnificent red brick architecture and the solemnity that surrounds them. The church, convent, and even the town of San Juan, which had been established in 1707 and was under the care of Augustinian missionaries, were destroyed during the 1898 Revolution. The first Filipino parish priest in San Juan and a native of the country of the Philippines, Rev. Fr. One of the "Nine Clerics" of Nueva Segovia who struggled for our freedom was Mariano Gaerlan. It is open every day for visitors.

8. MONASTERIO DE TARLAC, SAN JOSE, TARLAC

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In top of Mount Resurrection, a mountain that is a part of the Zambales Mountain Range in the Philippine island of Luzon, stands the Monasterio de Tarlac, a Catholic monastery. It is located in Barangay Lubigan, San José, Tarlac, and is a component of the Mount Resurrection Eco Park. It contains a relic that is allegedly a piece of Jesus original cross.
The 278-hectare Monasterio de Tarlac houses a 30-foot-tall figure of Jesus Christ.  The majestic figure of Jesus Christ in Monasterio de Tarlac guards the city.

7. SAN PEDRO CUTUD, SAN FERNANDO, PAMPANGA

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Thousands of visitors and followers travel to San Pedro Cutud in San Fernando City, Pampanga every Good Friday to see the bloody penitential rituals carried out by devoted magdarame. The magdarame are guys who beat their naked backs as they march barefoot through the streets to an improvised Calvary. They wear vines that resemble Christ's Crown of Thorns and cover their heads with black fabric. A drama of Christ's sufferings is performed at Calvary, and it concludes with the crucifixion of the magdarame. Although others may find this strange, the participants see it as a way to atone for their sins.

6. VIA CRUCIS, CAMIGUIN ISLAND

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The Via Crucis or Cross of the Cross is a procession of believers through 14 stations depicting Christ's painful journey to his death on the cross. In the Philippines, each parish assigns stations to households or buildings. At dawn, the parishioners begin their march to the last station of the parish church. Camiguin Island is a popular destination for Catholics who want to observe the Station of the Cross and vacation at the same time. 
The Panad Festival is celebrated during the season, with hundreds of devotees enduring his hour-long trek to Mount Balkan along the Camiguin Walkway, a staircase filled with paintings and sculptures depicting the Stations of the Cross.

5. SENAKULO, MANILA

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According to the bible, Senakulo is a play or reenactment of the life, suffering and death of Jesus Christ. They are often performed over the course of a week.
From Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, but modern troupes have made the "condensed" version, at best he lasts only three hours. Every year, the Manila Mobile Theater presents the musical Cenacro, Martir sa Golgota (The Martyr of Calvary). The play is often performed before Holy Week at the Cultural Center of the Philippines and from Holy Monday through Black Saturday at select venues in Manila and surrounding cities.

4. MIAGAO CHURCH, ILOILO

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Which part of the Philippines is eye-catching, if not Iloilo, known as the City of Love, to enshrine Semana Santa? As many of us agree, love is limited only to romantic relationships. You can also celebrate with your family and practice the love of God instead of things. There is also a century-old church. After visiting Iloilo for Visita Iglesia, you can take a boat trip to Guimaras Island, a neighboring province rich in beach destinations for relaxation. 

3. OUR LADY OF MANAOAG, PANGASINAN

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It is popular not only with Luzon residents, but also with tourists from Metro Manila. During Holy Week or regular weekends, Manaoag Church is filled with pilgrims wishing for the health and safety of the whole family. It is also a tradition for new car owners to go to this church to bless their cars. Also known as the “Catholic Mecca of the Philippines,” devotees report miraculous encounters, another reason pilgrims visit.

After pondering religion at Manaoag Church, relax and unwind at the world-famous Hundred Her Islands in Alaminos. Perfect for family and friends who want a holiday close to nature and want to relax after a busy day in a busy city.

2. KAMAY NI JESUS, LUCBAN QUEZON 

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Quezon Province is a popular pilgrimage destination for various denominations. The state is home to mountains. Banahoe is considered a sacred site by locals and other denominations. Some have Hands of Jesus Healing Churches.
The Kamay ni Hesus shrine is located on the slopes of the mountain. Banahoe in Barangay Tinamnang, Lucban, Quezon. It features a church where the famous healing priest, Father Joe Farrar, performs his healing mass. The shrine has a 50-foot statue, said to be the third tallest in the world. 

1. ANTIPOLO CATHEDRAL, ANTIPOLO

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It is known for its "Alay Lakad" during Lenten Season. It is called as The International Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage. It preserves the venerated image of the Black Madonna of the Virgin Mary as Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyages and serves as the seat of the bishop of Antipolo. Attracting millions of pilgrims each year, believers migrate from Quiapo Church.

Witness the religious acts of the Filipino and strengthen your faith by sharing prayers and love with the life gifted to us. Bring your family and relatives to cherish each moment together as God or Jesus Christ as the center of it. 

REFERENCES

Holy Week in the Philippines (philippinetraveler.com)

Where to Spend the Holy Week this 2023 | Lumina Homes