On Saturday, we checked out of the hotel and visited the National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help in Baclaran. This shrine is very popular for doing novenas and other intercession type prayers. RJ’s parents had a hard time getting pregnant, so they visited this church. Starting on the steps outside, they walked on their knees all the way up to the altar, praying for a child. As they were blessed with a child, the shrine is very special to Mrs. Eisma and she loves telling the story.
Outside the National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help
The center aisle in the shrine- as you can see, that is quite some distance to walk on your knees!
Outside of the shrine, they have a whole building filled with devotional candles, so I lit one for my future family J.
On Sunday morning, we traveled to Pacita Complex go to mass at the church where RJ was baptized and where his family went to church when they still lived in the Philippines. Going to mass in the Philippines was quite an experience. The mass was in English, but the homily was mostly in Tagalog with a few English phrases thrown in. I recognized a few words, but if it hadn’t been for RJ whispering what he was saying every now and then, I would have been completely lost. The churches in the Philippines are all incredibly open. They don’t have side walls, just a roof and columns with wrought iron gates between the columns. I would imagine this is because it is so hot and this design allows for a good breeze inside. Another thing that is different is the Eucharist. When people reach the Eucharistic Ministers, they kneel down and receive the Eucharist on their tongues. It is also customary to not chew the Eucharist; they just let it soften on their tongues before swallowing it whole.
All ready for our first mass in the Philippines!
Behind the altar at the church in Pacita Complex. I don't think I have ever seen such an ornate church - it was truly beautiful!
Sunday night, we went back to UPLB and there was a ton of traffic. We were on a road with two lanes in both directions, and for part of it, the opposing traffic had decided to take over one of our lanes! So, they got three lanes, while we were stuck with only one lane! As frustrating as it is, I find it quite funny that the traffic laws are so lax over here and it is perfectly acceptable to drive however and wherever you want as long as you don’t hurt anybody or anything. Surprisingly enough, I have only seen one accident while down here- a new SUV had flipped over on its side on the express way while it was raining.
Other than the crazy traffic, they also have some very common, but unique (to us) vehicles down here.
This is a Jeepney in all of its glory! They are old military jeeps from WWII that families decorate and run as a sort of public busing system on set routes. Most, like this one, are very elaborate.
People call these trikes. They are basically an alternate form of taxi.
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